Pensacola is known as the City of Five Flags and is rich in history and culture. These museums and historical sites tell the story of Pensacola’s past, present and future. Looking for something to do in Pensacola with kids, we suggest you visit one of these 14+ Pensacola Museums and Historical Sites.
Alger Sullivan Historic District
The Alger Sullivan Historic District is located at 610 4th St, Century, FL 32535 and is a replica of the early 20th century town of Century, FL. including the Boxcar Museum, the Post Office Museum and the Leech House. Call for tour hours and prices (850) 256-3980.
Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site
Arcadia Mill is located at 709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton, FL 32583. It is an archeological site with indoor and outdoor exhibits that allow visitors to experience this unique wetland ecosystem. The site is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Guided tours are given Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am – 3:15 pm. You must call (850) 626.3084 ext. 102. to schedule your tour. Visitors can also do a self guided tour from sunrise to sunset. FREE
First City Art Gallery
The Belmont Art Center also known as First City Art offers art and yoga classes for children. You can also visit the artist gallery from 10 am – 4 pm on Monday – Friday. Gallery tours are FREE. Located at 1060 N. Guillemard St., Pensacola, Florida; (850) 429-1222.
Fort Barrancas
Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Barrancas is located inside the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Ft. Bartancas is open Thursday through Monday from 9 am – 4:15 pm. Visitors can visit the bookstore, visitor’s center and take a self guided tour of the fort, Spanish Water Battery and the outside of the Advanced Roundabout. Ranger Guided tours are also available throughout the year. Cost is $25 per vehicle or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
Fort Pickens
Also part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens is located in Pensacola Beach. Take a self guided tour of the historic fort from 8am – sunset daily. Be sure to also visit the Discovery Center to learn more about Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Ft. Pickens from 9 am – 4:30 pm daily. In addition to the fort, Fort Pickens also is a great place to enjoy the gulf beaches, swim, take a hike, watch birds, fish, bike, camp and enjoy various ranger led programs. Fort Pickens is also a great place to watch Blue Angel practices. Cost is $25 per vehicle or you can purchase the $45 annual pass that will cover your entrance fees for Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens and Johnsons Beach for a full year.
National Naval Aviation Museum
Step back and time and learn all about Naval Aviation through the years at the National Navy Aviation Museum located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station. In addition to hands on exhibits that allow children to explore the planes and history of our country, the museum has a indoor playground, an IMAX theater, simulators and more. Admission to the museum is FREE however IMAX, simulators and other experiences cost extra. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March – November you can watch the Blue Angels practice and on Wednesdays get their autographs at the museum.
Pensacola Lighthouse
Located on NAS Pensacola, this light house built in 1859 is one of the most haunted lighthouses in America. There are only 177 steps to the top and it offers one of the most beautiful views of the Gulf Coast. You can also hunt ghost and watch the Blue Angels practice from the Pensacola Lighthouse. Starting February 1, 2018 the lighthouse will be opened daily from 9am – 5pm with the last climb at 4:45pm. Admission is $9.50 Adults | $ 6.50 for children 12 and under, military, and ages 65 and old.
Pensacola Mess Hall
Pensacola MESS Hall is located in Downtown Pensacola at 116 N. Tarragona St. Pensacola MESS Hall is not your typical science center with exhibits with planned outcomes. Here children get to learn science hands on by experimenting and engaging through tinkering. Admission is $15 per person. The Pensacola MESS Hall is open from 12-5pm on Tuesday – Friday and 10am – 5pm on Saturday during the school year.
Pensacola Museum of Art
Pensacola Museum of Art is located in Downtown Pensacola at 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. Art exhibits showcase artist from around the world and local artists. The art museum also offers art classes and summer camps for children and adults. The Pensacola Museum of Art is opened Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am – 5pm, Thursday and Saturday from 1oam – 7pm and Sunday from NOON to 4pm. Admission is $12 for adults | $7 children ages 3-14 | $11 ages 65 and older, active duty military and their dependents, AAA members, Pensacola Museum of Art members, UWF Historic Trust Members and UWF Alumni Association Members | FREE for EBT card holders and UWF students with Nautilus card.
West Florida Railroad Museum
Learn the history of the railroad in West Florida at the West Florida Railroad Museum. The museum is located at 5003 Henry St., Milton and is opened Friday and Saturday from 10am – 3pm or by appt. The museum is also available for birthday parties and private functions. FREE
Pensacola Historic Village
Visiting the Pensacola Historic Village is like taking a step back in time. Located in Downtown Pensacola the area includes 8 1/2 acres and 28 properties. The “One Ticket, Seven Days to Explore” allows you to pay one price to explore all of the Pensacola Historic Village museums and take 7 days to do it!
Admission is $12 dollars for adults | $11 for ages 65 and older, active duty military and their dependents, AAA members, Pensacola Museum of Art members, and UWF Alumni Association Members | $7 for ages 3 to 14 | FREE for UWF students and EBT cardholders (4 family members free per EBT card).
You can take a guided tour which includes the French-Creole Lavalle House, the Dorr House, the Old Christ Church, and the Lear/Rocheblave House. Guided tours are done Tuesday through Saturday at 11am and 1pm with special seasonal tours at 3pm. In addition to the guided tour you can take a self-guided tour of the following museums:
TT Wentworth Museum
This is the Pensacola Historic Villages flagship museum. Here you can view permanent exhibits such as the City of Five Flags, where visitors can experience life in Pensacola under all five flags, and Trader Johns. The museum is located at 33o Jefferson St. and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from NOON-4pm.
Museum of Commerce
Located at 201 E. Zaragoza St the museum is housed inside a turn of the century warehouse. Visitors can explore a 1890’s era streetscape with stores, a print shop, a collection of horse drawn buggies and an antique trolley car. The museum is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Museum of Industry
Step back in time and learn about Pensacola’s pivotal industries such as railroad, lumbering, brick making and fishing. Located at 200 E. Zaragoza St, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Julee Cottage
Named for one of it’s earliest owners, Julee Panton, who was a free woman of color, the house is reminiscent of the Creole cottage in New Orleans. The cottage shows the how a working class African American family would have lived during Reconstruction. Located at 210 E. Zaragoza St, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Manual Barros Cottage
Built in 1888 this simple Gulf Coast cottage showcases the history of Pensacola in the 1920’s. Located at 207 E. Zaragoza St, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Appleyard Storytelling Cottage
Features the stories of Pensacola’s premiere storyteller, John Appleyard. Located at 213 E. Zaragoza St, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
The Pensacola Historic Village also includes:
Pensacola Children’s Museum
The Pensacola Children’s Museums is a historical museum geared to children celebrating 450 of Pensacola history with two floors of hands on learning. Located at 115 East Zaragoza Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. The children’s museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm and on Sunday from noon – 4pm.
Voices of Pensacola
This multicultural center highlights the diversity and cultures that have shaped Pensacola. Located at 117 E. Government St, the museum is open Tuesday – Friday from 10am – 4pm.
