Discover the best things to do in Pensacola and along the Gulf Coast

The Country Inn & Suites puts you less than 20 minutes from downtown Pensacola, a vibrant area brimming with restaurants, unique historic sites, and live entertainment venues like the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park. Take your kids to catch awe-inspiring views of the bay from Fort Barrancas and the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or spend the day enjoying sun, sand, and warm waters at Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach. For things to do closer to your room or suite, you can visit Cordova Mall or watch a stock car race at Five Flags Speedway, home of the famous Snowball Derby. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, don’t miss out on a tour of the historic aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Select what to see in a map

  • Beach
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Fort Barrancas

11.9 mi / 19.15 km from the hotel
This military fort, completed in 1844, provides commanding views of Pensacola Bay. Visit this National Historic Landmark to learn more about the fort’s involvement in the Civil War.

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

11.97 mi / 19.27 km from the hotel
Take in stunning vistas of the Gulf Coast from this lighthouse, which was built in 1859. During your visit, you can check out the old keeper’s quarters, which have been repurposed into an educational museum.

Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS)

9.3 mi / 14.96 km from the hotel
Nicknamed "The Cradle of Naval Aviation," this air station welcomes nearly 60,000 students annually for training. If you're visiting between March and November, don't miss a Blue Angels show.

Cordova Mall

7.15 mi / 11.5 km from the hotel
Home to more than 120 stores and restaurants, this upscale mall offers on-site dining at Red Robin, Zoës Kitchen, and Pieology in addition to retail therapy at shops such as Belk, World Market, Best Buy, and Dillard’s.

Five Flags Speedway

1.22 mi / 1.96 km from the hotel
Though it’s best known as the home of the famous Snowball Derby, one of the premier super late-model stock car races in the US, this venue features races throughout the year.

Historic Pensacola Village

9.8 mi / 15.77 km from the hotel
Don’t miss a guided tour of the beautiful 19th-century historic homes and buildings in downtown Pensacola. Located by the bay, this village also boasts the Pensacola Children’s Museum and fascinating exhibits at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum.

National Naval Aviation Museum

11.75 mi / 18.92 km from the hotel
One of Florida’s most popular museums, the National Naval Aviation Museum houses 150 restored aircraft—including Blue Angels, WWII aircraft, and the first plane to reach the South Pole—as well as flight simulators and an IMAX theater.

Pensacola Beach

16.67 mi / 26.83 km from the hotel
Voted one of the 25 best beaches in the nation by TripAdvisor, Pensacola Beach is sure to please with its clear waters, soft white sand, and opportunities for water sports, entertainment, and dining.

Perdido Key

17.96 mi / 28.9 km from the hotel
Golf, dine, or sunbathe at this stunning barrier island. In addition to sandy beaches, Perdido Key is also known for its year-round schedule of special events and live entertainment.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

11.36 mi / 18.28 km from the hotel
Experience Florida’s coastal ecosystems up close in this 4,000-acre park, home to endangered plants and rare animals. You can fish, bike, hike nature trails, and enjoy premium bird-watching opportunities.

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

9.91 mi / 15.94 km from the hotel
This multiuse complex plays host to festivals, outdoor performances, and Pensacola’s own Minor League Baseball team, the Blue Wahoos. Come to enjoy great views of the bay, let your kids run on the large playground, or attend one of the many events.

Pensacola Museum of Art

9.83 mi / 15.82 km from the hotel
Housed in a former jail, this small but engaging museum highlights modern and contemporary art. Stop in to see the current exhibits, talk to knowledgeable docents, browse the gift shop, or sign up for a class with your kids.