Where to Stay - Blue Angels, Fishing Pier, Beach

Question

We're in the early stages of planning a trip near Pensacola with our family, which includes teens, (ten of us, ages 8 to 70) so we'd like a vacation rental home with things for the kids to do, i.e. private pool, shuffle board, located on the beach near a pier to fish off of. It would be great to see the Blue Angels flying overhead, but we're planning on watching a practice at NAS, so if the beach is better somewhere else, we'll consider that. At this point, we're not sure what month we're going.

Any helpful suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Answer

For your family trip near Pensacola, there are several great options that meet your criteria for a vacation rental home with activities for the kids, a private pool, shuffleboard, and a location near the beach and a fishing pier. Pensacola is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and the Blue Angels' thrilling performances, so you’ll definitely find plenty to do. Here are some suggestions for where to stay and things to do:

1. Pensacola Beach – The most popular area for beach vacations near Pensacola is Pensacola Beach. There are many vacation rentals that offer beachfront properties with pools, and it's close to the fishing pier at Pensacola Beach Pier, where you can fish off the pier and enjoy the beach. This area is lively, with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and activities. You’ll also be close to the Naval Aviation Museum, where you can learn more about the Blue Angels.

2. Perdido Key – Located just west of Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key is another fantastic area to stay. It's quieter than Pensacola Beach but still offers access to beautiful beaches and great fishing. There are plenty of vacation rentals with private pools, and it’s a short drive to the NAS Pensacola, where you can catch the Blue Angels practice. Perdido Key also has fishing piers, and the beaches are often less crowded, making it a good choice for families who want a more relaxed atmosphere.

3. Navarre Beach – If you’re looking for a quieter and more private beach experience, consider Navarre Beach, which is about 30 minutes east of Pensacola Beach. The beaches here are beautiful, and the vacation rentals tend to be less crowded. Navarre Beach is also known for its fishing pier, where you can catch fish right off the pier. There are several vacation homes with private pools in this area, and it’s still close enough to drive into Pensacola for Blue Angels practices and other activities.

4. Fort Pickens Area – Located at the western tip of Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens offers a quieter, more natural experience. It’s a great area for families who want to enjoy nature and have access to the beach without the crowds. There are several rental homes nearby that offer beach access and private pools, and it’s also a short drive to the NAS Pensacola for Blue Angels practice. While this area is more secluded, it’s perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat with beach activities.

Fishing Piers: Pensacola Beach Pier, Perdido Key Pier, and Navarre Beach Pier are all great spots for fishing.
Blue Angels Viewing: NAS Pensacola is the best spot to watch the Blue Angels practice, but if you’re lucky, you may also see them flying overhead while on the beach.
Things to Do: Check out the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens, and the Naval Aviation Museum, which is free and offers great educational experiences for the family.

For the best month, it will depend on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. The best time for warm weather and lower crowds is usually in the spring or fall, when the Blue Angels are typically practicing, and the weather is still warm enough for beach activities.

Overall, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key would likely be your best bet for your criteria, but Navarre Beach and Fort Pickens are also fantastic alternatives for a quieter, family-friendly beach experience. No matter where you stay, Pensacola offers plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation for the whole family.

Where to Stay - Blue Angels, Fishing Pier, Beach

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