Page 28 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

PENSACOLA
The Artful Way to Beach
BY BRYEN DUNN
Known for its snow-white sandy
beaches that Canadians love, the Pen-
sacola Bay Area also boasts a thriving
arts and cultural scene, historical and
archaeological sites, chic shops, eclectic galleries
and award-winning restaurants. Hands down,
it’s the way to beach this winter.
Downtown
Pensacola is a city with an old soul. Its roots date
back to 1559, when Spanish conquistador Don
Tristan de Luna established Pensacola as the first
European settlement in North America. Today,
you can explore its rich history through sites like
Historic Pensacola Village, which brings the past
to life with preserved buildings and interactive
exhibits and the America’s First Settlement Trail,
which highlights the city’s colonial and military
heritage.
An eclectic blend of historic resolve and cos-
mopolitan progress, Pensacola’s downtown
district is the only city in the region to offer the
arts version of the “Big Five”—(Pensacola
Saenger Theatre, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra,
Pensacola Opera, Ballet Pensacola and Pensacola
Museum of Art)—all conveniently situated within
walking distance. Additionally, Pensacola’s
historic Palafox Street is all abuzz during Gallery
Night held on the third Friday of each month.
Food trucks, performers, artists and merchants
all converge together when the streets here
transform into busy pedestrian walkways show-
casing art, music and food.
Outdoor Art
When it comes to outdoor art in Pensacola, a
stroll through downtown is like a treasure hunt
for murals. The city is rich with vibrant creations
covering the walls of prominent buildings. Graf-
fiti Bridge is the most famous mural landmark,
celebrated for its vibrant and ever-changing
façade. Built in 1888, this historic train trestle has
been a canvas for artists for generations, with
every inch covered in colourful tributes, love
declarations, and community messages.
Winter Wanderings
Downtown Pensacola’s Winterfest and First City
Lights celebration transforms the historic streets
into a festive wonderland under a canopy of
400,000 lights. The heart of Pensacola comes
alive with enchanting decorations and the joyful
sounds of carolers and musicians. Families
gather to experience the Pensacola Winter Won-
derland, where children can have special visits
made by the jolly elf himself, Santa Claus, and by
other popular storybook characters like Grinch
and Scrooge who conduct their own special tours
around the historic district. Local businesses
and historic sites join in the merriment, hosting
special events and open houses that showcase
Pensacola’s rich cultural heritage.
Not to Be Missed
You haven’t truly experienced Pensacola until
you sink your toes into the sugar-white sand of
its world-famous beaches. Feel the daily stresses
melt away as you watch the waves roll in along
more than 64 kilometres of sandy shoreline,
from Pensacola Beach to Perdido Key. The beach
vibe is laid-back and inviting. Come as you are
and relax with the locals at beachside bars and
restaurants.
After all, the way to beach is to visit Pensacola
this winter.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more information on these and other events,
surf on over to visitpensacola.com
28
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
PHOTOS: VISIT PENSACOLA