I have to admit this was my first trip to Pensacola Beach and I was so surprised! I grew up visiting the panhandle from Gulf Shores to Panama City but never stopped in Pensacola.
We left on Friday morning at 8:00 AM and were on the beach 10:30 AM thanks to Southwest Airlines non stop flight from Nashville to Pensacola.
With a quick 40 minute drive we arrived to the Hilton Pensacola Beach with ease. Our room was not ready, which we expected because of our early arrival, but we were able to change into swimsuits and enjoy the beach and pool!
The pool side bar is perfect for lunch and drinks. The kids loved the virgin daiquiri and s’more milkshakes! And for the adults they offer a special 40 oz margarita. The grouper tacos are a also a must!
Once our room was ready, it was worth the wait. We enjoyed a family suite with plenty of room for all four of us, and the kids loved the bunk beds! Jason and I loved how we had a separate kitchen/sitting area to watch the waves at the end of the day or enjoy our coffee in the mornings on balcony.
For breakfast Hilton Pensacola offers a great all you can eat buffet with options for everyone! And if you are wanting something besides the pool side bar for lunch H2O located inside the hotel is also great option.
One of our favorite meals was dining at Bonsai, the hotels fine dinning experience. Bonsai features Asian dishes by Executive Chef Omar Torres. Although they do offer a children’s menu, my kids loved the Wagyu and shared some ramen noodles, that were not just any ramen noodles! If you are a sushi fan, you have to try the omakase. With the menu changing according to what’s fresh, you can’t go wrong!
If you are looking for something more casual there are so many restaurants walking distance from the hotel. We walked across the street one evening to enjoy Red Fish Blue Fish and were not disappointed. The menu features everything from peel and eat shrimp to oysters and every fish dish you can think of. I’m always a fan of classic grouper sandwich and it was one of the best! Its also a great spot because the kids can play in the sand, or with the large connect four, and other games! It’s nice to enjoy a dinner by the water not feel like your kids are disturbing everyone!
If you are looking for something besides seafood, then be sure to try Water Pig BBQ. They have some of the best BBQ and ribs in town! The BBQ nachos are the best place to start! And don’t forget to end with the classic banana pudding!
We also enjoyed walking over to the boardwalk for late night ice cream and hearing live music for a change. Overall there is so much to do and see. It’s nice to think this is only an hour flight away from Nashville or a short drive from so many destinations. If you are looking for a weekend or week long getaway with the kids, I highly recommend Hilton Pensacola.
