City of Pensacola

Pensacola is definitely worthy of its motto, "City of Five Flags"

A charming blend of Old Spanish brickwork, colonial French balconies reminiscent of New Orleans, and magnificent Victorian mansions built by British and American lumber barons, Pensacola is definitely worthy of its motto, "City of Five Flags." However, it's much more than just pretty buildings and a nice vibe. Thanks to the Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board, work has continued to progress on the revitalization of downtown, promoting the full occupancy of once-abandoned 125-year-old buildings and the emergence of downtown businesses, stores, historic theaters, restaurants, bars, and events such as the Florida Springfest, a 3-day music festival that lures such big names as Cheap Trick, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Trace Adkins, the Allman Brothers, and Jethro Tull, with coverage by VH-1.

West of town, the excellent National Museum of Naval Aviation at the U.S. Naval Air Station celebrates the storied past of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots who trained at Pensacola. The Blue Angels are based here and they demonstrate the high-tech present with thrilling exhibitions of precision flying in the navy's fastest fighters.

Also on the naval station, historic Fort Barrancas looks across the bay to Perdido Key and Santa Rosa Island, which reach out like narrow pincers to form the harbor. Out here, powdery white-sand beaches beckon sun-and-surf lovers to the spectacular Gulf shores, which include Pensacola Beach, a small family-oriented resort, and most of Florida's share of Gulf Islands National Seashore, home of historic Fort Pickens.

Civil War Soldiers Museum

Founded by Dr. Norman Haines, Jr., a local physician who started collecting Civil War relics when he was growing up in Sharpsburg, Maryland, this 4,200-square-foot museum in the heart of the Palafox Street business district emphasizes how ordinary soldiers lived during that bloody conflict. The doctor's collection of military medical equipment and treatment methods is especially informative. A 23-minute video tells of Pensacola's role during the Civil War. The museum's bookstore carries more than 600 titles about the war. More info contact 850/469-1900 or email www.civilwarmuseum.org.

Historic Pensacola Village

History buffs as well as those who appreciate delightful architecture will love this retro-fabulous old-school village, comparable to Long Island's Old Bethpage Village Restoration or Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg. Bounded by Government, Taragona, Adams, and Alcanz streets, this original part of Pensacola resembles a shady English colonial town -- albeit with Spanish street names -- complete with town green and its own Christ Church, built in 1832 and resembling Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, Virginia. Some of Florida's oldest homes, now owned and preserved by the state, are here, and the village has charming boutiques and interesting restaurants as well. All 20 of the village's properties are on the National Register as one historic district. More Info phone 850-469-1900.

In summer, costumed characters go about their daily chores and demonstrate old crafts, while University of Florida archaeologists unearth the old Spanish commanding officer's compound at Zaragosa and Tarragona streets. Among the landmarks you can visit are the Museum of Industry, the Museum of Commerce, the French Creole-style Charles Lavalle House, the elegant Victorian Dorr House, the French colonial-Creole Quina House, and St. Michael's Cemetery (land was deeded by the king of Spain). The Julee Cottage Black History Museum, 204 E. Zaragosa St., is particularly fascinating: Built around 1790, this small house was owned by a freed slave who ran her business, invested in real estate, and loaned money to slaves so they could buy their freedom. Start your tour by buying tickets at Tivoli House, 205 E. Zaragosa St., just east of Tarragona Street, where you can get free maps and brochures. Try to take one of the 90-minute guided walking tours of the village, which will lead you through Christ Church and other buildings not otherwise open to the public. Admission to the village includes the T. T. Wentworth, Jr., Florida State Museum, 330 S. Jefferson St. (tel. 850/595-5985), at Church Street downtown, a classic yellow-brick building that houses exhibits of western Florida's history and a special hands-on Discovery Museum for children. A new exhibit is the Barkley House, built between 1825 and 1830 by George Barkley. It's the last remaining early-19th-century example of a Pensacola "High House," a brick home with attached kitchen and servants quarters, all connected by covered verandas to house the family of nine children and eight servants. More info phone More Info phone 850-469-1900 or email www.historicpensacola.org.

National Museum of Naval Aviation

Given the present world circumstances, this museum should be required attendance for everyone. Yes, it's fascinating, but it also gives you a look into just how much blood, sweat, and tears go into defending this country. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have trained at the sprawling U.S. Naval Air Station since they began flying planes early in the 20th century. Celebrating their heroics, this remarkable museum has more than 100 aircraft dating from the 1920s to the space age, plus interesting exhibits on subjects such as POWs. There's even a torpedo bomber flown by former U.S. president George H. W. Bush during World War II. Both children and adults can sit at the controls of a jet trainer, and the mock-ups of aircraft-carrier conning towers and hangar decks are realistic. You can almost feel the tug of gravity while watching the Blue Angels and other naval aviators soaring about the skies in the stunning Magic of Flight, one of two IMAX films shown at the museum. If the movie doesn't get your stomach churning, then a 15-minute ride in the flight-motion simulator will. Using high-tech video and real motion, it simulates a high-speed, low-level mission in the navy's F-18 Hornet jet fighter. All guides are retired naval and Marine Corps aviators, which adds a personal touch to the hour-long museum tours. Allow at least half a day here, and save 20 minutes for a Flight Line bus tour of more than 40 aircraft parked outside the museum's restoration hangar. For more info phone 850/452-3604 or email www.naval-air.org.

Pensacola Historical Museum

To learn more about Pensacola's diverse, five-flag history, spend 30 to 60 minutes at this local museum in the Arbona Building, a commercial structure built around 1882. An archaeological dig of the Spanish commanding officer's compound across Zaragosa Street has a boardwalk with explanatory signposts. The museum is operated by the Pensacola Historical Society, which has a resource center and library at 117 E. Government St. For more info phone 850/434-5455 or email www.pensacolahistory.org.

Pensacola Museum of Art

Housed in what was the city jail from 1906 to 1954, this museum showcases an impressive collection of decorative glass, some African tribal art, and sometimes minor works by Salvador Dalí, John Marin, Ansel Adams, Thomas Hart Benton, Milton Avery, Alexander Calder, and Andy Warhol, among others, all displayed in the former cell blocks. It also sponsors cool events such as Art After Dark, in which you are invited to use the walls of the museum as your personal canvas for personal, artistic expression. Call before going to see what's on. For more info phone 850/432-6247 or email www.pensacolamuseumofart.org.

The Northwest Florida Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens

Situated in a 50-acre forest 15 miles east of Pensacola, this zoo, formerly known as, well "The Zoo," has more than 700 exotic animals -- including tigers, lions, rhinos, and lowland gorillas -- living in landscaped habitats. Japanese gardens, a giraffe-feeding tower, and a petting farm make for a fun visit. A Safari Line train chugs through a 30-acre wildlife preserve with free-ranging herds. The 2003 birth of a PygmSy hippo and a sable antelope here garnered national attention for the zoo on the Animal Planet cable channel. Set aside 3 to 4 hours to cover the entire park. Part of the zoo family is a 110-pound, 6 1/2-foot Komodo dragon named Ivan who resides in the new Dragon World exhibit. The newest additions to the zoo are a baby Common Waterbuck, born in April 2006, and Honeysuckle, a precious baby spider monkey, born in June 2006.

Pensacola Beach

A timeless seaside community that nurtures its natural coastal beauty. A place where emerald-green waters lap sugar-white beaches. Gentle breezes soothe the mind and soul and southern hospitality greets you every day. Warm sunshine spreads across the landscape, filling it with couples, families, anglers and surfers. It is this moment when you feel you're finally on vacation. Enjoy our southern hospitality. Welcome to Pensacola Beach Santa Rosa Island, home of Pensacola Beach, is a barrier island in The Gulf Islands National Seashore. 52 miles of unsullied, undeveloped beaches and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico beckon with recreational opportunities from fishing, boating, birding, swimming, hiking, collecting seashells, attending a ranger guided program and exploring the historic forts. For additional information, please call the Gulf Islands National Seashore park service at (850) 934-2600.