Tara & Christopher
Things To Do
Chris' Beach
Since Chris was living in Gulf Breeze when they met, he frequented the more popular and commercial Pensacola Beach, iconic for its beach ball water tower.
Tara's Beach
Tara lived right next to the Air Station, so she would go to Johnson's Beach (part of the National Seashore) or any of the public accesses in Perdido. It's less built-up, but can still be touristy. Important side note: Chris proposed at Public Access #2 since that's where we first met!
McGuire's Irish Pub
Probably the most iconic restaurant in Pensacola, McGuire's has been serving scrumptious Irish food and boozy cocktails since the 1980s. We've eaten here countless times. They don't take reservations, so the best thing you can do it is brave the wait!
Crabs
A sister restaurant of McGuire's, Crabs is another iconic Pensacola eatery located on Pensacola Beach. Chris worked here while in high school until we moved for Gainesville (and again after staying there for a summer). Endless honey buns!!!
National Naval Aviation Museum
Home of the Blue Angels, Pensacola's Naval Air Station has a great museum showcasing naval aviation history and technology. While the Blue Angels' schedule changes per season, you can learn more about their next air show here!
Tivoli High House
This is the center of the Historic Pensacola Village, a few blocks of historic homes, stores, museums, and living history exhibits. I don't remember the exact dates, but I think some of these houses were constructed in the 1700s. They also do a unified ticket deal with the Pensacola History Museum and Art Museum. This is a must-see if you want to learn more about the technically first European city in the U.S.!
Bonelli's
Probably the best Italian restaurant in Pensacola! When we lived here, it was just the small main restaurant, but they've added on since they got so much more popular! Reservations are recommended.
Lillian’s Pan Pizza
Local pizza place on Perdido Beach. We ate dinner here with Caleb and Nick right after Chris proposed across the street!
Historic Fort Barrancas
Located on the Naval Air Base, Fort Barrancas is technically part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Built in 1844, the picturesque Fort Barrancas was in operation during the Civil War.
Fort Pickens
Located on the other side of the Bay, Fort Pickens is an older fort built in 1833. It's also part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and you can take a ferry to it from downtown Pensacola (warning: it's very slow).