PENSACOLA, FL — “THE GULF’S FRONT PORCH”

Sun-bleached beaches, emerald water, Blue Angels overhead, and a downtown that feels like a street festival most nights—Pensacola is where vacation mode and ballpark focus can actually coexist. It’s Florida’s first city (1559), a crossroads of Spanish forts, Civil War history, and modern coastal culture. Translation: there’s always something to do when the last out is recorded.

Why Teams Love It

• World-class beaches (Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key) with soft, sugar-white sand and warm, clear water.
• Easy access: PNS airport 15–20 minutes to the beach/downtown; quick runs to groceries, dining, and parks.
• Budget range for all: condos for teams, beachfront hotels for families, plenty of mid-range options inland.
• Rain plan friendly: tons of indoor options within 15–25 minutes when summer showers roll through.

The Vibe by Area

• Pensacola Beach (Santa Rosa Island): Boardwalk shops, pier, waterfront dining, sunset concerts, dolphin cruises.
• Downtown Pensacola: Palafox Street (named one of America’s Great Streets) with festivals, restaurants, coffee, bakeries, and the historic district.
• Perdido Key: Quieter, laid-back beaches, state parks, and coastal nature trails.
• Historic Corridor: Fort Pickens, Pensacola Lighthouse, Naval Aviation Museum (home of the Blue Angels).

Signature Experiences (Team-tested, Family-approved)

1. Beach Day + Boardwalk – Stake a flag on Casino Beach; walk to lunch and ice cream on the Boardwalk.
2. Fort Pickens & Gulf Islands National Seashore – Civil War fort, shells, wildlife, unbelievable sunsets.
3. Naval Aviation Museum – Massive, free museum with historic aircraft; time your visit for a Blue Angels practice (seasonal).
4. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – Climb for panoramic island views.
5. Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Sail – Calm water, guaranteed smiles.
6. Captain a Pontoon – Half-day rental to sandbars and coves; great team bonding.
7. Downtown Food Walk – Oysters, shrimp & grits, beignets, and bakeries along Palafox.
8. Perdido Key State Park / Johnson Beach – Fewer crowds, natural dunes, postcard water.
9. Night Fishing from the Pier – Cheap, chill, and surprisingly exciting for the kids.
10. Gallery Night (select Fridays) – Downtown streets turn into a festival with music and vendors.

Offshore & Inshore Fishing (Quick Primer)

• Offshore (Gulf): Red snapper (seasonal), grouper, amberjack, mahi, tuna. 4–6 hr trips = plenty of action; 8–10 hr for big game.
• Inshore/Back Bay: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder—great for younger anglers and first-timers (calmer water).
• Party boats vs. private charters: Party boats = budget friendly per person; private charters = more custom, faster to fish.
• Pro tip: Morning departures beat the heat and afternoon pop-up showers.

Family Attractions & Rain-Day Rescues

• Gulf Breeze Zoo (drive-through safari vibes + walk-through).
• Pensacola Children’s Museum & Mess Hall (STEM play).
• Indoor trampoline/arcades/mini-golf across the metro.
• Bowling + movie theaters for team nights.

Food Playbook (Fast, Local, Team-Friendly)

• Seafood staples: Grouper sandwich, blackened shrimp, po’boys, oysters (raw/chargrilled).
• Quick bites near the beach: Taco windows, pizza by the slice, walk-up burger shacks, shaved ice.
• Team dinners: Waterfront grills with big patios, BBQ joints, casual Italian for pasta nights.
• Treat trail: Beignets downtown, craft ice cream on the Boardwalk, key lime pie anywhere.

Lodging Tips

• Beachfront condos (shared by families) = kitchens + laundry + walk-to-sand.
• Inland hotels (near Gulf Breeze/Pensacola proper) = better rates + quick drive to both fields and beaches.
• Perdido Key = quieter stays, easy parking, pristine beaches.

Weather & Safety (Straight Talk)

• Summer pattern: Hot, humid, UV index high; common brief afternoon showers.
• Beach flag system:
  
  • Green/Yellow = normal caution
  • Red/Double Red = strong surf/NO SWIMMING
  • Purple = marine life (jellyfish)
• 
  
• Pack list: Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hats, insulated water bottles, quick-dry towels, aloe gel, small first-aid kit.
• Sun strategy: Morning and late afternoon are prime; aim indoor/museum time for early afternoon.

Transportation & Logistics

• Airport: Pensacola International (PNS).
• Get around: Rideshare is easy; parking plentiful at the beach lots and downtown decks; trolley/shuttles run seasonally on the beach.
• Groceries: Publix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart within 10–20 minutes of most stays.
• Gear rentals: Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddleboards, pontoons, and bikes available daily on-island.

Schedule:

Monday 05/29/2026: Nationals entry and entry fee deadline

Wednesday 06/15/2026 TShirt preorder deadline Wednesday 6/16/2026: Pool Schedules Posted

***Monday 06/29/2026:

9:30 AM: Skills Competition at NEP and Exchange Parks. Free to enter (If you choose to attend the College Camp for 14U players and up, there will be charge)

2:00 PM **Coach and Team Mom Meeting** (not mandatory) Blue Wahoo Stadium. Free to enter

5:30-6:00PM Pin Trading before Opening Ceremonies begins. Blue Wahoo Stadium. Free to enter

6:00- 8:30 Opening Ceremonies***Blue Wahoo Stadium. Free to participate

***Tuesday 9:00 AM: Pool Play Begins ***

We will try to have you play 1 or 2 games Tues or Wed

to afford you time to enjoy all that Pensacola has to offer.

***Wednesday 9:00 AM: Pool Play Continues***

***Thursday 9:00 AM: Bracket Play Begins***

***Friday 9:00AM Bracket Play Continues***

***Saturday 9:00AM: Bracket Play concludes and we crown our Champions***

***Sunday: Rain-out Makeup Day (IF NEEDED)***