KEEP IT COOL!

Beat the Summer Heat with These Local Treats and Activities

by Nicole Willis

When the Florida summer sun starts to shine and the temperature starts to climb, finding ways to stay cool is essential. Luckily, Pensacola offers plenty of fun summertime activities and treats to help you beat the heat. From frozen bushwackers and indoor escapes to after-dark adventures and numerous water activities, there’s no shortage of fun ways to stay cool while still making the most of summer in the city. Whether you’re the type to chill in a lazy river, catch a concert after dark or sip a Bushwacker on the beach, here’s your go-to guide for keeping it cool all summer long.

COOL TREATS

Enjoy a Scoop

Nothing hits the spot like a classic scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day! Luckily, Pensacola is home to a number of tasty spots dishing up this timeless treat. Nolita’s Parlor & Eatery, located on East Gregory Street in downtown Pensacola, serves up creamy soft-serve ice cream with a variety of unique and made-from-scratch toppings like pistachio ganache and strawberry hibiscus glaze. Also located in the heart of downtown Pensacola is AJ’s Market, which serves up delicious Hershey’s brand ice cream and nostalgic parlor vibes.Over in East Hill, Fannie Lou’s Ice Cream dishes up tasty homemade ice cream with classic and locallyinspired flavors. Also located in East Hill in the historic Sacred Heart Hospital, is Lamonte Gelato. This authentic Italian-style gelateria offers an impressive lineup of artisanal gelatos with tasty flavors options like creme brûlée, pistacchio and more. No matter where you get a scoop, you’re guaranteed a delicious sweet treat!

Keep It Healthy

We all know ice cream is one of the best treats to enjoy on a hot summer day, but if you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative to help you keep cool, the downtown area has plenty of great places to snag fresh-pressed juices, smoothies and açaí bowls. Good Day, Darling is a newer spot serving up freshly made smoothies and a slew of cold-pressed juices. Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee is a cute outdoor spot serving up beautiful açaí bowls with loads of tasty toppings. If you’re going with a group and are looking for some variety, Cafe Single Fin and Vibes + Smoothies offer an assortment of bowls, fresh juices and frosty smoothies.

Get a Bushwacker Buzz

If you’re in the mood for a frozen treat that’s more adult-friendly, look no further than the Bushwacker! The Bushwacker is Pensacola’s official drink, and for good reason. This delicious frozen concoction typically contains rum, coffee liquor, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, milk and ice—basically an adult milkshake! Nearly every bar on Pensacola Beach offers its own take on this tasty local treat, but we recommend stopping by the Bushwacker’s official home—the Sandshaker Lounge. Both Flounder’s and Casino Beach Bar & Grill are also popular spots for enjoying this signature Pensacola treat. Since this cool treat tastes like a milkshake but contains quite a mix of liquor, remember to drink responsibly!

ON THE WATER

Relax in the Lazy River

Beat the heat and take it easy with a float down a lazy river. Splash RV Resort in Milton offers a laid-back loop surrounded by palm trees and fun for the whole family. Closer to the city, Splash City Adventures features a classic 750-foot-long lazy river alongside water slides, pools and more. Whether you’re looking to unwind or cool off between thrills, a slow float is the perfect way to chill out this summer. For pricing and more information, visit splashrvresort.com and splashcityadventures.com.

Snorkel the Seas

For those looking to discover what lies beneath our beautiful emerald waters, consider booking a snorkel tour. Pensacola’s crystal-clear shoreline and artificial reef sites are perfect for spotting marine life, seashells and other hidden coastal gems. Jolly Sailing offers guided snorkeling excursions in Pensacola Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound. These tours include everything you’d need for a day of underwater exploration. Frisky Mermaid also offers snorkel tours on Pensacola Beach, with plenty of time to float and explore the clear coastal waters. Whether you’re searching for marine life or just looking to cool off, a snorkel tour is a refreshing way to experience and connect with the Gulf while exploring the beauty beneath the surface. For pricing and tour details, visit jollysailing.com and friskyboattours.com.

Ride the Waves

If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider renting a jet ski for the afternoon. Hopping on a jet ski is the perfect way to enjoy some fun in the sun without getting too hot. Whether you’re with a friend, or with a whole group, jet skiing provides a serious adrenaline rush that is sure to enhance your day out on the water. Radical Rides on Pensacola Beach offers jet ski rentals that’ll bring you stunning views of the Gulf. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, renting a jet ski is a great way to explore the coast while keeping cool. For rates and rental details, visit radicalrides.com.

AFTER DARK

Light Up the Night

Explore the water like never before with a nighttime glow paddling tour! This isn’t your average kayaking or paddleboarding trip—Glow Paddle offers LED-lit clear kayaks and paddleboards that light up the water beneath you for a magical, one-of-a-kind experience. Launching from Pensacola Beach, Glow Paddle offers both sunset and nighttime tours for attendees to take in different types of views. For pricing details and to book your glow paddle experience, check out glowpaddle.com.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Chill out with friends and family while watching a free movie under the stars! Hosted by the City of Pensacola, the Movies in the Park series offers free movie showings at the Community Maritime Park every month. This month, you can catch a showing of Black Panther on the big screen on June 14 after the ballgame. Members of the community are invited to bring blankets and chairs to spread out on the lawn during the movie. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm, and the movie begins at sunset. Concessions from local food trucks will be available for purchase, and all ages are welcome. Movies are shown at the Hunter Amphitheater behind the Blue Wahoos Stadium. For upcoming movies and complete event details, visit cityofpensacola.com.

Catch an Outdoor Concert

If you’re looking to kick back and relax with some good music, you’re in luck! During the summer months, Pensacola’s music scene comes alive with a variety of free outdoor concerts. You can catch some great local musicians as you take in the waterfront views at Bands on the Beach, Bands on the Bayou in East Hill or Bands on the Blackwater in Milton. These popular summer concerts feature local and regional artists performing a variety of music genres under the stars for individuals of all ages to enjoy. Bands on the Beach is held every Tuesday at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Bands on the Bayou is another popular summer concert series that’s held at Bayview Park in East Hill during the summer months. This family-friendly concert series not only features amazing tunes by regional artists, it also gives back to nonprofit organizations in our community. Don’t forget to bring a blanket, your beach chair, a cooler of drinks and, most importantly, good company!

EXPLORE THE GREAT INDOORS

Get Your Golf On

Perfect your swing or engage in some friendly competition at Bogeys Golf Suites. Located off of University Parkway in North Pensacola, this indoor golf and gaming facility allows guests to play virtual games in individual suites. Experienced golfers can practice and play at different types of golf simulators. Teams can enjoy multi-sport games like visual baseball and football, or compete with each other at classic games like skeeball and darts. With more than 30 indoor gaming experiences, Bogeys Golf Suites is a cool indoor activity for people of all ages. Pricing varies depending on your selected date and time. Visit bogeysgolfsuites.com for details on pricing and more.

Stroll Through a Museum

If you’re looking for an engaging, air-conditioned experience, consider checking out some local museums. Whether you’re interested in viewing art or exploring local history, Pensacola offers a variety of fun museum experiences for just about every interest. The National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum are great stops for those interested in the local history of the seas and skies. Housed in a former jail, the Pensacola Museum of Art showcases different modern art exhibitions throughout the year. Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center tells the stories of the cultural groups that shaped Pensacola. Located in the historic former City Hall, the Pensacola Museum of History is a great visit for those looking to learn about all things Pensacola. Visit each of their websites for hours of operation and to learn more about current exhibits.

Hang with Some Cool Cats

If you are a cat lover, Pensacola’s Coastal Cat Cafe is the place for you! Coastal Cat Cafe is more than just a fun place to hang with some cool cats, the cafe partners with local rescue organizations, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and Pensacola Foster Kittens, to host adoptable cats in the cafe. The cafe has more than 15 furry felines at any given time, which are all up for adoption. Located on Garden St. in downtown Pensacola, the cafe invites guests to play and snuggle with adorable cats, while enjoying cool beverages and treats in the indoor cafe. You may even meet your new furry friend—I did! Coastal Cat Cafe charges an entry fee of $15 plus taxes and fees to help cover the cost of housing and caring for the cats. For details on booking your visit, check out coastalcatpcola.com.

Unleash Your Inner Child at the Arcade

Light up your night and stay cool with the neon glow of a vintage Pac-Man or Pinball game and take a trip back in time with a visit to The Grid Arcade. This super-sized Tron-themed bar located at 2414 N. Pace Boulevard, boasts more than 40 retro arcade games, 11 full-size pinball machines and a bar with more than 100 drink options. The Grid also hosts a variety of fun bar games and trivia nights throughout the week. Grab some friends and enjoy an evening of friendly competition over your favorite nostalgic arcade games. The Grid is open from 4 pm to midnight Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 8 pm on Sunday. For details on upcoming trivia nights, drink specials and more, visit thegridarcadepensacola.com and check out @thegridarcadepensacola on Instagram.