The Panhandle - Florida - page 979

You might be surprised to learn that Pensacola's rich colonial history spans over 450 years.
This fascinating and attractive village is a self-contained enclave of photogenic historic
homes turned museums: it's the perfect starting point for familiarizing yourself with the
city. Admission is good for one week and includes a guided tour and entrance to each
building.
Pensacola Museum of Art MUSEUM
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 850-432-6247; www.pensacolamuseum.org ; 407 S Jefferson St; adult/
student $5/3; 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, from noon Sat)
In the city's old jail (1908), this lovely art museum features an impressive, growing collec-
tion of major 20th- and 21st-century artists, spanning cubism, realism, pop art and folk art.
Pensacola Children's Museum MUSEUM
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 850-595-1559; 115 E Zaragoza St; admission $3; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat)
Learn about the over 450 years of local history and have some fun along the way in this
compact museum occupying two floors of the historic (and allegedly haunted) Arbona
building. The first hands-on level is aimed at youngsters up to nine years old, while the
2nd floor has a little more to offer older kids, including dress-ups!
Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway SCENIC DRIVE
This 11-mile stretch of road, which winds around the precipice of the highest point along
the Gulf Coast, makes for a peaceful drive or slightly challenging bike ride. You'll see
stunning views of Escambia Bay and pass a notable crumbling brick chimney - part of the
steam-power plant for the Hyer-Knowles lumber mill in the 1850s - the only remnant of
what was the first major industrial belt in the area.
Bay Bluffs Park PARK
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Scenic Hwy)
Off Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Hwy, this beautiful park is a 32-acre oasis of wooden board-
walks that lead you along the side of the steep bluffs, through clutches of live oaks, pines,
Florida rosemary and holly down to the empty beach below.