Pensacola, called The Western Gate to the Sunshine State, is located at the western end of the Florida Panhandle, and five miles inland from Gulf of Mexico beaches. Pensacola is a seaport on Pensacola Bay which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa barrier island protects Pensacola. The Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum are located just southwest of Pensacola.

Pensacola beaches are located on Santa Rosa Island and the Fairpoint Peninsula. Gulf of Mexico beach resort locations in Albama that are easily accessed from Pensacola include Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.