Want to see the beautiful Pensacola coastline from above? The historic Pensacola Lighthouse in the navy base near Pensacola is absolutely perfect for that with breathtaking panoramic views that are bound to stay with you for long. Downstairs, there’s also a small museum for you to review the history of the place and get a taste of what the desolated life of the lighthouse keeper felt like.
Enjoy the views…
Once back down, you can go and enjoy the white sand clear water beach…
If you want to know know a bit about the history of the place (source) :
The banners of five nations, Spain, France, England, the Confederate States of America, and the United States, have flown over the city of Pensacola, giving rise to its nickname, The City of Five Flags. Pensacola is Florida’s second oldest city, and has the deepest bay on the Gulf Coast. The mouth of the bay is bounded by Santa Rosa Island to the east and Perdido Key to the west. To guard the entrance, Spain established Fort Barrancas atop a 60-foot bluff on the mainland opposite the bay’s mouth. Soon after the United States took control of Florida from Spain in 1821, the federal government, recognizing the importance of Pensacola’s harbor, moved to establish both a naval yard and lighthouse there.
In March of 1823, Congress authorized $6,000 for the Pensacola Lighthouse. To serve the port until the lighthouse was finished, the floating light vessel Aurora Borealis was transferred from the mouth of the Mississippi, where the Frank’s Island Lighthouse had just been completed. The vessel was positioned in calm waters behind the western end of Santa Rosa Island. A site just west of Fort Barrancas was selected for the lighthouse. Ships would be able to steer directly towards the light to enter the harbor, something that was not possible with the lightship.
What else to see? The lighthouse…
The endless winding stairs on the way up…
The lighthouse keepers’ lives…
Don’t miss the nearby (free) Navy Aviation Museum and the forts all over the naval base.