Celebrating Pride in Pensacola: Here's the Ultimate Guide

Pensacola is proudly waving the rainbow flag!

With the state of Florida passing a slew of anti-LGBTQ bills this past year, the adorable beach town of Pensacola is continuing to highlight the community with its annual Memorial Day Pride events.

Next year, Memorial Weekend Pensacola will be hitting their 30 year milestone of celebrating LGBTQ+ rights on the gorgeous white sand beaches.

Johnny Chisholm launched the party nearly 30 years ago and has no plans of slowing down. Despite the growing concern for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida, Chisholm won't let the political climate get in the way of Pride traditions.

"There's no reason for it to stop, no matter what the politics are. It's not going to stop what we do. It means too much to everyone. We have people here this weekend from all 50 states and eight countries registered. It keeps growing," Chisholm says.

Every year, thousands of people visit the hot spot to put on their Speedos, mingle on the beach, and attend circuit parties every night of the long holiday weekend.

"With everything going that's going on, you have to keep Pride going. Look at everybody before us and what they fought for. I didn't think we'd be here 29 years later. We've got a lot of things planned for the 30th year. There will be lots of surprises."

While Pride activities certainly dominate the Memorial Day weekend in Pensacola, there are tons of hidden gems and plenty of historical sites to also visit.

With everything from a bustling downtown scene to delicious beachside restaurants, there's no shortage of activities to keep your itinerary packed.

The downtown area features America’s First Settlement Trail, which is a three-mile marked path through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District. This trail features twenty stops and over 70 points of interest, with some sites going back as early as 1756.

If you're looking to take a ride on the wild side, then Radical Rides has everything you're looking for with parasailing, kayaking, and wave runner opportunities available.

As the sun sets on your exciting day in Pensacola, there's no better way to wind down than a perfect dinner right on the marina at The Grand Marlin. Known for its signature seafood dishes and shareable appetizers, your mouth will water with every plate brought to the table.

Pensacola features tons of mom and pop coffee shops and bars downtown and right along the sand, including The Kennedy, The Garden, Shaggy's, Bodacious Bookstore & Café, Garden & Grain, The Well, and so many more.

Plus, you can check out one of the best local drag brunches in town at Alga Beer Company. It also features a must-see mural that serves as the perfect picture moment!

Of course, visitors can't forget to visit the LGBTQ+ bars while celebrating Pride.

Right in the heart of downtown, The Cabaret and The Roundup serve as two local spots that many patrons visit to enjoy a delicious cocktail, good vibes, and a sickening performance from the local drag scene. Queens from RuPaul's Drag Race also visit these bars while on tour, so an iconic performance is definitely in store.

No matter what's on your bucket list while visiting Pensacola, this dream destination truly has it all. Although Memorial Day Weekend may be in the past, this beach town is the ideal place to visit this summer.

Also, the countdown to next year's Memorial Weekend Pensacola is already on. With its 30th anniversary happening next year, keep an eye out for updates on the official website.

If you're ready to visit Pensacola and book your own vacation, check out the official tourism website here. Have the most magical time!