A QUICK TRIP TO PENSACOLA BEACH

I grew up visiting Pensacola and staying with my family for the summer. As an adult, living with here with my husband couldn't be more of a dream!

This may be our home, but these views continue to take my breath away.

As for beachy spots, you can go straight to the beachball, which is the main beach on the gulf side, or you can drive down a little ways to see if you can find an opening to the beach & park there. Taking a trip down either side of the island is where you'll find a less crowded and much more relaxed area. I love being around the beachball when I'm in the mood to socialize, but most of the time I just like to lay low.

Let’s talk FOOD. Obviously one of my favorite things about any day, but Flounder's hits different. For starters, Flounder's is a bit of a splurge. Not tooo much, but I’d say, it’s typical for a beachy restaurant. Not a cheap tiny shack and not a super fancy place. Just basic-beachy with the tastiest seafood. It has a “feel-good” vibe with a playground for kiddos and sand volleyball courts that you can always jump in on. It has a beautiful open atmosphere so you’re able to see the water while you enjoy your food. Don’t worry though, there’s an “indoor” area if you’re not about the outdoors or it’s raining. Honestly, we could spend HOURS there. Probably all day- we’ve gotten close actually, hah! The shrimp boat is always our go-to (pictured here) because you get 6 different types of shrimp ~coconut shrimp, grilled shrimp, popcorn shrimp, etc~ instead of sticking to just one. Not to mention, Flounder's has the BEST French fries if you’re a fry fiend like myself.

Let’s get to the appetizers. We aren’t usually ones to grab an app because we want to get straight to the good stuff but at Flounder's, we can’t pass them up. We are HOOKED on their shrimp, spinach and artichoke dip (pictured here). It’s so much food & very filling, we’re almost always taking leftovers with us! I’m a sucker for some friend pickles too, so we’ll get those occasionally and they NEVER disappoint.

Drinks-wise, Flounder's is known for its Diesel Fuel. It’s full of different types of liquor with a list of flavors to choose from. My go-to would be the mango (pictured here) or tropical! Mango is sweeter & tropical is juuust right on the sweetness level. On Thursday’s, they’re half off if you’re trying to ball on a budget like us!

Pensacola is known for its Bushwhacker (pictured here). Have you ever had one? It’s basically an adult chocolate shake. Adult as in filled with rum- YUM! They really do taste as yummy as they look.

Our favorite place to grab them is Café Nola, they let you take them to go & they’re the perfect beachy snack/drink!

The sea life in Pensacola Beach is truly something else. You can see anything from jellyfish that don’t sting (pictured here) to dolphins that’ll swim next to your boat. We’ve even seen a squadron (that’s the scientific name for group) of manta rays come right up to the shore to play. On a clear day, you’re likely to see at least something, even if it’s the cute, fluffy little hoppy birds that play all over the beach.