Car rental Pensacola

133333 Johnson Beach Road, Pensacola, FL 32507

Head down to Perdido Key via US-292, just south of the Big Lagoon State Park, to reach the sandy shores of Johnson Beach. There is a parking lot for your Pensacola rental car and it’s panoramic vistas of blue oceans, with cool offshore breezes and golden sands beneath your feet in the Floridian sunshine. The beach is named after Rosamond Johnson, a U.S. soldier who died in the Korean War while protecting fellow service crew – he was from Escambia County, FL. Venture here to capture the true essence of Florida beach life, a perfect place to add some snaps to your photo collection.

997 South Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Situated in central Pensacola right by the bay is Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille – a diner serving American classic dishes. Chomp on dishes from the delightful menu while taking in the views along the Palafox Pier Marina, glancing at the breathtaking golden hour sunsets. There’s parking nearby at Level Parking – a close five or so minutes’ walk from the restaurant. The dinner menu includes succulent specials such as crab cakes, bruschetta and lettuce wraps if you’re after some small snack-type portions. If you want something bigger, there are burgers, tacos, lasagnas and much more at this must-visit eatery in Pensacola.

700 East Chase Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Also located centrally, putting you close to the heart of the action near the bay, is Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola Downtown. There’s easy access to the Pensacola Bay Bridge from here, great if you want to head over to see Gulf Breeze, Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve and the Butcherpen Cove area. Room options include queen and king beds, with amenities such as an outdoor pool, providing you a chance to enjoy a cool down and swim during the hot months. Also, there’s a restaurant on-site, great if you’re wanting to spare yourself from looking around for places to eat. And the on-site laundry options let you wash your clothes in case your threads need a refresh while on your travels.

48.5 miles & one hour and 12 minutes

Follow U.S. Route 98 east through Navarre and Gulf Islands National Seashore, crossing Santa Rosa Sound before passing Fort Walton Beach. In Destin, enjoy the white-sand beaches, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, deep-sea fishing and snorkeling in crystal blue waters. SUVs provide plenty of boot space to carry equipment for these types of activities.

124 miles & two hours

Travel east on U.S. Route 98 through Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Santa Rosa Beach, and Choctawhatchee Bay. At Panama City Beach, relax on sugar-white sands, visit Pier Park, stroll Russell-Fields Pier, or explore St. Andrews State Park. Convertibles can go well in the Sunshine State – put the roof down with the sun on your skin and wind in your hair.

203 miles & three hours

Head west on the I-10 through Mobile, crossing Mobile Bay, before passing Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. In New Orleans, Louisiana, explore the French Quarter, stroll Jackson Square, enjoy live music on Frenchmen Street, and sample Creole cuisine