Pensacola, Fla.

Covering almost 40 square miles, Pensacola is at the west end of the Florida panhandle and is the Escambia County seat. This west Florida beach city is a busy seaport on Pensacola Bay, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Called the city of five flags, as the Spanish, British, French, Confederate, and United States flags have flown over this city that became part of the United States in 1821.

The United States Navy Blue Angels aerobatic team and the National Naval Aviation Museum are based here, at the first naval air base in the United States that now covers a wide area southwest of town. The west Florida panhandle has been the crossroads of many hurricanes, and the city has sustained severe damage from several.

Historic Fort Barrancas dates back to the 1600s during the Spanish occupation, a national historic site open to visitors. It is now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and is adjacent to the Naval Air Station. Built during the civil war, Fort Pickens is a massive structure surrounded by quiet white sand beaches.

In the National Registry of Historic Places, Pensacola Village covers two blocks filled with museums and early settler homes. The nearby Saenger Theater is a Spanish Baroque landmark that has recently been restored.

On Santa Rosa Island is Pensacola Beach, a popular family spot about seven miles from town. The Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is a great spot for fishing.

The Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport has two runways and one terminal served by several airlines. Public transportation is provided by Escambia County Transit, and Greyhound stops downtown. Interstate 10 runs east-west nearby, and the I-110 spur brings traffic into the downtown area.

Among favorite restaurants are Fishermans Corner, Jasmine Fusion, and Five Sisters Blues Cafe. There are many great lodging options, including Portofino Island Resort & Spa and Cottage on the Green.

The historic Pensacola lighthouse is still at work guiding mariners, and visitors can climb the 177 steps to the top. On the ground floor there are several exhibits about the maritime history of the area. It is near the Naval Aviation Museum.