9 Best Places to Go Shopping in Pensacola

Palafox Street sits in the heart of city centre Pensacola and offers a great collection of locally owned boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and quaint souvenir shops. As you look for the perfect memento to take home, stroll under the shade of crepe myrtle trees and the city’s myriad historical buildings – many of them have distinct Spanish, British, or French architectural styles.

This iconic street is also home to a number of restaurants and theatrical and musical venues, so you’ll never run out of things to do after a shopping spree. Palafox Street is known for outdoor festivals and seasonal celebrations that draw in flocks of locals and tourists alike, so be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar.

Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is a promenade lined with boutiques, shops, and restaurants right in the middle of Pensacola Beach. Here you can pick up anything from surf gear, flip-flops, and beachwear to handcrafted jewellery and artisanal goods.

After browsing through the incredible selection of items, reward yourself with fresh oysters, brick-oven pizzas, or frozen drinks as you soak up the serene beach views. This family-friendly spot also offers a range of beach activities, such as dolphin cruises and jet skiing.

Cordova Mall is a huge upscale shopping centre featuring more than a hundred stores. Conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, this shopping centre houses big and familiar brands.

Shop ‘til you drop before fuelling up at one of the many eateries in the food court – you can choose from a range of cuisines including Mexican and Japanese. Families will rejoice as this mall even has an array of fun activities and play zones for kids.

Palafox Market is a popular open-air farmers’ and artisanal market. It takes place every Saturday year-round in the lush, tree-lined Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza in city centre Pensacola. The market offers a variety of fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables, all grown locally. If you’re looking for souvenirs, look no further as you can find unique handmade items such as soaps and jewellery and even one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from wood, glass, or metal.

The selection of food and drinks is also impressive – you can sample cookies, pies, cheeses, fresh juices, smoothies, salsas, and much more. No trip to the Palafox Market is the same, as many of the vendors vary from week to week.

University Town Plaza is an outdoor shopping centre that features apparel, electronics and home goods stores, nail salons, restaurants, and even a thrift store. You’ll find some familiar brands like Burlington and JCPenney at this expansive complex, located just a 10-minute drive from the airport.

After hunting for bargains, you can enjoy a quick bite at one of the many eateries housed in this mall. American comfort food, steak, burgers, and frozen yoghurt are just some of the options.

T&W Flea Market is Pensacola’s oldest flea market. It’s enormous, playing host to over 400 indoor and outdoor vendors who sell pretty much everything under the sun. This place is a treasure trove of rare and interesting items, both new and used. You can find anything from clothes and home decor to tools, toys, and novelties.

This bustling spot is not just great for bargains – it also caters to foodies. Food vendors offer a range of cuisines, such as Asian, Mexican, and American street food. You can also pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, all harvested locally.

Blue Moon Antique Mall, located in the west part of Pensacola, is the oldest and largest antique mall in the city. It covers about 13,000 square feet with 65 shops selling all kinds of vintage items and collectibles. You will come across pottery, antique furniture, paintings, handmade quilts, vinyl, and much more. The inventory changes regularly, so expect to find something new every time.

There is confectionary located right next to Blue Moon, perfect for a sugar rush after a day of treasure hunting. You will also find a number of Chinese and Mexican restaurants in the vicinity where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

Pensacola’s seaside location means that you can find incredibly fresh seafood all around the city. One place that’s popular with locals is Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market, which showcases an incredible selection of fish, shrimp, and oysters. The variety of crabs on offer—including king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, and blue crab—will make seafood lovers rejoice. Nationwide overnight delivery is available, so you can have your purchases sent straight to your doorstop.

Savour some fresh seafood on the spot at Maria’s Olde East Hill Grill, located inside the market. Their fried mullet, gumbo shrimp, and cheese grits have stellar reviews.

Cordova Commons features a great mix of casual retailers and dining options, perfect for a laidback shopping experience. Located less than 5 minutes from the airport by car, this shopping centre houses familiar apparel, home decor, and makeup brands.

Stock up on wine and snacks at Fresh Market, which is popular with locals. If you’re planning to eat in, options include burgers from Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s Subs. You can also grab a quick smoothie at Smoothie King.