The history of development on Pensacola Beach has resulted in a mix of houses that will satisfy almost any need. There are small 1 and 2 bedroom cinder block houses within walking distance to the beach access, providing the mid-century “Old Florida Beach Cottage†vibe. And new style, multi-story, multi-bedroom, vacation homes that are elevated on pilings, and sport 360 panoramic views of the entire island from Gulf to sound.
 
Ariola Drive is the main residential road that runs along the Gulf of Mexico, and is the unofficial home to “Wedding and Reunion Rowâ€. Many of the Gulf front residences along this street are designed to host large groups for weeklong vacations. Many of the houses have multiple bedrooms, large kitchens, numerous decks and balconies, and large open spaces under the house that are perfect for wedding receptions, reunions, or extended families who want a beach destination vacation or event. There are also numerous private gulf front residences with floor to ceiling windows, multiple decks and balconies, and private beach walkovers, allowing ocean views and easy access to the sugar white sand and gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
 
Panferio Drive runs the majority of the length of the back side or “Sound Side†of the island on Pensacola Beach. This quieter back side of the island is home to more water front private residences, and to a lesser extent, vacation rental homes. Many of these homes have seawalls and private docks with boat lifts. Some of the houses also have areas of sandy shoreline along the sound, providing them with their own private beach areas.
 
The middle of the island is home to an eclectic mix of homes, from small to large. The uniquely narrow width of Santa Rosa Island, upon which Pensacola Beach sits, means that nearly every property is within a block of the water. The majority of the properties have water views from the decks and balconies, and windows often have water views of either the Gulf or the Sound.
 
If the ultimate in privacy and quiet beachfront living is desired, there are also a number of private or gated single family home neighborhoods on the island, some with deed restrictions that do not allow short term vacation rentals.
 
Take a short trip down the beach to the central area of the island and hop aboard the new Pensacola Ferry system to explore the greater Pensacola area by water. With stops at Ft Pickens, the Boardwalk, and downtown Pensacola, you will find world class art and museums, historical tours, the Blue Wahoos Minor League Baseball team, shopping, and dining.