Ferry Pass - Pensacola, FL Area Guide

Owned by the City of Pensacola, the Pensacola International Airport has been the anchor of the area since the 1940s. It was originally used as a U.S. Navy training facility, but soon commercial airlines took up residence here, which gave the area a boost. Despite it's name, the airport does not offer any international flights.

The City of Pensacola is considered one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, with its roots dating back to the 1500s. It was a Spanish, French and British settlement before finally becoming part of the United States. In the 20th century, Pensacola established itself as a beautiful domestic vacation destination.

The Pensacola Museum of Art provides residents with access to stunning art exhibits. This museum resides in a renovated jail in the old downtown section of town.

Pensacola provides a great mix of local restaurants and nightlife for locals and tourists alike. While not all of these great attractions sit within the boundaries of the Northeast/Airport community, some of the best places to eat and drink are situated just a few miles away. Just south of the airport along the gulf sits The Fish House. This local favorite can be accessed both by car or by boat, making it one of the more unique eateries in the area. The menu features nearly every seafood delicacy you can think of, from crab and lobster cakes to grilled grouper. Take a bench seat next to the waterfront and enjoy the live music featured here on the weekends. To eat like a true insider, be sure to order the smoked Gouda cheese grits. Restaurants in the neighborhood, such as India Palace, offer a taste of ethnic cuisine that integrate fresh local seafood with authentic dishes. This casual family restaurant offers a laid back environment and an extensive menu filled with Indian specialties. For pizza and craft beers, Pensacola residents visit Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen and Taproom. Unlike your average pizza joint, this restaurant offers a long list of unique pizza toppings, including fillet mignon, crawfish, boiled eggs, sweet yellow corn and Maraschino cherries. Pair your unique pizza creation with one of the dozens of craft beers served here. The extensive beer list includes brews from Oyster City Brewing, Bells Brewing and Victory Brewing Co., just to name a few. Hopjacks has one location in the Northeast/Airport area, with another located downtown. Seville Quarter sits in the old downtown area of Pensacola. Seville Quarter is an entertainment complex that features a restaurant and several bars all under one roof. Designed in the classic New Orleans style, Seville Quarter gives a nod and a wink to the French Quarter in NOLA. You'll find a dueling piano bar, a dance club, a pool hall and many other exciting options here.

The Northeast/Airport area of Pensacola is intersected by I-10, giving residents access to the nearby cities of Tallahassee and Panama City. Pensacola residents get around mainly by car. You'll find a mix of free and paid street parking throughout the area and the greater Pensacola area. Be sure to have cash with you if you decide to cross the Escambia Bay, as you will have to pay a cash-only toll for cars entering the other side of the bay.

Cyclists enjoy access to several bike trails and dedicated bike lanes near the airport and in the surrounding community. Streets without protected lanes, however, are difficult to navigate by bicycle. Pedestrians have access to plentiful sidewalks, though many local businesses are a considerable distance from the area's residential homes.

Escambia County Area Transit provides bus service throughout Pensacola, and it also runs a beach trolley to and from Pensacola Beach. If you prefer to travel by taxi cab, you'll need to call ahead to make arrangements. Uber provides ride-sharing options to and from the airport as well as to other destinations in the area.

Pensacola's park district consists of more than 90 individual free parks and public spaces. Regency Park, located within the Northeast/Airport area, offers residents a quiet place to enjoy with kids. A playground keeps little ones busy, and a pavilion area makes a great spot for picnicking.

The Roger Scott Athletic Complex has a little something for everyone. With a swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball fields and soccer fields, this complex is busy year-round. A dog park makes it easy to bring your pet with you for a little bit of exercise as well.

Pensacola JazzFest takes place in Seville Square every summer, drawing visitors from all over the Gulf area. The Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place every July and features a show by the Blue Angels.

Pensacola residents pay approximately $657 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment. With the cost of housing averaging 12 percent less than the national average and the overall cost of living remaining 5 percent below the national average, Pensacola makes an excellent option for affordable living.

The cost of a gallon of gas runs about 17 percent lower than the national average, though you can save money on gas by taking the ECAT bus for $1.75. If you are heading to one of the many local bars or pubs, expect to pay around $4 for a bottle of imported beer and $3 for a domestic beer on draft.

The northeast section of Pensacola is home to Cordova Mall, which offers a range of shopping options for locals. You can find everything from Dillard's to Coach at this single-level shopping mall. For boutique shopping, head across Escambia Bay to the Portofino Boardwalk. This shopping area sits directly across the street from Pensacola Beach, offering more high-end shopping options as well as plenty of beach gear. A selection of bars and restaurants on the boardwalk make it easy to spend an entire day here.

Go Fish Clothing and Jewelry Company sells everything from custom-fitted toe rings to souvenirs, making it a favorite with locals and tourists. Be careful when bringing a stroller into this boutique, as the aisles are a bit cramped.

Locals head to Frosted Moon Bakery when on the prowl for a sweet treat. Whether you're in the mood for a paleo-friendly cookie or decadent red velvet cake, this place has something for everyone, and the cupcakes here earn rave reviews. Frosted Moon also specializes in wedding cakes and other event goodies.

For groceries, residents in the Northeast/Airport section of Pensacola head to Publix or Winn-Dixie. The Palafox Market represents one of the most popular farmers markets in the area. Open every Saturday morning come rain or shine, this market provides free public parking for visitors. Farmers and vendors from all over the Gulf area sell their wares at this market.