What's 8 feet, 400 pounds, swims, but has no gills?

Photo from the Chase-N-Fins charter boat

The Pensacola Bay Area is known for its abundant marine life, and perhaps the most cherished creature of all is the bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in Pensacola Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico, the curve of their beaks resembling friendly smiles. You might just be lucky enough to see them playing in the surf from the shore or the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, but for a closer encounter, dolphin tours are fun for the entire family. Find a list of charters in Pensacola Fun Facts: Dolphins are mammals, not fish, and must surface to breathe. There are approximately 67,000 dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico, a population similar to the city of Pensacola. Dolphins in our area are typically around 8 feet and can weigh more than 400 pounds Female dolphins are pregnant for 12 months and nurse their calves for another 12 months. Dolphins swim in groups called pods and hunt together for fish. back to VisitPensacola.com

177 Steps Up the Spiral Staircase

Pensacola Lighthouse

Climbing to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse is one of the area’s greatest thrills. After being closed for more than a year, the tower has recently reopened for visitors on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. After climbing 177 steps up a spiral staircase, you’ll be rewarded with the best views in town. You can look back over the Naval Air Station, then toward Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and straight out to Fort Pickens and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Pensacola’s Lighthouse, built in 1859, has survived hurricanes, lightening strikes, fire and the Civil War. At 160 feet tall, it’s the fourth tallest brick lighthouse in the nation. Visitors should beware though: it is said the first lighthouse keeper, Jeremiah Ingram, still wanders through the quarters. You might be lucky enough to hear some spooky stories from your guide. Admission to the Pensacola Lighthouse is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 7 and older. Please share your lighthouse stories with us. back to VisitPensacola.com

Dog Days of Summer in Pensacola

*Photo submitted by Pam in Pensacola during our Summer Photo Contest. Remember, you only have 3 weeks left to participate

If Virginia is for lovers, then Pensacola is for dog lovers. With only a few weeks of summer left, now is the time to bring along to your pets to Pensacola as they explore scenic trails, parks and their very own beach. At the Bayview Dog Park and Dog Beach on Mallory Street, dogs have 1 acre of their own to run and play without a leash and even swim in a protected area of the bayou. Around 50 dogs and their owners gather each Saturday. You can also take your dogs to Roger Scott Complex Dog Park on Summit Boulevard or Shoreline Bark Park in Gulf Breeze, where dogs have the freedom to run around and meet some local furry friends. Navy Point Walking Trail is another fun area for pets along Bayou Grande. The La Quinta Inn is a pet-friendly hotel, or you can check your pup into their own resort at Pensacola Pet Resort. PET TRAVEL TIPS Use PetsWelcome.com for a listing of hotels accepting pets Bring along a list of several veterinary clinics in your destination Make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations — many airlines require documentation Travel during quiet times of the day or evening to make sure your pet remains calm Take frequent breaks to allow your pet to get exercise Always travel with your pet in a carrier or seatbelt Pack snacks, travel-sickness pills and plenty of water Pensacola can get hot in the summer, so never leave your pet unattended in the car back to www.VisitPensacola.com

The Pensacola Bay Area is a fisherman's paradise

Fisherman's Paradise

Red Snapper caught in Pensacola July 2008

The Pensacola Bay Area is a fisherman's paradise. We're most popularly known for offshore game fish including red snapper, tuna and marlin. This summer, red snapper have been plentiful. Even with the new Florida limit, a trip out into the Gulf of Mexico is worth it! Plus, red snapper are delicious to eat — grilled, baked or fried. A fleet of local charter boats is available for walk-on and private charters for great offshore fishing. Click here for recommendations. For those who want to stay on shore, there are other nice options. Pensacola Beach is home to the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico at 1,471 feet, where fishermen can catch Spanish and king mackerel this time of year. Share your fishing tips and favorite charters on our blog. For more events visit our calendar of events back to www.VisitPensacola.com

photo © Capt. Baz, Gulf Breeze Guide Service

photo © Capt. Baz, Gulf Breeze Guide Service

Submitted for our Summer Photo Contest