A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Pensacola for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Pensacola. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Pensacola attracts visitors for its museums, food, and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Pensacola is famous for its white sand beaches and long running naval history.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Pensacola?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Pensacola is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Pensacola is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pensacola makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pensacola is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Pensacola is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola both offer first-rate beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Pensacola. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is a beach town with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pensacola. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pensacola is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable coastal city. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Pensacola Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pensacola or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Pensacola. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Pensacola. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Pensacola. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pensacola than Fort Lauderdale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pensacola.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The entertaining destination of Pensacola offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The beach town of Pensacola offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

You'll find nightlife and food around the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Pensacola is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The fun-filled beach town of Pensacola offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Pensacola Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Pensacola. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pensacola in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Pensacola. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Pensacola averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Pensacola. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Winter?

Both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Pensacola in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Pensacola averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Pensacola. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Fort Lauderdale