By Katie King  katie@ewbullock.com

April 6, 2018 –Pensacola Beach, Fl—Visit Pensacola and Santa Rosa Island Authority are pleased to announce that Pensacola Beach has been recognized as USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2018 Best Florida Beach. The area boasted not one, but two nominations for the contest, with the Gulf Islands National Seashore coming in third place.

“Once again, the response from our visitors and residents show the pride we have in our nationally-acclaimed beaches,” said Steve Hayes, president of Visit Pensacola. “Receiving this recognition illuminates the unique experience that is Pensacola, and all of the unmatched areas and activities America’s first settlement has to offer. We all benefit when one of our beaches is named one of the top destinations in the nation.”

Last month, a panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 Best Florida Beach nominees, and then it was up to the public to vote for the winners. The public was encouraged to vote daily until the campaign ended on Monday, April 2.

“Pensacola Beach has a special charm and beauty all its own, and it’s great to have USA Today confirm what past visitors and locals already know,” said Paolo Ghio, executive director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority on Pensacola Beach.

The Pensacola experience is unique to every traveler that comes upon its shores. USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice award has also recognized Gulf Islands National Seashore as Best Florida Attraction (2018), Best East Coast Beach (2016), Best Florida Beach (2015) and Johnson Beach on Perdido Key was voted No. 2 Best National Park Beach (2016). In addition, travelers to Pensacola have endless opportunities to explore eclectic cuisine, a boisterous downtown complete with nightlife, culture and arts, and over 450 years of history.