North Hill Historic Homes Tour of Pensacola

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour of Pensacola offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, this 10-minute walking tour showcases remarkable homes with diverse architectural styles, including the residences of notable figures like Marilyn Monroe’s mother and the Duchess of Windsor. With a maximum of 18 travelers per tour and an affordable price tag, the experience promises an insightful and captivating exploration of Pensacola’s vibrant history.

This experience made our article of 2 Best Historical Tours In Pensacola (With Prices).

Key Points

• The North Hill Historic Homes Tour of Pensacola offers a guided exploration of the city’s historic district, showcasing diverse architectural styles and notable residences.
• The 10-minute walking tour begins at the Fort George Historic Site and concludes with a visit to a home owned by the owner of Go Retro.
• The tour highlights the historical significance of the North Hill district, which developed during Pensacola’s lumber boom and features over 100-year-old homes.
• Guides share stories about the district’s notable residences, including the former homes of Marilyn Monroe’s mother and the Duchess of Windsor.
• The tour is priced at $25 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and is not wheelchair accessible but stroller accessible.

Tour Overview

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour takes visitors on a guided exploration of Pensacola’s historic district.

This 10-minute walking tour showcases the area’s diverse architectural styles, with a maximum of 18 travelers. Priced at $25 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors will begin at the Fort George Historic Site, a British fort built in 1778, and learn about the area’s rich history as a former battlefield.

The tour is narrated by a veteran realtor/guide and concludes with a visit to a home owned by the owner of Go Retro.

Historical Significance

North Hill is a U.S. historic district established during Pensacola’s lumber boom, developed over 100 years and showcasing diverse architectural styles.

The tour begins at Fort George Historic Site, a British fort built in 1778. This area was once a battlefield, and artifacts from that era are still unearthed today.

The district’s rich history is reflected in the variety of architectural styles, from pine shake roofs to asbestos shingles, offering a glimpse into Pensacola’s past.

These historic homes and their stories provide a unique window into the city’s vibrant history and cultural heritage.

Architectural Styles

As visitors explore the historic North Hill district, they’ll be treated to a diverse array of architectural styles that have evolved over Pensacola’s vibrant history.

The tour showcases homes with pine shake roofs, asbestos shingles, and other unique features characteristic of the region. Guides provide insights into the stories behind notable residences, such as the home of Marilyn Monroe’s mother and the "Jingle Bells" house owned by the son of composer James Pierpont.

Exploring the area’s architectural heritage offers a glimpse into Pensacola’s past, blending historical significance with captivating design.

Notable Homes

Although the North Hill Historic Homes Tour showcases a range of architectural styles, certain residences stand out for their remarkable histories.

One notable home belonged to the mother of Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood star. Another was the former residence of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.

The tour also includes the "Jingle Bells" house, owned by the son of James Pierpont, the composer of the beloved Christmas carol.

The tour concludes with a visit to a home owned by the owner of Go Retro, providing a glimpse into the lives of Pensacola’s historic residents.

Tour Itinerary

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour begins at the Fort George Historic Site, a British fort built in 1778 that served as a battlefield during Pensacola’s history.

Guided by a veteran realtor/guide in a 1930 Ford transit bus, the tour features diverse architectural styles, including pine shake roofs and asbestos shingles.

Visitors will hear stories about notable homes, such as the residence of Marilyn Monroe’s mother, Wallis Simpson’s home, and the "Jingle Bells" house.

The tour concludes with a visit to a home owned by the owner of Go Retro, providing a unique glimpse into the area’s rich past.

Accessibility and Amenities

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour takes place at the meeting point of 1800 N E St, Pensacola, FL 32501, USA.

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour takes place at the meeting point of 1800 N E St, Pensacola, FL 32501, USA.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, but infants must sit on laps.

Tickets are held for collection on the day of the tour.

The key accessibility and amenity details are:

1. Meeting point: 1800 N E St, Pensacola, FL 32501, USA

2. Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible

3. Service animals allowed; infants must sit on laps

4. Tickets held for collection on the day of the tour

Customer Feedback

Visitors have provided a mix of feedback on the North Hill Historic Homes Tour. Some praised the knowledgeable narration and enjoyed the video showcasing home renovations.

Others appreciated the engaging driver and the historical insights shared during the tour. However, some travelers criticized the tour’s occasional cancellations due to low popularity.

Plus, some noted issues with the bus conditions, such as water leaks and temperature problems. The tour received an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews, indicating a generally positive but occasionally inconsistent experience for visitors.

Getting to the Tour

According to the information provided, the North Hill Historic Homes Tour in Pensacola, Florida, has a designated meeting point located at 1800 N E St, Pensacola, FL 32501, USA.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

Tickets are held for collection on the day of the tour. The tour features a guided experience in a 1930 Ford transit bus or similar vehicle, showcasing the architectural styles and stories of the historic North Hill neighborhood.

Tickets are held for the day, and the tour showcases the architectural styles and stories of the historic North Hill neighborhood in a 1930 Ford transit bus.

Travelers should plan accordingly for this unique tour experience.

The Sum Up

The North Hill Historic Homes Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Pensacola’s architectural and cultural heritage. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, participants can explore the district’s diverse styles and uncover the stories behind notable residences. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate fine architecture, this walking tour provides an engaging way to discover Pensacola’s past and appreciate its enduring charm.