We are leaving for Pensacola this Saturday. I am worried that it will be too cold to swim in the ocean, though we are from Kansas and too cold may have a different definition for people who reside in warmer climates. My husband is telling me not to worry because low 70's in Florida is not like low 70's in Kansas. Any truth to that? He lived in Florida (as a kid, for 3 months) and considers himself an expert!

It will be chilly. I lived in Pensacola for a short period about 6 years ago. The weather will be beautiful but the water will be pretty cool. Personally, I love just walking the beach, so that never bothered me, and the kids probably won't even mind that the water is a little cool. Have a great time!

The only people who brave the waters in March are surfers (in wet suits) and snowbirds from Canada. Personally, I don't stick my toe in the water until May.

If you have bikes, or access to bikes, there is a wonderful bicyle path that follows the gulf from Pensacola to Narvarre and that would be perfect weather to ride. Have fun!

We have been to Florida many times the last week of March and were always able to swim in the ocean most days of the trip. (We have had a few days here and there where the air was too cool). We've stayed in the Sanibel/Captiva area as well as the keys, (where the water is quite warm). I think it's all relative, since we're from Chicago and swim in icy Lake Michigan in the summers!

Thanks for the replies. My kids probably won't mind the cold water, but I will stay on shore.

We went to Destin last year and are going back again this year. Same week as bethinks. It was warm enough to lay on the beach and wade in the gulf and most swimming pools are heated. There were plenty of people swimming even tho I thought it too cool in the gulf. I just looked at weather.com and the temps are only going to be in the mid 60's thru Wed. That seems a little cool to me. I think we had warmer weather last year.