Chris,
From this map:
<a href="http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/images/bchmap.gif" target="_blank">http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/images/bchmap.gif</A>
The Sandpiper Gulf Aire is just East of all the Shops. Should not be much of a walk, or the trolley goes by every 30 minutes.
I am not sure how much a cab costs. I should be working on the 15th, so depending when you fly in I may be able to drive you over to the Beach.
The only problem with not having a car is it limits you in seeing our wonderful Navel Air Museum and Forts. Though not having a car will force you to take it easy and relax, not a bad thing.
Only advice on car rental....Dollar out of Pensacola is not a corporate owned location. It is very pricy to drop off elsewhere in Florida. Stick with Avis, Hertz or National.
Write me if you have anymore questions.