Incredible Blue Angels Practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum
If you’re planning a visit to Pensacola, Florida, one of the top attractions you absolutely can’t miss is the Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum. After watching this thrilling show, I highly recommend taking time to see the live show and visit the museum. Let’s dive in!
Watching the Blue Angels Practice
Pensacola is home to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the world-famous flight demonstration squadron. While many people across the country get to see their incredible airshows only once or twice a year, Pensacola enjoys the privilege of regular practice sessions. We planned our recent trip to Pensacola around the practice schedule, and we were glad we did!
Practice starts at approximately 10:30 am, and when the Blue Angels take off, you’ll see an amazing show full of speed, skill, and precision. The loud engines, tight turns, and impressive flying formations will leave you in awe.
The excitement of seeing the Blue Angels up close is thrilling for kids and adults alike. My husband even said it was one of the most amazing experiences he’s ever had! If you have little ones, though, be mindful that the loud noises can be overwhelming, so packing hearing protection is a smart idea. These are our favorite noise canceling headphones that we brought along for the Blue Angels practice show. We’ve also used the same one for fireworks at Disney and on the 4th of July. The practice session lasts about 55 minutes, the right length to keep even younger children entertained without losing interest.
Backpacks, daypacks, luggage, and similar items are NOT permitted on the flightline during Blue Angels practice air shows. However, small purses, bags with medications, and diaper bags are allowed but will be subject to inspection by Naval Air Station Pensacola Security personnel. The entire practice is outdoors, so plan accordingly with water, sunscreen, and hats. Here is a list of the items we recommend to make your experience more enjoyable.
On selected dates, there is an autograph session after the show with the Blue Angels Team.
Meet the Blue Angels: Autograph Sessions
On some practice days, you have the opportunity to meet the Blue Angels. The team holds autograph sessions where visitors can meet the pilots, take photos, and have memorabilia signed. Our kids absolutely loved the experience of meeting some real action stars. You can find up-to-date information on Blue Angels practice schedule and autograph sessions here.
Plan Your Visit
To ensure your day seeing the Blue Angels at NAS Pensacola is as smooth as possible, you’ll want to do some planning ahead. Practice days can get busy, especially during peak travel times, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in line or looking for seating.
Where is the National Naval Aviation Museum?
The Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum, located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida. The address is 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508. The museum is situated on the Gulf Coast and is accessible via the West Gate of NAS Pensacola on Blue Angel Parkway.
What time should I arrive at NAS Pensacola for the Blue Angels practice?
The gates at NAS Pensacola open at 9 am, and it’s recommended to get early there by 8:45 am. This gives you time to beat the rush and find a good spot to watch the practice show. Remember, you’ll need to enter through the west gate of the base and go through a security control point. All car passengers 18 and older must present their ID at the gate (U.S. citizens only. See the “National Naval Aviation Museum Tickets” section below for non-U.S. citizen procedures), and you will be denied entry without it. The line here can get quite long, so plan extra time.
What seating options are available for the Blue Angels practices?
For visitors attending the Blue Angels practice at NAS Pensacola, there are several seating options available. A limited number of chairs are available for onsite rental for $6 each, and there is also limited bleacher seating offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Some people brought umbrellas for sun protection but were asked to put them down before the show started so others could see. There is covered seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it is a bit further back from the flightline. Keep in mind that some families arrived as early as 9 am to secure their desired seats.
To ensure comfort and avoid the crowds, it’s highly recommended that visitors bring their own chairs. You are allowed to set up chairs both at the flight line and in the museum parking lot, but be mindful of not blocking any vehicular thoroughfares. By bringing your own seating, you can enjoy the show without worrying about seating availability.
What should I bring?
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and hearing protection for young kids, as the noise from the jets can be loud. Here is a list of the items we recommend to make your experience more enjoyable.
National Naval Aviation Museum Tickets
There is no charge for admission to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Additionally, Blue Angels practices and autograph sessions are completely free and open to the public. However, be sure to check the admission and security requirements for accessing NAS Pensacola before your visit.
For U.S. citizens visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum, access to NAS Pensacola is straightforward. Visitors 18 years or older must present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
For non-U.S. citizens planning to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, access to NAS Pensacola is possible but comes with specific requirements. Foreign nationals must be accompanied by a U.S. citizen who is driving the vehicle with them. The U.S. citizen escort must undergo a background check upon arrival at the Navy Blvd./Front Gate Visitor Center.
Additionally, non-U.S. citizens must present one of the following valid documents: a permanent resident card, alien registration receipt card (Form 1-551), a foreign passport with a temporary 1-551 stamp, or a temporary 1-551 notification on a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV). Without both a U.S. citizen escort and one of these approved documents, foreign nationals will not be allowed access to the base or the museum. No exceptions are made to this policy.
Exploring the National Naval Aviation Museum
After the show, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is one of the largest aviation museums in the world.
The museum has over 4,000 artifacts on display and more than 150 restored aircrafts from biplanes to modern jets, there’s plenty to see for everyone. The exhibit is interactive and kids can touch and even get into planes.
Here are just a few highlights:
F-14 Tomcat: Famously featured in the movie Top Gun, the F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic aircraft in naval history.
Blue Angels Aircraft: As home to the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, the museum proudly displays several of their iconic aircraft. This includes models they’ve flown over the years.
World War II Aircraft: The museum features a collection of WWII-era aircraft, such as the SBD Dauntless, which played a pivotal role in the Battle of Midway.
Helicopters: There are several helicopters, like the SH-60 Seahawk, used in anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue missions.
Indoor Exhibits
Beyond the collection of aircraft, the National Naval Aviation Museum offers a range of exhibits which you won’t want to miss:
- Flight Simulators: One of the most popular attractions for both kids and adults is the museum’s flight simulators. To access the simulator you have to buy a ticket. The cost is $40.00 for one or two people. Riders must be at least 50 inches tall with an adult or 52 inches tall without an adult, have a maximum weight of 500lbs, and be 10 years or older. Riders with high blood pressure, recent injuries or surgeries, pregnancy, heart trouble, or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted.
Cockpit Trainers: Located on the mezzanine level of the South Wing, these cockpit trainers allow visitors to climb into the actual cockpits of some of the museum’s most famous aircraft. You can move the control stick, flip switches, and experience the layout of planes like the F-14 Tomcat or a hovering helicopter. Our kids were absolutely thrilled to climb in and experience them firsthand—it was definitely one of the highlights of the visit for them!
Vietnam War Exhibit: This exhibit takes a deep dive into the role of naval aviation during the Vietnam War. It showcases aircraft from that era, as well as the experiences of naval aviators who served during the conflict. The exhibit includes personal artifacts, letters, and photos.
USS Enterprise Exhibit: The museum’s USS Enterprise exhibit gives visitors a detailed look at the history of one of the U.S. Navy’s most famous aircraft carriers. You’ll learn about the ship’s critical missions.
Hangar Bay One
In addition to the main museum building, Hangar Bay One is a massive, separate exhibit space that houses even more aircraft and artifacts. The hangar is home to some of the largest aircraft in the museum’s collection, including the P-3 Orion, a maritime patrol aircraft, and the A-1 Skyraider, a close air support aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The size and scale of these planes are incredible, and Hangar Bay One offers a chance to see them up close.
National Naval Aviation Museum with Kids: Scavenger Hunt Adventures
If you’re visiting with kids, consider downloading the museum’s Scavenger Hunt before your visit. It’s a printable activity that will keep little ones engaged as they explore the exhibits, encouraging them to spot artifacts and learn about aviation in a fun, interactive way.
There are 4 different missions:
Mission SEE & FREE (Easy): Spot hidden animals like ducks, tigers, chickens, and even a shark! With picture clues to guide you, check off the boxes as you find each animal and set them free.
Mission DECODE (Advanced): Step back in time to 1935, surrounded by airplanes and historical events like the Great Depression and Amelia Earhart’s solo flight. Crack the codes, find the keys, and escape the museum by unlocking the mysteries of history.
Mission VICTORY (Challenging): Trapped aboard the USS Cabot, an aircraft carrier in the midst of World War II, you must unlock the secrets of the past from 1938 to 1944 to help the Allies win the war. Find the keys to escape the museum and claim victory!
Mission HANGAR BREAK (Top Secret): The details are classified, but this mission is sure to be a thrilling challenge for those up for the task.
Grab Lunch at the Cubi Bar Café
While you’re exploring, head over to the Cubi Bar Café located within the National Naval Aviation Museum.
The menu offers simple options like sandwiches and soups, ideal for a quick family lunch. What makes the Cubi Bar truly unique is its décor, featuring original plaques from the former Cubi Point Officers’ Club in the Philippines, which closed after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.
Additional Information for Visiting the Naval Air Museum Pensacola
Admission: The museum offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly option for families. However, donations are appreciated and help support the museum’s exhibits and upkeep. There are some attractions, like the flight simulator, where you need to buy a ticket.
Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Hangar Bay One annex closes slightly earlier at 3:30 pm.
Parking: There is plenty of free parking available, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Arriving early ensures a spot and avoids unnecessary stress.
Final Thoughts and Tips from a Parent
The National Naval Aviation Museum is a great outing for families, with plenty to keep kids entertained while they learn about aviation history. From watching the Blue Angels practice to climbing inside real planes, this museum truly offers something for everyone, no matter their age.
As a final tip, if you’re visiting on a Blue Angels practice day, don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, water and hearing protection for young kids. We also found that bringing small snacks for the kids was a lifesaver—they were so excited by everything that they needed quick energy boosts!
Overall, the museum is a must-visit, and with a little planning, it can be a stress-free and memorable day for the entire family.
If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you. And if you like Aviation Museums, read my guide to visiting Pearl Harbor.
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