One of our favorite museums to visit in the Pensacola area is the National Naval Aviation Museum. If you love seeing aircraft from history up close, then this museum is for you. Located on the Naval Base in Pensacola, Florida, this free museum offers the opportunity to view more than 150 full-size restored aircraft from the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard up close.

Visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida. Share the excitement of Naval Aviation’s rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed both inside the Museum’s nearly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds.

One of the features in Hanger Bay One is the VH-3 which flew Presidents Nixon and Ford during the 1970s as part of the Marine Corps’ mission to provide short-range helicopter transportation to the President. If you look closely, you’ll see the President in the window!

There are many cockpits and places for kids of all ages to have hand’s on fun in the various aircraft! (Don’t you love seeing your kids grow up still enjoying making memories at the museums!)

Luke Then

Luke Now

Home of the Blue Angels

One of the highlights of our recent visit was the opportunity to see the Blue Angels perform over Pensacola Beach before we toured the museum. Check the Blue Angels practice and show schedule here.

They were practicing for a big show the weekend we were in town, so we spent some time on the beach just watching them practice.

The Raft

One of the exhibits in the Museum is the actual raft from the true story The Raft: Three Men, 34 Days, and a Thousand Miles Adrift (Uncommon Valor). This true story has recently been turned into a movie called Against the Sun?

Things to Know

• Admission to the museum is FREE!
• Parking is Free!
• The museum is located on a Naval Base and requires ID for all adults.

Souvenir Ideas

When we visited the Naval Museum the first time, we bought a small replica Blue Angels jet. But this year, my son wanted to make sure he brought home the elongated coins from the museum. Souvenirs don’t have to cost a fortune; but once you see the Blue Angels perform their stunts, the kids will definitely want something special to remember them!

Visit the Museum

Open Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-800-327-5002
Email the Naval Aviation Museum
1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola, FL 32508

Connect with the National Naval Aviation Museum on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever visited the Naval Aviation Museum or seen the Blue Angels fly? I’d love to hear your favorite memories!