The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, offers the opportunity to see over 150 airplanes, learn about the Blue Angels and aviation history, experience the excitement of naval aviation, and more.
National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum includes multiple floors and a hangar filled with airplanes and artifacts.
The museum takes you on a journey through naval aviation with interactive exhibits and historic aircraft.
Visitors should plan more time than they expect to need to enjoy the museum. There are so many epic displays that showcase the history of naval aviation.
During our first visit I was so in awe of the 1st floor of displays that I lost track of time and had to plan a return visit to see the 2nd floor and hanger.
The rich history and spirit of naval aviation is captivating for anyone who loves aviation. The aircraft and artifacts on display represent the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation.
Make sure to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and lots of time because this museum is so much more than you may expect it to be.
Museum Attractions
The museum houses historic planes, flight simulators that give you the opportunity to experience the thrill of flight in a fighter jet, a cafe, and a gift shop.
Flight Simulators
MaxFlight 360 Flight Simulators offer you the chance to experience air-to-air combat and stunt flying with you in control.
Tickets are available onsite or can be purchased ahead of time.
Afterburner Simulator
The afterburner simulator is a motion-based simulator. This five-minute multi-sensory experience combines movie visuals with motion.
The fully enclosed flight simulator can accommodate 15 passengers. It moves in six directions so you experience horizontal rolls, longitudinal pitches, and vertical climbs.
Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theater
The Giant Screen Theater is a 325-seat theater featuring the latest in state-of-the-art motion picture projection. This larger-than-life theater takes you on journeys you didn't know you could experience.
Tickets for the theater can be purchased onsite or ahead of time.
Cubi Bar Café
The restaurant duplicates the bar area of the famous Cubi Point Officers Club. The NAS Cubi Point Officers Club in the Philippines was a source of enjoyment for Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, ships and units as they passed into the Western Pacific.
The plagues you see on the wall are from the original bar. When it was closed in 1992 they packed up the plagues and sent them to the museum.
Today you can experience the authentic Cubi Bar Cafe at the museum. Enjoy a tasty lunch or snack.
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Flight Deck
Right after you enter the museum you step onto the USS Nimitz Flight Deck replica. Make sure to look at the video screen to your left to watch a fighter jet land on the flight deck.
This one-quarter scale replica highlights the features of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
Planes on Display
There are over 150 historic planes on display in the National Naval Aviation Museum. Everywhere you turn there is a historic airplane.
Make sure to look up to see the planes hanging from the ceiling, look on the walls to see the planes on the walls, and look around every plane because there may be another one behind it.
Here are just some of the planes you can see while exploring the museum. Did I mention make sure to bring a camera because there is a lot to see.
Quarterdeck:
- A-1 Triad
- D-558-1 Skystreak
- F9F-2 Panther
Blue Angels Atrium:
- A-4E/F Skyhawk
- SNJ-5C Texan
- N2S-3 Kaydet
South Wing:
- NC-4 Flying Boat
- Sopwith Camel
- FF-1
- F3F-2
- BGC-2 Goshawk
- RR-5 Tri-motor
- Sb2U-2 Vindicator
- F4F-3 Wildcat
- P-40B Tomahawk Flying Tiger Jet
- F7U-3M Cutlass
- F11F-1 Tiger
- F4D-1 Skyray
- Skylab Command Modula
West Wing:
- B25J Mitchell
- PBY-5 Catalina
- SBD-2 Dauntless
- F6F-3 Hellcat
- FG-1d Corsair
- TBM-3E Avenger
- PB2Y-5R Coronado
- USS Cabot CVL 28 Flight Deck
- K-Class Control Car
- L-8 Control Car
- ZPG-2 Snow Bird
- FH-1 Phantom
- F2H-2P Banshee
Hanger Bay One:
- MIG-21 Fishbed
- A-1H Skyraider
- F-4N Phantom II
- F-8A Crusader
- HH-1K Iroquois
- A-7E Corsair II
- A-6E Intruder
- 0-1E Bird Dog
- R4D-5L Skytrain
- P2V-1 Neptune
- RD-4 Dolphin
- HO3S-1G
- HH-52A Sea Guard
- F-14D Tomcat
- E-2C Hawkeye
- VH-3A Sea King (Marine One)
- S-3B Viking
- SH-60B Seahawk
- SH-2F Seasprite
- AV-8C Harrier
- AH-1W Super Cobra
- CH-46D Sea Knight
- F/A-18C Hornet
Outdoor Exhibits:
- HH-3F Pelican
- CH-53D Sea Stallion
- T-34C Turbo Mentor
- F/A-18A Hornet (Blue Angels Plane)
- Topgun Legacy Aircraft
The Flight Line:
- C-130 Hercules (Blue Angels' Fat Albert)
- AJ Savage
- A3D Skywarrior
- Navy Transport Aircraft
Flight Deck Store
Pick up a unique memento from your visit to the Naval Aviation Museum.
Naval Aviation Museum Scavenger Hunt
If you have kids that love scavenger hunts and finding things we highly suggest downloading the free scavenger hunts available from the museums website.
They have different levels of searches so you can print the ones that fit your families needs.
Why you will love the National Naval Aviation Museum
- World's largest naval aviation museum with 150 aircraft
- Free daily guided tours
- View the Blue Angel Practices next to the museum
- Autograph sessions with Blue Angels pilots on specific days
- Free Parking and Free Tours
- One of the most-visited museums in the State of Florida
- Over 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and 37-acre grounds
Things to know when planning a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum
Cost - $0.00, Free admission to the museum.
Address - 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508
The National Naval Aviation Museum is located in Pensacola Naval Air Station. You will need to pass through the security gate to access the museum.
Getting to the National Naval Aviation Museum
Public access to NAS Pensacola is ONLY available through the West Gate on the south end of Blue Angel Parkway from 9 am to 3 pm.
There are specific base access identification requirements!
- U.S. Citizens 18 years of age and older must show a single government-issued identification card. State-issued driving licenses and passports are acceptable.
Please remember that Naval Air Station Pensacola is a working Navy Base. There are restricted areas that should not be entered. There are signs along the route from the West Gate to the museum that make it easy to find.
What items you should not bring with you
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a sense of adventure, and plan more time than you think you will need.
The following items are prohibited in the museum and on the flight line:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Drones (countermeasures will be taken)
- Backpacks and coolers must stay in the car, unless they are diaper bags or medically required bags. All bags are subject to search.
Phone - (850) 452-8450
Hours - Daily 9 am to 4 pm
The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Accessibility - There is accessible parking spaces available near the main entrance to the museum.
The museum has a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitors use.
Accessible restrooms are available on the ground level in the Quarterdeck and West Wing.
The Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theater has a seating area for those in wheelchairs with an elevator to reach that area.
Plus Size Seating - There are benches and chairs spread throughout the museum.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual clothes, no clothes with profanity or disparaging words.
Pets - Pets are not permitted in the museum unless they are a registered service animal.
Free Parking - There is a nice size parking area next to the museum.
The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) is a cashless venue, most credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted.
Naval Aviation Museum Foundation supports the museum along with the National Flight Academy, DoD Starbase Pensacola and the Flight Adventure Deck.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Pensacola Lighthouse - The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers the opportunity to learn more about the history of the lighthouse and climb to the top!
Blue Angels Practice Schedule - When and where to watch the Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations in Pensacola.
Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - Located in Pensacola Beach this beach restaurant has great food and epic views.
Things to do on Perdido Key - What not to miss while exploring Perdido Key!
Fort Barrancas - Coming soon
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Hub Stacey's at the Point, Perdido Key - Enjoy great sandwiches with a view of the water.
Flora Bama Yacht Club - On Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.
Flora Bama Ole River Grill - located across the street from the main Flora-Bama and offers great food, friendly staff, and amazing water views.
Best Things to do on Dauphin Island - All of the fun you can enjoy on the island.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook and Instagram and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
Leave a Reply