After 36 years of visiting Pensacola and 8 years of living in Pensacola, I finally made it to the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), and I am kicking myself for waiting so long! This place is magnificent. Not to mention, I was lucky enough to visit last week when several of their new exhibits were displayed.
Located aboard historic Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and offering FREE Admission, the National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. With the mission to “select, collect, preserve and display historic artifacts related to the history of Naval Aviation,” you will enjoy an inspiring journey through history and much more.
See more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircrafts representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation. Experience the thrill of flight in the Flight Simulators, catch all the drama and power of the amazing Giant Screen Digital Theater, which you can bring snacks into from the Top Gun Cafe, and then take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from The Flight Deck Store.
Know before you go! If I’ve already convinced you to visit, know these two things first or you won’t get very far.
- Gate Entry: Public access to NAS Pensacola is available from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on the south end of Blue Angel Parkway.
- Implementation of the REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025. As of today, anyone 18 years and older who plans to visit certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or valid U.S. Passport to enter U.S. military bases or board federally regulated commercial aircraft. If you’re ID has a little star in the corner, you’r good to go.
- Clear bag policy — The Museum currently has a clear-bag policy. Only clear totes or storage bags and clutch purses (solid or clear – the size of a hand) are allowed in the Museum and on the flight line. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after undergoing inspection.
As a Pensacola local and a first-timer at the museum I had high hopes of the museum and it more than lived up to them. My first impression was the grand size of the museum — it is jaw-dropping. I found myself asking myself multiple times how in the world they got so many giant aircraft’s in the building and hung from the ceiling.
Secondly, the history that is on display. I am not much of a history buff, but the exhibits are extraordinary. Learn about the first plane ever to fly across the Atlantic in 1919, to the first plane to land at the South Pole, to rare planes from both the early days of naval aviation or the dawn of the jet age.
Thirdly, the Blue Angels exhibits. There is one thing I think EVERYONE can agree one. We LOVE the Blue Angels. So, aviation fan or not, the NNAM is a win for anyone who loves our hometown heroes. Look up in the Blue Angels Atrium and you’ll see soaring in the famous diamond formation four of the Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawks, the type airplane flown by the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron from 1974 to 1986. In actual practice the aircraft fly closer than the display represents with just 36 inches separating the airplanes as they roar through the sky. Part two of my visit will include more on the Blue Angels and what to expect on a practice day at the museum.
What’s new at the museum?
Everything was new to me, but if you have been, there are plenty of new exhibits to explore.
Naval Aerospace Medicine Exhibit: A new exhibit devoted to the history and current role of aerospace medicine in support of Naval Aviation. The display speaks to that history with a timeline of events beginning with the assignment of the first Navy physicians for training in aviation medicine in 1922 to the modern age. Visitors can also step up to interactive touchscreen kiosks to test their vision and hearing and learn if they are “fit to fly.”
Navy 250 Exhibit:This brand new exhibit commemorates the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary with a focus on the history of the Pensacola Navy Yard and early days of the naval air station. Fun fact, the brick used in this exhibit is 180 years old and was once part of Fort McCree that guarded the entrance to Pensacola Bay.
Revamped Home Front U.S.A. Exhibit: The first of a series of dioramas depicting the World War II experience paints a portrait of life on the home front where rationing and scrap drives were a part of normal life. Many of the businesses represented are actual establishments from Pensacola in that era, including the Saengar Theatre which was been completely revamped.
Flight Simulators: Okay this is not super new, but a MUST when visiting! The Museum features two state-of-the-art MaxFlight Simulators; under your control, these high definition simulators are capable of air-to-air combat and stunt flying.
Top Gun Cafe: The revamped and renamed Top Gun expanded their offerings to sandwiches, charcuterie items, hummus and more so you can have lunch after before or after exploring the museum. Even better, take your snacks into the Giant Screen Theater.
Flight Deck Store: Find the Blue Angels and aviation gear of your dreams including the new Blue Angels Build-A-Bear, Blue Angels Tour T-shirt and the new Thatch and the Blues children’s book written in house by the museum’s Director of Education.
There is so much to see, do and learn at the National Naval Aviation Museum it is impossible to not be impressed! I look forward to bringing my family here when they come to visit this summer. Stay tuned for part 2 of my museum visit which includes a Blue Angels Day practice on base!
