An Airplane Lover’s Guide to Pensacola, Florida

Family travelers with plane-loving kids (or even plane-loving parents, for that matter) will find one of the largest aviation museums in the world, air shows and historic naval aviation sites in Pensacola, Florida. Here’s the only guide you’ll need to see all the northwest Florida city has to offer in the world of aviation:

© Visit Pensacola

Naval Aviation History

National Naval Aviation Museum, on Pensacola Naval Air Station, is home to more than 4,000 artifacts and 150 restored aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Walk beneath retired Blue Angel aircraft, master the flight simulator and experience cutting-edge aviation films in the massive screen theater.

Blue Angels Air Shows

Plan a trip to Pensacola around one of the Blue Angels’ practice days (April–October). Find the full 2025 practice schedule here. Dates marked with an asterisk indicate autograph-signing days with the Blue Angels at National Naval Aviation Museum right after practice.

© Visit Pensacola

Aviation-Themed Food and Beverages

Local restaurants honor the legacy of the Blue Angels with themed menu items. At The Grand Marlin, try the Blue Angel Chips, an appetizer of homemade chips smothered in Statesboro blue cheese sauce. Or opt for a Blue Angel sushi roll at Khon’s on Palafox, filled with lump crab, cucumber, green onion, yellowtail, avocado, crab salad and jalapeño. Parents can relax and sip on a Blue Angel cocktail at Bamboo Willie’s. This frozen drink is made with blue raspberry and vodka.