The Naval Aviation Museum is Sure To Please
From I-10 there are two ways to go.
First: At exit 7, go south on Pine Forest Rd. for 2.45 miles to Longleaf, turn right and go 1.14 miles to N. Blue Angel Pkwy. Turn left here and travel for 14.2 miles to the museum entrance.
Second: Exit 12, I-110, go for 5.8 miles and exit, turn right onto Cervantese St., go 1.6 miles and turn left on Pace Blvd., will become Barrances, go for 3.7 miles, left onto S. Navy Blvd. Travel on, this will become Duncan Rd. which will take you to the mani gate. Tell them where you are going and they will assist.
With both free parking and admission, why not enjoy the attractions at the Naval Aviation Museum? It's located at the Pensacola Naval Air Station about seven miles west of downtown Pensacola. Main parking is on the west side of the museum with bus and motorhome spaces. Handicapped parking is near the main entrance. For the kids, this is a very exciting learning adventure. I know my two great nephews love this place. Last time they went, they had a blast. 
This is the largest museum of this kind in the world with more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft. Check out the Blue Angels diamond formation in the seven story atrium and get at eye level with the four A-4 Skyhawks on the second floor.
It's huge and beautiful with two floors of exhibits. It has so much to see and do that two days isn't enough. The indoors is air conditioned with elevators for ease of access. As shown in the photos, my wife gets around here on her power scooter, so can you. There is a Motion Based Flight Simulator where you can fly an F/A 18 mission in Desert Storm. There is also a seven story IMAX theater for a ride with the Blue Angels. Take the Flight Line Bus Tour and see some 40 aircraft on the flight line behind the restoration hanger.
The west wing is almost exclusively World War II carrier aviation. There is a full size mock-up
of the USS Cabot's carrier island and flight deck. You can strap into one of the many cockpit
trainers on the second deck.
Be sure to stop by the naval air museum gift shop. It is a well stocked gift shop with many items to choose from. You can select gifts for both young and older folks.
Hungry? Have lunch at the Cubi Bar Cafe which is decorated with hundreds of unit plaques. Make plans to spend the entire day because you will not want to leave. Open from 9am to 5pm daily 362 days a year, closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and New Years. Like I said, admission and parking are free, all you need do is get there. For those who would like to see the Blue Angels perform while you visit the museum, you're in luck. The last week of March begins their official season which will run through November. Just be at the museum at 8:30am on Tuesday or Wednesday and you can watch the Angels practice. The museum sets up a viewing area, but once the show is over, stick around as they will drop by to meet the fans and sign autographs. You might consider a trip to the gift shop, buy a photo and have that signed. The Naval Aviation Museum rocks!
Return to Attractions Page From Naval Aviation Museum Page.
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