Welcome back to part two of my National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) visit, only this time we are focusing on all things Blue Angels. If you visit The Museum on a Tuesday or Wednesday, consider yourself in aviation heaven. Not only will you get to check out one of the largest aviation museums in the world, but The National Naval Aviation Museum is pleased to open the flight line behind the museum to view Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations.
Even better, admission is still free! Here are your ‘need to knows’ before making the drive to NAS:
- 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 began May 7, 2025. Anone 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’re 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.
Okay, once you make it through the entrance, my first tip is to b-line straight to the Flight Deck store. It’s not the full experience unless you’re decked out from head to toe in the finest Blue Angels and aviation gear. Here are few of the must haves from the shop:
- Blue Angels 2025 Tour Shirt
- Blue Angels Bear — you can now build your very own!
- Thatch and the Blues Book, Written in House by the Director of Education and with a special autograph section
- Blue Angels hat (there are dozens to choose from)
- Blue Angels Doll, not only is my niece going to be in love with this gift, but we love to see women in aviation and more specifically, in the Blue Angels gear.
All of these can also be purchased in their online store here.
Now that we are decked out in our Blues gear, follow the signs from the museum to the flight line where you will find concessions, a flight line store (yes, more merch!) and the Admiral’s Club — Premium bleachers seating for the best view and includes water and earplugs for a small fee.
Flight Line and Practice Need to Know:
- The outside viewing area for the Blue Angels practice is located on the Museum Flight Line north of the Museum. Signs are posted to direct visitors to viewing and parking locations, including limited parking for handicapped visitors. Practice times vary so check the schedule prior to planning your visit. Practices last about 55 minutes.
- Open bleacher seating is available for 500 people. Chair service is provided at each practice session, a limited quantity of chairs are available for a fee of $6 per chair rental. Concessions and merchandise are also available. We are a cashless venue. Chair service, concessions, and merchandise are provided by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and proceeds support the Museum and Foundation programs.
- We recommend visitors use sun protection. Hearing protection is recommended for those people with sensitive hearing. Please note that backpacks, daypacks, luggage, or similar items are NOT allowed on the flight line during Blue Angel practice air shows. Small purses, bags containing medications, and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to search by Naval Air Station Pensacola Security personnel.
Your adrenaline is pumping, you’re grinning from ear to ear and you even have a make-up smudge from your eyes welling up during the first sneak pass. You have just witnessed an epic Blue Angels practice, and you were just informed that it’s a select Wednesday where the Blue Angels’ Pilots will be signing autographs. Now you ask yourself why has it taken you so long to come watch a practice show?…