Naval Aviation Museum

The MOST VISITED MUSEUM in the entire state of Florida is the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. As a part of the Naval Air Station located there, the attraction is also the largest of its kind in the world. An opinion, based on personal experience, is that this museum is one of the top leisure attractions in the country.

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My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting the Naval Aviation Museum on one of many day trips we have taken within the last few years. Although several friends had suggested this site to us, the museum went much beyond all our expectations. It was well worth the miles we traveled and the hours we spent touring the museum's facilities. Further, this attraction is worth putting on a leisure itinerary - even if it requires long-distance travel and more than a one-day journey.

Perhaps the museum's most impressive feature is a seven-story glass and steel atrium which houses four A-4 Skyhawks in diving diamond formation. The facilities and grounds include 300,000 square feet of inside space and 37 acres of outside space. Over 150 restored aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are on display. Aircraft dated from before World War I, to World War II, and to our more recent military battles are all included.

Vintage equipment, flight clothing, flight logs, memorabilia, and personal mementos are also on exhibit. In addition, the museum has flight simulators, cockpit trainers, an IMAX theater, and an authentic Cubi Bar and Cafe - an officer's club moved from the Philippines and reassembled for use at the museum.

The Naval Aviation Museum is open from 9 to 5 every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. There are also free guided tours, or visitors may take their own self-guided tours. In addition, a free bus tour is available for a 20-minute ride behind the restoration hanger.

An added highlight at the Pensacola Naval Air Station is that it is home of the Blue Angels. This prestigious group of precision Navy aviators conduct practice for air shows at their NAS base. A viewing area for visitors is located near the museum. After practice, pilots often come inside the museum to answer questions and to sign autographs. Information about the Blue Angels practices and their Pensacola show schedule is available by calling 850-452-3604.

I am delighted to pass along a good word about the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Further, I am very pleased to recommend it to others as an ideal choice as a special leisure attraction. Of equal importance to some readers: my wife concurs wholeheartedly!