Not everyone likes museums. For some, they are goldmines of history and culture. To others, they can be dull and unstimulating. For those who fall into the latter category, it takes a different kind of museum to make it worth their while. If you live along the Emerald Coast, then you’re in the right place to experience an entirely different day at the museum.
National Naval Aviation Museum
If you haven’t visited the National Naval Aviation Museum lately, then you’re missing out on one of the most popular museums in the state of Florida. Better yet, it’s the largest naval aviation museum in the entire world. The museum, located in Pensacola, showcases more than 150 beautifully restored and full-size aircraft. You’ll see relics representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation. Enjoy exploring the aircraft inside of the museum’s 350,000-square-foot exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds.
Best of all, admission is free to the museum. So why not come experience the magnificence of the aircraft once more, even if you’ve already been?
Other Aviation Attractions
Aside from exploring the planes, there are several other attractions and amenities that you can enjoy while at the National Naval Aviation Museum. First, watch an aviation film at the Giant Screen Theater. The theater uses a premium laser-illuminated projection system that displays in 4K resolution – the first of its kind installed in an institutional theater. Then, get a thrill in the MaxFlight 360 Simulator. You’ll get to virtually experience air-to-air combat and stunt flying with 360-degree pitch-and-roll technology. There is also a Motion-Based Simulator with five-minutes of immersive sights, sounds, and movements inside of a 15-person simulator capsule.
If you need a break after all of that action, stop by the Cubi Bar Café for a delicious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. You’ll find bread that is baked fresh daily, along with fun aviation-themed menu items like the Aviator Sandwich and the Chicken Pita Pilot.
Before You Go
Before you set off to the National Naval Aviation Museum, there are a few important items to note.
Due to the connection with Naval Air Station Pensacola, security is tighter than your average museum. All visitors 16 years and old must have valid photo identification to enter the museum, and all bag are subject to search. Also, visitors who do not hold a Department of Defense ID card or are not escorted by a holder of such a card must enter AND exit through the West Gate off Blue Angels Parkway. Here you can find directions to the West Gate.
Lee Nissan FWB
After you check out the museum, check out the deals at Lee Nissan, located conveniently in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.