National Naval Aviation Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
National Naval Aviation Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum
5
Military Museums
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Experience the magic of flight at the National Naval Aviation Museum! See over 4,000 artifacts and 150 aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Ride the flight simulators or catch all the drama and power of amazing IMAX films. Dine in the authentic Cubi Bar Cafe and take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from the Flight Deck Store. Spend a cool day inside the Museum and experience Hands-on-History! New Naval Air Station Entrance: All visitors to the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas and Pensacola Lighthouse who do not possess a Department of Defense identification card or are unescorted by the holder of a Department of Defense identification card, will be required to enter the installation via the West Gate located off Blue Angel Parkway.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Popular mentions
5.0
6,465 reviews
Excellent
5,968
Very good
427
Average
33
Poor
7
Terrible
30
Kitman
Oxnard, CA620 contributions
Restricted Access - July 2021
Jul 2021 • Solo
Simply put, what a great aviation museum! First, this place is located within the grounds of the naval air station. So you'll need to be either active duty military, retired military, or a DOD employee. Alternatively, you can get on the base under the escort of one of the preceding.
So they really pack a lot into the space they have. Currently, there are two large buildings with aircraft and aviation history all over the place. There are things from the very beginnings through the space age, friends and foe, and from the navy and beyond. It was raining the day I visited so I don't know if there is an outside display area, but inside, there are planes everywhere.
Entry is free and there are numerous volunteer workers that are more than happy to give you narrative on items throughout the museum. There are also various aviation movie showings throughout the day...for a small fee.
I only spent 3 hrs there on the day of my visit because it was closing time. If you like reading the notes & letters by displays like I do, you could easily spend a full day here. There's a small cafe inside as well as a nice gift shop. There are some simulator rides you can go on too...again, for a small fee.
If you can get onto the base, you can't go wrong with spending a day here.
So they really pack a lot into the space they have. Currently, there are two large buildings with aircraft and aviation history all over the place. There are things from the very beginnings through the space age, friends and foe, and from the navy and beyond. It was raining the day I visited so I don't know if there is an outside display area, but inside, there are planes everywhere.
Entry is free and there are numerous volunteer workers that are more than happy to give you narrative on items throughout the museum. There are also various aviation movie showings throughout the day...for a small fee.
I only spent 3 hrs there on the day of my visit because it was closing time. If you like reading the notes & letters by displays like I do, you could easily spend a full day here. There's a small cafe inside as well as a nice gift shop. There are some simulator rides you can go on too...again, for a small fee.
If you can get onto the base, you can't go wrong with spending a day here.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DWeso
Milwaukee, WI156 contributions
Limited Visitors
Jun 2021
Base access is still closed to Non Military / General Public. Which is too bad. I visited this museum about 7 years ago. It's a world class aviation museum.
Call this number before planning a visit.
I'm glad I did. 850-452-8450
Call this number before planning a visit.
I'm glad I did. 850-452-8450
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlie B
Opelika, AL79 contributions
Great trip
Sep 2020 • Couples
Was an amazing experience to see all of the planes and memorabilia. One of the best war/military museums I have ever been to
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melody B
Hartville, OH7 contributions
No Visiting for Civilians
Jun 2021
Please before you drive over an hour to get there, you cannot visit this museum or enter the base unless you have a valid Military ID. We were unaware of this. This was part of the reason we decided to visit the panhandle and we were pretty disappointed. The person at the gate said this has been in place since 2019.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spray344744
2 contributions
The Museum at the military base was delightful, would love to go back. Looking forward to going back some day.
Jun 2021
We loved this place. Great experience there. We drove around the grounds after the tour on the history in the museum and enjoyed talking with the people that we met there.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sadiebarnone
Waxahachie, Texas5 contributions
Interesting
Jun 2021
A must see when visiting Pensacola. It is full of actual aircraft. The tour guides are very informative.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travler70
Novato, CA96 contributions
Amazing experience
Jun 2021
Went with son in law who flew F-14s. Place is so full of aviation history you need a day here. So many planes, photos, displays and don’t miss the 25 min movie “aircraft carrier” incredibly fascinating. Having your own tour guide who was stationed here made it easier. This place is not to be missed.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lickcreek
Stevensville, MD415 contributions
Great experience
May 2021 • Family
We made a day trip to go to the museum. It was my sons 3rd trip and second for his wife and children. It is a great way to learn about the Navy/Marine/Coast Guards role in protecting our country throughout history. It was disappointing that the simulators were not operational but we found a lot to see. We missed the Blue Angels practice the day before but we will see them this week in Annapolis.
We enjoyed the small number of visitors and hope that soon the general public will be allowed back in.
We enjoyed the small number of visitors and hope that soon the general public will be allowed back in.
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marilyn R
3 contributions
Always A Thrill
May 2021 • Couples
Awesome as usual. We visited twice to watch the Blue Angels practice. SUPER !!! And free. Had lunch in the cafe. Great chilli dog. Gift shop is full of wonderful things. THIS IS DEFINATE DONT MISS.
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
48barb2015
Northfield, NJ40 contributions
Lack of information
May 2021 • Couples
We were looking forward to visiting the naval museum. The tours or naval website does not tell you that you need a military ID to get to the museum or submit paperwork days ahead with a tour to access the museum. Very poor information to visitors. Unable to see lighthouse either as it is on the base. Better info needed. GO Retro had poor information as well as Viator. No info on ft Pickens closed by ferry due to broken dock. Very disappointing!
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Relax42787792215
Duluth, MN
According to the Naval Aviation Museum site, you have to have a DoD ID in order to enter the NAS and therefore the museum. If this is something new, the Tripadvisor website should be updated.
Kitman
Oxnard, CA620 contributions
I visited early July 2021. The DOD ID requirement was in p!ace at that time.
John W
3 contributions
Can you now get entrance to the museum and grounds with just driver's license? I had heard it was closed to non military because of Fbi investigation. We have planned our whole trip to Florida on this museum.
Bob Friedlieb
Mobile, AL486 contributions
All visitors to the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas or the Pensacola Lighthouse, who do not possess a Department of Defense identification card or are not escorted by the holder of a Department of Defense identification card will be required to enter AND exit Naval Air Station Pensacola through the West Gate off Blue Angel Parkway (1878 S Blue Angel Pkwy).
Visitors to NAS Pensacola who are not in possession of an approved government issued credential or state driver’s license compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005 must present an additional form of ID. State driver’s licenses from Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington and identification cards from American Samoa are non-compliant with the Real ID Act. Additional information and guidance regarding NAS Pensacola access can be found at the NAS Pensacola website or by contacting the Visitor’s Control Center at (850) 452-4153.
jameshatcher7
Hendersonville, TN
Do I need reservations and will it be crowded Saturday this time of year
Deb-NY-FL
Viera, FL765 contributions
You do not need reservations and I don’t think you will have crowds.
Mreaji
2 contributions
Can a school id be used as id for a 17 year old to get in? He doesn't have his drivers license or a passport
Sperkins63
Pensacola, FL39 contributions
No ID is required for kids under 18.
agnes s
Cork, Ireland51 contributions
Can anybody suggest some good accommodation near the Museum - and is downtown Pensacola more suitable than Pensacola beach area
slw2222
Tennessee20 contributions
We stayed at Pensacola Beach at the Best Western, it was very reasonably priced for a gulf front motel (I have a review on that motel if you’d like to check). I don’t know anything about the Pensacola other than the beach area, getting to the museum didn’t take us past any hotels that I remember. So sorry!
Hi, Is there a shuttle from the West Gate to the Museum,? or we have to walk 2.8 miles.?
Ray R
10 contributions
You can drive directly to the museum and park there.
Ken Williams
Hopewell, NJ
I have my grandfather's leather flight cap from when he flew blimps in wwI. You already have his flight suit on display,and want to know if you want to add it to the display?
Martijn D
Friesland Province, The Netherlands127 contributions
I’m just a visitor to the museum. Please contact the museum and ask the same Question. Website online on internet.
Katie C
Broken Arrow, OK16 contributions
Is there any way to find out if the Blue Angels will be practicing while we are in town? Oct 16th thru the 19th.
FILIDORO1997
Madison, OH243 contributions
You can ask at the desk at the Naval Aviation Museum, sometimes after practice the pilots will come there for a meet and greet.
nguyent882
Hanoi, Vietnam
If I arrive PNS with the night flight (touch-down around 11pm), where should I stay to be able to show up at the gate when it opens for visitors next morning?
Just to catch some sleep.
May lay right in the airport somewhat safely?
Do they allow a carry-on luggage (kind accepted by airlines) into visitor area?
If not, what’re the options (safekeeping somewhere until complete the museum tour...)?
Thanks!
granna08
Lochbuie117 contributions
Google hotels near Pensacola NAS. As there are a lot of them in different price ranges, and all are very close to NAS. 4.2 miles to 6 miles away from the NAS. Do not bring carry on luggage, lock it in the trunk of your car, or leave it at the hotel front desk manager can usually keep your luggage behind the front desk in a back office, after you check out, if you aren't ready to leave the town yet, but have checked out of your room. Security check points at different locations at NAS. If you are civilian, you must enter at back gate. No exceptions. You don't want to bring any more than you absolutely have to, there is a lot of walking and stairs, but there are elevators as well. Enjoy your time there. We had a great time when we took our 10 year old granddaughter a few months back.
Dadtaylor
Pensacola, FL
What is the cost of renewing my membership
xperiencedcanuck
Atlanta, GA84 contributions
Admission is free?
