National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum at the Pensacola Naval Air Station is one of the largest air and space museums in the world and is free to enter. The collection spans the entire history of US naval aviation from the earliest biplanes to modern carrier aircraft — over 150 restored aircraft displayed across several hangars and the outdoor apron.

Highlights include a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, authentic Blue Angels aircraft from various eras, and space capsules associated with astronauts who were naval aviators. The museum is well-presented and informative even for visitors with no particular interest in military history. Getting onto the Naval Air Station requires a valid photo ID (foreign nationals may face additional paperwork); check the NAS Pensacola website before visiting.

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The Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration team, have been based at Pensacola since 1946 and practice at the Naval Air Station every Tuesday and Wednesday morning when not on the road tour. The museum's IMAX theatre shows films about naval aviation, but the real spectacle is stepping outside on a practice morning and watching the team run through its formations 200 feet overhead. No ticket required — you can see the practice from the National Naval Aviation Museum grounds.