Fly High: A Guide to Pensacola for the Airplane Enthusiast

Parents can be heroes for their plane-loving kids with a trip to Pensacola, Florida, home of the elite flight demonstration squad the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Located just 5 hours from Atlanta, Pensacola is a great place for an aviation-friendly summer vacation.

From attending a less-crowded practice day to exploring one of the largest aviation museums in the world to indulging in a Blue Angels-inspired treat, there are a number of ways to keep the aviation enthusiasts in the family entertained.

Blue Angels Air Shows

Families hoping to experience the magic of the Blue Angels can plan a trip around one of the practice days, with options from April through October. The full 2025 practice schedule can be found here, with dates throughout the year. Those marked with an asterisk indicate an autograph signing day with the Blues at the National Naval Aviation Museum immediately following.

Practices can be seen from the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Pickens, aboard boat cruises and across various points throughout downtown. For those willing to brave the crowds, the July and November homecoming air shows are showstopping events sure to make a lasting memory.

Read More: 27+ Can’t-Miss Things To Do in Pensacola for Family Fun

Naval Aviation History

Located on Pensacola Naval Air Station, the impressive National Naval Aviation Museum houses more than 4,000 artifacts and 150 restored aircraft, representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Families can walk beneath retired Blue Angel aircraft, master the flight simulator and experience cutting-edge aviation films in the giant screen theater.

Food & Beverage

In a display of Pensacola pride and creativity, local establishments have menu items honoring the legacy of the Blue Angels.

• The Grand Marlin’s Blue Angel Chips are a perfect appetizer for sharing, featuring homemade chips smothered in Statesboro blue cheese sauce.

• Khon’s on Palafox offers a Blue Angel sushi roll, filled with lump crab, cucumber, green onion, yellowtail, avocado, crab salad and jalapeño.

• Parents can unwind with a stop at Bamboo Willie’s for a Blue Angel, a frozen drink made with blue raspberry and vodka.