National Naval Aviation Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum
4.9
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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! The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Navy require visitors 18 and older to show a single government-issued identification card. State-issued driving licenses and passports are acceptable. Public access to NAS Pensacola will be available from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on the south end of Blue Angel Parkway. Additionally, vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license, and foreign nationals will need to be escorted by a U.S. citizen. Visit our website for more information.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.9
6,581 reviews
Excellent
6,049
Very good
431
Average
34
Poor
8
Terrible
59
Jerri L
Johnston, IA5,156 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This was a perfect rainy day activity during the off season for us. The museum is free and has so many indoor wartime, historical aviation and naval displays across two buildings. We spent most of a day walking around and taking in the information but there is more than can really be covered in one visit. You can take guided tours or do a self guided which we chose. For a fee there are movies and simulator experiences as well. Tickets can be purchased online otherwise most credit cards are accepted (they are cashless). And during the season on scheduled days, the Blue Angels practices can be watched with one day specified for a meet and greet. Check the website for these dates - we were there during off season and were unable to enjoy a practice but have been told it is well worth your time. There is a gift shop onsite and also a cafe (duplicate of an actual Officers Club).
Written 14 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rex A S
139 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We visited the National Naval Aviation Museum on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. It was part of our long, late August to early October 2024, driving vacation from SoCal to Florida and back. We spent about five hours in the museum and took 682 photos. I will say this is a child friendly museum because maybe the children will look at all the aircraft and go “Wow!! That is BIG! That is COOL!!”
The admission and parking is free, donations are accepted as I recall. However, it is on the secure Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, so make sure you are going to have access to the facility by viewing the museum’s homepage.
The museum and I have an emotional connection – I am a retired Naval Aviator and several types of aircraft I have flown during my career are on display. Much to my surprise, I was walking around the museum and someone called out “Rex, come here.” I turned and watched a tyke walk over to the young lady who called out. I met, maybe, the fifth other Rex in my life and he was maybe five years old.
Tons of aircraft on display, two plaques with my name on them in the recreation of the Cubi O’Club bar, numerous pictorial & artifact displays of Naval Aviation history which really enhance the presentations. I do not recall us eating anything at the museum. The line for the Cubi O’Club eating was long so we bypassed that opportunity.
This museum, as many will, requires a lot of walking and reading. The signage is very good and positioned for easy viewing by adults. The aisles are wide and clear so strollers and wheelchairs are not an issue.
I highly recommend buying the Museum Guide book to complete your visit. The gift shop is well equipped for numerous levels of support and memorabilia.
Thanks,
Rex
The admission and parking is free, donations are accepted as I recall. However, it is on the secure Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, so make sure you are going to have access to the facility by viewing the museum’s homepage.
The museum and I have an emotional connection – I am a retired Naval Aviator and several types of aircraft I have flown during my career are on display. Much to my surprise, I was walking around the museum and someone called out “Rex, come here.” I turned and watched a tyke walk over to the young lady who called out. I met, maybe, the fifth other Rex in my life and he was maybe five years old.
Tons of aircraft on display, two plaques with my name on them in the recreation of the Cubi O’Club bar, numerous pictorial & artifact displays of Naval Aviation history which really enhance the presentations. I do not recall us eating anything at the museum. The line for the Cubi O’Club eating was long so we bypassed that opportunity.
This museum, as many will, requires a lot of walking and reading. The signage is very good and positioned for easy viewing by adults. The aisles are wide and clear so strollers and wheelchairs are not an issue.
I highly recommend buying the Museum Guide book to complete your visit. The gift shop is well equipped for numerous levels of support and memorabilia.
Thanks,
Rex
Written 28 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiniGirl1
Quincy, IL157 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We didn't know what to expect and we were blown away. Great, informative museum.
Entrance and parking are free. There is a fee for IMAX shows or simulators.
There are free, volunteer-led tours at specific times.
When we arrived, we went to the IMAX movie "Magic of Flight", which is narrated by Tom Selleck. Great way to start the day. Please note that there are multiple IMAX movies offered, so you'll want to verify, in advance, the start times of the movie that you wish to attend.
Explore both the main museum and Hangar One, which houses just as many aircraft as the main building.
Logistics: you enter at the West Entrance of the base. Anyone 18 or older must present a government-issued ID (driver's license works) at the gate. The museum is cash-less, so bring your credit card. We spent a total of 3 hrs. at the museum.
Entrance and parking are free. There is a fee for IMAX shows or simulators.
There are free, volunteer-led tours at specific times.
When we arrived, we went to the IMAX movie "Magic of Flight", which is narrated by Tom Selleck. Great way to start the day. Please note that there are multiple IMAX movies offered, so you'll want to verify, in advance, the start times of the movie that you wish to attend.
Explore both the main museum and Hangar One, which houses just as many aircraft as the main building.
Logistics: you enter at the West Entrance of the base. Anyone 18 or older must present a government-issued ID (driver's license works) at the gate. The museum is cash-less, so bring your credit card. We spent a total of 3 hrs. at the museum.
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hannah_mck
Charleston, MO60 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
So very impressed. Went with family, who are huge history buffs. I don’t consider myself “into” history and still had a great time. There is so much to read, look at and do. Everything is on your time which is great, so you never feel rushed. Guided tours were offered for free as well. We did take the time to do the Blue Angels simulator and thought that was well worth the $9 ticket. This place is HUGE so even if it’s busy, you can still enjoy yourself. We accidentally got lost on base and the guard at the checkpoint was so friendly and understanding. He took a moment to give us the correct directions vs what my GPS gave me. Make sure to read up on the rules and regulations of entering the base prior to arriving.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nichola M
Florence, TX152 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
This visit far exceeded our expectations. The entrance into the museum is free. Donations are accepted at the entrance. Bags are all checked upon entering. Restrooms are easy to find. We planned on being here for 2 hours and ended up spending 4 hours. If we had more time, we could have spent another 4 hours there. They had a flight simulator there, which looked super fun, but it was $10.00 a minute. Two people can ride in the simulator we were interested in. $40.00 for 4 minutes for 2 people.
Veterans do the tours in the museums and do a wonderful job. I don't know how they fit so many planes in the hangars, but it's well done and impressive. We will return one day.
Veterans do the tours in the museums and do a wonderful job. I don't know how they fit so many planes in the hangars, but it's well done and impressive. We will return one day.
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwdonten
Englewood, FL347 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
What an amazing museum that highlights the rich history of naval aviation! A large collection of aircraft spanning decades of aviation spread amongst a large museum so prepare to spend some time. Make sure to follow directions on website for base access, you can not access through the main gate and GPS will try to take you through main gate.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy W
Greenfield, IN295 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Amazing museum. The history presented with the life sized dioramas throughout is fantastic. The number of classic aircraft hanging and on the floor is a flashback to a time where the country was unified in a cause to fight for our country and the way of life we enjoy today.
I highly recommend spending an entire day here. The movies and flight simulators are so much fun. There’s food and drinks available as well as a very nice gift shop.
I highly recommend spending an entire day here. The movies and flight simulators are so much fun. There’s food and drinks available as well as a very nice gift shop.
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robin r
Nowhere illinois150 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Make sure you type in correct wording listed in this review for the correct GPS location. We just typed in national naval museum and it took us to the wrong gate. I assumed it would take you to the correct West Gate.
Wasted 30 mins between waiting in the line at the wrong gate + driving 12 mins around to the correct west gate side. Make sure GPS says NAS Pensacola West Gate. Do Not type or select the suggestion of National Naval aviation museum directions. Needs to say NAS Pensacola West Gate only.
Have ID ready. They might search around vehicle or even background check you for entry.
A lot of interesting aircraft to see and aircraft carrier info. They have captured WWII German and Japanese planes. I wasn’t expecting that, my grandpa served in the South Pacific.
Wasted 30 mins between waiting in the line at the wrong gate + driving 12 mins around to the correct west gate side. Make sure GPS says NAS Pensacola West Gate. Do Not type or select the suggestion of National Naval aviation museum directions. Needs to say NAS Pensacola West Gate only.
Have ID ready. They might search around vehicle or even background check you for entry.
A lot of interesting aircraft to see and aircraft carrier info. They have captured WWII German and Japanese planes. I wasn’t expecting that, my grandpa served in the South Pacific.
Written 28 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy A
309 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
The museum is wonderful, but be forewarned - Google maps took me to the wrong gate to get in. You must enter the base through the west gate. When leaving, do not necessarily follow GPS instructions - you have to exit the same way you entered.
Remember you are on a military base and must follow their rules.
Remember you are on a military base and must follow their rules.
Written 15 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate Illinois1
Illinois5,249 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Public access through the West Gate only on the south end of Blue Angel Parkway. Admission free. We suggest partaking in a guided tour offered. I wish I had allowed addition time to watch one the films available for a fee. We did do the Blue Angel simulation which was okay.
Written 26 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can somebody provide an advice how I as a dutch citizen can visit the museum? I do not have family or friends that can act as an escort. Does that mean that access for foreigners is completely impossible? Thanks Theo (Netherlands)
Written 23 January 2024
I am not 100% sure about foreigners, but the Naval Base has two sets of gates. The gates on the west side of the installation allows visitors without DOD ID to visit the museum/national seashore site, and lighthouse. In order to continue past those attractions, at the second set of gates, you would need to have a DOD ID. From what I understand, this policy was suspended for the last few years, but is once again available for visitors.
Written 24 February 2024
With the new entrance requirements for the museum, as a person visiting from Canada, it says you need to be accompanied by someone with DoD clearance. Are there local operators with the necessary clearance that will escort you onto the base for a fee, kinda like a tourguide? I would think there must be some local entrepreneurs helping out foreign visitors by now, I really want to go there!!
Written 10 August 2023
I do not know the definitive answer to the question. It is a great museum and if you are already in the area, it is worth a try. They check your documents at the perimeter entrance gate. I would give them a call and see if you can meet the requirements. Good luck.
Written 9 September 2023
Relax42787792215
Duluth, Minnesota
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.
Written 17 March 2021
I visited early July 2021. The DOD ID requirement was in p!ace at that time.
Written 15 July 2021
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.
Written 11 January 2020
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.
Written 10 February 2020
jameshatcher7
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Do I need reservations and will it be crowded Saturday this time of year
Written 22 November 2019
You do not need reservations and I don’t think you will have crowds.
Written 28 November 2019
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
Written 11 November 2019
No ID is required for kids under 18.
Written 16 November 2019
Can anybody suggest some good accommodation near the Museum - and is downtown Pensacola more suitable than Pensacola beach area
Written 16 October 2019
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!
Written 16 October 2019
Hi, Is there a shuttle from the West Gate to the Museum,? or we have to walk 2.8 miles.?
Written 8 October 2019
Ken Williams
Hopewell, New Jersey
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?
Written 6 October 2019
I’m just a visitor to the museum. Please contact the museum and ask the same Question. Website online on internet.
Written 7 October 2019
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