I am stuck for words when it comes to an intro for this post because the coolness factor speaks for itself. So today we will just get straight into it. Here’s a complete step by step guide with everything you need to know about how to watch the Blue Angels Practice in Pensacola, Florida. Check out my YouTube video for a video tour of the experience too. With all this you should be prepared to make the most of your day trip and if you have any questions just let me know.
Step By Step Guide On How To Watch The Blue Angels Practice
Disclaimer
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FAQ on watching the Blue Angels practice
Where is it located?
Pensacola about an hour and a half from Destin.
How much does it cost?
Free to park, watch the practice, and enter the museum.
(Optional) $4 to rent a chair.
Is it kid friendly?
Yes. Of course you know your kids better than I do though, so use this guide and your best judgment for what is best for them.
What facilities are available?
The museum has restrooms, a cafe, gift shop, and some refreshments are sold at the practice.
What should you bring with you?
You really don’t need to bring much with you but here are some optional things and everything is explained in the post.
- A fold up chair – if you don’t want to rent one, sit in the bleachers or stand
- Hearing protection might be helpful for kids or if you have sensitive hearing
- Weather appropriate clothing and sun protection – you’ll be outside to watch the practice
- Sunglasses
- Camera – this is a good lens for close ups (I used it) and this is a travel camera I recommend
How to watch the Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum
The best place to watch the Blue Angels practice is at the National Naval Aviation Museum on NAS Pensacola.
To get there, use ‘National Naval Aviation Museum‘ in Google Maps and it will take you directly there. Once you get through the gate there are also signs pointing the way to the museum and you won’t miss it once you get close.
Here are the coordinates to double check: 30°20’55.9″N 87°18’13.5″W
There is a large parking lot outside the museum and parking is free.
When you arrive, just follow the crowd around the back of the museum. You’ll walk past a bunch of planes on display and will be able to watch the practice from the edge of the flight line.
Where to watch the Blue Angels practice if you don’t have military ID
If you don’t have a DOD ID, you can still watch the Blue Angels practice.
Here are two nearby locations that will give you a good vantage point:
- Fort Pickens – 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach
- Target parking lot – 2950 S Blue Angel Pkwy, Pensacola
For Fort Pickens, you will want to arrive an hour before the practice and save time by purchasing your entrance ticket online here.
I’ve linked a Facebook page at the end of this post which shares a lot of helpful information and current updates on practices. I found it super helpful when I was planning my trip.
One of the most helpful things was the status update the morning of the practice because it would suck to drive all the way out there only to find out it had been cancelled.
How to find the Blue Angels practice schedule
First things first, you’ll want to know when to go.
You can find the current schedule for practice sessions on the Blue Angels website or the National Naval Aviation Museum website.
Both of these websites are linked at the end of this post.
If you can’t get enough of them, you can also see them at big events like the Pensacola Beach Air Show in July and Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show in November.
What time to arrive
I recommend planning to arrive at the museum at least 30 minutes before the sessions begins.
This allows for any delays at the front gate and enough time to leisurely walk around to the flight line and find a spot.
Do you sit or stand at the National Naval Aviation Museum flight line
When you watch the Blue Angels practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum you have a few options for seating.
You can either:
- Rent a chair for $4 and sit by the edge of the flight line
- Sit on the bleachers (free – first come, first served)
- Stand
- Bring your own chair and sit by the flight line
The jets fly by from all angles, so wherever you sit you should get a good look at them.
What to expect at a Blue Angels practice session
Now here’s where we get to the cool stuff.
The practice itself lasts about 55 minutes and goes by really quickly.
There is an announcer on the microphone that will prepare you for the session, tell you which way to look, and explain the different maneuvers when they are performed.
If you miss the announcements, there are also people lining the flight line who pointed out which way to look before the Angels flew by.
Once they take off it’s on like Donkey Kong and they will be whizzing by you for the whole practice.
It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s just plain cool.
‘Danger Zone’ by Kenny Loggins will play in your head as they show off all sorts of picture perfect formations, maneuvers like playing chicken in the air, and lots of fast paced action that will make you go ‘wow!’
For pictures, you’ll probably be able to get some cool photos and videos on your phone. I used this lens which is the one I like to travel with for things like wildlife safaris. It’s small enough that it’s easy to travel with but still has a decent zoom for these kinds of adventures. Pair it with the Sony Alpha a6000 as the camera body and you’ve got a decent, yet pretty compact travel camera.
How to meet the Blue Angels
As if the day couldn’t get any cooler, you can actually meet the Blue Angels.
The museum hosts an autograph signing and meet and greet with the Blue Angels after some practice sessions.
This doesn’t happen after every single practice session. Check their schedule for the year on the Blue Angels or the museum website. It is noted on the schedule which sessions have the autograph signings.
For this, just follow the crowd into the museum after the practice. Look for the Blue Angels jets hanging from the ceiling (or just follow the crowd) and get a spot in line to meet them.
If you don’t have anything you want them to sign, you can get a free picture from the roaming staff near the meet and greet area.
The line moves pretty fast and they really do try to meet as many people as possible, so it’s just a quick signing and there wasn’t much chance to ask questions or anything. Or perhaps it was just a busy day the day I was there. Still it’s a really cool addition to the day trip and great opportunity to be able to meet them.
The National Naval Aviation Museum
You can turn this into a fun day trip by staying to explore the museum.
By the time you finish with the autograph signing you’ll probably be hungry. Sit down for a snack at the Cubi Bar Cafe inside the museum or pack a lunch and eat on the picnic tables outside.
The Cubi Bar Cafe is decorated as a replica of the Cubi Point Officers Club and has plenty of affordable snack options. There might be a little wait for a table on practice days but you can always look at the planes while you wait.
The museum itself is well worth visiting and you can easily spend the rest of the day exploring the exhibits.
I recommend adding on a ride in the Max Flight Simulator which costs $20 per ride. In this you can become a virtual pilot yourself and even go completely upside down in your own maneuvers. I went a bit crazy with high speed tricks, crashed my jet in the first 30 seconds and lived to tell the tale!
Other than that you can see a huge range of aircraft, explore exhibits from different time periods (I really liked the WWI and WWII sections), and also learn about the first transatlantic flight.
Wear comfortable walking shoes because it’s a big museum and you’ll definitely get your steps in while exploring it all.
For more information
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Please, send Infor where we can park & see the blue Angles in Pensacola not on the base itself, In May, 2023.
There are two addresses listed in the post for locations outside the base. Hope it helps!
Any clue if there’s a spot near Fort Mcree?
I only know of the spots mentioned in the post, sorry!
so, You can’t actual watch practice and go to the mecum if you don’t have a DoD clearance?
Correct. You can see them fly at the other locations mentioned in the post if you don’t have DOD ID though.
What dates do you practice inPensacola, Florida.? Hopefully it’s in March were some of friends of ours can see y’all.
I believe they have a couple of practice days at the end of March – just check the Naval Aviation Museum website for the schedule. Hopefully you can see them!
Do you think Ft. Pickens has a good place to view practice?
Yes, that’s one of the alternative viewing points I mentioned in the post.
I’m trying to come to the air show in July. Any recommendations for hotels on the beach that aren’t crazy expensive? Want to come for a good week! I’d be so excited!!