National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola

4.9

Must see · Military Museum · Museum

Create an itinerary including National Naval Aviation Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history of naval aviation, National Naval Aviation Museum displays more than 4,000 artifacts and 150 aircraft and spacecraft. In addition to the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic, the museum's collection includes other historical helicopters, biplanes, fighter planes, gliders, and space capsules. The museum also operates a flight academy, a six-day program meant to teach the youngest of aviation enthusiasts about the importance of science and math in aerospace careers. Pilot wannabes of all ages can ride the museum's flight simulators or watch IMAX films at the on-site theater. The museum gift shop sells aviation books, toys, caps, flags, patches, and posters. Using our international travel planner, Pensacola attractions like National Naval Aviation Museum can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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National Naval Aviation Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

6,481 reviews

Google

4.8

By TravelingBum52

You must have access to the base to enter this museum. It is very nice. Has lots of different airplanes and other information from different wars.there is 2 buildings.

You must have access to the base to enter this museum. It is very nice. Has lots of different airplanes and other information from different wars.there is 2 buildings. more »
By treadware2

What they tell you on thier website is a flat out lie. I came with a valid VA ID card and the driver liscense they require. The desk hardly even looked at the cards and told us we were not allowed...

What they tell you on thier website is a flat out lie. I came with a valid VA ID card and the driver liscense they require. The desk hardly even looked at the cards and told us we were not allowed... more »
By Ginny Z

The average citizen is NOT allowed to enter the naval base and, therefore, cannot visit the museum. The only way to visit is to enter as a visitor of a veteran or serviceman. The lighthouse and Fort.... more

The average citizen is NOT allowed to enter the naval base and, therefore, cannot visit the museum. The only way to visit is to enter as a visitor of a veteran or serviceman. The lighthouse and Fort.... more »

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By Derek Nicdao

Just so beautiful and inspirational. Amazingly detailed both up and downstairs. Incredibly knowledgeable staff of prior and current service. It’s like walking through 3D, live-motion Naval history research. So unbelievably modernized for a museum. No wait whatsoever. Not crowded. Free. Sharp images on screens, clean both in and outside (including restrooms), and just overall an amazing experience.

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By Rita Clark

Yes a definite WOW! We are a military family and looked forward to our visit and it went way above and beyond our expectations. Be prepared to spend the day! The kids loved loved loved it! The cafe is available, the movie theater, and also the gift store. The store had a great variety of items - shirts, hats, toys, gift items, and novelty items. The displays were amazing. Do note some features have a cost but the entry was free with a donation option at the Blue Angels. We watched the “Blue Angels” and then then the pilots came for an Autograph session at the Museum. It was a fabulous day. We will definitely be back.

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By Aliceson Lueckemeyer

Wow!!! We came on the day it was open to the public this past weekend and WOW! What a gem! We spent the entire day there (with 3 young kids) and could have stayed longer. The leveled scavenger hunts for the kids were a super nice touch and impressed this teacher! Please consider opening back up to the public more often. We loved it!!

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By Mike “Harristotle” H

I'm a huge fan of naval aviation so 2 days in the car to visit this museum was perfectly fine with me. Unlike a number of aviation museums, this one allows you to get right up to the aircraft. As an avid model builder, the opportunity to crawl under some of these aircraft or stick your head up inside the wheel wells was amazing. There are many unique and historically significant pieces here as well as incredible models and artifact displays. While multiple Tomcats were awesome to see, the highlight for me was the opportunity to place my hand on the only surviving aircraft from Midway. It was a very moving experience for this naval aviation fan.

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By Michael Brady

Absolutely my favorite museum! I'm biased, I'm a Naval Aviator, but it is a great place to experience our Naval Aviation history and gain a better appreciation for our success. My daughter loved it and gave me the biggest compliment a Dad could get: we didn't need a tour guide, I was better! Love it!

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