As the Cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola is proud to be home to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. The six F/A-18 Hornet pilots are some of the best among Navy and Marine Corps aviators, and the Pensacola Bay Area is lucky to have them close by.

Since their beginnings in 1946, the Blue Angels have called Pensacola home, hanging their coats at Naval Air Stations (NAS) Pensacola. The squadron participates in a total of 70 shows each touring season, which runs March through November. Two of these shows take place here in Pensacola; the first one is in July and their Homecoming Show is in November.

Can’t make it to one of the official Blue Angels shows? No problem! When visiting the Pensacola Bay Area, you have the unique opportunity to catch them from a local’s point of view.

On most Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., from March through November, the Blue Angels open their practices to the public at NAS Pensacola behind the National Naval Aviation Museum. There are 1,000 bleacher seats available, or you can bring your own lawn chair to enjoy the show. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Concessions are available on-site.

And how’s this for a local’s inside scoop? Wednesday morning practices are even more exciting, with visitors hanging around for the opportunity to meet Blue Angels pilots and get their autographs inside the museum. Both the practices and autographs are completely free, as is admission to the National Naval Aviation Museum, so shake hands, ask questions and explore!

Can’t make yourself leave the serenity of the beach to head to NAS Pensacola that early in the day? Venture down to Fort Pickens on the west end of Santa Rosa Island; find the north wall facing the Pensacola Lighthouse; and put your toes in the sand for a distant view of the Blue Angels practice. Though not as close up, they’re still likely to sneak up behind you at least once!

Be sure to add this unique opportunity to see the world-famous Blue Angels to your vacation calendar and come see why Pensacola is so proud to be their home! The tentative Blue Angels practice schedule is posted online, but be sure to check the museum’s website for any potential changes to the schedule.