There are tons of fun things to do in the Sunshine State, but not many are as fascinating, fun, and educational as the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Not only that, but admission to this amazing museum is free! Not just one day or night a week, but all the time. (Donations are welcome, and there are extra charges for some of the optional activities, but they certainly won't break the bank.) Read on to find out why visiting this museum is one of the coolest (and cheapest) things you can do in the Sunshine State:
The National Naval Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying a wide range of memorabilia that shows the history and development of U.S. Naval Aviation, including Coast Guard and Marine Corps aviation in addition to that of the U.S. Navy.
You will be taken aback by how large the museum is, with 300,000 square feet inside and 37 acres outside used for exhibit space. The museum's collection includes more than 150 incredibly restored historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft and spacecraft.
In addition to the memorabilia and aircraft on display, the museum features free guided tours, a 325-seat IMAX theater with a seven-story-tall screen, flight simulators, a museum store, and an on-site cafe.
Even the museum's cafe is an exhibit. The Cubi Bar Café was designed to look like the famous Cubi Point Officers' Club, including the display of thousands of authentic plaques that once adorned its walls.
The museum is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Another exciting thing about the museum is its proximity to NAS Pensacola, making it the perfect spot to watch the famous Blue Angels practice their spectacular aerial performances. Practices are free and open to the public on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Central Time, from March to November, weather permitting. Here's a video of one of the Blue Angels' performances that will give you an idea of what to expect:
Have you ever visited the National Naval Aviation Museum? What's your favorite free or cheap thing to do in the Sunshine State?
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