Itinerary: Military Trip Weekend

Looking to come to Pensacola and celebrate the rich military history we have in the area? Luckily for you, we've rounded up some hotspots where you can experience this here in Pensacola!

Day 1: NAS Pensacola & The Blue Angels

Naval Air Station Pensacola is a hub for military history in our area. With several attractions, things to do and see, AND being home to our US Navy Blue Angels, stopping in on your military trip is an absolute must do.

On your NAS Pensacola day, be sure to enter through the west gate! Click here for a map. Click here for the official rules for entry upon NAS Pensacola.

Start by checking out the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Brave enough to climb 177 steps to the top? You won't regret it after you see the scenic views of Pensacola Pass, historic forts, and the historic Navy Yard - and feel the breeze of course.

Built in 1869, the Pensacola Lighthouse was added on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Pensacola is home to the US Navy Blue Angel Flight Demonstration team. On select dates throughout March - October, the Blues will take the skies above NAS for practice sessions. Depending on when you're in town, you might be able to catch a practice session, (dates subject to change due to weather). Be sure and check out the full practice schedule to see if you might catch the Blues!

In addition to the practices, The Blue Angels do two Pensacola Airshows during the year. In July, the Pensacola Beach Airshow takes place, and in November, the Homecoming Air Show occurs above NAS. Click here for more information about these airshows.

After your morning adventure, it's time to head to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Grab some lunch at the Cubi Bar Cafe while you're there. The National Naval Aviation Museum is home to over 150 beautifully restored aircraft. Jump on the flight simulator while you're there to experience a thrill. Kick back and watch the Giant Screen Digital Theater before you go!

There are a few other attractions located on NAS Pensacola. Fort Barrancas is fun to explore and immerse yourself in hist. It was built back in 1844 and overlooks the entrance to Pensacola Pass.

Looking to spend your NAS day golfing? Check out the AC Read Golf Course. Also located at NAS Pensacola is Barrancas National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 36,000 military veterans, including several Medal of Honor recipients.

To visit Barrancas National Cemetery or A.C. Read Golf Course, you can gain access by coming through the main access gate and filling out a background check form at the Visitor Control Center for a day pass. Call 850-452-4153 for more information.

Day 2: Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Pensacola is our next stop on our Military Weekend! Start the day off by grabbing breakfast or brunch in Downtown Pensacola. Next up, head over to Veteran's Memorial Park. This is a very nice park located right along Bayfront Parkway, with pretty views of Pensacola Bay and winding sidewalks. Here, there is a permanent monument honoring the men and women that served and died in Vietnam. It's a lovely place where visitors and locals can both come and honor those who died serving our country in a healing way. 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola.

After you've gotten in some time outside in Veterans Memorial Park, it's time to head over to the Pensacola Museum of History. This museum is located right in the heart of Downtown Pensacola, along Jefferson and Zarragossa Street.

Housed in the Pensacola Museum of History is the Trader Jon's exhibit. Trader Jon's served as a refuge where young flight students, military personnel, astronauts, and movie stars mixed with local politicians, eccentric personalities, and the occasional mischief-maker.

Day 3: Gulf Islands National Seashore

Pensacola Beach is home to Fort Pickens - Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is a must do when in Pensacola! You can easily spend the day here, as there are a variety of activities for the whole family.

There are plenty of areas to walk and a good biking trail if you're looking to get active. Camping on Fort Pickens is also a very popular activity! Gulf Islands National Seashore is the 5th most popular park in the US for camping, so be sure to book well in advance if you plan on doing that.

Visiting the fort itself and exploring the tunnels is quite an adventure. All along the historic fort are signs that tell stories of the past, and exactly how certain cannons and batteries were utilized during that time. It's quite interesting to explore - Fort Pickens was one of four military forts designed to protect Pensacola back in the 1800s. Fort Pickens is accessible by foot and boat. Spend the morning enjoying the beautiful white sand beaches and then explore the fort in the afternoon!

Want to spend your time in Perdido Key? Also part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is Johnson Beach in Perdido Key. Johnson Beach gets its name after Rosamond Johnson, a Pensacola native who was the first soldier from Escambia County, Florida, to die in the Korean War. It's the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor beauty. With several new boardwalks, a kayak launch, pavilions at the main parking lot, and even a bike/pedestrian path, it's the best spot!

There you have it - the perfect laid back military trip weekend in Pensacola. Now, if you want to shift around any of your activities and do them on different days, feel free! Do whatever works best for your own personal itinerary. Want to create a custom one for your trip? Click here and create your own list. Happy exploring!