Things to Do in Pensacola & The Gulf Islands National Seashore

Visiting the Florida Panhandle? There are some amazing things to do in Pensacola and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Sometimes, the most amazing museums and attractions are in places you’d never expect.

Like the Florida Panhandle.

This was true for us when we first went to Pensacola, Florida, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Now, it’s one of our favorite stops along our recommended 7 Day Adventure of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Fun Things to Do in Pensacola & Gulf Islands National Seashore

Whether you’re the museum type, adrenaline junkie, or relax-on-the-beach type, there’s something for everyone in Pensacola and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Let’s look at our favorite experiences:

National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is ranked one of the top 25 museums in the world and in the top 12 in the U.S.

More than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation are on display.  The museum has nearly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 27-acre grounds.

Exhibits even include fighter World War II airplanes from Japan and the very first jet fighter ever flown – an amazing machine built by the Nazis and captured by the U.S. so as to be reverse-engineered.

The National Naval Aviation Museum’s exhibits provide a close-up look at the people and events that shaped our history. You can peruse displays from vintage uniforms and historical documents displayed in brilliant mahogany display cases to dioramas that transport visitors to the World War I Western Front.  The exhibits seek to capture the human element of the enduring history of Naval air power.

BUT PLEASE NOTE – this is currently the situation there for visits from the Public:

• The National Naval Aviation Museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to current Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders. Access to NAS Pensacola is limited to Department of Defense (DoD) ID card holders (active duty service members, retirees, and their families). For Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) holders please visit cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Pensacola/  for base access information. DoD ID card holders can escort guests, but must remain with them at all times.
• We have established a special visitor information line at 850-452-8450 for answers to your questions about visiting the museum. Plan your visit today!

Museum Details

The museum is on two levels. A separate building called Hangar Bay One has more displays.

The main museum has flight simulators, an interactive display that puts you on the aircraft carrier’s flight deck. It also has a huge IMAX movie theater.

The museum is located on the sprawling grounds of Naval Air Station Pensacola. It serves as the launching point for the flight training of every Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer (NFO), and enlisted aircrewman. In addition, approximately 23,000 aviation personnel in aeronautical technical phases of naval operations are trained here.

See the Blue Angels!

If you go, try and arrange your visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday. That’s because the world-famous Blue Angels are based at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, with aviators from the Navy and Marines.

You can see the Blue Angels practicing over the museum most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from June to November. AGAIN NOTE this is currently only open to current Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders (see note above).

Practices typically begin at 11:30 am (Central Time) and last about 55 minutes.

We loved our experience watching the blue Angels, which you can see here:

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Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Located almost directly across the road from the National Naval Aviation Museum is the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

There are several exhibits inside, but the best thing to do is climb the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse. You get to enjoy the scenic views from 130 feet above the ground!

You can also reserve a spot to watch the Blue Angels practice from the top of the lighthouse! Admission is $7 for adults.

NOTE: Since the lighthouse and museum are on Naval Air Station Pensacola, they are currently open only to current DOD ID Cardholders and certain Veterans Health Identification Card holders. Civilians will not be able to access the Lighthouse on their own. For civilians seeking access, please see our special tour options here.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

After exploring the museums for a few hours, it’s time to take a break and head for the beach.

Going directly south from Pensacola, you can reach one of our favorite tracts of National Park Service property. It is a 160-mile stretch of gorgeous, secluded beaches, undisturbed by development and characterized by sparkling blue-green water called the Gulf Islands National Seashore. 

There are plenty of relaxing and interesting things to do at the Gulf Islands National Seashore, too!

Location and Pricing

This property is so big that it lies in two states, Florida and Alabama. And, it’s divided into 12 district areas. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands.

The price to enter Gulf Islands National Seashore is $25 for 7 days (separate from camping reservations). There is a toll of $1 to get across the bridge from Pensacola to Gulf Breeze.

Things To Do at Gulf Islands National Seashore

If you’re interested in a little history or staying at the Fort Pickens Campground, head over to Fort Pickens. It is located west of Pensacola Beach and features historic fortifications from the early 1800s through the mid-1900s. It also has miles of beaches.

There’s a lot of hubbub in the areas around Pensacola Beach, but we like to head east in the direction of Santa Rosa Island.

This stretch of the National Seashore is about seven miles long. There is almost no development until you get to the pier at Navarre Beach and the high rise waterfront condos nearby.

The Gulf and the Sound border the two-lane road (which is perfect for cyclists). So, you have water off both sides. There are beautiful white sand dunes as well.

There are numerous pull-offs and plenty of parking. Plus, a large picnic area. Often when we are there, we’re the only people on the beach.

We drive our rig out early, set up shop for a few hours, and day camp until sundown. You can swim, bike, snorkel, fish, and comb the beach for seashells.

We haul our beach chairs to the water and use the RV for picnic preps. And, of course, our own private restrooms. It’s a gorgeous beach and has a solitude that always keeps drawing us back.

Navarre Beach Marine Park

As you head east, you’ll hit the Navarre Beach Marine Park. It’s an innovative little park that focuses on a few facets of marine life.

The Navarre Beach Marine Park houses:

• Navarre Beach Marine Science Station
• Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
• Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and Artificial Reefs

It’s a nice little stop to learn about sea turtle conservation and go snorkeling in the artificially created reefs near the shore.

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Pensacola and the Gulf Islands National Seashore

There are a number of campgrounds in the greater Pensacola area. Many of them are private and can get quite expensive, especially as you get closer to the Gulf.

In our 7 Day Adventure Guide of the Gulf Coast, you can find a complete breakdown of different campgrounds and RV resorts in the area. The info includes:

• Open seasons
• Rates
• Website
• Booking link
• Address
• GPS coordinates
• Phone number
• Helpful info

Plus, Pensacola and the Gulf Islands National Seashore is just 1 day of our 7-day adventure plan!

Mike and Jennifer's Favorite Places in Florida – all 3 ebooks!

We RVers may wander far and wide but it’s true for most of us that we end up with some favorite “Go-To” places – places that draw us back again and again.

Florida is one of those places for us. And we know it is for many RVers looking to get away and explore during the winter. 

That's why we've created three guides, covering Florida's Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the Keys. 

Each of these guides is a seven-day guided exploration of one of the coasts. And each stop is a curated view of the best things that we’ve enjoyed on this trip and want you to experience.

Altogether these guides are over 300 pages of content! 

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