
NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM
Journey through the evolution of Naval Aviation and experience hands-on history. Discover historic aircraft, cockpits, interactive exhibits and a vast collection of artifacts that are fun for all ages. Make the most of your adventure and see for yourself why the National Naval Aviation Museum is consistently voted a “must-see” along the Gulf Coast.
THE BLUE ANGELS
The Blue Angels, the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are headquartered onboard the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The squadron provides flight demonstrations throughout the country and across the globe to “showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.” From March through November the Blue Angels practice in the skies over Gulf Islands National Seashore. Additionally, the team performs two formal air shows every year in the Pensacola area. The practices occur over Pensacola Bay and the Fort Pickens Area, and can be seen from multiple park areas. Blue Angels Weekend held in July over Pensacola Beach, and while some folks do watch from park areas, it does not offer the best vantage points. Blue Angels Homecoming held in October/November onboard Pensacola Naval Air Station can be seen from several park areas.
GULF STATE PARK AND PIER
Gulf State Park is proud to reopen the first 725 feet of the Pier for public use. The pier was significantly damaged during Hurricane Sally on September 16, 2020 and has remained closed while repairs were made. We are now opening approximately 725 feet of fishing space on each side of the pier. The Pier will be open to the public 24/7 with staff on site from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the maximum capacity stands at 200 occupants. Considering the extended length of time anglers devote to their sport, and the fluidity of sightseers, the capacity will be monitored to allow the approximate proportion: 125 anglers and 75 sightseers. There is covered seating for concession area and indoor retail shop with tackle and souvenirs. Signs along the pier share information on native fish, birds and other area wildlife. There are comfort stations at the midpoint of the pier and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. Fishing licenses and sightseeing permits are sold on-site.
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
In 1971, Congress established Gulf Islands National Seashore "in order to preserve for public use and enjoyment certain areas possessing outstanding natural, historic, and recreational values." For over 40 years the National Park Service has preserved this special place in keeping with that purpose.
FORT MORGAN
Located on Mobile Point, at the end of Scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, Fort Morgan Historic Site has a diverse number of activities to make your vacation memorable. Preceded by another fort, Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812, Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, the fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. Used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations made by the U.S. Army for the defense of the country. In 1946 the site was turned over to the State of Alabama as a historic site. The grounds offer more than just history, the site also has nature areas, a boat launch, picnic area, and beaches for visitors to enjoy. Whatever your reason for visiting, make sure Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a part of your visit to Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast! 110 HWY 180 Gulf Shores AL.
FORT PICKENS
Fort Pickens is a pentagonal historic United States military fort on Santa Rosa Island in the Pensacola, Florida, area. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens. The peaceful surroundings--white sugar-sand beaches, clumps of golden sea oats, and the soothing sounds of coastal waves pounding on the shores of a long barrier island--belie the serious purpose of Fort Pickens, located on Santa Rosa Island in Florida. One of the largest brick forts built in the United States, Fort Pickens provided the setting for a serious conflict right before the outbreak of the Civil War. Months before the firing on Fort Sumter, the secessionist forces at nearby Pensacola, Florida, tried to capture the fort from the U.S. Army without initiating bloodshed. Fort Pickens and nearby Fort McRee, Fort Barrancas, and Advanced Redoubt today lie within Gulf Islands National Seashore. They provide an intriguing setting for the important events that occurred in the Pensacola area just prior to and during the Civil War.
THE WHARF
A premier, 222-acre entertainment district located at Foley Beach Expressway and Canal Road in Orange Beach, AL. The Wharf is a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere with a 15-screen movie theater, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast, the Wharf Express Train, an 18-hole Mini Golf Course and ziplines. With an array of amenities, choose from over 30 retail shops specializing in fashion, home, souvenirs and spas. Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair and local seafood favorites at numerous restaurants.
FAIRHOPE &
MOBILE BAY
Just off the beautiful in-view shore of beautiful Mobile Bay sits Fairhope, a warm, friendly and walkable town that radiates southern artistic flair, high fashion boutiques and small old-town charm. We're not a big city - in fact, Fairhope still retains much of its original small-town ambiance, but Fairhope is unique in many ways. We're known for our active arts community, beautiful downtown floral displays, recreational trails and events for visitors of all ages. Come visit, and learn why people from all over the world have come to call Fairhope home. Visit once and you will be back!
DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA
Dating back 450 years as the first European settlement in the United States, Pensacola has a rich and colorful history. The heart of the City of Pensacola is its downtown. A refreshing blend of historic resolve and cosmopolitan progress defines Downtown Pensacola.
BLUE WAHOOS STADIUM
Although the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are a baseball team, our mission goes beyond winning championships on the field. Entering its ninth season, Blue Wahoos Stadium is widely considered one of the premier facilities in Minor League Baseball. Recently named the "Best View" in Double-A baseball, the ballpark has established itself as one of the best places to enjoy a Minor League Baseball game in the country. A three-time recipient of the Southern League Ballpark of the Year, Blue Wahoos Stadium welcomed over 2,000,000 fans in its first seven seasons, finishing first or second in the league in attendance five times.
PENSACOLA BALLET
Since its founding in 1978, Ballet Pensacola has served Northwest Florida by developing an appreciation and knowledge of the art of dance through excellent performances and quality dance education. Presenting a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works, Ballet Pensacola is the area’s only resident professional ballet company. The company is comprised of professional dancers from around the world and talented student dancers who perform in all main stage productions during Ballet Pensacola’s season. These performances are held in a number of venues, including the Saenger Theatre and the Pensacola Cultural Center.
ORANGE BEACH COASTAL ARTS
The Coastal Arts Center campus overlooks scenic Wolf Bay and offers many artistic experiences with a breathtaking view. The stunning 10,000-square-foot fine art gallery features a spacious two-story building displaying works by Gulf Coast artists. Our campus is also home to The Hot Shop, Alabama's premier hot glass blowing studio where you can make your own glass piece! Or, come play in the clay at our Clay Studio, where you can throw on the wheel or hand build your own creation. Adult art classes are available at various times of the year. The center cherishes its place in the rich history of our area while bringing new and innovative ideas in the arts -- all in a warm and welcoming environment of Southern hospitality. With our new facility and stunning grounds, we now also provide the perfect location for a destination wedding or special event.
ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO
Located in the coastal town of Gulf Shores, world-renowned for its beautiful white-sand beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the region. Also known as the "Little Zoo" for its starring role in the 2006 hit documentary series, The Little Zoo That Could on Animal Planet, this non-profit zoological park is not just a little community zoo; it's home to over 199 species, 31 sub-species, and haven to 8 endangered species.
PENSACOLA BAY
BOAT CRUISES
Cruises offer a variety of exciting ferry excursions that operate between Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Fort Pickens. The cruise boats offer comfortable travel with amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, interior and exterior seating, top-quality beer, wines, and soft drinks. On specific trips, National Park Service Rangers come aboard and present informative presentations about the area’s natural beauty, wildlife, and landscapes. We offer some of the most breathtaking views of the entire Pensacola area for all passengers to enjoy. Each vessel can hold up to 100 passengers and private event bookings are also available. The ferries can be met at three convenient locations: Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach Visitors Center and Fort Pickens (Ferry Plaza & Pier). If you are looking for an exciting water adventure, with beautiful views of the Pensacola area, join us for an unforgettable journey! Book your Pensacola Bay Cruises tickets to get started.
PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE
Located on the Gulf Coast, the current lighthouse in Pensacola is actually the third to occupy the area. The first lighthouse was called the Aurora Borealis and was moved to the area in 1823 from the mouth of the Mississippi River. The position in which it was placed (inside the bay) was not optimal for sea traffic, so another 40-foot tower was built at the Bay’s south entrance in 1825. The newest and current lighthouse was constructed in 1859 and sits on the grounds of what is now the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART
The Pensacola Museum of Art is conveniently located in downtown Pensacola, near the Pensacola Children's Museum, the T. T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, the Museum of Commerce, and the Historic Pensacola Village.