Get ready to hear the roar of jet engines and feel the thrill of precision flying — the Blue Angels are back in the skies over Perdido Key for their 2025 practice season! Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing the magic for the first time, this is an unforgettable Gulf Coast tradition you won’t want to miss.

2025 Blue Angels Practice Schedule

Mark your calendars and plan your visits! Here’s the full lineup of practice dates:

• April 2*, 8, 9*, 15, 16*, 22, 23*, 29, 30
• May 6, 7*, 13, 14*, 27, 28*
• June 3, 4*, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
• July 15, 16*, 22, 23*, 29
• August 20*, 26, 27*
• September 9, 10*, 16, 23
• October 15*, 21, 22*, 28, 29*

*Indicates autograph day at NAS Museum

Where to Watch

The National Naval Aviation Museum

1878 S Blue Angel Pkwy., Pensacola, FL

The National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola offers a prime viewing spot on the flight line behind the museum. Gates open at 9:30 AM, and the Blue Angels are scheduled to start their breathtaking demonstrations at 10:30 AM. Pro tip: arrive early — once the museum parking lot fills up, base entry will pause entry to the base. On designated autograph days, you can meet the pilots and crew in the museum atrium after practice. It’s an incredible chance to shake hands, snap photos, and snag signatures from these flying legends.

Rates: Free

Pensacola Lighthouse

2081 Radford Blvd., Pensacola, FL

Experience the Blue Angels from the Pensacola Lighthouse at eye level from the catwalk, 150 feet above ground level! This unique vantage point gives you a thrilling, up-close perspective of the mighty Blues in action.

Rates: $35 per person

Fort Pickens

1400 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, FL

Located at the end of Santa Rosa Island, Fort Pickens offers a fantastic view across Pensacola Bay. You can set up on the sandy shores or watch from atop the historic fort itself. Enjoy the scenic surroundings, explore the fort’s Civil War-era history, and even make a day of it with biking, hiking, or a cookout.

Rates: $25 per vehicle

Why You Should Go

Watching the Blue Angels practice isn’t just an exhilarating experience — it’s a Pensacola tradition that captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast. Feel the rumble of F/A-18 Super Hornets slicing through the sky in perfect formation, and be inspired by the skill and precision of our nation’s finest naval aviators.

Plan Your Visit

• Arrive early: Parking fills quickly no matter which location you pick, so getting there early is the only way to secure your spot.
• Bring sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
• Check the weather: Practices are weather-dependent, so stay updated.
• Bring Earplugs: For children or for people with hearing concerns, we recommend bringing earplugs. The Blue Angels are a site to see, but the sounds of the jets are very loud!
• Entry to NAS: If you’re planning on viewing the Blue Angels from the base, make sure to bring a valid ID such as a state-issued driver's license, a passport, or your base identification.

Whether you’re a local or visiting the Gulf Coast, the Blue Angels practice season is a must-see event. So grab your sunglasses, rally your friends and family, and make your way to Perdido Key or Pensacola Beach to witness the magic of the Blues in action.

The History of the Blue Angels: America’s Flying Ambassadors

The roar of jet engines, the glimmer of blue and gold streaking across the sky — the Blue Angels are an iconic symbol of American aviation excellence. But how did this legendary flight demonstration team come to be? Let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.

The Birth of the Blue Angels

It all started in 1946, just after the end of World War II. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, wanted to create a team that would showcase the skill, precision, and power of Naval aviation to the public. His goal? To inspire and boost interest in the Navy.

Precision and Perfection

The Blue Angels are known for jaw-dropping formations and high-speed passes, with planes flying as close as 18 inches apart. Some of their most famous maneuvers include:

• The Diamond Formation: Four jets fly in tight formation, creating the illusion of a single aircraft.
• The Opposing Knife-Edge Pass: Two jets zoom past each other at high speeds, coming within feet of one another.
• The Sneak Pass: A solo jet thunders past the crowd from behind — often catching spectators off guard!
• The Fleur-de-Lis: An intricate, swirling breakaway pattern that’s a fan favorite.

Pensacola: The Blue Angels Home

In 1955, the Blue Angels made their permanent home at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Since then, Pensacola has been the heart and soul of the team. They practice regularly over the Gulf Coast, thrilling locals and visitors alike. Each year, the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show marks the end of their season with a stunning performance that draws thousands to Pensacola Beach.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, the Blue Angels fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a faster, more powerful version of the classic Hornet. They perform more than 60 shows a year across the United States.

Beyond their breathtaking performances, the Blue Angels represent dedication, discipline, and teamwork — inspiring generations of aviators and dreamers. Their motto says it all: “Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel.”

Come Live at the Beach

Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and having a front-row seat to the Blues practicing over the Gulf. Living on the Gulf Coast offers more than stunning views and beach days (though those are pretty amazing, too). It’s about embracing a laid-back coastal lifestyle filled with local charm, fresh seafood, and endless outdoor adventures.

Why just visit when you can stay? Let’s find your perfect slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast — where the skies are blue, the beaches are golden, and the Blue Angels soar overhead. From Perdido Key to Pensacola Beach and beyond, there’s a perfect spot for everyone — whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront condo, a cozy inland retreat, or a spacious family home, contact The Susan Carleton Team today to start your real estate journey!