Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is on an active Naval Air Station, so make sure you’re up to date on all policies and procedures listed on its website. A single-ticket admission grants access to the lighthouse, grounds, and all museum exhibits. More than 175 steps lead to the top of the historic lighthouse, and there is no elevator. There’s also beach access, a great spot to view the Blue Angel aerial demonstrations.

• No oversized purses or backpacks are allowed on the property, and all vehicles are subject to search.

• Visitors 18 and older must show valid government ID.

• The Lighthouse Tower requires reservations for Blue Angel flight times.

The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is located at 2081 Radford Blvd., outside NAS Pensacola/Forrest Sherman Field. All drivers must use the West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway and pass through security.

The most popular time to visit is during a Blue Angels flight demonstration, so it's essential to build more time to get through the crowded security checkpoint. Last admission tickets are sold 20 minutes before closing time. November through March is usually less crowded because there are no Blue Angels flights.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is a separate museum from the Pensacola Lighthouse. It is free to the public, housing a quarter-scale replica of the USS Nimitz Flight Deck, replicas of naval combat planes, real retired aircraft, and interactive exhibits documenting the history of the Navy’s maritime and aviation operations.

The two best months to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum are in July and in November, both of which feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which are visible from the lighthouse. The Pensacola Beach Airshow takes place in July and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is in November.

Yes, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is a great place to take children for a relaxing and educational day trip. The reading room has a dedicated kids’ area where they can read or rest in the shade. Plus, kids ages seven and above can climb into the lighthouse, too.

No, you normally don’t need reservations to visit Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. You can purchase an admission ticket at the gate on most days. During Blue Angel flight dates, you’ll need to reserve a spot in the Lighthouse Tower; flight days don’t require reservations for the museum and grounds.

Yes, you’re allowed to take photos when visiting the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The top of the lighthouse is an excellent spot for selfies and the walk-through exhibits make for memorable photos. Also, make sure you keep your eyes on the sky during Blue Angel flight dates, too.

Yes, there are events throughout the year at the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Some are themed events, like a guided ghost hunt around the lighthouse, and others are more relaxed like the sunset and full-moon climbs. The Blue Angel aerial acrobatics demonstrations are the most popular annual events.

Yes, there are height restrictions and age requirements for climbing the Pensacola Lighthouse. All individuals who climb the lighthouse must be at least 44 inches tall or seven years old. All children under 13 years of age must climb with a ticketed adult. Anyone 13 and older can climb alone.