Red, White, and Blues, Pensacola Beach’s annual summer airshow featuring the world-famous United States Navy’s Blue Angels, earns top billing among locals and vacationers.
This year’s show and related events take place July 10-13, 2024, on Pensacola Beach.
The popularity of the event makes strategic planning necessary, whether you are going alone, as a couple, with friends, or as a family.
The Pensacola Mom Collective team has gathered our best tips for watching the Blue Angels show at Pensacola Beach. We hope you find them helpful!
The Easy but Pricier Route
If you have limited time and want a front-row seat with less crowds, try “Breakfast With The Blues” at Casino Beach Bar & Grill. The event might be sold out for this year, but it’s never too soon to plan for next year. It’s a ticketed event ($45/adults and $20 for kids 12 and under). This event happens on Wednesday before the actual show begins, so parking is not too crazy. It’s also a great option for folks who might not want to commit an entire day to the Blues.
The Practice Show
For those with a little more time who do not want to fight the weekend crowds, we recommend the practice show on Thursday at 2 pm. Parking can still be tricky, but not to the level of Friday or Saturday. Yes, there are fewer “openers” on Thursday, but viewers get the full Blues show and less time in the sun.
THE BIG SHOW
Go by Boat (Part 1)
Take full advantage of the Thursday practice day. The waters are not overly crowded, which means you can slip in and out of Little Sabine or the area between Quiet Water Beach and Sharp Point with little to no effort.
If you are going anywhere by boat on Friday or Saturday, make sure you have an extra anchor. The last thing you want is for your boat to sling into anyone else’s.
Additionally, leave early to avoid heavy boat traffic. In most places, you will need to walk your boat into your anchorage spot, so all hands need to be on deck!
Lastly, no boat day is complete without steamed shrimp from Joe Patti’s and chicken tenders from Publix – make sure you go the day before!
Go by Boat (Part 2)
Watch From a Friend’s House
Be a good enough friend to secure an invite to a friend’s beach house or condo. Go out early to secure parking.
Be a gracious guest, and bring treats! Drop off snacks and drinks at your friend’s house. Then, walk to a bar or restaurant after parking so you don’t impose for as long.
When it’s time for the show, head back and watch from the balcony, backyard, or beach. Depending on your timeline, either leave as soon as the show ends to avoid the worst traffic or be prepared to stay later.
It’s so nice to watch with friends and have access to restrooms.
Favorite Vantage Points by Land
The best land spot is next to the Pensacola Beach Pier, but it is also the most crowded. In the past, Casino Beach Bar has offered reservations for a fee. With that incredible view, you also get a nice table for viewing, decent bathroom access, and refreshments.
If available, purchase a resort pass from a Pensacola Beach hotel for Thursday, as it is less crowded. Enjoy all the amenities, rent beach chairs, and pack only the sunscreen and beach essentials! Minimal pre-work and zero post-event car loading equals way more fun for Mom!!
Shoreline Park or National Seashore in Gulf Breeze are also good visibility spots if you want to avoid the traffic with little ones. The view doesn’t quite hold up to the beach, but the easy access is hard to beat.
Hotels
Want to stay on the beach for the long weekend? Plan to book a room or condo a year in advance. Occasionally, a room becomes available via a cancellation, but don’t count on it. A hotel room or condo with a balcony provides the easiest setup for the show. You have a place to rest, use the facilities, escape the sun or the rain, and don’t have to fight traffic.
The venue might cost a pretty penny, but the memories are priceless!
Etcetera
Parking…Drop a car off the night before and leave it in the parking lot near Flounders. If someone in your group needs or wants to leave early – or they don’t want to be on the water anymore (if you’re boating) – they can drive home.
{Pay for parking. Let me say that again: Pay for parking. Is it pricey? Yes. Does it eliminate the need to arrive before 8a.m.? Also, yes.}
Sensitive ears might find the Blues overstimulating. Bring ear coverings for kids or sound-sensitive adults. If space is limited, throw in earplugs.
Looking for souvenirs? Visit Artesana in downtown Pensacola, Pizzazz in Gulf Breeze, or the Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Enjoy the Show!
Do they ever come to Tennessee?