The Blue Angels’ long and meaningful history is especially close to the residents of Perdido Key. For locals, the Blue Angels aren’t just pictures or stories—they’re a part of everyday life. While the team has spent decades building its legacy, perfecting formations, and inspiring millions, locals get to experience the Navy’s presence in the most down-to-earth ways.
On practice days, residents along Gulf Beach Highway feel their houses shake as the jets pass overhead; they can step outside, look up, and watch almost the entire show from their own yards. Daily, Perdido Key is buzzed by all kinds of aircraft, from Marine and Navy flight students to routine flight hours; there is always something flying.
Those who want to see them up close can visit the base on public practice days, where families gather near the museum and share the excitement of watching the team lift off. Out on the water, it’s even more relaxed: boats drift just outside Fort Pickens, only a short ride from Perdido Key, where the Blues fly right over you continuously. The far end of Johnson Beach or the shores near Fort Pickens offers its own viewpoint, where the sky opens up, and you can watch the team.
Even when the Blue Angels are traveling for airshows around the country, folks here still follow along, welcoming them home on Pensacola Beach for their beach buzzes before they head back to base for the week.
As the Blues move toward their 80th anniversary, it’s clear their legacy isn’t just about aviation; it’s also about the way they’ve become part of our community and our daily lives. Their presence is a constant, friendly reminder of the team’s home just across the water at NAS Pensacola and a big part of what makes living on Perdido Key feel so special.
When planning your visit to Perdido Key, this is an experience you absolutely don’t want to miss. Whether you watch from the base, head out on a charter boat, or spend the morning at Johnson Beach or Fort Pickens, seeing the Blues in their home skies is something truly special. Attached is the current practice schedule, along with helpful resources to keep you updated on practice-day changes, beach buzz information, and everything you need to make the most of your Blue Angels experience.
