The 2020 Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show ~ Southern Vacation Rentals
Although we are still a couple of months away from the 2020 Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show, we know our visitors are ready to get to the beach and watch the Blue Angels fly once more. Whether you’ve been a dozen times or not at all, watching the Blue Angels fly over Pensacola Beach is an experience unlike any other. We are still anticipating that the show will carry on as planned this year, but check back with Visit Pensacola Beach for an update as well.
The Blue Angels are Pensacola’s “hometown heroes,” the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. When the Blue Angels fly, hundreds of visitors flock to the white sand beaches to watch this spectacular airshow. This is one of the area’s top-rated events for good reason! We compiled the best advice from locals and seasoned visitors to help you make the most of the 2020 Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show. Consider this your official insider guide! Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and settle down to watch the show!
Arrive Early
With social distancing so important right now, it’s a good idea to head to the beach and claim your spot early. We’re talking earlier than 7 AM, as beach parking (and the sand) will fill up fast. Some visitors even arrive as early as 6 AM to make sure they have good parking and a space to spread out. Casino Beach, the Gulf-facing area on Pensacola Beach across from the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk, is considered the best spot on the beach to catch the Blues. However, our recommendation is to choose a Pensacola Beach vacation rental to stay not only socially distant, but secure the best spot as well! Pull up a chair on your own private balcony and sit back as you watch the Blue Angels soar.
Some visitors arrive as early as 6 AM to make sure they have a space to park and spread out! If you’re staying in a Pensacola Beach vacation rental for Blue Angels week, then you’re in luck, as you’re within walking distance of the beach. If you’re staying Gulf-front, then you’ve truly got it made, as you can simply step out onto the sand, spread out your blanket, and watch the Blue Angels soar overhead.
Pack Accordingly
Since the show begins at noon on the 11th and the Blues fly at 2 PM, you’ll want to make sure that you come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring a snack or two! Don’t worry though; if you forget any of these things, air show organizers are on hand with supplies to help keep you cool. Pensacola Beach is also full of great restaurants where you can go grab a bite to eat before the airshow or pick up some delicious food to go to bring back and enjoy while you wait. You’ll also want to make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses to help fight off the sun.
Don’t Fight the Traffic
As soon as the show is done at around 3 PM, beach-goers start packing up their bags to clear the beach. Why rush? No matter if you’re leaving the beach or going back to your condo, traffic will be backed up for a while. What’s the rush in getting back? Stay and enjoy the beach after everyone clears out; you may discover something new you’ve cheap valtrex 1000mg never seen or been to before! Since many restaurants are opening up at limited dining capacity, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious local cuisine! Dine with a view at Hemingway’s or Red Fish Blue Fish, or treat yourself to some live music at the Sandshaker Lounge. This is also a great time to take advantage of the Pensacola Bay Cruises which operate between Pensacola Beach, Downtown Pensacola, and Fort Pickens. Learn more about the cruise ships on our YouTube channel.
Arrive Early for Practice Week
Saturday isn’t the only day the Blue Angels fly! If you’re visiting Pensacola Beach a little early this year, you’ll be able to catch the Blues as they practice in anticipation of the Saturday show. July 8th is “Breakfast with the Blues,” when they fly overhead at 8 AM. Then, July 9th is a practice flight demonstration at 2 PM, followed by a July 10th dress rehearsal. The dress rehearsal sees the civilian acts fly at noon, with the Blue Angels flying at 2 PM. This is just as exciting as the Saturday airshow and a great way to build up the excitement! If you’re staying with us in a Pensacola Beach vacation rental for the airshow, consider getting here a couple of days early to stake out your spot on the beach and see the planes in action!
Where to Stay
Portofino
For one of the best vantage points on Pensacola Beach, Portofino doesn’t disappoint. This luxurious five-tower resort leaves no shortage of options when it comes to choosing your Pensacola Beach vacation rental. You’ll be able to watch the Blues fly from the comfort of your own private balcony, then head down to the resort’s on-site restaurants for a bite to eat or to cool off in the large pools. Guests at Portofino also enjoy private beach access, so you’ll have your own spot to lay down in the sand if you want a closer view of the show.
Emerald Isle
Or, if you want to stay Gulf-front for the 2020 Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show, choose Emerald Isle for your stay. These two- and three-bedroom condos are ideally suited for your group and all have private balconies looking right over the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll be able to see the pre-show and the Blue Angels fly with no obstructions. After the show is over, just head down the resort’s walkover to go for a dip in the water.
Beach Club
For those who want to stay within walking distance of the air show, Beach Club is the place for you. It enjoys a great location close to the heart of Pensacola Beach: close to Casino Beach, the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, and so much more. Not only will you have access to incredible amenities including a resort spa, fitness facility, and incredible pool, but you’ll also have a terrific Gulf-front view of the air show.
