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Florida Aviation Museums to Visit

Last Updated on March 28, 2024

Florida is a treasure trove of museums where you can learn more about the history of flight and see planes throughout the years. Our team at Authentic Florida loves to observe and celebrate the development of flight both commercially and for our US Military.

Flight Museums in Florida

Plane with a flag behind it.

Check out our favorite aviation museums across Florida. Some of these are open to the public and others are reserved for private events such as weddings.

Florida Air Museum, Lakeland

Child Looking at Aviation Exhibit at Florida Air Museum in Lakeland Florida
Florida Air Museum – Source: https://www.facebook.com/floridaairmuseum/photos

The Florida Air Museum in Lakeland is known as “Florida’s Official Aviation Museum and Education Center”. This museum is more than a collection of planes, it’s a tribute to the history and joy of flight!

Navy Plane at Florida Air Museum
Source: Florida Air Museum

Exhibits, therefore, educate about air pioneers, early air racers, Floridians, and others who have had an impact on the world of flight. Florida Air Museum is also part of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. This non-profit’s mission is to bring history and science alive.

Florida Air Museum Address: 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811

While you are in Lakeland don’t miss the 15 Best Things to Do in Lakeland.

Marathon Air Museum, Marathon

Aviation Exhibits at Marathon Air Museum in Marathon Florida
Marathon Air Museum – Source: https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa1241

The Marathon Air Museum in the Florida Keys has exhibits and a collection of several planes from multiple periods of flight! Furthermore, they have a large collection of flight memorabilia and equipment that has been donated to the museum.

Marathon Air Museum
Source: Marathon Air Museum

Almost every morning there is an active meeting of local pilots drinking coffee and solving the problems of the flight community of the world.

Marathon Air Museum Address: 9850 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

After your visit check out the Best Places to Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys and The 14 Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys.

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce

People at Aviation Exhibit at National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce Florida
Source: National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the only museum that is solely dedicated to preserving the history of the US Navy SEALs. The museum is located on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the Frogmen.

National Navy UDT Seal Museum Helicopter
Source: National Navy UDT Seal Museum

The Museum opened its doors on Veterans Day in 1985 and has grown to national stature in 2007. Their main goal is to educate through interactive exhibits while honoring fallen Navy SEALs and helping their families through the Trident House Charities Program.

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Address: 3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949

While in the area, check out the 7 Best Things to Do in Fort Pierce.

Wings Over Miami Museum, Miami

People Viewing a Vintage Plane at Wings Over Miami Museum in Miami Florida
Source: Wings Over Miami

Located at the Miami Executive Airport, Wings Over Miami is a museum that serves as a tribute to aviators and also veterans who pioneered civilian and military flight.

Wings Over Miami Planes
Source: Wings Over Miami

The museum displays and flies military and classic planes in order to share and educate on the history of flight. Nearly the entire fleet is in flying condition, and you can see maintenance and renovations on some of the vintage planes while you walk through the museum!

Wings Over Miami Address: 14710 SW 128th St, Miami, FL 33196

While in the area don’t miss these 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami.

Deland Naval Air Station Museum, Deland

Deland Naval Air Station Museum
Source: Deland Naval Air Station Museum

The DNAS Museum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to commemorating the men and women who have served in America’s armed conflicts.

Deland Naval Air Station Museum Plane
Source: Deland Naval Air Station Museum

The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum Volunteers have resumed public tours for youth and adults on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to Noon. For large groups and ECHO Ranger tours please call or email for an appointment.

Deland Naval Air Station Museum Address: 910 Biscayne Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724

Air Force Armament Museum,  Eglin AFB

Air Force Armament Museum

The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery.

Helicopter at Air Force Armament Museum
Source: Air Force Armament Museum

There are over 29 different aircraft that have found a home at the Air Force Armament Museum including an AC-130, B-17, B-25, B-52, P-51, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-100, F-101, and many other aircraft from the WWII era to the present. 

Propellers on a plane at Air Force Armament Museum
Source: Air Force Armament Museum

No advance notice is necessary for groups; however, it is best to call ahead at (850) 882-4062 to ensure there are no other functions occurring at the same time. Groups with children under 10 years of age must have one adult for every five to seven children.

Large plane at  Air Force Armament Museum
Source: Air Force Armament Museum

There is a lot to see and do at the Air Force Armament Museum. If you do not see everything in one visit, there’s always tomorrow and chances are good that they’ll be open.

Air Force Armament Museum,  Eglin AFB Address: 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB, FL 32542

National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola

Exhibit at National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola Florida
National Naval Aviation Museum – Source: https://www.facebook.com/NavalAviationMuseum/photos

“The National Naval Aviation Museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to current Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders. Access to NAS Pensacola is limited to Department of Defense (DoD) ID card holders (active duty service members, retirees, and their families).

Variety of planes at National Naval Aviation Museum
Source: National Naval Aviation Museum

For Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) holders please visit cnrse.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Pensacola/ for base access information. DoD ID card holders can escort guests, but must remain with them at all times.”

Last on our list of flight museums in Florida is The National Naval Aviation Museum. The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is the world’s largest Naval flight museum. It’s also one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida!

F9F-2 Panther National Naval Aviation Museum
Source: National Naval Aviation Museum

You can check out the rich history of flight and see over 150 restored planes representing the Navy, Marine Corps, and also Coast Guard. The museum has nearly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and 37 acres of grounds for a fun-filled day of learning!

National Naval Aviation Museum Address: 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

Make it a day trip by checking out other Authentic Things to do in Pensacola.

Fantasy of Flight, Polk City (Closed to the Public)

Photo of a plane at Fantasy of Flight
Source: https://www.facebook.com/fantasyofflight/photos

Update – This attraction will no longer allow the public to come in. This venue is only open to private events.

The Fantasy of Flight in Polk City is a large hangar where you can see many vintage planes from several flight eras! You can also fly in a real plane for an additional ticket cost.

Fantasy of Flight Plane
Source: Fantasy of Flight

In addition, some of the planes are on permanent display courtesy of the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection. A portion of each ticket sale goes towards the repair, maintenance, and preservation of the collection.

Fantasy of Flight Address: 1400 Broadway Blvd SE, Polk City, FL 33868

Looking for more to do in the area? Check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Winter Haven FL.

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