The Blue Angels have an extra-special Pensacola Beach Air Show planned for July 18, celebrating their 80th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the United States, with an expanded roster of performers.
As spectacular as the show may be, you don’t want to spend half the day circling the beach for a parking spot. It’s not uncommon for the main Casino Beach parking lot to be completely packed by 3 a.m. for Blue Angels weekends. So, if you’re not looking to leave in the middle of the night to take your chances by snagging a spot, you can guarantee a parking space at select locations with private lots for the practice show on Thursday, dress rehearsal on Friday and the formal show on Saturday. If you’re willing to pay the price, that is.
Here are four options for guaranteed parking that include food, drinks and the biggest perk of all – private restrooms.
Where to reserve parking for the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach air show
Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill
460 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
Pricing varies by day, starting at $75 on Thursday, $100 on Friday’s Blue Angels dress rehearsal, and $125 for Saturday’s air show. For Friday and Saturday shows, Laguna’s parking pass includes two drinks for the ticket purchaser, redeemable upstairs at their restaurant, Baja Coastal Kitchen. Thursday parking passes do not include beverages. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite. Guests attending Laguna’s Adventure Park or dining at Baja Coastal Kitchen on Thursday and Friday do not need to purchase an event parking pass.
Salty Rose at the Pensacola Beach Resort
165 Fort Pickens Road
Get up close and personal with the Blue Angels while parking at the Salty Rose at Pensacola Beach Resort, with parking tickets available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each ticket includes a prime parking spot, a free appetizer and two complimentary cocktails from the Salty Rose. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $55.20 per spot on Thursday, $161.90 per spot on Friday and $268.61 per spot on Saturday. Friday and Saturday tickets include four drink coupons, one appetizer coupon, and access to the Salty Rose facilities, including air-conditioned restrooms. Thursday’s parking duration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday and Saturday run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Landing at Red Fish Blue Fish
5 Via De Luna Drive
The Landing is hosting a Blue Angels VIP Experience to make sure you have a seat to catch the Blue Angels firsthand on Friday and Saturday, as well as on-site parking.
“Skip the traffic, crowded public viewing areas, and parking challenges,” The Landing shared in a statement. “The Landing offers an elevated experience including parking to enjoy Blue Angels weekend.”
Here’s a look at the packages The Landing will offer on Friday and Saturday:
VIP Top Tables offer premium reserved table seating, access to the shrimp boil and salad bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., unlimited soda and two reserved parking passes.
Friday beach tables include a reserved beachside table, shrimp boil and salad bar access from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., unlimited soda and one reserved parking pass.
Saturday top tables include seating for eight guests, two parking spots, a buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and an open beer and wine bar. Additional guests and parking spots may be purchased, but those interested need to inquire.
Saturday beach tables include a reserved beachside table, one parking spot, a buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an open beer and wine bar. Additional guests may be purchased, but those interested need to inquire.
Saturday deck tables include shared seating with other guests on the deck, a buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an open beer and wine bar. A maximum of two additional guests can be added for $75 per person.
Inquiries can be placed on the The Landing’s website for availability.
Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Drive
Hilton Pensacola Beach is hosting a watch party from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,, with shuttle transportation offered to and from Gulf Breeze High School. Tickets will include a full buffet offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., pool and beach access, live music and a private viewing area and can be purchased on the Hilton Pensacola Beach website. Coolers and outside food & beverage are not permitted.
“Join us for an unforgettable day of fun in the sun with front-row views of the Blue Angels Air Show — Pensacola Beach’s most iconic event of the year. Skip the stress of parking and let us take care of the rest, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the show from the best seat on the beach!” Hilton Pensacola Beach shared in a statement.
Ticket pricing is as follows:
Buffet menu includes the following:
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Here’s how to reserve a Pensacola Beach parking spot for Blue Angels
Reporting by Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
