How far would you go to see an Angel? At the SummerPlace Inn Destin hotel you’re less than sixty miles away from the Naval Air Station in Pensacola “Home of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron. The base is primarily a straight drive out and easy to find. Clicking here will provide you with a detailed interactive driving map powered by Google.
After World War II came to a close, the then Chief of Naval Operations, Chester Nimitz, formed the Blue Angels in order to keep public interest in naval aviation piqued. They flew their first demonstration show within the next year and were based in Corpus Christi, Texas until 1954 when they moved to their current home at NAS Pensacola. Since their inception, the Blue Angels have performed in several different aircraft, but have flown the F/A-18 Hornet since their 40th anniversary year in 1986. They have performed all over the world and an estimated 427 million people have witnessed the daring maneuvers that are examples of what every Navy Pilot is trained to accomplish.
Visitors in the area are invited to the National Naval Aviation Museum which is part of the base and has an observation area for when the Blue Angels are practicing. The museum is open from 9am-5pm every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. It is free and open to the public. If the Blue Angels happen to be on tour while you’re in town there is still plenty to keep you busy including a flight simulator to go on a mission of your own! Visit the link at the bottom of this page for more information.
The SummerPlace Inn Destin hotel wants to be your hotel of choice when your travels bring you to the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area. Our hotel offers rooms with LCD TV’s and upgraded bedding. A daily deluxe continental breakfast is included for all guests and served seven a days a week.
Our boutique styled Destin hotel offers two on-site pools (indoor heated pool and an outdoor pool), a fitness center with cardio equipment, business center services and 24-hour front desk staffing. Our central location on US-98 just across from beach access puts you right in the middle of all that Destin has to offer. From shopping to golf to a day at the beach or anything in between we are the premier choice for overnight Destin hotel accommodations. Welcome to the Emerald Coast and the Sunshine State of Florida!