Airforce Armament Museum Eglin AFB

The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin is a one-of-a-kind historical museum located onboard Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach.

Aviation warfare dates all the way back to World War I, and the Air Force Armament Museum has a cache that will be sure to impress.

From hand-thrown bombs to some of the earliest aviation guns, you will get an up-close look at some of the most innovative designs from the early 20th century.

But the Air Force Armament Museum is really centered around its 29 aircraft, ranging from World War II all the way to modern-day designs. You will be able to walk up to these marvels of engineering and learn all about them.

There is even a cockpit exhibit that lets you sit in a real fighter jet cockpit and see what it feels like handle the controls.

If you have a need for speed, make sure you check out the SR-71 Blackbird in the outdoor exhibit. Used as a spy plane by the US Air Force, the SR-71 Blackbird has a maximum speed of over 2,000 MPH. Luckily for you, getting a picture next to it should be easy, since this ultra-sleek jet has been grounded until further notice. (If you can’t get enough of the SR-71, the gift shop has a model you can take home with you.)

So, low and slow is more your speed? When you’re done with the Blackbird, the gigantic B-52 bomber is just to the left. At 450,000 pounds and as much as 60,000 pounds of conventional payload, the B-52 truly dominated the skies.

With free admission, the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin is an inexpensive way for the entire family to have an exciting day away from the beach.

The museum is located at 100 Museum Drive aboard Eglin AFB. For more information or directions, visit the museum website or call (850) 882-4062.

– Logan Singleton
Writing Intern, Innisfree Hotels