Visit the USS Midway Museum in San Diego

Visit the USS Midway Museum in San Diego

The USS Midway Museum is a historic naval aircraft carrier located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. The museum features an extensive collection of planes, many of which were built in Southern California. After you tour the ship, you will be amazed at how much you learned about the military history of the Pacific Ocean. So whether you're interested in the war in the Pacific or just want to learn more about how aircraft carriers were constructed, USS Midway is an excellent place to visit. Learn more here.


One of the unique aspects of the USS Midway is its flight deck. Visitors can explore the open deck in all weather conditions. Bring several layers, as temperatures can be wildly different on different tiers. You may want to bring a hat or cover-up just in case. There are also very cramped quarters on board, so dress accordingly. But the flight deck is worth the visit if you want to see all of the restored aircraft, especially the mighty B-17. Learn more about The San Diego Zoo.

Visiting the USS Midway Museum is not suitable for everyone. While it's easy to reach, it's not wheelchair-friendly and involves a lot of walking. Stairs are narrow, and hallways are cramped, so be aware of this before visiting. Fortunately, about 60 percent of the exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, the interior is dark and dreary, so it's best to go on a drizzly day.


The USS Midway Museum's audio tour gives first-hand accounts of life aboard the ship during the Cold War. The USS Midway's restored Navy aircraft can be seen during the Flight Deck tour. Volunteers provide a live presentation on life onboard a submarine. You'll be able to learn about the lives of sailors, from their small quarters to their spacious rooms and all the details in between.


The USS Midway Museum is open seven days a week. The museum features an extensive collection of onboard aircraft. The museum also has a flight deck and below-deck exhibits. In addition, there's a Battle of Midway Theatre and a self-guided audio tour. If you're not sure what you're looking for, don't hesitate to ask staff for advice. You'll be glad you did!

If you're planning on visiting the USS Midway during the day, consider the time of day you plan to visit. Admission to the museum includes an audio tour that shares details about the ship's various locations. Plan to spend three to four hours at the museum. Although the museum is wheelchair accessible, some of its spaces are not. Therefore, consider wearing headphones when visiting the museum to avoid getting snagged. There are also many other things to do on USS Midway during your visit.


One of the highlights of visiting the USS Midway Museum is the unique opportunity to explore the ship's flight deck and climb into fighter jets. Each aircraft has a unique name, purpose, and capability and is displayed throughout the carrier. Guests can also jump into the cockpit of fighter planes and experience flight simulations. While on board, visitors can also enjoy the museum's three types of flight simulators. You can even book On the Water Adventures ahead of time.


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