USS Midway Museum — Attraction in San Diego

This is an aircraft carrier museum that starts off talking about the WWII era, focuses mostly on the Vietnam war era, but goes through all eras from WWII to the present day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the audio tour. It is so much more informational and interesting. Pro tip to bring some earbuds that plug into the set because otherwise you have to hold it up to your ear like a cellphone the whole time. Without an audio tour you can walk around the whole thing in a couple hours. But with the audio tour it took us about 4-5 hours, but you could easily spend 6 or more if you deep dive into absolutely everything. There is so much to see and do. I suggest to start with the movie/video which is right at the entrance, it is about 10 minutes long and plays every 15 minutes or so. Then I suggest getting in line for the “tower tour” if you are interested in seeing the bridge and air traffic control room. It is about a 30 minute tour that runs every 10 minutes or so, but they only allow 25 people per tour. It is free/included and is led by a docent who volunteers their time to educate people. They take you up a lot of steep stairs so be prepared for that, and then you must come down another set of steep stairs. It was interesting to see and learn and they close the line off at 3:30pm so get in line before then. Then you can walk around the top deck. There are docents leading presentations on various topics like how the aircraft take off and land, and many photo op spots of you in a cockpit. There are a few aircraft that you can walk through/walk around in, but for the most part you just walk up to them to admire them and read the sign, or scan if you are doing the audio tour. There is the ready room loop on the port side and there is another loop on the tower side/starboard side. Then you can go back down to the middle level or the “garage” There are many aircraft parked in here as well that you can admire, read about, or listen with the audio tour. This is also where the café is, the full gift shop, the flight simulator (costs extra) and the VR simulator (costs extra). There is an “upper loop” you can access by the theater that shows the living spaces of the enlisted and a lot more. Then you can go one more level down to see all of the below deck areas. This is the most time consuming part. There are probably at least 5 loops that you can take. The door openings are smaller than a regular door so some taller folks or those with some mobility issues may have to duck to take extra caution. Same goes for the steep stairs and stairs in general. You will definitely get your steps in here. Once you are finished, you return your audio tour. We actually weren’t able to finish everything on our first visit since there was so much. Upon returning the headset, the employee asked us how our visit was and we told them that we almost got to everything but not quite and we wished we could have gotten to it all. He invited us back the next day on a voucher! You go to the desk at the exit to get a return voucher for the next day for just the party you are with. That was very nice of them to extend that offer. They want to make sure everyone gets the experience and knowledge they need out of the museum. Luckily we had a couple hours to spare the next morning so it worked out well for us. Your mileage may vary but remember kindness goes a long way. They are open 10am-5pm so it is slightly limited hours on that front. I will say if you have a history buff, an aviation buff, a navy buff, a top gun buff, or a war buff in your family, absolutely come here and spend time. For the rest of us, we still really enjoyed our experience and learned so much! It was amazing to see the size of an aircraft...

The USS Midway Museum is an absolute must-visit when you're in San Diego. As a retired aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945, it offers an immersive experience that combines history, awe-inspiring exhibits, and breathtaking views.

Hours of Operation and Tickets: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm). Free entry for active duty military and reservist. Veterans ticket is $24 at window and $22 online. No senior citizen discount. You will need minimum 3 hours to explore the ship at decent pace. If you want to enjoy all the amenities, take pictures, have food and listen to audio tour, I’d say plan for 5-6 hours to thoroughly enjoy your visit.

Parking: Adjacent to the museum, there's a metered parking area wherein you can park for a maximum of 3 hours for $7.5. Parking is a pain whether rain or shine. Get in earliest possible to find a spot.

Disability Access: The Midway has made significant modifications to enhance accessibility. Elevators connect Navy Pier to the ship entrance, from the Hangar Deck down to the second deck, and from the Flight Deck to the Hangar Deck. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on both the Hangar and Flight Decks. ASL (American Sign Language) tours and audio descriptive tours are provided for guests with hearing impairment or visual challenges. Service animals are welcome, but check restrictions due to the ship's layout.

Things to Do: Explore the enormous flight deck with 29 restored aircraft. Experience flight simulators (additional $20 for two). Attend the Battle of Midway Theater. Take the self-guided audio tour narrated in multiple languages. Don't miss the Junior Pilot Program and overnight adventures.

Views and Amenities: The views from the Flight Deck are spectacular—ocean vistas, downtown San Diego, and the harbor. Enjoy the sea breeze and imagine life at sea. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many built in Southern California. The ship also houses a full fledged dining area.

Displays: Dive into naval history through interactive exhibits. Learn about the brave servicemen who served aboard the Midway. Discover the stories behind each corner of this massive ship.

In summary, the USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable journey through time, honoring the sacrifices of our servicemen. Whether you spend hours or days exploring, you'll be captivated by its sheer magnitude and the tales it holds. Be prepared for an enriching experience that will leave you in awe.

Remember, this floating city at sea is not just a museum—it's a living testament to courage, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of those who served. Enjoy your...

I'd love to share with you my experience visiting the USS Midway Museum, a journey that left a lasting impression on me.

From the moment I set foot on the USS Midway, anchored in the heart of San Diego, I felt a deep sense of awe. This massive aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1945, was once the largest ship in the world and served our country for 47 years, including in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before being decommissioned in 1992.

Wandering around the Midway, I was captivated by the collection of over 30 restored aircraft. From World War II prop planes to modern jet fighters, each aircraft had its unique story, and I could almost hear the echoes of their engines roaring into life.

One of the most thrilling parts of my visit was trying out the flight simulators. It was an exhilarating experience, giving me a glimpse into what it must have been like to be a pilot on one of these magnificent machines.

The self-guided audio tour, narrated by sailors who served on the Midway, added a personal touch. Their stories brought the ship to life, making me feel as though I was walking alongside them during their time at sea.

I also took the time to explore the bridge in the island, the command center for flight deck operations. It was fascinating to see where crucial decisions were made during missions.

Going below deck was like stepping into another world. I saw the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room, and even the ship's jail. It was a humbling experience, realizing the everyday challenges faced by those who lived and worked on the Midway.

The Midway isn't just a museum; it's a symbol of American resilience and innovation. The dedication to preserving its history and honoring the sacrifice of those who served on it was evident in every corner of the ship.

As I stood on the flight deck, looking out over the San Diego harbor, I felt a profound connection to the past. The stories I heard and the sights I saw will stay with me forever. The USS Midway Museum isn't just a visit; it's an experience, one that I'll always treasure.

If you ever find yourself in San Diego, I highly recommend visiting the USS Midway Museum. It's an experience that's both educational and deeply moving, a true testament to the spirit of the...