USS Midway Museum

Maritime museum · San Diego Bay

USS Midway Museum

Maritime museum · San Diego Bay

4

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

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USS Midway Museum by null
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USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null
USS Midway Museum by null

Highlights

Historic aircraft carrier museum with flight simulators & planes  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

midway.org
@ussmidwaymuseum

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910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Get directions

+1 619 544 9600
midway.org
@ussmidwaymuseum

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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"This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events annually—including reenlistment, retirement, and change-of-command ceremonies—which are all open for the public to observe." - Marie Tutko, Archana Ram

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DESMONT

Google
Unforgettable USS Midway Museum Experience! The USS Midway Museum is hands down the best museum of its kind I've ever visited—surpassing even the incredible stair museums I've explored in Russia and elsewhere! The massive aircraft carrier is a marvel, filled with fascinating exhibits and stunning views. The short wait time of up to 10 minutes made entry a breeze, and the weekday visit added to the enjoyable atmosphere. The statues and photo opportunities are a highlight, capturing the ship's rich history perfectly. I highly recommend this place to everyone—it's a must-see for anyone interested in naval history or just looking for an amazing day out!

Ed Stojancevich

Google
This place was absolutely amazing. Definitely one of the most fun museums we’ve been to. The staff is super friendly and informative. There are tons of real planes on board to see and take pictures with. You truly get the feel of the experience of being on an aircraft carrier. What a great museum. If we lived in the area, we’d buy a membership. Hard to fit it all into one trip.

Josh Baltazar

Google
Really solid museum, I walked through everything and it took about 3 hours and I did speed up the last hour, normally probably would have been close to 4 hours. Really interesting to see all parts of the Midway, from the sleeping quarters to the deck. Amazing insight about the history of the ship. There is a nice audio guide as well explaining most things. It is hard to navigate around with lots of stairs and tight quarters, just be aware of that if you are not too mobile. Overall the ticket was $39 and it was worth the value for sure.

JB Benitez

Google
Great experience at the USS Midway Museum! Walking through the ship was like stepping into a floating time capsule. Loved learning about life on an aircraft carrier — from the engine room and laundry to the galley and flight deck. The planes and historical details were incredible. The audio tour is included (nice bonus), but I used the phone version, and that had one downside: you can’t scan each exhibit, so finding the right audio manually was a bit tricky. Still, highly recommend it! Tons to explore, and it really makes you appreciate the life and work of those who served aboard.

Ivan

Google
I came here with my dad because I enjoy naval aircraft, and it was an amazing experience. The Midway had a lot of aircraft on the deck and below deck they even the cockpit of the f-18 used in top gun maverick, as well as a very nice gift shop that has "remove Before Flight" tags for sale. This might just be the best place I have ever went to in my life

ItzMillertime Studios

Google
A must see attraction in San Diego. Attraction for all ages and worldwide appeal . Learn about the history whist walking the ship. Be sure to leave yourself a good 3-4 hours to view the whole ship from the bridge , the flight deck and all the aircraft , plus below decks. Well worth the 39$ entry for adults 26$ for kids up to 13 years old. Make sure you little to ex service men and women talking about the ship . Must see , highly recommended

Michael Preiss

Google
A Must-Visit Experience in San Diego – Spectacular! The USS Midway Museum is an absolute highlight in San Diego and a must-see for visitors of all ages. This massive aircraft carrier is not just a museum – it’s a full experience. You can walk through multiple decks of the ship and explore nearly every area where sailors lived and worked. From the engine rooms to the command bridge, everything is incredibly well preserved and presented. One of the best parts is the wide variety of aircraft on display – from fighter jets to helicopters – many of which you can actually climb into. It gives you a real sense of what life was like aboard an active Navy vessel. What makes the visit even more special are the many volunteers, many of whom actually served on the USS Midway. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share personal stories and fascinating details that you won’t find on any signboard. Whether you’re a history buff, aviation fan, or just looking for a unique outing in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable experience – highly recommended for both kids and adults!

Brandi Sealy

Google
This was a really neat and fun experience, so up close an personal especially for those who wanted to join but couldn't. To see what once my elders have done was full filling to my heart. All staff were very informative, patient(young kids) and just great to chat with. There is a lot for kids and adults to climb into check out cockpit of planes and helicopters. There was a lot of stairs. There is a scavenger hunt to do when on borad. A lot of older technologies that my children have not seen in their time, to see them looking at all was comical.

Kris F.

Yelp
I love love love this museum! Please visit! The staff is great and the history is amazing!!! Enjoy!
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Stephanie O.

Yelp
I stopped here on 2 different occasions. The first was in the summer with friends, and the 2nd during their Jingle Jets event. If you're 5'6" and taller definitely watch your head! The summer was perfect weather the day we went even with all the walking and stair climbing we did throughout the shop. The docents and volunteers were super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Even better when you could talk to someone who was actually serving on the ship and hear their stories. Their Jingle Jets event is a separately ticketed event, for $30/person during the holidays. Bummed no additional discounts for military, but it was a beautiful show of lights in the ship and on the flight deck. The planes were so pretty surrounded with light. Lots of drunk and snack options available and so many Dan's available at different areas without clashing with each other. Only thing we wished we could see was more of the museum but understandable why they limit the locations of access.
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Carolyn F.

Yelp
What an incredible and inspiring way to spend a morning in SanDiego! Great way to really gain some perspective and RESPECT. We booked a fast pass through my credit card to "skip the line" ( Viator). This is a must-do. Enjoy an expansive flight deck experience while learning how our military kept ahead and kept us safe. Take hours to explore, take in the California sunshine, and snap videos from the bay perspective. We saw many children's school groups and they seemed to be very excited! If you have children or grandchildren, stop by the jet shop where you can buy a flight suit, flight jacket, T-shirt, etc. or replica aircraft. Great stocking stuffers or Christmas or birthday gifts
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Engy F.

Yelp
Great place to visit! Absolutely amazing that the guys in yellow hats have been working on this shop when it was on service, the way they tell their stories and the history of the ship is very interesting. When you go in there's the hangar, there are timed shows that play every hour, there were 2 games that you can play with a fee, VR and simulator. There is a cafeteria where you can get drinks or meals, they close at 3 though. The upper floor is the deck with all the planes, some you can get inside and take pictures. There is a guided tour to where the captain sits and the maps and so, I recommend it. Overall a great family friendly experience for kids and adults.
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Travis T.

Yelp
I come from a military family and have a deep appreciation for our armed forces. I have always regretted not joining the Navy after high school. I always thought it would be cool to serve on an aircraft carrier. I would have enjoyed being a cook in the mess hall. I have toured the USS Midway on a couple of occasions in the past. I really enjoy taking my time on this tour and seeing and reading all that I can. There is a lot to see while on this aircraft carrier, so give yourself a few hours. The USS Midway is the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. It was in service from 1945 to 1992 where thousands of sailors served over the years. It is famous for its many rescue missions. Today it is a museum at Navy Pier in San Diego. Admission is timed entry and includes a self-guided audio tour. You are able to see majority of the ship and check out locations like the engine room, officers quarters, the brig (where I would probably end up), mess hall and the bridge. There are also several aircraft that you can check out on the flight deck. You get great views of San Diego bay and the downtown area while on the flight deck. Make sure you walk around the area around the USS Midway and check out the Unconditional Surrender Statue and the many memorials dedicated to those that served our country.
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Marshall G.

Yelp
This was our treat to ourselves. My Navy experience was not a carrier. So this was new too. Totally decorated for Christmas was so special. Highly recommend if you are in San Diego now.
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Lisa E.

Yelp
This a awesome museum. There is so much to do here. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore everything. Definitely do the audio tour. Talk to the vets who work there and ask questions, you will learn so much. I highly recommend this museum.
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Scott R.

Yelp
I was in downtown San Diego and of course I had to check out the USS Midway museum. Purchasing tickets was super easy and the volunteers provided a tremendous amount of information. If you are ever in downtown San Diego, by all means, check it out.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
It's so neat to explore a big ship! Especially when you're with children. I feel like my kids got even more out of visiting the USS Midway than I did. We got to walk through sleeping quarters, see the mess hall, look at the infirmary, and basically get a feel for what life on the Midway was like. Along with walking through the ship, there are also some interactive rides (for an additional fee), and an area outside where you can get inside aircraft. This area looks out over the ocean, which is a beautiful sight. One thing to note: If you want to walk through the ship exhibits, you will do a lot of walking, and there are lots of steep stairs and hatches to step over (possible tripping hazard, if you're not paying attention. Also, there is no way for a stroller or wheelchair to navigate through here. However, the main part of the museum, as well as the outdoor area with the aircraft, is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Tickets are around $35, but when we visited, the city was doing a promotion where kids 12 and under were free. We bought our tickets online and saved a little money (you get a discount if you purchase tickets online), and we also saved some time, because we were able to skip the ticket counter and just walk straight to the entrance.
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Mark C.

Yelp
Arrr, me hearties! Captain 619 here, and I be settin' sail on a review for the grand ol' USS Midway, a true gem anchored in the heart of San Diego! ‍ As a veteran who's roamed her decks many moons ago, I can tell ye this ship be more than just a mighty vessel; she's a testament to American ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of our patriots. This beauty be a staple of our San Diego coastline, and ye can't help but feel the weight of history as ye step aboard. The Midway's seen her fair share of battles, and she's weathered 'em all like a seasoned sailor. Ye can still feel the haunted presence of all the brave sailors and Marines who've walked her decks, servin' the greatest nation of all--the United States of America! It's like the spirits of those mini sailors be whisperin' tales of valor and adventure in the salty breeze. The views from her flight deck are nothing short of spectacular, and ye can almost hear the roar of jets takin' off into the wild blue yonder. The exhibits be rich with history, givin' ye a glimpse into life aboard this floating fortress. Whether ye be a history buff or just lookin' for a good time with the crew, the Midway has got somethin' for everyone. So if ye find yerself in San Diego, hoist the anchor and make yer way to the USS Midway! She's a relic that deserves to be explored, and trust me, ye won't regret it. Five stars for this majestic ship, and may she continue to inspire patriotism and adventure in all who board her! God bless the Midway and the land of the free! ‍
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Lorenzo W.

Yelp
A HISTORIC, SEASIDE ADVENTURE! I've always wanted to enter the USS Midway and I finally did! My Mom brought me and we had a blast. It was relaxing sobering and interesting. I'm really impressed with how pristine this ship is kept and the level of professionalism of the staff. Everyone from the attendants, speakers, volunteers, and gift shop crew were polite. I highly recommend taking the free audio tour! You'll receive this device that you scan next to each yellow loudspeaker icon across the ship and you get a narration of what's happening before you! It's very immersive and enjoyable. You can literally explore every inch of this ship. The kitchen, rooms, flight deck, hangar deck, island, lower decks, laundry room, EVERYTHING! Everything is mapped out and staff are happy to help. The Midway has a gift shop that sells Top Gun merch and a small cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks. We spotted outdoor seating areas with neat views of the San Diego bay where you can eat your food. Note: You can't see everything in a half day, you need at least a full day, maybe two. It's a great place to purchase a museum membership as they have lots of cool events and it's generally a truly relaxing experience.
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Long D.

Yelp
San Diego tourist attraction with a proud history. Come see how US men and women live and sacrifice to keep us safe. Learn a few lingo, how the aircraft take off and land on the carrier, see a historic documentary, sit on the captain chair overlook the carrier, see 2 massive anchors, walk the deck, breathe the fresh SD bay air, take some nice pictures of SD skyline, have a good time after paying $15 parking and $32 entry ticket
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Vuoch L.

Yelp
https://www.midway.org/visit/know-before-you-go Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Last admission at 4 p.m. Tickets for veterans $22 at the door $24 ( proof of service required) Adults ages 13+ $32 at the door $34 Youth ages 4-12 $22 at the door $24 Annual pass for 2 $90 , for 4 $150 A lot to see and a lot of walking up and down stairs , I would say to spend 4-5 hours to get the full experience. They offer Pilot program for young children, stop by their information desk at the entrance. Stop at the service desk for Same day reentry admittance . USS Midway is close proximity to the Seaport Village / Tuna Harbor Park . Walk on the pier towards Seaport Village for lunch .
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Tiffany N.

Yelp
They open at 10:30. It is cheaper to buy the tickets on the San Diego app in which you save $2 and time per ticket. You will need several hours to fully explore all the attractions inside. It is a self-guided tour in which you choose where you want to go. They give a voice tour with a hand-held device that you scan at certain areas, but the volume is super low so just ask the volunteers if you have questions. Lots of veterans on board who are more than happy to share their experiences and knowledge. I loved visiting the USS Midway for the first time. If you're a fan of Top Gun, you'll love the flight deck but beware it gets hot and bright up here. Food: You can't bring any food inside but don't worry. There is Cafe 41 inside and they concession stands scattered throughout the ship. Also a nice gift shop with Navy merchandise. Definitely an experience to go have with family! #ThankYouVeterans
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Amy C.

Yelp
Sunday, August 11, 2024: We've been to this museum many times and we still hold it in awe. This behemoth of a ship has such a rich & storied history that everyone should at least visit it once. This time we were invited to a good friend's graduation ceremony from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). So proud of him since I'm an ERAU grad of 2007 with a B. S. Degree in Professional Aeronautics. We're both proud Eagles. What a great venue to hold a ceremony since many students were or are military. It was a three (3) hour ceremony, which included Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees of various disciplines like safety, engineering, etc. It was well done with great speakers. What made it special is that his family and close friends were in attendance helping to celebrate this great event. It was a very memorable evening on one of the longest serving aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy!
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Jesse R.

Yelp
Pack a lunch, drink lots of water, and wear comfortable shoes. This retired ship museum is AWESOME. Plan on spending the WHOLE day in this ship. Take your time and walk through the many passageways and flight deck to live and learn what it was like to work and live as a Navy Sailor at sea. As a retired Marine who spent many years at sea, this was a great tour and captured all the aspects of ship life. on I'll return to walk through it and show my young kids what it was like at sea. Perhaps they will someday join the Navy and experience it in real life.
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Bryan And G.

Yelp
We brought our out of town relatives, visiting from SONORA, MEXICO; to see their very first AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER!!! Needless to say, they were very, very Impressed!!! WHO WOULDN'T BE!!! We started with the Lower Deck, then went up to the Upper Deck. Up there, you get Bay Views, City Views, Ship Views and, of course, lots and lots more PLANES. We got a great photo with my NIECE and the AIRMAN STATUE!!!
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Jannie K.

Yelp
The USS Midway Museum in San Diego is an exciting, family-friendly adventure on one of the most famous aircraft carriers in history! Right when you step aboard, you're surrounded by a fascinating array of historic planes on the flight deck, each with its own story to tell. Climb into the cockpits, explore the crew's quarters, and get a feel for what life was like for the sailors who called the Midway home. One of the best parts is the audio tour, where you'll hear fun and heartwarming stories from former crew members. Plus, the friendly docents, many of whom are Navy veterans, are always nearby to share their stories and answer questions. The flight simulator adds a thrilling touch, letting you experience the excitement of flying on and off the carrier. It's an amazing, hands-on experience for visitors of all ages that makes history come alive! If you're in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is a can't-miss stop for a day of exploration, learning, and fun.
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Greeshma R.

Yelp
We have been to San Diego so many times but never got a chance to visit this museum. During our recent visit we went here in the morning and enjoyed all day here. There is so much to see and do! Totally recommend to any age groups. It can take up to 4hrs to see the entire museum from top deck to the middle and down. It's fascinating to learn and see how a navy ship works, we started off the visit by watching a movie about the famous war and then headed up to the different decks and all the equipments the ship carrys. We were fascinated to look at the giant ropes, anchors and all the mechanism of the ship at the bottom deck. This museum is great and very well maintained. The kids had a great time and the added bonus is completing a set of questions to earn a copilot badge which is very motivating.
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Angela C.

Yelp
We had a wonderful experience at the USS Midway! My history loving son who knows all about wars loved it. My daughter enjoyed herself as well. We spent nearly two hours here going through all the levels on the ship, and they even have fighter planes on the ship where you can enter to explore or climb up and sit in the cockpit. Very cool and interactive way to spend a couple hours while in San Diego! $34/adults $24 for children 12 and under.
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Craig L.

Yelp
Making its home in San Diego is the aircraft carrier which derives its name from one of the most important battles in the Pacific during World War II. To my knowledge, it's one of the largest aircraft carriers of its time and one that served the longest (1945-92). It was a great experience. I would recommend that you are not in a rush and take your time to tour the vessel. Included with your admission is a small device that that hangs from a lanyard and serves as your tour guide. Most of the exhibits have a placard that you hold the device to and then listen to your guide. There is also some realistic commentary included. Everything is marked very clearly, and the visual cues are easy to follow. If you follow the arrows, you won't miss anything important. Remember, this is a ship so there are areas that are a little tight with low head clearance. You must remember to step through the doorways and the stairs are a little steep. There is a lot of walking. If you want to see it all, give yourself at least a couple of hours. Although very interesting, it gives us a glimpse of life on a naval vessel and the concessions of comfort that military personnel make to protect and serve our country. A big bonus (at least when I visited) was that there was a plethora of retired servicemen who served on the carrier who were eager to share facts as well as their experiences and knowledge. I highly recommend a visit to the "Midway".
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Garrett H.

Yelp
If you're into anything military, love museums, or are just looking for a great way to spend the day, this is it! The USS Midway is full of well-documented history with plenty of fact sheets in beautifully curated exhibits. All the docents are excellent and fountains of knowledge. Take some time to talk to them and learn some great things! The ship is clean and offers plenty to do. The flight deck provides great views of San Diego harbor. You can make it a half-day or a full-day excursion. You won't go hungry either, with the onboard kitchen and snack shop. If you have kids, be sure to grab a map for the Junior Pilot Program. Complete the scavenger hunt and earn a pair of wings -- it's a fun and free souvenir! Overall, it's a great experience and a fantastic way to spend the day! They also offer several discounts and often have multiple ticket pricing options, so check online before you go.
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Aiko N.

Yelp
The place exceeded expectations!! I was here three hours and it wasn't enough time! There is SO much to do that it is worth every penny. I am actually debating getting the annual pass and taking the train down! There's so many aircrafts on the deck that you can actually go into, as well as flight simulators, a short movie, and various volunteers have presentations all around the Midway. The movie was interesting to me because it was about Pearl Harbor getting bombed. My grandparents are from that area; my grandma once told me she and her sisters had seen a Japanese plane flying so low they could see the pilot... before the guy sprayed their plantation house with bullets. Moving on... Below deck is an incredible amount of history and you can see how sailors lived. There's narrow passages, steep stairs and it's definitely not handicap friendly- not to mention, low ceilings. I was the only one in my group who never had to duck to enter anything here. The food was decent too; it's cafeteria-style, where you grab a tray and go. I ordered the grass-fed burger and it was actually very good. Overall, I highly recommend this place to others. Pros: - the volunteers are often vets and have wonderful stories - so many interactive activities - views from deck - the history Cons: - below deck gets hot and stuffy - parking sucks! They took away most of the 7-hour parking - taller/ bigger people may have decreased mobility below deck
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Gracela B.

Yelp
Historical military aircraft carrier/museum that is a must see when in San Diego. 1. Parking - paid parking but can get full if getting in the afternoon. We found 3 hour parking spots a block away on a Saturday and holiday weekend. 2. Experience - Excellent! If you love history (like I do and want to read through everything) you will need more than 3 hours. I felt I could have spent the whole day (open from 10am-4 pm). My family members on the other hand felt three hours was enough for our visit. There a lot of stairs (apparently there is an elevator but not sure how long it will take since I only saw one) so just a warning that there are tons of walking and stairs if you want to immerse yourself with everything it has to offer. My family members and I were impressed with the visit and even my hubby and son mentioned it exceeded their expectations. There are a lot of docents walking around who are all informative and when we saw the film in the beginning the docent commented they are the number one most visited place in California. I turned to my hubby and asked, I thought it is Disneyland. Who knows? I am not about to fact check this guy for $32 pp, it was indeed worth the visit.
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Timmy S.

Yelp
After countless years of never quite getting here, I finally visited this amazing, historical aircraft carrier which has been converted into a museum. It was a Monday morning at around 11am and there was no line at the ticket booth. Walking through the museum was very nice without a crowd (at times I found myself alone in certain rooms) although there was an uptick of people by the time I left at 2. While there are docent tours given as well as an audio tour, I decided to do a self tour as there are plenty of placards, photos, and videos to explain the various areas of the ship as well as a good number of docents positioned throughout the ship who are very knowledgable and can answer any question you can come up with. It is obvious that they love to be asked! I walked through most of the ship; engine room, galley, chapel, laundry, sick bay, bunk area, etc. One realizes this is a small, efficient city below deck. I nimbly maneuvered up and down various stairs, some steep and ladder-like, exploring the various areas. I read in the brochure there are elevators at a few locations for folks that can't do the stairs. The flight deck was cool to see various aircraft and get a better visual idea of the precision pilots must have to take off and land. I appreciated the use of mannequins to enhance how everything was staffed in the various areas. There was a lot to see and the nearly three hours I spent here was just glossing over many sections as I realized if I read every plaque and watched every video I'd need a full day. This is a fascinating, educational place for history buffs or students of any age.
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Shirley J.

Yelp
Well organized the tours were very informative and interesting. Really cool and neat stuff to see and learn about. Got to actually sit inside of a jetliner . Toured through the ship and was able to see the navy living quarters which was pretty cool. I definitely recommend this museum.
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Brian E.

Yelp
This is a "must-see" museum!! Museum ratings obviously depend on what drives you, but this is easily one of the Top 5 museums in the U.S. I'm not sure exactly what I expected the first time I visited, but the USS Midway far exceeded those expectations. The displays are realistic and informative. The docents there are Top Notch (a.k.a. Top Gun?). The movie on the Battle of Midway (after which the USS Midway is named, just to the right after you enter the ship) is a great way to start. The Hangar Deck sports a number of interesting historical aircraft while the Flight Deck has a number of jets and helicopters (these displays are constantly changing and moving, so the museum keeps changing its 'look'). Docents describe many of the activities that occur on aircraft carriers (including catapult take-offs and tail hook landings). Audio guides help with the learning and you hear a number of stories from those who served on the Midway. You can see several levels and many features of this floating city. You can run through in a couple of hours or can easily spend a day or two if your interest runs deep. The Midway hosts over 700 events each year, many open to the public, so you can enjoy one of these as well. I highly recommend including the USS Midway on your visit to San Diego or a membership if you're a local! Great way to take in Naval history and see a very cool ship- the largest floating museum in the world!
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Linda J.

Yelp
Celebrating Memorial Day at the USS Midway. God bless All of the service men and women who died for our freedom. I had more of an amazing time listening to my husband walk me through the ship from his memories and speaking to those who actually lived it. There are no other words I want to share about this place.
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Sam J.

Yelp
I visited the museum on 8/24 with my family, expecting an enjoyable experience, but instead, we were subjected to blatant discrimination and harassment by a volunteer security guard named David Keesling. After passing through ticketing and the main security checkpoint without any issues, we encountered David at the entrance to the ship. He immediately confronted me about my appearance, specifically my shirt, and demanded that I turn it inside out. When I asked to see the policy on clothing, he became increasingly aggressive, admitting that there was no written policy, meaning this was purely his personal opinion and discretion. When I complied with his request and asked for directions to a restroom to change, David's behavior escalated. He got in my face and yelled, "Flip the shirt inside out or get THE FUCK OUT if you don't like it." He then called for backup, bringing in Bob Watkins, Jose Castillo, and Greg Giudice. Bob approached us with arrogance, crossing his arms and refusing to discuss the situation or provide any policy, simply stating that "if we don't like it, we can just get a refund and leave." We decided to take the refund rather than support an establishment that allows such hate-fueled behavior. As we were walking out, these guards attempted to physically intimidate us by pushing my 50-year-old mother and telling her to "hurry up and keep walking." The situation was capped off with one of them making a political comment, saying they're "still going to win the election," revealing their MAGA-supporting bias. Supporting our suspicions that the encounter had NOTHING to do with my shirt, it was based off my appearance. This experience was nothing short of a hate crime, rooted in their DISCRIMINATION against me as an openly gay person. I cannot recommend a place that allows such vile and discriminatory behavior to go unchecked. This kind of treatment is unacceptable, and I hope the museum takes serious action to address this incident.
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Dani L.

Yelp
I'm a history nerd and museum snob- this surpassed ALL expectations. I wasn't able to fit it all in the first day and came back (free ticket!) The BEST part: the docents are all veterans and many served on ships including the Midway. Every docent had an answer to my questions and had many conversations to learn about their experiences and hear their stories. Ask them anything! Highlights: - The Island Tour- visit the tower at the tippy top and get amazing views from the bridge and captains quarters. - Landing Talk and Launch Talk- expert docents give a talk on the flight deck with photos and videos on how the planes were launched and landed. Each docent brings their own experience and personal stories to the talks. - Audio Tour- self guided and comes in many languages. You can use your phone, but the reception in the lower decks was bad and my phone was in SOS mode- highly recommend using their lightweight speakers that hang around your neck. TIPs: - Wear good shoes! Lots of stairs and a ton of walking- you'll get your steps in! (There are elevators, but it's not very accessible due to close quarters and narrow corridors below deck) if you have mobility issues or are a wheelchair user- still plenty of things to see) - Plan for at least 4 hours. I came late in the afternoon and had to leave before seeing everything. The museum will issue you a FREE ticket to come back the next day. I spent an additional 4 hours. - There is a cafe with food and plenty of deck seating. - The museum gift shop is very nice and has plenty of souvenirs. - There is a library/archive on board and they can assist with service related questions or military history of the ship. - Kid friendly! They have a Junior pilot Program for your visit - stop at the info desk on your way in. This is a must see for anyone visiting and truly a piece of American History you can feel part of.
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Karl A.

Yelp
What an amazing museum! We parked in the dock and walked right in (we pre-bought tickets at our hotel). Plan lots of time if you want to explore the whole place. There are so many routes through the ship before you even get to the flight deck. The collection is in great shape! We got to see it all lit up for the holidays. While it was fun to see at night, the lights draped over the planes during the day was a bit of an eyesore. Great museum! Well worth a trip!
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Gary N.

Yelp
$20 for parking plus $34 for each adult ticket,I have been here pretty much every day during my college years working at the San Diego zoo, I got free admission to this museum any time I visit. Unfortunately during my visit with my out of town relatives, we had to pay full prices because the employee didn't want to give me my free admission from the zoo employee, I didn't know when they changed this rule, they said they can't give free ticket to former employee, and I have to show them my current pay stubs, so I guess I can't argue with them anymore but spent another $34. Pretty much everything inside were the same the last time I was here, you get to visit 3 levels, lower deck with engine room plus where people eat and sleep, etc. the middle level where you get some history about the ship until it got turned into a museum, then you pay for food, pictures, gift shop and virtual experience separately. Finally the flight deck is the one you get most of your money worth, all the plane models you can take pictures with, before you head back down to the other side at the fish market and get the picture with the statue. Overall, another place that I don't visit anymore except for Top Gun 2 premier, Midway the movie, some concerts during July 4th or a special occasion, other than that nope.
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Jennifer G.H. W.

Yelp
This was amazing to see. Lots of history. It's amazing to see and walk through the ship and see all the stations. We got to watch a film and even get into aircraft's. Wow! Thank you for service veterans!
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Charles S.

Yelp
My son love it He loves airplane and all the Charcuterie's ffhrsvjexyfdig The recipe for this dish was a little different
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Melissa B.

Yelp
CA 01-2024 Tony and I was at the Marina Waterfront in San Diego piers and saw the USS Midway. There was a lot of people touring the ship. Tony's grandfather Smith served during WWII on a big ship similar to one of these so he was very interested in checking it out. We had a nice day in San Diego #bucketlisttriplisatony2024
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Risto K.

Yelp
Airplane carrier turned museum and permanently anchored in San Diego port. This is really something spectacular! Floating city - nothing less. Gives a naive tourist like myself a sense of proportion. Even more so as modern aircraft carriers are even bigger and mightier! There are many things to like about the USS Midway museum, but I will mention only that volunteers who were actual sailors or pilots on this aircraft carrier who today work as volunteers are special! I spent several hours listening about take off and landing procedures from the folks who actually did it themselves! A true technical marvel....
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Kimberly G.

Yelp
The USS Midway is a must see while in San Diego. This is such a great experience with so much history. We loved all areas that are open to visitors. The volunteers were all so knowledgeable and friendly. We spent about 3.5 hours looking around. Plan for lots of walking - wear comfy shoes! Lots of stair climbing and tight spaces. The flight deck is awesome with so many different planes and some you can even walk into. The coolest part for us, was seeing a US Navy retirement ceremony on the flight deck.
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Justin B.

Yelp
You can literally spend all day here if you appreciate military history. All the volunteer staff were very welcoming, very friendly and the whole museum was also very informative and neat to see. This is a fun place to take the whole family and show them something different and unique.
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Reese S.

Yelp
Love the Midway! Such a fantastic museum.... So rich in history. Staff and volunteers were so informative and friendly. This is a must in San Diego
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May A.

Yelp
USS Midway (CV-41) - Historic and Educational We have tried to take a tour of the USS Midway when we came here on May 2021 but, unfortunately, time did not permit. We were able to visit the aircraft carrier this past weekend and learn the history, tour the museum and see the 30 restored aircraft and helicopters on display on the Hangar and Flight Decks. The USS Midway was once the largest ship in the world until 1955. The first thing we did was watch a 15-min film "Voices of Midway" at the Battle of Midway Theater. Outside the theater are exhibits from the Battle of Midway including three WWII era aircraft: the F4F Wildcat, SBD Dauntless and TBD Devastator replica (used in the Midway film). USS Midway was commissioned a week after the end of World War II and operated for 47 years between 1945 and 1992. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour at your own pace. There were also docents where you could ask questions or get guidance. We spent three hours at the museum and we ran out of time experiencing the guided island tour. There is a cafe and a souvenir shop located on the Hangar Deck where enlisted sailors once repaired powerful jet engines. Jet Shop is the main gift store at the museum. The USS Midway does not have a dedicated parking lot. We parked at the Tuna Harbor Pier which had a 3-hour parking limit. General admission fee for adult is $31. A must see when visiting San Diego. San Diego is the birthplace of Naval Aviation. Review #3213
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Alex D.

Yelp
Very cool "museum" that is this entire ship! When you get inside the ship entrance, you can get an audio headset that tells you about the history ot the ship and people who were on it. You have options of English, Spanish, Chinese, and a few other languages. You can then go to the flight deck and see over 15 different jets that had a history of landing on this ship and what each jet was used for, or you can go below deck and see the living quarters, sick bay, kitchens, and more. The flight deck is wheelchair accessible, but I dont think the living spaces and things below are (see photos). I would call ahead to ask more about accessibility. Overall, this is an amazing look into the real lives of Navy members and how intricate our Navy ships and jets are. I highly recommend checking the USS Midway out!

Katherine G.

Yelp
Very informative. The movie at the beginning was excellent! All the staff are very knowledgeable. Great visit!!
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Shirley O.

Yelp
Top gun at its finest. This is a fun place to spend a leisurely few hours. They did a great job of preserving history and the planes were magnificent. We enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather from the top deck. The inner areas of the vessel were amazing and showed a glimpse of what life was like. There was a good amount of visitors, but it was not overly crowded. We started at Fashion Valley Mall where we had brunch, then drove to the Old Town Transit Center where we parked for free. We took the trolley for a few dollars and the ride was 15 minutes. The museum was about a five minute walk. This place is a gem and a must see if you're a long time resident like myself or a visitor from out of town.
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John E.

Yelp
Traveling through and visiting the USS Midway is like walking into a living time capsule, complete with volunteers and service men who served on the ship in their youth. We had the privilege and the honor of being able to listen to a 91 yr old veteran talk about his time on the ship during his live discussion. If you have the chance to engage in anyway with the volunteers there you will be rewarded. Ensure you give yourself at least 3 hours to walk around all the nooks and compartments. Each area of the ship tells a story. If you are able to buy your tickets ahead of time, you will be placed in a different line/queue for entry. This seems to be true for any method of pre-purchase, don't be fooled by any 'front of the line or ' skip the line' verbiage, you're just skipping the line to buy gut tickets there and then. Safe travels and enjoy
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Emily L.

Yelp
Very very cool and informative place to go. We enjoyed the visit a lot and highly recommend this as a tourism spot.
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Blessing O.

Yelp
Tickets must be purchased online for the time slot you plan to visit. So much fun "Jingle Jets" addition to San Diego's festive season this year was a fantastic idea. Thanks to the midway for the extravagant display of lights. DJ, Music and Drinks on the flight deck was awesome. We spent about 3hrs there just having a good ol time. Fun for all ages. Highlights Carolers caroling Santa!!!!!
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Chris H.

Yelp
So much things to see. From the inside of the ship to the aircrafts on top. Great place to spend a few hours if you like to read all the information available throughout the ship. So many photo opportunities!
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David V.

Yelp
This Is A Great Museum On Water Because It Is A Ship. There Are Even Helicopters Here On Site As Well For People To See. Here Are Some Photos Of When I Visited The USS Midway Museum In Summer 2021
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Theodore U.

Yelp
This year the USS Midway Museum introduced an new holiday lights display here in San Diego with "Jingle Jets". Tickets ranged from $20 to $25 per person depending on what day you visited, with the higher price being on the weekends. My family and I visited on a "value" day and it was a little cheaper. Kids pricing ranges from $15 to $18 for kids age 6 to 12. For our family of 5 it cost us $100 with parking, which is $10 to $15 on the Navy Pier. Tickets were also timed entry, so make sure you are arriving at your scheduled time. They will not let you in early. Compared to some of the other light displays around town that charge an admission fee, Jingle Jets is probably one of the cheaper options. When you first make your way onboard you enter into the main hanger area. There is a cute light display as you make your way down through the hanger area. The light display here is small but cute. Lots of cute photo ops. They had a trio of carolers singing all night as you made your way. Most of the ships regular exhibits are closed during this event, but there are still a bunch of planes that you can take pictures with. Santa in a red flight suit was taking pictures. It was a great photo op! There is a line are that has a sign that the wait time could be as long as an hour, but we had no line and throughout the night the line never got too long. The main snack bar is closed, but there is a section open with some holiday snacks. There are also several cocktail bars throughout the event that you can get a drink. Once you make your way to the flight deck, there are several planes and helicopters that are all wrapped in flights. Some of the planes were open so that you could walk through them. In the middle of the flight deck there are tables and chairs for you to sit and relax, and a DJ playing Christmas music. There are also several more photo ops in this area. Overall we enjoyed our visit. With this being the first year, I would expect more lights and activities to be added in the future. From start to finish, casually walking through and enjoying the displays, you should expect to spend about 2 hours for the whole experience. Would definitely recommend checking it out.