USS Midway Museum San Diego

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910 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
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Open:
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Daily
The USS Midway Museum is a tribute to America's rich Naval history. Tours take you through the aircraft carrier to show what life was like for sailors.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
USS Midway Museum San Diego
A Storied History
What You’ll See
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Activities & Exhibits
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Important Tips
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Highlights

Exhibits / Attractions
Tickets
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Exhibits / Attractions
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Visit a Museum with a Storied History

The Front of the USS Midway Museum As Seen from a BoatThe Unconditional Surrender Statue at USS Midway

Conveniently located along the Embarcadero, a coastal maritime hub near Downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum showcases important military history in a dynamic and interactive environment.

The museum is inside the USS Midway, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century with over a decade of history.

The Side of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
The Side of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego

A Quick History about the USS Midway

The USS Midway was the largest ship in the world at the time of its creation in 1945, and it remained the largest until 1955. It was named after the historic Battle of Midway, entering service just after the end of World War II and serving throughout the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. Where the USS Midway sailed along side the USS Coral Sea and the USS Enterprise.

The last mission that the USS Midway served on was in Operation Desert Storm. It was the Navy's flagship vessel in the Persian Gulf where it launched more than 3,000 combat missions.

The USS Midway and the Kissing Statue in the Embarcadero of San Diego
The USS Midway and the Kissing Statue in the Embarcadero of San Diego

The USS Midway Brought to San Diego

In 1992, the ship was finally retired and renovated so it could open in 2004 as the base for the USS Midway Museum. It is situated along San Diego Bay in between Seaport Village and the Maritime Museum of San Diego in the Embarcadero.

While its days as a warship might be long over, the Midway still serves the important purpose of educating and entertaining visitors who can tour the inside of the ship and learn about its exploits during wartime. People of all ages can enjoy the museum, and military history buffs will find its exhibits especially engaging.

One of the many Jets That You Can Sit in at the USS Midway Museum
One of the many Jets That You Can Sit in at the USS Midway Museum

Save on Tickets to the USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum is just one of the many attractions included in the Go City San Diego pass, which can help you save on your trip. Buy a pass before you go to take advantage of our exclusive additional discount (use code GVSD5OFF) to maximize your savings!

We actually feature the USS Midway Museum in our Most Fun Things to do in San Diego guide.

Seeking a 4-star hotel near the bay? Tour the InterContinental San Diego with Todd and learn about its family-friendly features, plus breathtaking views of the San Diego Marina including the Cruise Port and the USS Midway from private balconies and the pool.

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What You’ll See During Your Visit

Old Navy Airplane on Display at the USS Midway Museum
Old Navy Airplane on Display at the USS Midway Museum

As one of the biggest aircraft carriers ever built, the USS Midway is a sight to behold. Boarding the ship from the Navy Pier is an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience. You’re walking in the footsteps of actual sailors and entering a part of history!

Once you enter the museum, you can look through the different areas of the ship and the featured exhibits. Each exhibit showcases a different aspect of the aircraft carrier’s history, military history, or San Diego’s relationship with the Navy.

You can tour through the museum at your own speed, or you can take a tour guided by a museum docent for additional context and historical facts. Group tours are also available.

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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go Pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!
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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Activities and Military History Exhibits

NE 577 Douglas A 1H Skyraider on the USS Midway
NE 577 Douglas A 1H Skyraider on the USS Midway

There’s something for everyone to learn at the USS Midway Museum, regardless of how much you know about naval history. The exhibits in the museum educate visitors on the history of the USS Midway itself, as well as San Diego’s longstanding ties to the US military.

Aircraft Gallery

Throughout the museum, you'll see many restored aircraft, all of which were meticulously restored to ensure they’re as historically accurate as possible. The USS Midway features more than 30 different pieces of aircraft, including helicopters, jets, and propeller planes. The airplanes on display are pulled from many different eras in military history, some of which haven’t been used for decades and others that are still in use today.

Marines Airplane on Display at the USS Midway Museum
Marines Airplane on Display at the USS Midway Museum

Hangar Deck

The floating Hangar Deck is where you'll find the Battle of Midway Theater, as well as many interactive displays and restored aircraft. You'll also get an up-close view of the R-2800 Twin Wasp engine, which is a piece of WWII era machinery known for powering the F4U Corsair. You'll even get to try out the bunks enlisted sailors slept in when on the USS Midway.

Sunset on the Flight Deck of the USS Midway
Sunset on the Flight Deck of the USS Midway

Flight Deck

Along with many types of restored aircraft, the flight deck also features the island or bridge area. This is the command center for coordination flights off the ship, as well as where the person steering the airplane sits. If you've ever been curious about what an admiral's living quarters on an aircraft carrier look like, you'll find them right beneath the flight deck.

Below Deck

In addition to the many types of aircraft on display here, you'll also get a glimpse at what life is really like on an aircraft carrier. The Below Deck section features the Midway chapel, sickbay, main engine control, and the wardroom, where officers had meals and socialized. You'll also get to see the narrow bunks where aircraft occupants spent their nights.

TBD Devastator

The TBD Devastator inside the USS Midway Museum is a replica of the torpedo bomber used in the Battle of Midway during World War II. It is the only one of its kind in the entire world, and the same replica was featured in the 2019 movie Midway.

Local Tips
Cold War Service
USS Midway was the only carrier to serve the entire length of the Cold War and beyond. The USS Midway was the United States' longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992.

Battle of Midway Theater

Nearby the TBD Devastator exhibit is the Battle of Midway Theater. This theater seats up to 90 guests at a time and runs various movies and multimedia presentations, including the Voices of Midway presentation.

Voices of Midway is a 15-minute film that tells the story of the Battle of Midway, which was one of the most important battles of World War II. It includes video and audio clips from real soldiers who took part in the battle. The film is shown multiple times throughout the day, and the ticket price is included in the cost of admission to the museum.

Flight Simulator

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly in the cockpit of a military aircraft, now’s your chance! In the Flight Simulator exhibit, you can try your hand at flying and perform the rolls, spins, and loops of a real fighter pilot, all without ever leaving the ground.

Guided Tours

While you’re welcome to walk through the museum at your own speed, you can also enjoy a guided tour with a small group of other museum visitors. During the tour, a knowledgeable docent will walk you through the different exhibits and give you additional information. As experts on the museum, with a wealth of naval history, the docents are here to answer your questions and improve your experience.

Catapult and Trap Talks

The catapult and trap talks are delivered from the Flight Deck. Here, volunteer docents explain how huge aircrafts were landed and launched from the ship. They are experts in their field—after all, the docents giving the presentation have first-hand experience guiding landings and take offs!

The process of landing on or launching from an aircraft carrier, known as trap and catapult respectively, can be both dangerous and exciting for pilots and those directing them. Former Navy pilots will explain what that process is like, what makes it so perilous, and how a trap and catapult can be performed successfully.

Souvenir Photos

There are plenty of perfect places to take a commemorative photo during your visit. Snap a picture of you walking up the ramp to the ship, or take a photo while you’re in the Flight Simulation. Don’t forget to take a picture of the ship when you’re outside!

When you enter the ship, the museum’s photo team will take a professional-quality photo of the whole family. You can choose a photo package and get your photo developed at the Photo Center at the center of the Hangar Deck.

Tours and Programs for Kids

Port Hole in the USS Midway
Port Hole in the USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum is accessible to all ages. If you’re looking for a way to engage your child and encourage them to learn, the museum runs specially tailored programs for younger visitors.

The Little Skippers program includes a series of activities for junior pilots to complete to earn their piloting wings. A narrated audio tour guides kids to over 30 different locations in the aircraft carrier, ensuring they make the most of their trip. Kids can complete fun activities like learning how the Navy communicates with flags, coloring in different aircrafts on display at the museum, and completing word puzzles to learn facts about the USS Midway.

The museum also offers discounted admission and special guided tours for students and youth groups. There are educational programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as well, allowing kids to build their character and leadership skills as they work toward their merit badges.

For kids who are comfortable spending the night at the museum, the Snooze Crewz is always a fun option. During this overnight adventure, kids can really feel like they’re living the life of a Navy sailor when they dine in the ship’s galley, sleep in authentic Navy bunks, and complete simulation activities. Different packages are offered for family Snooze Crewz, youth group programs, and even movie nights.

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InterContinental San Diego
InterContinental San Diego
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Watch the boats come and go from the comfort of InterContinental San Diego, an impressive hotel located near the Embarcadero. It’s perfect for business and vacation.
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Important Tips for Your Visit

Parking Lot next to the USS Midway Musuem
Parking Lot next to the USS Midway Musuem

Parking

Nearby parking is available at the Port of San Diego passenger lot. In the event that the lot is full, street parking is also available near the museum and the parking lot. The museum also offers a shuttle that runs from the lot to the docks, which operates from May to September each year.

Where to Eat

The USS Midway Museum includes its very own cafe, the Midway Marketplace, located on the Hangar Deck. Here, you and your family can grab salads, pre-made sandwiches, snacks, sides, and desserts. The cafe serves lighter fare so you can eat quickly and get back to your visit.

Gift Shop

The Jet Shop, located on the Hangar Deck near the cafe, gets its name because it’s situated in the same spot where sailors once repaired the jet engines from planes that would land on the ship. The clothing, children’s books, unique memorabilia, and San Diego souvenirs offered at the Jet Shop uphold the museum’s mission to entertain and educate, while preserving history and inspiring curiosity in its visitors.

Accessibility

Modifications have been made to the Midway aircraft carrier to ensure all guests are able to enjoy their time at the museum. Elevators and access routes connect the Hangar and Flight Decks, and about 60% of the museum’s exhibits are wheelchair-accessible. While pets are not allowed, service animals are welcomed, provided they remain on a leash at all times.

For hearing impaired or visually impaired guests, there are accessible alternatives to the standard guided tour options. Pre-recorded videos with tour guide information delivered through American Sign Language with closed captioning are available, as are audio descriptive tour recordings. Both options are included for no additional cost.

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