San Diego: USS Midway with Waterfront Walking Tour

San Diego: USS Midway with Waterfront Walking Tour — A Detailed Look

Planning a trip to San Diego and wondering how best to experience its waterfront and military history? This tour offers a thoughtful mix of storytelling, scenic sights, and a chance to step aboard the legendary USS Midway. As someone who’s seen a lot of San Diego tours, I’d say this one hits a sweet spot for those interested in history, iconic locations, and a relaxed pace.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines the storytelling with tangible sights — you’re not just hearing about San Diego’s naval roots, but also seeing the sites that played a part in shaping its story. Plus, the inclusion of the USS Midway Museum itself makes it stand out, giving visitors a chance to get up close to military history. On the flip side, the walk covers almost 2 miles at a leisurely pace, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues or young kids, though it’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. This tour is perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone craving a laid-back yet insightful exploration of San Diego’s waterfront.

Key Points

• Balanced blend of storytelling and sightseeing makes this tour engaging without feeling rushed.
• Includes entrance to the USS Midway Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a historic aircraft carrier.
• Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.
• Great for history lovers and those wanting to learn about San Diego’s naval significance.
• Duration varies from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, giving flexibility depending on your pace and interest.
• Guide expertise is a highlight, with many reviews praising their knowledge and storytelling ability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The adventure begins just outside Malibu Farm, a popular waterfront restaurant. Meeting your guide here, you’ll see the person wearing a blue ExperienceFirst shirt or holding a sign with the company’s name. This location is convenient if you want a quick bite before or after the tour, and the easy meetup makes for a smooth start.

What the Tour Covers

The tour’s narrative kicks off in Old Town, tracing San Diego’s naval roots back to 1759 with the Presidio Military Fort. From there, your guide will share stories about how San Diego’s port grew, especially after the arrival of the Great White Fleet in 1908. It’s a great way to understand the city’s strategic importance and how it developed into a major naval hub.

Throughout the walk, you’ll see some well-known landmarks like the Coronado Bridge and the USS San Diego Memorial — both providing visual anchors to the city’s maritime story. The Victory Kiss sculpture, one of San Diego’s most beloved public artworks, is also a highlight, along with the National Salute to Bob Hope and military statues scattered along the waterfront. These stops aren’t just photo ops; they tell stories about the city’s military and cultural history.

Why the Waterfront Matters

The scenic waterfront walk itself is one of the tour’s strengths. The route takes you along Tuna Harbor and through Seaport Village — a charming mix of shops, eateries, and lively maritime views. You’ll see the bustling activity of boats, ships, and perhaps even some yachts, giving a lively, authentic feel to the experience.

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The USS Midway Museum

The crown jewel of the tour is the visit to the USS Midway, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. This part is included in the ticket price, which we think offers solid value considering the museum’s significance. You’ll be given an audio guide to explore at your own pace, learning from the stories of sailors and pilots who served aboard.

Many reviews mention how well the ship is preserved and how the guides help bring the experience to life. It’s worth noting that about 60% of the USS Midway is wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to keep this in mind if you have specific mobility needs. The ship itself is vast, so plan for some walking and exploring time inside.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

What sets this apart is the knowledgeable guides. Multiple travelers have praised guides for their storytelling and ability to bring history alive. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience engaging and fun,” which is a big plus when touring a military vessel and waterfront sites.

Practical Details and Value

At $39 per person, this tour is competitively priced given the inclusion of the USS Midway ticket and the guided walk. It offers a relaxed pace, usually lasting between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, so you can tailor the experience to your schedule. The tour is most often run in the morning, which is ideal if you prefer to beat the crowds or want the rest of the day free.

The tour covers nearly 2 miles, so comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to spend extra time exploring on your own afterward. Bring your camera — the views of the harbor, ships, and city skyline are worth capturing.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour packs a lot of value, some might find the length and walking distance a bit tiring, especially on hot days or if you’re traveling with smaller children. The tour’s duration is flexible, but pacing is leisurely, so it’s not suited for those in a hurry. Also, food isn’t included, but you can buy lunch or snacks at the USS Midway or nearby spots.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to learn about San Diego’s maritime past, as well as families or groups looking for an engaging, low-key activity. If you’re interested in military history or iconic San Diego landmarks, this tour offers a comprehensive yet relaxed way to see the waterfront. It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate storytelling, as guides are highly praised for their knowledge.

However, if your group has mobility issues or prefers shorter, less walking-intensive activities, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy ships and history will likely find it fascinating. The USS Midway itself is quite accessible, but the walk covers almost 2 miles, so keep that in mind if traveling with very young kids.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are a must, given the walking distance. A camera is recommended for capturing harbor views and the ship. Sunscreen and water are advisable if it’s a sunny day.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans are still up in the air.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your pace and interest, especially at the USS Midway.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the walking part is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The USS Midway is accessible to about 60% of its areas, which is helpful to know for those with mobility considerations.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
Look for your guide outside Malibu Farm, just on the walkway. They’ll be wearing a blue ExperienceFirst shirt or holding a sign with the company’s name, making it easy to spot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an experience that combines storytelling, scenic views, and a chance to step aboard a historic aircraft carrier, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy learning about local history without the fuss of a bus or ferry ride. The knowledgeable guides make a real difference, turning what could be a simple walk into an engaging journey through San Diego’s naval story.

For the price of $39, you get a solid mix of sights, stories, and hands-on exploration that can fit into a relaxed half-day or a full morning. Whether you’re a history buff, a family with curious kids, or someone simply wanting to soak in the waterfront vibe, this tour offers a practical, friendly way to see some of San Diego’s most iconic maritime sites.

If you’re interested in other ways to explore the San Diego harbor, check out harbor cruises or the Old Town hop-on-hop-off tour. But for a thoughtful, guided introduction to San Diego’s naval legacy, this experience is hard to beat.

Remember: Pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and get ready to discover a side of San Diego that’s as fascinating as it is scenic.

You can check availability for your dates here: