If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is one of those attractions that naturally catches your eye—and for good reason. With a staggering 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 3,600 reviews, this tour has won the hearts of many travelers, veterans, and history enthusiasts. It offers a chance to step aboard the world’s longest-serving aircraft carrier and get a real feel for what life was like on the ship that played a pivotal role in U.S. naval history.
What we love most about this experience are the friendly, knowledgeable guides and volunteers who bring the ship’s stories to life, plus the stunning vantage points you get from the ship’s decks. It’s also a fantastic value at $39 per person, especially considering the variety of exhibits, activities, and access included.
One thing to keep in mind is that with so many exhibits and aircraft to explore, it’s easy to underestimate how much time you’ll want to spend. Many visitors find they need at least four hours to do it justice, so plan accordingly. Whether you’re into military history, love aircraft, or just enjoy a well-organized self-guided adventure, this tour tends to suit adults and older kids best.
Key Points
- Highly rated experience with nearly 3,700 reviews praising its depth and staff friendliness.
- Self-guided audio tour available in six languages makes exploring flexible and accessible.
- Includes access to over 60 exhibits, from engine rooms to sleeping quarters, plus aircraft displays.
- Interactive activities like flight simulators and cockpit climbs keep things engaging.
- Skip-the-line entry helps maximize your time on the ship without waiting in queues.
- A great value for the price, considering the comprehensive access and expert guides involved.
A Closer Look at the USS Midway Museum Experience
While I haven’t personally toured the USS Midway, the glowing reviews paint a clear picture of what a visit entails. First, the fact that you can skip the ticket line and head straight into the ship is a huge plus—especially during busy times in downtown San Diego. The admission price of $39 seems fair when you consider the breadth of what’s included, like the audio guide in six languages, the 3D holographic theater, and unfettered access to aircraft, cockpits, and below-decks areas.
The Layout and Highlights of the Ship
The USS Midway itself is enormous, and that can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’ll find yourself wandering through more than 60 exhibits, each revealing a different facet of naval life. From restored WWII aircraft to exhibits on naval intelligence, it’s a broad spectrum that caters to different interests.
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours exploring, but many end up staying longer, especially when they take advantage of the docent-led stories. These volunteers are eager to share anecdotes and answer questions, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience far beyond just looking at displays.
Aircraft and Interactive Activities
One of the standout features are the restored aircraft, which range from WWII fighters to modern jets. Climbing into some of the cockpits, especially in the flight simulators, is a hit with families and aviation enthusiasts alike. As one reviewer mentioned, their grandson “turned all the switches on the aircraft, and earned his Jr pilot rating,” which definitely adds a fun, interactive element.
The flight simulators are designed to be family-friendly, and the museum even offers family-oriented activities scattered throughout the ship. Watching short films, listening to audio commentary, and participating in hands-on experiences help make the visit engaging for all ages.
The Guides and Staff
Reviewers frequently praise the guides and volunteers, calling them friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the ship’s history. Several reviews highlight how willing staff are to talk with visitors—whether about technical details or personal stories—which creates a welcoming atmosphere.
One reviewer from the UK noted, “The guides were fascinating, and all the volunteers were very knowledgeable.” This kind of service makes a big difference when touring a complex vessel like the Midway.
More Great Tours NearbyNavigating the Visit
Your trip to the USS Midway is flexible—you can arrive any time during the opening hours of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. The self-guided audio tour, available in six languages, allows you to move at your own pace, which is perfect whether you prefer to take your time or see everything quickly.
If you’re concerned about mobility, you’ll appreciate that the museum is wheelchair accessible. And, for families, kids are free in October and children up to 5 years old are admitted without charge at all times, which makes it an affordable option for a day out.
Practical Tips
- Remember to bring headphones to enhance your audio guide experience.
- Allocate at least four hours if you want to see everything thoroughly.
- Be prepared for some low headroom areas, especially on the flight deck—watch your head!
- Consider arriving early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds, though reviews suggest staff are always friendly regardless.
- Don’t forget that active-duty military personnel get free admission, and children are also free during October.
What Do Visitors Really Think?
The reviews overwhelmingly praise the friendly staff and rich content. Many mention how interactive and engaging the exhibits are, with some calling it “the best museum I’ve ever been to” and “a must-see.” Several reviewers, including veterans, share heartfelt stories about how meaningful their visit was, emphasizing the personal connection they felt through conversations with guides.
On the flip side, a few mention that it’s easy to underestimate the size, and that some areas like the engine room are smaller than expected, or that it’s a lot to take in during one visit. That’s a good reminder to plan your day accordingly, especially if you want to make the most of your time.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for history buffs, aviation fans, and military enthusiasts who enjoy detailed exhibits and authentic stories. It’s also remarkably well-suited for families with older children who can appreciate the educational value and interactive displays. If you’re traveling with someone with mobility issues, the accessibility features and helpful staff make it manageable.
While younger children might find some areas less engaging, the flight simulators and aircraft displays can still be plenty of fun for the right age group, especially if they’re interested in planes or ships.
The Sum Up
Visiting the USS Midway Museum in San Diego offers more than just a glimpse into naval history—it’s a hands-on, immersive experience packed with authentic aircraft, personal stories, and interactive activities that bring the vessel’s story alive. The friendly staff and well-organized layout make it easy to explore, and the skip-the-line entry ensures you spend your valuable time soaking in the sights rather than waiting in queues.
For those drawn to military aviation, history, or just looking for a memorable and educational outing, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a solid value at $39, especially given how much there is to see and do, and the many glowing reviews reflect a consistently high level of satisfaction.
If you’re in San Diego and have even a passing interest in ships, aircraft, or history, the USS Midway Museum should be high on your list. Plan for enough time, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to be impressed by the scope and stories of one of the Navy’s most storied vessels.
San Diego: USS Midway Museum Entry Ticket
FAQ
Is the USS Midway Museum suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and during October, kids under 12 can even enter for free with an adult ticket.
How long does the tour typically take?
Most visitors spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring, but many stay longer to see everything thoroughly.
Can I skip the ticket line?
Absolutely. Your ticket includes skip-the-line entry, so you can go straight to the main entrance.
What languages is the audio guide available in?
The audio guide can be used in six languages: Spanish, English, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese.
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the USS Midway Museum is wheelchair accessible, and staff are very helpful.
Are there interactive activities?
Yes, including flight simulators, climbing aboard aircraft and cockpits, and watching short films.
What should I bring?
Just bring headphones for the audio guide, and wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and climbing around the ship.
Is there parking nearby?
While not explicitly detailed here, the museum is located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, with nearby options for parking and public transportation.