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USS Midway Museum, San Diego: Get Tickets Online To Visit

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USS Midway Museum: Skip The Line

Highlights

Bypass the ticket line; head directly to security.

Explore a self-guided audio tour covering over 60 points of interest.

Explore both the Hangar and Flight Decks featuring 30+ restored naval airplanes and scenic views of San Diego Bay.

Listen to talks delivered by Midway volunteers about aircraft operations and naval life.

Enjoy same-day re-entry privileges.

Access discounts available for nearby eateries and attractions.

Experience the immersive 3D Holographic Battle of Midway Theater.

USS Midway Museum, San Diego

Discover the historic USS Midway Museum, a renowned naval aircraft carrier museum located at Navy Pier in San Diego, California. Get tickets to step aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century and explore its rich history, immersive exhibits, and interactive experiences. Whether you’re interested in military heritage or unique aviation displays, the USS Midway offers an unforgettable visit for all ages.

About USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a prominent naval aircraft carrier museum located at Navy Pier in San Diego, California. Centered around the USS Midway (CV-41), which served as the longest-serving U.S. aircraft carrier of the 20th century, this museum offers visitors an immersive experience into naval history and aviation. The carrier operated from 1945 to 1992 and witnessed numerous historic events, including the entire Cold War era. Opened to the public in 2004, the museum features extensive exhibits, self-guided audio tours narrated by former sailors, interactive flight simulators, and a varied collection of aircraft, making it an educational and engaging destination for all ages.

Address: Navy Pier, San Diego, California, USA

Number of Annual Visitors: Over 1 million (as of 2012)

Founded: Opened as a museum on June 7, 2004

Why Visit USS Midway Museum?

1. Historic Aircraft Carrier USS Midway

Step aboard the ship that gives the museum its name – the USS Midway. As the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, this historic vessel, commissioned in 1945, invites you to explore its expansive decks and compartments. Experience firsthand the scale and operation of a significant warship that played a vital role during the Cold War and beyond.

2. Extensive Aircraft Collection

The museum houses an impressive collection of naval aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. Visitors can climb into cockpits of various planes including fighters, bombers, helicopters, and trainers, experiencing interactive exhibits that bring naval aviation history to life.

3. Self-Guided Audio Tours Narrated by Veterans

Enhance your visit with a self-guided audio tour led by former Midway sailors. This immersive experience covers over 60 locations on the ship, from sleeping quarters and the engine room to the bridge and flight deck, offering authentic insights into life aboard the carrier.

4. Advanced Interactive Exhibits

Enjoy modern attractions such as multiple flight simulators, including a virtual reality flight simulator ride added in 2019, and the high-definition holographic Battle of Midway Theater. These engaging exhibits provide visitors of all ages with dynamic ways to learn about naval aviation history and the Battle of Midway.

5. Connection to Popular Culture and Events

The USS Midway Museum is home to airplanes featured in the renowned film "Top Gun: Maverick," including the F/A-18 Hornet Jet, and hosted the film’s global premiere. The museum also regularly hosts special events such as Navy ceremonies and film festivals, making it a vibrant cultural landmark in San Diego.

Operating Hours of USS Midway Museum

Daily Hours

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.

Days Open

USS Midway Museum welcomes visitors throughout the whole week.

Closed Days

The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Best Times to Visit USS Midway Musuem, San Diego

Weekdays vs Weekends

Weekdays are always less crowded. This is ideal for visitors who prefer a quieter experience and wish to explore the exhibits at their own pace. Weekends are the busiest times at the museum, with higher visitor numbers.

Mornings vs Afternoons

Mornings usually tend to see lesser crowds. Afternoons, while still manageable, may see an increase in visitors, particularly during peak tourist seasons

Off-Peak Season (October - March)

Visiting during the fall and winter months can offer a more comfortable experience with fewer crowds and milder weather.

Peak Season (April - September)

Summer months attract more tourists, leading to increased foot traffic. If visiting during this time, consider arriving early to avoid the busiest periods.

USS Midway Museum Address

910 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
United States

How to Get to USS Midway Museum

Visitors traveling by car can reach the museum easily via San Diego’s Harbor Drive. Ample parking is available in nearby public parking lots at Navy Pier and along Harbor Drive. Parking fees may apply, so it is recommended to check current rates in advance.

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides bus service to the Navy Pier area. Routes such as the Route 992 and Route 923 serve stops close to the USS Midway Museum, with convenient access from downtown San Diego and other city locations.

For visitors arriving via Amtrak or the Coaster commuter train, the closest station is the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, approximately a 15-minute walk or short taxi/Uber ride from the USS Midway Museum.

The museum is accessible by bike with nearby bike racks available. It is also within walking distance from downtown San Diego hotels and waterfront areas, making it convenient for pedestrians.

Things to Know Before Visiting USS Midway Museum

Facilities
Accessibility
Good to Know

On-site Facilities

Audio Tours: Self-guided audio tours narrated by former Midway sailors are included with admission.

Flight Simulators: Experience virtual flight with multiple flight simulators available onboard.

Battle of Midway Theater: Watch the immersive "Battle of Midway" film in a high-definition, holographic theater.

Junior Pilot Program: Children can participate in the Junior Pilot Program to earn their own pilot wings.

Gift Shop: The Jet Shop offers a variety of USS Midway-themed merchandise.

Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available throughout the museum.

Café 41: Onboard café offering a selection of snacks and beverages.

Legacy Week (Memorial Day Weekend) – May 23–26, 2025 A patriotic celebration featuring the Top Gun Maverick movie, aviator meet-and-greets, and a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony.
USS Midway's 80th Birthday & Multi-Cultural Celebration – September 6, 2025 Celebrate the ship's anniversary with cultural performances, music, and a free community gathering.
"Dear Doc" – Honoring WWII Veterans – September 16, 2025
Commemorate WWII with theatrical readings, live performances, and guest speakers from the era.

Operation Frequent Wind
A powerful exhibit detailing the 1975 Vietnam War rescue mission, showcasing personal stories and historical artifacts.
Battle of Midway Theater
Experience a 15-minute immersive film Voices of Midway and view aircraft critical to the battle, part of a major WWII turning point.
Hangar Deck Exhibits Explore WWII aircraft like the F4U Corsair, flight simulators, and the crew’s living quarters onboard.

Interesting Facts about the USS Midway and the Museum

USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and was the largest ship in the world at that time.

The aircraft carrier served as the longest-active U.S. carrier of the 20th century, operating from 1945 to 1992.

At its peak, the ship’s crew totaled approximately 4,500 sailors.

USS Midway was powered by engines with a combined output of 212,000 horsepower.

The ship measures 1,001 feet in length.

Each year, the ship’s barbers gave around 80,000 haircuts to crew members.

Weekly laundry service on board processed about 43,000 pounds of clothing.

The carrier carried approximately 3.4 million gallons of fuel during active duty.

Over 700 events take place annually on the USS Midway, including military ceremonies.

The museum hosted the global premiere of the film Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.

It served as the location for filming several television shows including American Idol and the History Channel.

USS Midway Museum - Highlights in Pictures

The Navy Pier Garden, close to which the USS Midway Museum is located.

The deck of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

USS Midway Museum Exhibitions

Age-old brass valves of the USS Midway.

Bay-view from the deck of USS Midway.

F-8 Crusader on the Flight Deck of USS Midway Museum.

FAQs About the USS Midway Museum

What is the USS Midway Museum?

The USS Midway Museum is a naval aircraft carrier museum located at Navy Pier in San Diego, showcasing the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway.

When was the USS Midway commissioned?

The USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and served until 1992.

How large is the USS Midway aircraft carrier?

It is 1,001 feet long and was the largest ship in the world when commissioned.

What can I see inside the museum?

Visitors can explore over 60 locations including the flight deck, engine room, bridge, and various living quarters.

Are there interactive exhibits at the museum?

Yes, the museum features climb-aboard aircraft, flight simulators, and a virtual reality flight simulator ride.

Who narrates the audio tours?

Former Midway sailors provide narration for the self-guided audio tours.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum is family-friendly and offers educational programs and special audio tours for youngsters.

What special events are held at the USS Midway Museum?

The museum hosts over 700 events annually, including Navy ceremonies and private celebrations.

Are there any films or shows associated with the USS Midway?

Yes, the museum features the Battle of Midway Theater and has appeared in productions like the Top Gun franchise.

Where is the USS Midway Museum located?

It is located at Navy Pier in San Diego, California.

Can visitors access the aircraft carrier deck?

Yes, visitors can walk on the flight deck and explore various aircraft and exhibits.

Does the museum offer guided tours?

VIP docent tours are available for private guided experiences.

Are dining options available on-site?

Yes, Café 41 offers food and beverages onboard the ship.

Are there gift shops at the museum?

The Jet Shop gift store offers souvenirs related to the USS Midway and naval history.

Is the USS Midway Museum a nonprofit?

Yes, it is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Does the museum offer educational programs?

Yes, educational outreach and youth programs are available for schools and groups.

Can visitors take part in overnight programs?

The museum offers overnight adventure programs for children.

What role did the USS Midway play during its service?

It served as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, participating in Cold War missions and humanitarian efforts.

Are there accessibility accommodations at the museum?

While specific details are not listed, the museum is designed to accommodate visitors of all ages and mobility levels.

Is this the venue's official site?

This site offers official tickets to the venue. It, however, is not the official site of the venue.