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, serving through the Cold War and into Operation Desert Storm. Opened to the public in 2004, the museum features extensive exhibits, self-guided audio tours narrated by former sailors, interactive flight simulators, and more than 30 restored aircraft, making it an educational and engaging destination for all ages. 2026 marks 80 years since the ship was commissioned.

Address: 910 North Harbor Drive, alongside Navy Pier, San Diego, California, USA

Number of Annual Visitors: More than 1 million

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 as the largest ship in the world, 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 more than 30 restored aircraft spanning decades of naval aviation, including fighters, bombers, helicopters, and trainers. Visitors can climb into the cockpits of select aircraft, 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 narrated 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 and the Battle of Midway Theater, which shows the immersive film "Voices of Midway." 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

Scenes from "Top Gun: Maverick" were filmed on the museum premises, and the USS Midway hosted the film’s global premiere in May 2022. The museum also hosts more than 700 events a year, including Navy ceremonies, 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 Museum, San Diego

Weekdays vs Weekends

Weekdays are usually 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 smaller crowds, and arriving at the 10:00 AM opening gives you the most time on board. 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.

Peak Season (April - September)

Summer months attract more tourists, leading to increased foot traffic, and parking on Navy Pier is limited. 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 via North Harbor Drive. Parking is available on Navy Pier, alongside the museum, managed by Ace Parking: rates are $20 for up to six hours, $25 for over six hours, and $30 during special events. Vehicles over 18 feet long cannot park on Navy Pier, and metered parking along Harbor Drive is usually limited to 2–3 hours.

The San Diego Trolley's America Plaza Station is a short 5-minute walk from the USS Midway Museum. Within downtown, the free Circuit electric shuttle service is another easy way to reach the waterfront.

For visitors arriving via Amtrak or the Coaster commuter train, the closest station is the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, a short 5-minute walk from the USS Midway Museum.

The museum sits on the downtown waterfront, within walking distance of downtown San Diego hotels and the Embarcadero. Bicycles are not allowed onboard, so lock up your bike before you visit.

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, so bring your own wired earbuds or headphones.

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

Battle of Midway Theater: Watch the immersive film "Voices of Midway" at the Battle of Midway Theater.

Junior Pilot Program: Children can participate in the Junior Pilot Program to earn their own pilot wings by stopping at the Information Booth by the entrance.

Gift Shop: The Jet Shop on the Hangar Deck offers USS Midway and U.S. Navy apparel, books, and memorabilia.

Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available throughout the museum, with wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the Hangar and Flight Decks.

Café 41: Onboard restaurant off the Hangar Deck serving deli, grill, and baked items, alongside the Jet Express grab-and-go stop.

USS Midway's 80th Anniversary – Throughout 2026 The museum is marking 80 years since the ship was commissioned in 1945, celebrating the stories of those who served aboard.
Military Ceremonies – Year-Round The ship hosts hundreds of active-duty Navy retirements, re-enlistments, and changes of command each year.
Jingle Jets – Holiday Season
A festive evening event held on the ship during the holiday season.

Operation Frequent Wind
An exhibit on the 1975 evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, in which Midway took part, showcasing personal stories and historical artifacts.
Battle of Midway Theater
Watch the immersive film "Voices of Midway" and learn about the Battle of Midway, a major turning point of World War II.
Hangar Deck Exhibits Explore aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits on life aboard the carrier.

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 had a fuel capacity of approximately 3.4 million gallons.

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.

Scenes from Top Gun: Maverick were filmed on the museum premises, and the ship has hosted a range of nationally broadcast events.

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 the Battle of Midway Theater.

Who narrates the audio tours?

Former Midway sailors provide narration for the self-guided audio tours. Bring your own wired earbuds or headphones.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum is family-friendly, and young visitors can take part in the Junior Pilot Program to earn their own pilot wings.

What special events are held at the USS Midway Museum?

The museum hosts more than 700 events annually, including Navy retirements, re-enlistments, and changes of command, as well as private celebrations.

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

Yes. Scenes from Top Gun: Maverick were filmed on the museum premises, and the museum hosted the film's global premiere in 2022. Its Battle of Midway Theater shows the film "Voices of Midway."

Where is the USS Midway Museum located?

It is located at 910 North Harbor Drive, alongside Navy Pier in downtown San Diego.

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?

Yes. Docent-led tours of the ship's island (its command center) are available to guests at least 42 inches tall, and private VIP docent tours can also be arranged.

Are dining options available on-site?

Yes, Café 41 and the Jet Express grab-and-go stop, both off the Hangar Deck, offer food and beverages onboard.

Are there gift shops at the museum?

The Jet Shop on the Hangar Deck 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?

Yes. Elevators connect Navy Pier and the main decks, complimentary loaner wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served, accessible restrooms are on the Hangar and Flight Decks, and ASL and audio descriptive tours are included with admission.

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.