USS Midway Museum: A Must-See Attraction in San Diego - Welcome to Zimmin Around the World

The USS Midway Museum in San Diego is one of the city’s most popular attractions and a must-visit for anyone who loves history, unique museums, or are just curious about these giant ships.

Located along the San Diego waterfront, this historic aircraft carrier turned museum offers visitors an incredible experience. So much so, I’ve visited the USS Midway Museum a few times now.

Being one of San Diego’s most visited attractions, I felt the need to write this post to help you plan your visit and learn about the USS Midway.

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Table of Contents

Brief History of the USS Midway

The USS Midway (CB-41) is an aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 1945, at the end of World War II and then was used for 50 years by the United States Navy.

The name, USS Midway is based on the deadly battle of Midway during WWII.

The USS Midway played a key role during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm before it’s decommission in 1992.

In 2004, the USS Midway found new life and was turned into a museum in San Diego for the public to enjoy. It is the worlds most visited naval ship museum.

You can read more about the USS Midway and its history on the official USS Midway Museum website.

Planning Your Visit to the USS Midway

Planning your visit to the USS Midway Museum is key to making the most of this iconic San Diego attraction. The museum offers audio tours, interactive exhibits, and historic aircraft on display that can easily fill a half day.

To better prepare for your visit to the USS Midway Museum I recommend arriving early and purchasing tickets online in advance. Below, I’ve added helpful information to help you plan your trip to the USS Midway Museum.

Admission and Hours

Hours

Monday – 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday – 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday – 10:00 – 17:00
Friday – 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday – 10:00 – 17:00

** Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission

Adult – $39
Youth – $26
Veterans(With ID) – $26

Purchase Tickets

You can buy tickets at the USS Midway Museum or through the USS Midway Museum website.

You can also purchase One-day admission tickets, any date through travel sites like Get Your Guide and Viator.

Below are Ticket options:

San Diego: USS Midway Museum Entry Ticket
USS Midway Museum Admission-Valid Any Date

What to See at the USS Midway Museum

Plan at least a half day to visit the USS Midway Museum. It’s a huge ship and takes time to explore.

You can go Below Deck and see some of the day-to-day life of the sailors. Walk the Hangar Deck and see WWII-era aircraft, and gaze at the collection of restored aircraft on the Flight Deck.

Hangar Deck

When entering the USS Midway Museum, the Hangar Deck is the first area you will visit. This deck has WWII-era aircraft, interactive displays, and even a gift shop.

Check out the Battle of Midway Exhibit and partake in a flight simulator.

Below Decks

Visiting the below decks of the USS Midway showcases more of the day-to-day life of sailors on the ship.

While touring the Below Decks you can see the galley/kitchen, chapel, sick bay/dental, engine room, control rooms, brig, and so much more.

View displays and see the actual rooms where the crew kept the ship functioning and running. I loved walking through the narrow doors from section to section, but the engine room had to have been my favorite.

Flight Deck

One of the most exciting collections on the USS Midway lie on the Flight Deck. There are dozens of aircraft from bombers to helicopters. You can get up close to the aircraft and even get inside some of the ones on display.

Other exhibits on the Flight Deck include the Pilot Ready Rooms, Ship’s Island/Bridge, and the Captain and Admiral quarters.

Recommended Nearby Attractions

I recommend a half day visit to the USS Midway Museum to fully explore this attraction. There are other nearby attractions in San Diego that are worth visiting to take up the entire day. Here are a few nearby attractions from the USS Midway.

The Unconditional Surrender

The Unconditional Surrender Statue in San Diego is an iconic landmark right next to the USS Midway Museum. This statue is of a famous WWII moment of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

A short walk from the USS Midway on the waterfront is the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This Maritime museum features one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships to include the Star of India, the oldest active Iron-Hulled Merchant Ship.

Not only can you see the Star of India, but you can explore a submarine, steam-powered vessels, and other maritime exhibits.

Seaport Village

One of the top rated attractions in San Diego is Seaport Village. Just a short walk along the waterfront from the USS Midway is this charming waterfront village filled with shops, restaurants, and harbor views.

Conclusion

Visiting the USS Midway Museum is a must do attraction on your San Diego itinerary. It’s truly one of the most interesting and fascinating museums on American naval history. I can’t even describe what it is like standing on the massive flight deck an exploring other parts of the ship like the living quarters, engine room, and kitchens.

If you are planning a trip to San Diego, make sure to add the USS Midway Museum to your must-see attractions. I’ve been a few times now and can’t recommend it enough!

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