USS Midway Museum, San Diego: Get Tickets Online To Visit
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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.
Which Ticket to Buy to the USS Midway Museum?
If You Want a Quick and Hassle-Free Visit…
the Skip the Line Ticket is your best option. It allows you to bypass the ticket queues, heading straight to security. With this ticket, you can explore the USS Midway at your own pace using a self-guided audio tour, covering over 60 points of interest across the ship. This ticket also grants you access to more than 30 restored aircraft and a 3D holographic theater, ensuring you get the full experience without the wait.
If You Want to Explore Multiple Attractions…
the Go City San Diego Explorer Pass is a great choice. This pass gives you access to 2–7 attractions, including the USS Midway, at a discounted rate. It’s perfect for those who want flexibility and to experience a variety of museums, parks, and other attractions in the city. The pass is valid for 30 consecutive days after first use, allowing you to take your time visiting San Diego’s most popular sights.
If You Want Maximum Flexibility and Savings…
the Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass offers the most value. This pass provides access to over 50 attractions in San Diego, including the USS Midway, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you want to visit SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, or the San Diego Zoo, this pass covers it all, and you can use it over a span of 1–7 days. It’s ideal for tourists looking to experience as much of San Diego as possible while saving on entrance fees.
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
By Car
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.
By Bus
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.
By Train
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.
By Bicycle or Foot
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.
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair Access: The museum is accessible to 60% of the attraction for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair Availability: Complimentary, loaner wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Animals: Pets are not allowed onboard, only service animals are permitted.
ASL & Audio Descriptive Tours: American Sign Language and audio descriptive tours are available.
Elevator Access: Elevators are available to access various decks of the ship.
Rest Areas: Seating and rest areas are provided throughout the museum.
Visitor Guidelines
Ticketing: Online ticket purchase is recommended to avoid lines.
Re-entry: Same-day re-entry is allowed; stop by the Visitors Information Center at the ship’s exit.
Duration: Allocate at least 4–5 hours to fully explore the museum.
Attire: Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and layered clothing.
Prohibited Items: Outside food/beverages, glass containers, pets, bicycles, skateboards, and weapons are not allowed.
Smoking: The museum is smoke-free; no designated smoking areas onboard.
Parking: Parking is available at Navy Pier; rates vary.
Public Transport: Accessible by train, coaster, and trolley; a 5-minute walk from Santa Fe Train Depot and American Plaza Trolley Station.
Nearby Attractions: Close to other San Diego attractions like Seaport Village and the Maritime Museum.
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Special Upcoming Events
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.
Some Featured Exhibitions
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.
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