San Diego Tickets

USS Midway Museum Tickets

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USS Midway Museum
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Julie Rafael
US

Julie

United States
Jan 2026

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I got to spend the day with two people I love, just enjoying the day and seeing all the beautiful animals that God created. Just a great experience
Jamal Nasir
US

Jamal

United States
Jan 2026

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+1 more

I really enjoyed visiting the zoo. I'm originally from Dallas but I came down to visit family. One of the major things on our bucket list was the San Diego zoo. When we arrived, it did not disappoint. Admission was very quick and easy. The employees were extremely helpful with directions. The stores are kept nice and clean. My favorite part was the bus tour. I got the upper level and had an amazing view. Adding on, the captain of the bus was great at explaining each animal along with some cool facts.
Manuel A Barron
US

Manuel

United States
Jan 2026

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Great tourist attraction. Must see when in San Diego. Highly recommend. Volunteers were great and answered all our questions. Fun trip.
Brian Burrell
US

Brian

United States
Dec 2025

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I have been in San Diego for a month and this was the best day I have had so far. I will definitely go again before I leave in February.
Meagan Trozzo
US

Meagan

United States
Jan 2026

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+1 more

The Safari Park was an incredible experience and made so easy with Headout! It was a breeze getting our tickets the day before we wanted to go and it couldn't have been easier. My partner and I had a memorable day that we will treasure forever! Thanks Headout!
Brendan M Gomera

Brendan

Oct 2025

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Beautiful day help enhance the overall experience. We have a 11 year old son on the spectrum and he enjoyed seeing the different variety of animal. He wants to go back.

Top things to do in San Diego

USS Midway Museum: Walk through a piece of US Navy history

Tour the USS Midway Museum, a naval aircraft carrier with a storied past as the longest-serving carrier of the 20th century. Having witnessed pivotal moments in history, including missions during the Cold War and airstrikes over North Vietnam, this legendary vessel now stands as a museum. Walk through the decks, experience naval history firsthand, and gain insights into the lives of those who served onboard. Perfect for military history buffs and families, the USS Midway promises an experience like never before. Scroll through to find out what to expect on your naval adventure.

Why visit USS Midway Museum

Longest-serving aircraft carrier
Experience the thrill of flight simulators
Extensive aircraft collection
Impressive views of San Diego Bay
Veteran-led tours and storytelling
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Longest-serving aircraft carrier

The museum itself is housed on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier from the 20th century known as USS Midway. The aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1945 and served until 1992, participating in notable conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.

Experience the thrill of flight simulators

The museum features state-of-the-art flight simulators where you can engage in aerial combat scenarios, letting you experience the action yourself.

Extensive aircraft collection

The museum boasts over 30 meticulously restored aircraft, from World War II fighters to modern jets. You’ll even have the chance to sit in the cockpit and see the interiors of select planes, bringing you closer to aviation history.

Impressive views of San Diego Bay

Situated on the waterfront in downtown San Diego, the views of San Diego Bay are lovely from here. You can even see the iconic 25-foot "Kissing Statue" of the sailor and the nurse from up here.

Veteran-led tours and storytelling

Many of the docents at the USS Midway Museum are veterans who served aboard the Midway or similar carriers, offering authentic, firsthand stories and expert insights that bring the ship’s history and legacy to life.

Things to know before booking your tickets

  • The museum is largely accessible with elevators available for about 60% of the exhibits. For exhibits that are not wheelchair accessible, you will find video kiosks placed outside that provide brief overviews.
  • The museum is family-friendly, but some areas of the ship have steep staircases and may not be accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
  • While most exhibits are indoors, some outdoor displays, like the flight deck, are affected by weather. Plan your visit in non-monsoon months to be able to enjoy all the attractions. 
  • Opt for combo tickets to visit multiple attractions nearby along with the museum including San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The best parts of your nautical quest

Hangar Deck

See 29 meticulously restored aircraft, including iconic models like the F/A-18 Hornet and WWII SDB Dauntless at this expansive space that shows you about their roles in various military operations throughout history.

Battle of Midway Theater

Midway’s 90-seat theater presents "Voices of the Midway," a 15-minute multimedia film that recounts the Battle of Midway through the eyes and voices of those who experienced it.

Aircraft Gallery

Climb into aircraft cockpits, for a hands-on experience of what it was like to pilot these machines. This interactive feature is particularly popular among children and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Flight Simulators

The museum offers thrilling flight simulators where visitors can "fly" an F-18 or experience air combat missions. These simulators are an exhilarating experience that mimic the sensation of real military aviation maneuvers.

Below Deck

Take a peek at what daily life looked like for Navy sailors below the deck aboard the aircraft carrier. Explore the cramped sleeping quarters, bustling galley where over 13,000 meals were prepared daily, and the engine room.

Midway’s Engineers

Experience a day in the life of Midway's engineers through interactive displays and sensory exhibits. Take part in a dramatic shipboard fire simulation that highlights the challenges and heroism of the crew who kept the vessel running smoothly.

Overnight Adventure

Imagine a sleepover but inside an aircraft carrier? On the "Overnight Adventure" experience, you get to spend a night aboard the USS Midway, sleeping in authentic Navy bunks and experiencing life as a sailor.

TBD Devastator

This exhibit features a full-sized replica of the Douglas TBD Devastator, the U.S. Navy's first all-metal monoplane carrier aircraft, which played a significant role in early World War II operations.

Plan your visit

USS Midway Museum

Open hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Closed: Thanksgiving (November 28) and Christmas Day (December 25)

Last admission: 4pm

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit the USS Midway Museum is in the winter months, from December to February. During this season, crowds are generally smaller, and the cooler temperatures (ranging between 10°C and 18°C) make for a comfortable experience. On the other hand, peak season runs from June to August, when visitor numbers increase, leading to longer wait times and busier exhibits. If you’re planning a summer visit, consider going on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds and make the most of your time exploring the museum’s many attractions.

Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 | Find on Maps
Nearby landmark: Broadway Pier (0.2 mile)

  • By trolley: Take the San Diego Trolley to the Seaport Village on the Silver and Green lines. From there, it's just a short walk to the museum.
    Nearest stop: Seaport Village (11-minute walk)
  • By bus: Bus routes 923 and 992 run through the museum’s vicinity.
    Nearest stop: Broadway & N Harbor Dr (3-minute walk)
  • By train: Take the COASTER or Pacific Surfliner trains to Santa Fe Depot. From here, simply head west towards North Harbor Drive, and you'll find the museum.
    Nearest stop: Santa Fe Depot (8-minute walk)
  • By car: Head towards 910 North Harbor Drive, and drive along the waterfront till you reach the museum. 
    Parking: The nearest parking is at the Navy Pier parking lot, located adjacent to the museum.
USS Midway Museum

Wheelchair accessible: While the museum is not completely accessible for wheelchair users, you will find that about 60% of the exhibits are. For areas that are not easily accessible, video kiosks offer brief overviews to ensure you don't miss out on the experience.
Complimentary wheelchairs: The museum offers complimentary wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible restrooms: You can find wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the Hangar and Flight Decks.
Elevator access: Elevators are available for transportation between various decks of the ship.
Strollers allowed: Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram while visiting.
Service animals allowed: The museum welcomes trained service animals that assist guests with disabilities.
Mobility vehicles: The museum accommodates mobility vehicles, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

USS Midway Museum

Audio guides: You can getaudio guides at the museum for a self-guided tour in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, French, and German.
Toilets: Restrooms are located throughout the museum.
Paid parking: Parking is available at the Navy Pier parking lot and prices start at $15.
First aid: First aid services are available on-site for any medical emergencies.
Souvenir shop: The museum’s gift shop is centrally located on the Hangar Deck.
Dining outlets: Café 41 is a grab-n-go stop that is great for a quick bite mid-visit.
Information desk: An information desk is located at the entrance to assist you with inquiries.

USS Midway Museum
  • You cannot take DSLR cameras, tripods, selfie-sticks and microphones into the museum.
  • Cigarettes and e-cigarettes, as well as smoking on the premises, are prohibited.
  • Laser pointers are not allowed to ensure visitor safety.
  • Drones are not allowed to be flown in or around the museum area.
  • Outside food, beverages and glass containers of any kind are not allowed.
  • You cannot bring your pets along with you.
  • Vehicles like bicycles, skateboards and scooters are not allowed inside.
USS Midway Museum

Café 41

Café 41 at the USS Midway Museum offers a variety of fresh and delicious food options, including salads, sandwiches, and grilled classics. Must-try items on the menu include the Midway Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty, and the Mac and Cheese, which is a favorite among visitors.

Location: Off the Hangar Deck

Open hours: 11am to 3pm

USS Midway Museum

Jet Shop

The Jet Shop at the USS Midway Museum offers a variety of unique Midway-themed souvenirs such as USS Midway apparel, historic naval books, and fun San Diego-themed souvenirs. Take home a piece of your naval escapade from this souvenir store to remember your visit by.

Location: On the Hangar Deck

Open hours: 10am to 5pm

Beyond USS Midway Museum

San Diego Zoo

Home to over 12,000 animals from more than 680 species, the San Diego Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers. As one of the most visited zoos in the world, you'll get to see animals like pandas, gorillas, and polar bears in environments similar to their native ones.

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Balboa Theatre

The Balboa Theatre is a historic venue in downtown San Diego, originally built in 1924 as a movie and vaudeville theater. It now hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and theater shows.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

This vast wildlife park in California, spans 1,800 acres and offers unique safari adventures, like the Africa Tram, where you are taken through expansive habitats in which animals roam freely. They even have a Balloon Safari to give you an aerial adventure while you’re there!

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Frequently asked questions about the USS Midway Museum

Your USS Midway Museum ticket grants access to explore the historic aircraft carrier, including interactive exhibits like the Hangar Deck with 29 restored aircraft, the Battle of Midway Theater, cockpit simulations, and the below-deck areas.