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.
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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.
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.
The museum features state-of-the-art flight simulators where you can engage in aerial combat scenarios, letting you experience the action yourself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Guide Island Tour is included in your ticket. The tour is popular but has limited capacity due to the tight quarters in these sections. To avoid missing out, consider starting your visit with this tour. These tours may even close as early as 3:30pm on busy days.
Discounted tickets are available for children between the ages of 4 and 12 as well as US Military Veterans carrying a valid id. Children 3 years old and younger, Active Duty Military, and Reservists can enter for free.
Yes, you can re-enter the USS Midway Museum on the same day with your admission ticket. To do so, simply stop by the Visitors Information Center at the ship’s exit before leaving.
About 60% of the USS Midway Museum is accessible to wheelchair users, with elevator access between decks. Complimentary wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Set aside at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit to USS Midway Museum. This will give you enough time to explore the exhibits and engage with the various interactive experiences on board.
Great exhibits and a terrific combination of self guided and guided tours. The volunteers are amazing and their knowledge about the ship and the planes is either well studied or based on real life service. Highly recommended!
The whole time was great. And I found my new favorite chair.
Went to the Midway with my son in law and two grandsons. Fascinating exhibits and the docents were interesting and knowledgeable.
All the knowledge of the volunteers. They were very informative. We enjoyed the short movie we viewed in the theater. The people that worked in the food court and in the restrooms were very friendly and helpful. I used a wheelchair and they had accommodations to make our visit stress free. There was so much history on board the Midway with its jets and helicopters. We took pictures to remember our visit.
It is a great place, all the volunteers are so nice ! You get a very clear idea of what it is to be living in an aircraft carrier, big sacrifice from all the sailors !!!
My husband And I enjoyed exploring the Midway. We love history and were fascinated by the ship and all the aircraft onboard. The docents were so informative. We enjoyed our experience very much and look forward to visiting again.
Pretty cool experience being in that ship and seeing all those planes and the interior of the ship was amazing, and the teaching by the experienced pilots and captains was incredible good Thanks.
The shop is amazing. The audio tour is so informative and interesting. The docents in the yellow caps were very knowledgeable. Most of them actually served on the ship. Get there quick before they retire!!
Having the prepaid tickets was better than having to queue. The ship displays are very well done & amazing to see how they lived & worked. The various audio/visual displays were very informative. We were fortunate to witness some retirement ceremonies as well.
It was very interesting to learn the technology that was being used back in the era.
Amazing time! Can't wait to come back.
Showing my family the work I performed and how our daily routine was everyday
The entire expeerience was top notch.
Great to see this historic ship on Memorial Day weekend. Lots of Midway veterans present giving the tours.
I like the way everything was set, with the retired navy people, and experienced the ship from the inside
Skip the ticket line and board the Midway with a self-guided audio tour to explore the historic aircraft and learn about its prolific military operations.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to USS Midway Museum
Audio guide in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, and French
I didn't realize that this zoo was huge. Very happy to see elephants again and of course the pandas. It was even better that I was told the park closed at 8 instead of 5. Although we didn't see the polar bears and red panda, we still saw a lot of animals. It was fun to watch the hippos swim underwater and the family of monkeys walk around. The koalas were great seeing them too.
The staff was very friendly, I have been to many zoos but your staff was hands down the best. Loved the zoo and how its focus was the animals vs the guest. It showed how much more you care for them.
The Panda's and the Rhino. The closeness to the animals
All the knowledge of the volunteers. They were very informative. We enjoyed the short movie we viewed in the theater. The people that worked in the food court and in the restrooms were very friendly and helpful. I used a wheelchair and they had accommodations to make our visit stress free. There was so much history on board the Midway with its jets and helicopters. We took pictures to remember our visit.
Both the USS Midway & San Diego Zoo were amazing experiences. Saving money on admission prices was wonderful & an added bonus.
The zoo exhibits itself was amazing! The hills to get to them were horrible, especially when you have small children in a stroller. At one point I had to have my husband pushing the stroller because I was scared I was going to fall and not be able to control the stroller. The hill next to the zebras and the big hill by the birds were the worst. I wouldn't be surprised someone hasn't fallen and gotten seriously hurt
It is a great place, all the volunteers are so nice ! You get a very clear idea of what it is to be living in an aircraft carrier, big sacrifice from all the sailors !!!
My husband And I enjoyed exploring the Midway. We love history and were fascinated by the ship and all the aircraft onboard. The docents were so informative. We enjoyed our experience very much and look forward to visiting again.
Great varitity of animals and easy to navagate each region. Wear comfortable shoes. Lots of walking and some steep climbs. Very surpised at the excellent food we had in the asian section.
The pandas were so playful on the day we visited. Although there was a large crowd of school children, the line moved quiclky and everyone was respectful.
The shop is amazing. The audio tour is so informative and interesting. The docents in the yellow caps were very knowledgeable. Most of them actually served on the ship. Get there quick before they retire!!
Awesome experience, specually it is our first time to visit the zoo with amazing animals, clean facilities and friendly staff
Ease of entry, zoo experience was really good with all the animals and the bus ride was excellent . Loved the skyway aerial as well.
Easy to book a day at the SD Zoo. Loved the Zoo and all it has to offer. Exceptionally clean, with very nice habitats and enclosures for the animals! We visited on a nice cool week day. Crowds were minimal. We had lunch at the Sandwich shop and though it was very tasty, it is overpriced. Our only disappointment was that the Pandas weren't visible both times we went to their habitat to see them. Overall excellent experience! We definitely hope to return!
It was very interesting to learn the technology that was being used back in the era.
Very clean. Everyone that worked there were friendly and courteous. Great experience. Loved all the animals.
Amazing time! Can't wait to come back.
Showing my family the work I performed and how our daily routine was everyday
Design of the zoo experience and staff courtesy
It's just not for me. The animals looked sad which made me sad as well.
I love gorillas and rhinos
The entire expeerience was top notch.
all the animals were out as we were there at feeding time and the weather was cool.
Been a while since my last visit , first time we ride the Skyfai tram.
I had heard of the zoo all my life and it did not disappoint! Thanks
Visit 2 top attractions with flexible tickets, exploring wildlife and naval history at your pace!
Inclusions San Diego Zoo
Entry to the San Diego Zoo
Kangaroo Express bus tour
Guided bus tour
Skyfari aerial tram
Access to all shows and exhibits
USS Midway Museum
Skip-the-line entry to USS Midway Museum
Audio guide in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, and French
San Diego Zoo
USS Midway Museum
All the knowledge of the volunteers. They were very informative. We enjoyed the short movie we viewed in the theater. The people that worked in the food court and in the restrooms were very friendly and helpful. I used a wheelchair and they had accommodations to make our visit stress free. There was so much history on board the Midway with its jets and helicopters. We took pictures to remember our visit.
It is a great place, all the volunteers are so nice ! You get a very clear idea of what it is to be living in an aircraft carrier, big sacrifice from all the sailors !!!
My husband And I enjoyed exploring the Midway. We love history and were fascinated by the ship and all the aircraft onboard. The docents were so informative. We enjoyed our experience very much and look forward to visiting again.
The shop is amazing. The audio tour is so informative and interesting. The docents in the yellow caps were very knowledgeable. Most of them actually served on the ship. Get there quick before they retire!!
It was very interesting to learn the technology that was being used back in the era.
Amazing time! Can't wait to come back.
Showing my family the work I performed and how our daily routine was everyday
The water park was a big hit. The tram ride was very heavy handed.
The entire expeerience was top notch.
Animals were viewable and active enjoyed watching them
Our Safari tour with Ryan was very informative and fun!
The staff is super friendly. The park was clean and the enviroments that are set up make the animals easily seen.
So much to see! Well maintained and friendly staff. We will be back!
A seamless blend of wildlife exploration and military history ensures a day of fun and learning.
Inclusions San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Entry to San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Access to Africa Tram
Access to Cheetah Run
All scheduled shows & exhibits
USS Midway Museum
Skip-the-line entry to USS Midway Museum
Audio guide in English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German, and French
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
USS Midway Museum
