Navy/Top Gun fan or not, this is a must see when in San Diego. Its an easy walk from Gaslamp and along the harbor. Tickets are reasonably priced. Its a self guided tour with a mechanism you get when you walk in that allows you more information at each spot. There's a 15 minute movie option. I do suggest you start with that then head up to the flight deck before it gets too hot. Tons of picture options, including an iconic Maverick & Goose shot. From there they'll lead you to a part of the tour you can only see with a guide, the rest is on your own. There will be several spots where you'll be like hmmm this was in Top Gun. Definitely don't skip this tour. read more

USS Midway Museum - Main deck - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

Who in their right mind leaves a review less than 5 stars for a museum that allows us to walk in the shoes of the brave soldiers who came before us? Midway is anything BUT mid. Great success! read more

Quite worth the $40 if you are into this stuff. The price may be a bit high for museums but there are lots to see in the different levels of the ship. Guided tours are also included with the bridge of the ship. The best part is going on to the top deck on a nice day. You can probably occupy a few hours of hunger does not get you first. read more

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At first, I was not stoked about $41 for an unguided museum tour. But it turned out surprisingly well. I enjoyed my time and got to see quite a lot of the ship and enjoy the harbor view. My boyfriend was entertained and had a good time there! read more

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Great unique experience. Was a lot more interesting than we imagined and definitely educational. Well worth a visit. Warning: Some areas may be difficult for folks who have trouble with stairs and confined spaces. Especially the island tour requires going up and down multiple flights of steep ladder style steps. There are elevators available for the main deck levels. They offer a free self-guided audio tour in multiple languages which they say you can spend upwards of six hours to see everything. Talk to the docents/staff. Many are veterans and some are even recovered POWs who served on this ship. They offer fascinating stories and insights and are really friendly. There are many different planes and helicopters to explore in the hangar and atop the flight deck. Inside, you can get a look at the variety of living and working spaces and operation centers that drove an immense vehicle like this. Within the hangar there is a gift shop, cafeteria style restaurant, and a fast service counter. There is also a large outdoor patio with great views located on a plane elevator. read more

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The USS Midway wasn't built for World War II--but it was built because of it. Commissioned just days after the war ended in 1945, she carried the lessons of battles like the Battle of Midway--heavier armor, greater firepower, and unmatched size. At the time, she was the largest ship in the world. But her real story unfolded during the Cold War and the Vietnam War, where she launched thousands of combat missions from the Gulf of Tonkin. Then, in 1975, everything changed. During the fall of Saigon, Midway became a lifeline in Operation Frequent Wind. Helicopters flooded her deck carrying refugees fleeing collapse. Space ran out, and crews pushed aircraft into the sea to make room for more lives. Then came the moment few forget--a South Vietnamese pilot, flying a tiny Cessna with his family onboard, circled overhead and dropped a note asking to land. The deck was cleared... ...and he made it. Midway continued serving through Operation Desert Storm, bridging generations of warfare before being decommissioned in 1992 after nearly 50 years at sea. I had an absolute blast spending the day here. Friendly staff. Good little restaurant on site. Lots of aircraft's with so much history attached. read more

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Have you ever been on an aircraft carrier? The last time I toured the USS Midway was over a decade ago and I forgot how massive these things are. Budget 3 hours to explore the ship if you want the express tour. 5 hours if you want the comprehensive experience. We stayed 3.5 hours, were able to listen to most of the audio tour, but missed one of the coolest areas of the ship, the Bridge. Highlights of our experience: A movie reenacting the Battle of Midway, which is often described as the turning point in the Pacific during World War II, and the namesake for the ship. The engine room Getting to experience what life was like on board the ship - living quarters, food, entertainment The flight deck - being able to walk through and see 10+ planes and helicopters As of this writing, the parking lot was $20 for 2-6 hours. To get the full experience, navigating many parts of the ship will require climbing stairs and ladders, ducking, and stepping over things. Truly a memorable experience - lots of things to learn, and plenty of unique things to see. read more

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The USS Midway Museum is a fascinating place to visit--both educational and fun for families! **Tickets:** We bought our tickets ahead of time through the Booking app and got a 15% "Genius discount." I strongly suggest getting your tickets online before you go. We walked right in while the line to buy tickets onsite was quite long! As of April 2026, online ticket prices are $39 (ages 13+), $29 (ages 4-12), and $26 for veterans (per the museum's website). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. We visited from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., focusing mostly on the aircraft exhibits. **Parking:** $20 for six hours. **Museum Layout:** The museum spans three levels of the aircraft carrier, each offering something unique. They provide a free audio tour--just tap the device at each exhibit's icon to listen. We really enjoyed it! The only downside is that you have to hold the device close to your ear. There's a headphone port, but we only had wireless earbuds. I like that there were benches here and there throughout the place. 1. Hangar Deck: This is where you enter first. Besides the exhibits, there are two ride experiences--a VR simulation and a seated flight simulator ($10 per person; 4/4/26). We did the VR one, and it was a lot of fun! This level also has the food court, gift shop, and restrooms at the far end. There are tables indoors and outdoors on a patio (a few umbrellas would be nice as it can get hot and sunny!). There's also a water refill station near the bathrooms. 2. Flight Deck (top deck): Outdoor and without shade, so plan accordingly. Amazing views and plenty of photo ops, plus a great display of aircraft. You can even see the giant "Kissing Sailor" statue from up there. 3. Below Deck: This area involves stairs and ladders that can be tricky for young kids or anyone with mobility issues. The website says there are elevators, but we didn't use them, so can't comment on accessibility. **Staff:** All the staff members were very friendly and helpful! Some exhibits include real people who share stories or answer questions, which added a nice personal touch. **Food:** Around 12:30 p.m., we stopped for lunch in the museum's food court. We had sandwiches and a burger with fries: perfectly fine and convenient. Beware of the seagulls at lunchtime: they're brave and know how to get close! **Statue:** After exploring the aircraft, we walked over to the famous "Unconditional Surrender" kissing statue nearby and browsed some small souvenir shops along the way. **Conclusion:** We're so glad we went! It was a great family outing and a wonderful way to learn some history while having fun together. read more

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I had chance to visit the USS Midway Museum while in San Diego. Definitely feels like stepping back in time. We did the Admiral's Quarters and Ship's Galley guided tours and both were well worth the time. The Admiral's tour gave a cool look at how leadership lived onboard, and the Galley tour was super interesting seeing how they fed and cared for so many sailors at sea. City at sea! A big "Thank you" to all the volunteers who keep this historic museum floating. Much appreciated. read more

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One of the coolest attractions in San Diego. They mentioned that the Midway was rated number one attraction in San Diego on Trip Advisor, and I believe it! I had never been as a kid, because my family doesn't have a huge military connection. My Dad was in the Naval Reserve when he was young, but he was never interested in exploring things like the Midway or Star of India. So I never experienced it until I was an adult. And I've only been here for special events that were held on board. A Black Joe Lewis concert sponsored by Jack Daniel's on the top deck was a wild time. And recently we went to the Killer Tomatoes movie premiere held on the inside deck, which was a good thing because of the cold. I've never actually done the tour of the ship. All of the staff and volunteers are super helpful and friendly. Sometime I'll have to come and actually do the tour, lol. They have some assistance for people with mobility issues. Check the website for info, and contact them if you have other questions. The biggest issue is obviously parking. We parked .75 mile away and walked, because we were able to find free parking and we were going to be there for quite a while. We enjoyed the walk along the waterfront, and the new additions like the park with the firepits and an updated restroom. There is closer paid parking next to the Midway, and meter and pay lots along Harbor Drive. The closest trolley stop is America Plaza, and it's a little bit of a hike. read more

USS Midway Museum - Premiere of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

I would suggest coming here in the morning on a week day because the parking can be limited in the area. I paid $20 for parking at the USS Midway parking lot and that was for 6 hrs worth. The admission to the museum is $41 I believe at the door. You can save $2 if you buy online. We spent about 3 hrs here but I was still bummed we didn't go on the tour at the top. I was more interested in the history of the ship than my girlfriend. If you truly are interested in this place then I suggest spending 3-3.5 hrs here. Afterwards, you can walk to Seaport Village since you already paid for parking. They have clean restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a place you can eat. read more

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We made third stop on the Embarcadero the USS MIDWAY MUSEUM!!! it was the absolute perfect day to go, warm and sunny. We parked in the parking lot just to the south of ship, wanting to see the famous KISS STATUE. It's of the Kiss after WWII IN TIMES SQUARE. We walked a short 10 Minute WALK from there, past all of the various vendors and pedicabs. We're FREEDOM MEMBERS, and got in right away. I am disabled and used the elevator to get up and down in the aircraft carrier. We want to thank them for providing the service. When I got to the middle of the ship, I got a DIET COKE REFILL. I went to the overhang and rested from the heat. After about 20 Minutes, I went to the Flight Deck. I met up with my Partner, GONZALO. I watched a presentation for a few minutes, which was very interesting. I then walked down to the end by the other aircraft carriers. read more

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Great museum and super huge. There is so much information to read and interactive exhibits too. My daughter is 3 she absolutely loved climbing in and out of the exhibits and planes. She loved walking through the exhibits really fast and was so excited !!! Mommy couldn't read that much. But it was a super fun experience. The workers are really friendly and knowledgeable. They also have workers constantly cleaning and sanitizing. The place is so huge you probably need hours to get a good view of everything. Even days!!! read more

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After going to this museum over the past 10 years I became an annual member. Totally worth it to me . Always something new to explore. Make sure you go to the lower decks to see the engine room and communications areas. The movie is good and most people will want to take the island/ bridge tour read more

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The USS Midway Museum in San Diego is a naval aircraft carrier museum located on the Navy Pier. It has self-guided audio tours in a number of languages. You enter & just click on the audio as you walk by each exhibit. Definitely family-friendly & a few field trips as I noticed groups of young students. What a wonderful field trip! The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free admission for active-duty military. I learned a lot during my visit. All the volunteers were so friendly. Thank you for volunteering your time & for your passion & willingness to educate everyone who visits the museum read more

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The USS Midway Museum is an incredible experience and easily one of the top attractions in San Diego. Walking aboard this massive aircraft carrier is impressive on its own, but once you start exploring the decks, cockpits, engine rooms, and crew quarters, the history really comes alive. The flight deck is packed with restored aircraft, and the views of the harbor are fantastic. Inside, the exhibits are detailed and interactive, with audio tours that feature real stories from sailors who served on the ship -- which adds a powerful, personal touch. Everything was well organized and clearly marked, volunteers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the entire ship felt spotless and well maintained. There's so much to see that you can easily spend several hours wandering around without realizing how much time has passed. If you're into history, aviation, or just want a unique hands-on museum experience, this place is a must-visit. Fascinating, immersive, and unforgettable. read more

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Love this place and always nice to go on board and enjoy the planes on top and the gift store! The views are amazing from here. You can also clearly see ships going in and out of here which is cool to see! read more

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While the museum itself was really good, majority of the workers here had attitudes and were not friendly. It kind of ruined the experience

A spectacular display of history. The USS Midway is well-organized, tidy, and inviting. There's something to learn and enjoy in every corner. Definitely a must-visit for any history enthusiast. read more

Always enjoy taking our visitors from out of town to the USS Midway on the San Diego Harbor for a tour. The USS Midway is preparing for their 3rd annual Christmas Jingle Jets event, over one million of dazzling lights across three decks. They will be having new shows and activities for kids and families, Festive performances and holiday karaoke along with photos with Santa etc. Dates: November 28-December 30th, 2025, select nights. Don't miss out! Happy Yelping :) read more

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What an amazing museum. This battleship is an amazing example of American craftsmanship. We were able to see the various warplanes, jets and helicopters which defended America in various wars. We toured the flight deck and the bridge to see how this carrier was operated. The museum had plenty of volunteers to answer any question one would have. read more

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If you have not toured the USS Midway Museum, you should! So much history, character, and freedom!!! The USS Midway is huge!! It was commissioned as the largest ship in the world in 1945. That was 80 years ago! Give yourself some time to check out everything! If you go fast, it'll be at least a couple of hours easy. I think we were so intrigued and mesmerized that we spent about 4.5 hours here. You'll see how these sailors lived and worked here. If you're tall, it might be cramped. The ladders were a little harsh if you're wearing inappropriate shoes like heels. We enjoyed all the aircrafts here. The airplanes and helicopters are all amazing to see. Some you can get inside and check it out up close and personal! There's a cafe to get food and drinks. There's also a gift shop here as well. Lots of bathrooms available. Overall, hours of fun! read more

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Great place not the best cleanliness. But what can you expect? It's literally a museum. They do offer free audio tours, which is great. I gave this A three because honestly, I believe it could be better. read more

USS Midway Museum - A line for the "battle of Midway Theatre" - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

We walked to this museum from our hotel so we were able to see a bit of downtown San Diego. We then walked along the waterfront that has lots of activities and restaurants, so that stroll was very useful for future reference. The museum is an old aircraft carrier from WWII. Admission is pricey at $39 for an adult but I think it is worth it. We spent about two hours doing a self tour of the ship. We could have spent more time but the museum was closing for the day. There is so much to see that I cannot possibly cover everything. Basically, this is/was a floating city. Everything, and I mean everything, that a city has can be found on ship. What made it interesting was that they have mannequins throughout the ship so it imparts a realness. The individual exhibits are done very well and really show what life was like. We came away with a good understanding of what was like to serve on the ship. The ship is huge. You can tour multiple decks. At some point I wondered if it would ever end and how do we get out? Luckily, there are veteran volunteers (I presume) to help. I also watched the 15 minute movie about the battle for Midway which I enjoyed as a student of history. I also really enjoyed the flight deck. I had never been on a fight deck before. There are about a dozen or more planes and helicopters to view. A couple are open for kids (and adults) to sit in the cockpit. There was another place where a man was explaining the nuances of landing on a moving vessel. My wife said it was the most interesting museum she ever visited, and she does not even like history. The kid found lots of stuff to amuse her. Overall, this experience was excellent. Well worth the money and time. I would put it in the "must see" category while visiting San Diego. read more

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This is a great place to come visit to learn about the history about USS Midway. We got to tour this massive city all included in this ship. It was impressive to see how everything worked on this battleship. I couldn't stop humming the Too Gun theme song walking through the ship. read more

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I came here with my two boys and we loved it so much we ended up getting an annual pass and we came here two days in a row. The battleship is huge, basically a floating city with all kinds of services on board. There were so many airplanes on deck too. We really enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of the boat and we really enjoyed learning about the history of the battleship. There were many docents who were always very helpful. The bridge tour was very insightful but it did require climbing up and down 4 sets of steep stairs. read more

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My siblings have been living in SD for ages. I've visited them a ton of times. At least 100. Yet, my visit over the turkey holidays was my first time setting foot on this ship. My sister had a couple extra tickets so me and my dad were able to join. This place is massive and yet there's far bigger ones. We were able to visit multiple levels. A lot of areas were off limits. It was great to see certain areas kept to look like how the sailors lived when the ship was in working order. Some rooms had a very distinct smell. It was interesting. I do have to commend the staff. Some were docents. Every person was ready when someone had a question. There was always someone available. The vibe was vibing. It was nice to see folks conversing with the museum visitors. All I saw in Europe were guides on their phones. More importantly, my dad had a great time. This was evident by him repeatedly taking his phone out to take photos. read more

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Es un lugar lleno de historia. Todos los empleados son personas amables y te enseñan el funcionamiento del barco que es algo increíble. read more

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The USS Midway Museum always has something going on and of course I take advantage of touring the museum when I'm there. I looove it! The events are usually fun and there's sooo much to learn about naval history in this massive museum. The volunteers are sooo awesome which adds to this positive experience. It's a defffinite must-see!! read more

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Historic USS Midway Museum was awesome! $39 for adults. Discounts for Seniors and Military Personnel. Parking is available on-site with a fee of course although it is pretty limited in spaces. There are 3 levels to the ship. Middle level is the main one. Top level is where all the helicopters and fighter jets are at. Bottom levels are the living areas, kitchens etc. Various exhibits throughout the decks. If you go on the top deck, there are nice views of San Diego. USS Midway Museum is great for families who want to learn about this historic ship. I don't recommend people who are older or disabled to go onto the lower levels since the hallways are narrow and climbing unstable stairs can be dangerous. People have bumped their heads since it's very tight a low clearance. I would definitely come back again! read more

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Easily the top visit for me in SD as a history nerd! Was quite excited to visit the Midway on a beautiful day and was not let down one bit! While it definitely gets crowded, do not let that sway your decision. There is a lot of history on this boat not to mention all the temporary and permanent displays! I easily spent several hours maneuvering around this massive ship, and it was all worth it for the admission. You will also have a lot of guides who were in the navy that will give you some background on the ship if you are not too aware of its history and the role it played in several US wars. I'd suggest showing up early if visiting during peak tourist season as it can get crowded, but again completely worth it! read more

Midway museum in San Diego is a striking and memorable place -- a beautiful ship that really catches your eye, even while passing by on a bus. It's a popular photo spot with a lot of charm and historical significance. There is parking nearby, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you're driving. The area itself is scenic and well worth a quick stop or a leisurely stroll if you're exploring the waterfront. Overall, a great public art landmark and definitely worth checking out when in San Diego! It's a nice walk from hotels in downtown . Nice breeze and few restaurants around . 4 stars read more

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Love this place. All the retired volunteers are amazing and an absolute wealth of knowledge. Aside from touring the Midway it's always great to spend some time talking to the volunteers. This was not my first time here but was my first time to "Jingle Jets". It's super fun, filled with lights, music, snacks, and libations. Food for families, and fun little date, or just to come check out a flight deck with all kinds of aircraft covered with lights! read more

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Amazing aircraft Carrier! Well maintained and the tour was very informative and historic! If you're in the San Diego area, this is a MOST to visit! read more

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My work hosted a private event renting out the midway for the evening so it was a special experience for all of us. Regardless of the setting, Visiting the USS Midway Museum was an incredible experience! Stepping aboard this historic aircraft carrier felt like taking a journey back in time. The exhibits were informative and engaging, giving a real sense of what life was like for the sailors. The self-guided tour was easy to follow, and the views from the deck were absolutely stunning. Definitely a must-see for history buffs and families alike. A truly memorable and eye-opening adventure! read more

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I have lived in SD nearly all my life and had never been to the USS Midway Museum. We brought our two girls with us. The baby, I put on my Tushbaby carrier and navigated up and down stairs okay with it. I also brought an ergo baby carrier thinking I would need to switch out but it wasn't necessary for me (it may be for others). We paid $104 for 2 adults, one child, and my 2 year old was free. You do pass a security checkpoint where you can then take stairs or an elevator onto the main deck. There is wheelchair and stroller access to the flight deck and the main deck only-- where the planes/choppers/restrooms/gift shop are. But if you want to actually want to go into the lower decks and likely the island, the only access is by foot. In the main deck, there's lots of planes to see and a little movie theatre experience at the far end that we didn't get to check out (15 mins). On the other end a cafe that is only open 11-3 and a super overpriced gift shop. We looked in the gift shop but didn't buy anything. Restrooms are located just adjacent to the gift shop. Once you go in, they take your picture and tell you that you can get a free digital postcard but really it's all part of some package deal and not really free. Then you swing by and pick up your audio clip for the self tour. We were told to check out the Jr. Pilot program at the info booth. Kids are given a card with 6 questions and if they answer correctly at the end, they ear their wings. Which we were told traditionally go on the left side of your shirt. The kids can listen to a separate audio recording (in green) and adults listen to the yellow one (you click at each station. You start walking around and listening to the audio. The flight deck had helicopters and jets. There are quite a few places for photo opportunities (pictures in the cockpit). My girls seemed to enjoy that. Also lots of opportunities to check out the views all around. Some benches but mostly, you're out in the sub. From the flight deck, there is a line to take a tour of the island (we didn't get to do that because of timing and man did our feet hurt!). Below deck is really interesting. You can see how the crew lived/worked It was cool's to see all the different rooms- galley, sick bay, etc. and then it's just mind boggling that people actually really lived and worked here. This isn't a replica. The mannequins add character to the experience. We appreciated the fans in most of the hallways and some of the air conditioned rooms. It was hot that day. Bring cash to spend on drinks/snacks. All the volunteers here were super friendly and answered questions, gave suggestions, etc. you can see how much pride they have being there. I will say, this ship is so much bigger than I had imagined. We did soo much walking. The tour takes you up and down very narrow and steep stairs. We spent 4 solid hours here and didn't read everything or spend too much time in one place. We skimmed most things and still didn't get to see everything. I guess you could go at a faster or slower pace. Parking in the area sucks. We came on a weekday in the summer and got here early enough to score parking in the lot next to the Midway (owned by Ace Parking) where you can park for longer than 3 hours. Overall, it was an interesting visit. You can tell they put a lot of time and energy into making this a cool space for everyone to visit. I recommend checking this place out. Initially, we planned on doing both the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime museum in one day but we simply realized we would not have enough time. You definitely need 2 days to do both, unless MAYBE you don't have kids and you start when they open. I suggest wearing comfortable shoes and buying tickets online. You'll need to be able to pull up the screen on your smartphone with the tickets. read more

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Incredible interactive experience. I have been to San Diego too many times without visiting this floating museum. Service: online ticket options, but you can also buy tickets at the gate. $40 for adults with discounts for military and children. There are so many friendly volunteers who love to share what they know about Midway. Since the carrier was only decommissioned in 1992, many of them have served and can recount personal experiences. Don't be shy to talk to them! We spent a lot of time on the deck. The audio devices are free and easy to use - even our 2 year old enjoyed them. And they give background on almost everything. There's a new exhibit called Top Secret Mission that was challenging, but fun to do as a group. It was good opportunity to get off of the deck and out of the sun. The on board cafe was fine. I think the best option of what we ordered was the chicken tenders and fries. I had a pre-made salad that was meh. All in, we spent about 3 hours touring the carrier, but we could have stayed longer. read more

USS Midway Museum - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

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If you're in San Diego (or live nearby) you really need to come and see the Midway! It's worth the $39/person, a hundred percent. You get to see everything: flight deck, dozens of aircraft, crew quarters, all the belowdecks support service areas, kitchen, laundry, etc., plus engineering and the engine rooms! Then if you're still up for more you can go up into the island (the tower) and see the flight control room and the helm. There's plenty to see and read and absorb along the way, you won't be bored or disappointed. And the staff (yellow hats) are awesome. So helpful, so well informed, and very friendly. There's an audio tour that you can use to interact with dozens of information points along the way. Pro tips: 1 - be in reasonable physical condition, you'll put 5-10k steps in to see the whole thing, and there are several areas that can only be accessed by narrow/steep staircases. 2 - budget at least 3, but up to maybe 5 hours to see the whole thing. It's huge, and you'll want to take your time. 3 - if you can't do it in one day, they'll give you a pass to come back in the next day at 10 am for free! 4 - if you're afraid of heights or get uncomfortable in tight spaces, be advised there are many areas of the tour that may be challenging. But do come see it! It's a once in a lifetime experience. read more

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Great tour of a fantastic museum! Thank you docent Patrick Stivers for the personal tour with Katherine, Finn, Quinn, Liz and Dan! The start of a perfect San Diego day for we Arizonans. And many thanks to the museum volunteers and staff for the maintenance on the ship and displays. read more

USS Midway Museum - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

We had the best family day at the USS midway museum. It was so cool learning the history of the ship and all of its crew members! I love getting to do this as it reminds me how grateful I am to be part of a country who fought so hard for freedom. Shoutout and thanks to our troops who have served and continue to serve!! This spot is definitely a good one to add to your personal bucket list. We spent almost 2 hours touring the ship. There were so many things to do, super interactive and a lot of photo ops. My 3 year old even loved it! It's free for kids under 4. It was pricy, but worth every penny. Wear your best walking shoes and be prepared to pay for parking. Parking started at $10 for 1 hour. We paid $20 for 2-6 hours. read more

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