Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Visitors can tour 60 exhibits, to include the USS Midway’s sleeping quarters, the ship’s jail, and the flight control deck, before heading to one of three exciting flight simulators aboard this CV-41 aircraft carrier. The Midway Aircraft Museum’s “Air Wing” boasts a collection of 25 meticulously restored aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and F9F-Panther, which have been flown in times of conflict ranging from World War II to Desert Storm, as well as on humanitarian missions. Aeronautical buffs of any age can climb aboard several of these aircraft to check out the cockpits and controls and imagine what it would have been like to fly in the pilot’s seat. Don’t leave the carrier without getting a bite to eat at Fantail Café, which features meals made from the ship’s original 1945 menu!

Self-guided audio tours are available in English, Spanish, and Japanese, and the museum is staffed by 60 well-informed docents, as well as retired World War II pilots, who are available to provide little-known trivia and facts about this impressive aircraft carrier. The Midway staff prides itself on its dedication to making sure this aircraft carrier is 100% handicapped accessible, with ramps, elevators, and loaner wheelchairs.

Veterans, take note- Midway’s staff members are interested in preserving history and need participants to help. The USS Midway Museum is currently undertaking a “Veterans Oral History Program” in conjunction with the Library of Congress, in which those who have served can apply to tell their own personal stories aboard the ship in a recording studio, to possibly be featured in future exhibits.

The USS Midway is one of San Diego’s most unique tourist destinations. This floating museum offers visitors a phenomenal way to spend a sunny afternoon on the water while learning important historical lessons from, and paying tribute to, the men and women who have courageously served in some of the nation’s most pivotal conflicts.