Standing tall and majestic in the waters of San Diego, is the historical icon the USS Midway. The museum is an excellent place to visit if you love our military and want to learn about the history of our country. In 1945, the USS Midway was launched to serve in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf war. Above and below deck aircraft from WWII are on display, above deck includes modern aircraft from the Korean War up to F-18 Hornets. Some displays include mock armaments, and all displays are very cool. Some helicopter displays allow you to enter the aircraft. You get an excellent view of the San Diego skyline and the harbor from the upper deck.
You can tour the entire ship both above deck and below (unless restoration work is being done on portions of the ship). They offer MP3 like devices on lanyards you pick up by the information desk, point them at the yellow speaker icons in front of the displays and the audio history starts playing. There are also placards providing information throughout the tour if you prefer reading for yourself. We utilized both to aid in teaching our children about the history of this ship. The Midway also provides a Junior Pilots program fill out the questionnaire and the children earn their wings! You can get a tour of the Con tower but you need to set that up separately call for details. 
The tour takes quite a while or as long as you want it to take, the choice is yours. If you want to see the entire ship plan for at least three hours perhaps more depending on your level of interest. There is a movie that provides an introduction of the exhibit that is totally worth watching at the beginning of your tour. Though the USS Midway was not in the battle of Midway, it is named after this significant victory that changed the course of the war. The movie is quite moving sharing the stories of WWII veterans who fought in the Pacific. My wife and two daughters enjoyed the tour as much as I did, which is unusual for a war memorial! For an additional charge there are simulators of various aircraft old and new, the cost was between $4-$8 dollars per person based on your choice of experience. They also have a store with souvenirs and snacks, and a coffee and snack bar for eating on the rear deck.
Things to know :
- Entry Fee: Varies from $21 adults 18 & older; $18 seniors 62 and up; $15 students 13-17 or w/cllge id; $8 retired military (w/id); $8 children 6-12; Child 5 & under: Free. [Buy tickets online save $2 per ticket. Group rates of $6 per person is also available School/Home School.
- Store on site
- Snack bar on site
- Close to the San Diego Zoo
- No RV parking, suggest you drive your car
USS Midway (Aircraft Carrier)
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Link: https://www.midway.org/
Phone: (619) 544-9600
Hours of Ops: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon – Sun
