A decommissioned aircraft carrier moored on the Embarcadero, open as a museum with a flight deck of restored aircraft, the island and former crew spaces, and volunteer docents who served aboard.
The USS Midway Museum is a decommissioned aircraft carrier moored at 910 North Harbor Drive on the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, California. Commissioned in 1945 and in service for nearly half a century, the ship now operates as one of the most visited naval museums in the United States. Visitors follow a self-guided route using an audio tour included with admission, moving through the hangar deck, the flight deck, the island superstructure and the crew spaces below. The hangar deck displays aircraft and exhibits on the ship's history, while the flight deck holds a collection of restored aircraft spanning several eras of naval aviation, with the San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge and North Island across the water as backdrop. Inside the island, visitors can see the navigation bridge, the flag bridge and the primary flight control room, where the officers who directed launches and recoveries worked. Below decks, the tour passes through berthing areas, the galley, the mess, the sick bay, the engine and machinery spaces and the brig, giving a sense of how thousands of sailors lived on board. Many of the docents are veterans, some of whom served on the Midway, and their stories add detail that the signage cannot. Flight simulators and cockpit experiences cost extra. A full visit usually takes three to four hours, and the ship includes steep ladders and narrow passages, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Weekday mornings are the quietest time, with queues building around midday and on weekends, holidays and summer. The flight deck can be exposed and hot in sunshine and breezy near the water, so sun protection helps. Photographers favor the bow and stern of the flight deck for harbor views and the island for aircraft framed against the sky. Admission is about $39 for adults, with reduced pricing for children and free entry for young children and active-duty military with identification. Paid parking is available at nearby piers, and the MTS Trolley stops within a short walk. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and last admission is at 4:00 PM, so late arrivals will have limited time to see the ship properly.
| Admission | About $39 adult (13+), about $26-$29 ages 4-12, ages 5 and under free, active military free with ID; flight simulators extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (last admission 4:00 PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | MTS Trolley (Blue/Orange) to Santa Fe Depot, then a 5-minute walk; paid pier parking about $10-$20 |
| Address | 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 |
Location
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
32.7137, -117.1751 View on map
Highlights
- Flight deck with restored aircraft and harbor views
- Island bridge and primary flight control room
- Below-deck crew quarters, galley and sick bay
- Veteran docents who served aboard
- Flight simulators and cockpit experiences
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid midday queues.
- Allow three to four hours; last admission is at 4:00 PM.
- Wear comfortable shoes; ladders and passages are steep and narrow.
- Use the included audio tour and ask docents for stories.
- Bring sun protection for the exposed flight deck.
- Active military receive free admission with ID.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Clear days give the best flight deck views, and summer weekends are the busiest.
Accessibility
Parts of the hangar deck and flight deck are accessible via elevators, but much of the island and below-deck areas require steep ladders and are not wheelchair accessible. Confirm current accessible routes with the museum.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the USS Midway Museum take?
Most visitors need three to four hours to see the flight deck, island and below-deck spaces. Aviation enthusiasts often stay longer.
Is the USS Midway worth it for kids?
Yes. Children often enjoy the aircraft, cockpits and simulators. Steep ladders and tight spaces can be difficult for very young children.
Is photography allowed on the USS Midway?
Personal photography is allowed throughout the ship. Flight simulators and some restricted areas may have their own rules.
Is an audio tour included?
Yes, an audio tour is included with general admission and guides visitors through the self-guided route.