Family Guide to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
Visiting the USS Midway Museum was one of the highlights of our San Diego trip. This retired aircraft carrier, now transformed into a floating museum, offers an unforgettable mix of history, adventure, and family fun. My family loves military history, and the USS Midway Museum was the perfect place to spend the day. Be sure to speak to the living history guides as you tour the Museum. Their experience really makes the ship come to life. We met so many wonderful people on our visit who were willing to talk to our family about their experiences.
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🛳 What to Expect
Massive Scale: The Midway is huge—over 1,000 feet long. Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours exploring. Our family spent a whole day here.
Aircraft Galore: The flight deck is lined with restored fighter jets and helicopters. Kids (and adults!) can climb into cockpits and imagine taking off at sea.
Life at Sea: Below deck, you’ll see sailor bunks, kitchens, and control rooms. It’s a fascinating glimpse into daily life aboard.
Interactive Exhibits: Flight simulators, audio tours narrated by former crew members, and hands-on displays make history come alive.
🎟 Tickets & Hours
Tickets: Adults around $39, youth (ages 6–12) about $22, children under 5 are free.
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (last admission at 4 PM).
Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the line, especially on weekends and holidays. We booked our tours through Viator. I love that they have the option to book now and pay later.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be climbing stairs and walking through narrow hallways. I cannot emphasize this enough!
Bring Snacks/Water: There’s a café on board, but having a water bottle helps.
Engage the Kids: The audio tour has a kid-friendly version, and the cockpit experiences are always a hit. My family skipped this and had a great time.
Photo Ops: The flight deck offers stunning views of San Diego Bay—perfect for family photos.
🌆 Nearby Attractions
Seaport Village: Just a short walk away, with shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots. Our family stayed at the Grand Hyatt Manchester. It was within walking distance of all the attractions we visited on this trip.
San Diego Maritime Museum: Another great stop for ship lovers. My family loved this musuem so much more than I ever imagined!
Waterfront Park: A nice place for kids to run around after the tour.
🌞 Our Favorite Moment
Seeing the Midway lit up for Christmas was a perfect way to start off the holiday season for our family. We love our trip to San Diego and hope to return again soon!
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