USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Climb aboard the USS Midway Museum and explore this long-serving US aircraft carrier.

Visit the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with Go City®

• With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass and enjoy the Midway Museum in San Diego.
• Access this open-air experience, complete with a three-story-high hangar deck and flight deck.
• A free audio tour headset is available in six languages.
• Your pass also gives you access to many more attractions in San Diego, so don't forget to check them out.

Take a self-guided tour around 60 exhibits including the sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, and ship jail.

Learn all about the ship’s decades of service and the 225,000 sailors that served on board the craft. Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum’s exhibits, multimedia displays, interactive experiences, and more. The audio tour is narrated by Midway sailors who bring the Midway’s history to life with stories of their first-hand experiences living on the ship while at sea for months at a time.

Experience History with Your USS Midway Museum Tickets

Take a step back in time and be amazed at the sheer size and beauty of the scale of the ship. With tickets from Go City, you can enjoy this museum + many other local San Diego attractions for one low cost!

Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum highlights

The Hangar Deck – this is the first area of the ship you’ll encounter. It serves as the ship’s hangar deck with a collection of 29 meticulously-restored aircraft, including an F/A-18 Hornet, a WWII SDB Dauntless dive bomber, an F9F-P Cougar from the Korean War, and more. Starting in January 2020 a reproduced Devastator airplane used in the filming of the movie Midway will be on display. This original prop is the only Devastator in existence. You’ll see machines that were integral forces during times of combat, such as World War II and Desert Storm, as well as being used for important humanitarian missions.

The Flight Deck – this open-air level hosts additional aircraft. Explore the flight deck and the impressively small runway that planes would take off from while at sea. Docents stationed on the deck offer educational lectures about takeoff and landing methods, and this is where you can get some of the best views of San Diego.

Captain’s Bridge and Flight Control Center – only about 1,600 people per day are allowed to tour the ship’s main control center called the Captain’s Bridge. It's on a first-come, first-served basis, so head straight there if you want to tour this area.

Battle of the Midway Theater – this 90-seat theater aboard the Midway features an inspirational 15-minute multimedia movie, Voices of the Midway. It details the Battle of Midway and features former members of the military who survived the battle. The movie is narrated by a hologram figure of a young sailor telling the story of his experience.

Climb-in aircraft – hop on board several aircraft carriers and check out the cockpits and controls. You'll get a feel for what it would have been like to fly in the pilot’s seat.

The Lower Decks – get a glimpse into daily life on the USS Midway for the 5,000 sailors on board. Here, you’ll get to see the kitchen, laundry rooms, engine rooms, enlisted bunks, officer quarters, the anchor room, a movie theater, and more.

Museum docents – one of the USS Midway Museum’s key features is the museum docents you’ll meet throughout the ship, each eager to share their own personal experience with the USS Midway or a fun anecdote.

Fantail Café – grab a bite to eat from this maritime-themed cafe which features meals made from the ship’s original 1945 menu.

Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum facts

• The USS Midway is classified as a CV-41 aircraft carrier.
• The ship is 972 feet in length and weighs 74,000 tons – so large it earned its title as a “city at sea” and “floating city”. from the sailors that served aboard from 1945 to 1992.
• It’s the 20th Century’s longest-serving aircraft carrier.

Go City is a better way to sightsee. Your pass includes Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum tickets, plus admission to dozens of top San Diego attractions for one money-saving price.

Ready to start exploring San Diego? First, choose between an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass.

Getting In: for entrance into the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, simply proceed to the entrance with your pass.

Holiday Jingle Jets is not included with your pass.  

Jingle Jet Nights:
November 24, 25, 26, 30
December: 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23

Admission prices:
$25 – Adult
$18 – Child

Timed ticketing purchase process every 30 minutes:
5:30PM, 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, 7:30PM & 8:00PM.

Please Note: does not include special rides such as the flight simulator.

Reservations are not required with Go City. 

For more information, visit the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum website.

Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum tickets help

Simply ask our help team if you have any questions. 

FAQs

Q. What types of aircraft can I see at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum?
A. The museum showcases a diverse collection of over 30 restored aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and propeller-driven planes from different eras.

Q. Are guided tours available at the USS Midway Museum?
A. Yes, the museum offers both docent-led and self-guided audio tours to provide an immersive experience for visitors.

Q. Is the USS Midway Museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A. Absolutely, the museum is committed to accessibility, offering elevator access, wheelchair rentals, and modified exhibits for those with disabilities.

Q. Can I host a private event at the USS Midway Museum?
A. Yes, the museum offers unique event spaces for corporate gatherings, military reunions, and private parties, providing a memorable backdrop for any occasion.

Q. Are there any educational programs available at the USS Midway Museum?
A. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including field trips, scout programs, and overnight adventures to engage learners of all ages.

Q. How long should I plan to spend at the USS Midway Museum?
A. Most visitors spend approximately 3-4 hours exploring the exhibits, aircraft, and interactive experiences at the museum.