USS Midway Museum

Explore the 4-acre flight deck of the awe-inspiring aircraft carrier USS Midway, berthed at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. This floating “city at sea” attracts over 1,000,000 visitors annually for its impressive collection of aircraft, storied military past and fun-filled family activities.

More than three American football fields in length, the USS Midway was the largest ship in the world for a decade from 1945-1955. Before it was decommissioned in 1992, Midway fulfilled missions all over the world, sailing through the Arctic, the Indian Ocean and Pacific, also serving in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The ship’s historic operations also included tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Bringing the Midway’s history to life is an exciting self-guided audio tour in 6 languages, covering some 60 locations and narrated by Midway sailors. Visitors learn about the self-contained floating city with 4,500 shipmates aboard, often spending months at sea. Exhibits include the crew’s sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, brig, post office, machine shops and pilots’ ready rooms. Guests also explore the bridge — the tallest point of the ship and its command and control center.

On the flight deck, several dozen vintage airplanes and helicopters invite visitors for a closer look. Kids may even climb into the pilot seat on some of the planes. Guests wanting the rush of air-to-air combat or a carrier launch can take a seat in one of several flight simulators. Visitors experience twists and turns and barrel rolls like real pilots.

Stationed around the ship, friendly museum docents enrich the Midway experience with personal stories, anecdotes and fascinating statistics. They can also point out photo opportunities from both inside and outside the ship, such as the perch on the bridge, offering shots of the flight deck and planes, or San Diego’s striking city skyline and harbor.

The 360-degree panoramic views also make the USS Midway the perfect venue for special events. While there are no traditional ballrooms or convention center concourses aboard the Midway, it can accommodate up to 4,000 guests. Two decks of event space — the hangar deck and flight deck — can be reserved for special occasions after museum hours beginning at 6:30 p.m. Special events can be booked here:http://www.midway.org/special-events.

For an adventure of a lifetime, don’t miss touring the USS Midway Museum, San Diego’s number one attraction and treasure to all. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily throughout the year (last admission at 4 p.m.), and closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For ticket information, call (619) 544-9600 or visit http://www.midway.org/. To become a Midway Member, visit the Visitor Information Center, call (619) 398-8229 or visit http://www.midway.org/membership.