Spotlight: San Diego - USS Midway Museum

Spotlight: The USS Midway was the United States' longest-serving aircraft carrier during the 20th century. When it was commissioned, it was the largest ship in the world for a space of ten years. It was in operation between 1945-1992 - the only aircraft carrier to serve for the duration of the Cold War. It served in Vietnam, and was the U.S. flagship in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. More than 200,000 sailors served aboard the carrier during its deployment. The Midway Museum opened to the public on June 7, 2004. Since then, it has become the most popular naval warship museum in the country, with over 1 million visitors annually.

Location: The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA at Navy Pier.

Cost: $20/adult (18+), $17/seniors (62+), $15/students (13-17 or w/ college ID), $10/Retired military (valid ID), $10/youth (6-12). There is a $2 discount/ticket if you purchase online.

Time: The Midway is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plan on spending between 2-4 hours on the carrier.

Description: The USS Midway Museum consists of the aircraft carrier and its collection of 29 restored aircraft. The aircraft displayed on its deck include craft from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.

     The audio tour takes visitors to more than 60 locations including sleeping quarters, officers quarters, the pilots' ready room, the brig, the engine room, the bridge, the galley, the post office, primary flight control, the aircraft on the top deck and more. Guests can also climb aboard select aircraft, see videos highlighting various aspects of the carrier and its years of service, and try a flight simulator.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Admission is free for: children 5 and under, active duty military, law enforcement and fire fighters (w/ valid ID), military personnel (visit your local Navy MWR - ITT - Tickets office for exclusive Military discounts).
- Although it doesn't close until 5:00, admission onto the carrier ends at 4:00.
- The price of admission includes the self-guided audio tour. To visit all 60+ locations on the tour takes about 3 hours; but since each person can choose which stations to visit and for how long, the length of time will vary from person to person.
- Docents are available to give one hour group tours for $300 (for groups of 10 or under) or $30/person at select times on Monday - Saturday.
- Parking is available along the Navy Pier for $10 (good for 12 hours). The Santa Fe Train Depot and MTS Trolley Station are within a 5 minute walk of the Midway.
- Visit the Midway's calendar to view special events.
- The Go San Diego card offers admission to over 35 San Diego attractions, including the Midway, at a reduced price.
- The famous statue of a serviceman kissing a nurse (WWII) is in the park along the pier.

Nearby: San Diego SEAL Tours, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Balboa Theatre, Balboa Park