USS Midway Museum Reviews

I feel small. You don’t grasp the enormity and closeness of this ship until you set foot upon it. It’s amazing when you realize you are standing on a floating airplane runway. Then you visit crew quarters and see what little personal space these military men and women live. There is so many things to see to describe here. Great place for kids to come as well.

As an aircraft enthusiast, you should definitely not miss this. Nice collection. Furthermore, a nice exhibition on board about the history of the ship. Also a great shop where souvenirs are sold.

Amazing experience, being able to walk around the inside of this decommissioned aircraft carrier. The museum is run by more than 800 volunteer service veterans, coming from all branches of service. There were volunteers throughout the ship so always easy to find someone to ask a question. And they were a pleasure to chat with. Plan to spend several hours here if you want to fully explore the ship. I wish I'd had more time!

Loved our visit to this historic ship! So much to see as well as interactive bits around the ship. Super helpful staff everywhere we went. My only regret is based on other reviews we only dedicated half a day but by doing this had to rush. I would recommend dedicating majority of a day to view this ship.
Cost of entry was $39 per adult. We felt this was good value.

We really enjoyed our visit to the USS Midway - in fact it was one of the highlights of our whole road trip holiday.
You really must allow a few hours for this - it took longer than we expected as there is so much to see and take your time over.
The free audio tour is very informative and the exhibits throughout are interesting and very well put together. The 'Voices of Midway' film is excellent and thought-provoking. All of the 'yellow hat' docents we spoke to were so passionate and knowledgable and made the experience extra special.
I now wear my paracord bracelet (made by the volunteers and sold at a very good price!) with pride and it makes me smile everytime I look down and remember our experience on the USS Midway.

Very interesting visit, special thanks to Mr. Lee who showed us and explained in a very fun way how the planes were catapulted from the airport planes. There is also a circuit of questions for children who after completion they receive a distinctive including a small individual ceremony. It was worth every minute in there.

This was my first time visiting a museum in San Diego and was amazed by how big the USS ship is. The USS Midway Museum is open to the public, which information can be found on the website or on Google. We can learn about the US Army from this museum.

We finished our cruise in San Diego and the museum was right beside the cruise terminal. It was a great place to spend a rainy day. Very interesting and informative. Lots to see and do. There were flight simulators and VR. Nice little restaurant and gift shop. The best part that you can store your luggage.

Excellent ship and tour. Guides and volunteers on the ship were very helpful.
Toke tour of upper deck where captain of ship and control rooms were. It was very interesting.

A must see. I was traveling with 4 grandchildren ages 21 to 9. And ALL of them loved the Midway experience. Fun, educational, moving. Just an incredible day. Kids did the simulators. They loved being able to get in the cockpits of some of the airplanes. The flight deck is amazing. You won’t be disappointed, Highly recommend.

Everything was very knowledgeable and informative. My son especially loved it because he loves WWII era. We also got to see inside the planes.

Wow! What a gem! We did this on our final day before leaving San Diego. They take such care of preserving the history of this place and all the volunteers will gladly tell you so much. Everyone was so friendly. Would highly recommend! Great for Top Gun fans!

My wife and I spent the whole day (10am to 5pm) and still missed a few things so we went back the following day (no extra charge). Just get a card before you leave the ship.

Our favorite part of the visits were the docents. The men who volunteer on the Midway absolutely blew us away with their enthusiasm, kindness, personalities, knowledge and helpfulness. They made sure we got every question answered and went above and beyond. They were also characters and made us laugh and FULLY enjoy ourselves. John, Steve, Scott and many others made our visit completely fantastic!

This group of men won’t live forever (unfortunately), so I highly recommend you take advantage of their experience and their gifts God gave them and make sure you spend time talking to them while you are there. Our day flew by and we were excited to come back the next day. This was one of the most fulfilling experiences I can remember. Thank you Midway docents!

Absolutely superb. Allow at least 4 hours if not more. Do the bridge tour first (ask a yellow cap for help) which will set you up for a great visit.
Note this is fairly strenuous to go up and down stairs and walk around.
Tip for the ladies would be to wear longs or shorts to save embarrassment on ladders 🪜.

Touring the ship is great but DO NOT eat there. The food is expensive and awful! My grandson & I both felt off after eating at the little "restaurant. It closes at 3 and it was close to that time. The wrap was horrid and the sandwich was bad too. Save $ and go eat at Seaport Village a few blocks away

After being in active service until the Iraq War, it was moored in the naval city of San Diego and became a museum. Fighter planes and helicopters are on display on the deck and in the hangar. There is a slight smell of oil when you enter the ship, and on the deck below the hangar, there is the commander's room, the captain's room, the officers' and men's messes, the pilots' mess, the communications room, the laundry, the mail facility, the criminal detention cell, and other rooms and hangar facilities that have been preserved, and each room and facility is reproduced with life-sized dolls of officers, NCOs, and men. The equipment in each room and facility is much more analog than it is today. Audio guides are available for free rental, and when you bring the device close to the audio mark at each point, an explanation begins. The languages are English, French, German, Chinese, and of course Japanese. A guide will give you an explanation in the engine room. The ship is large, and it would take more than two hours to climb up and down the ladders to see everything carefully. On the wall inside the ship, there is a painting panel of an attack on a Japanese Navy aircraft carrier by a carrier-based aircraft during the Battle of Midway...

We had an awesome experience with Scott. We asked a question and he personally took us on a tour giving so much information as we went. Our 12 & 17 year old were engaged and interested in his stories. We learned so much and had a great experience learning.

Brilliant. Lots to see and do- we spent 3 hours there and could have spent twice that time. Learnt so much! The yellow cap talks were fascinating!

This is second visit to the old aircraft carrier and still enjoyed it. If you are interested in old military vessels this one doesn't disapoint. Can self explore or go on a guided tour. Lots of vets and staff to explain. Have been to all four IOWA class battleships in the U.S.(Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA, the Missouri in Peal Harbour in Hawaii, the New Jersey in Camden and the IOWA in San Pedro CA) and now working my way through the carriers. Of all of them this has the ship, planes and other military equipment to view. Price is reasonable and supports the maintenance of the ship.

Plan at least 3 hours for your visit. Even if you are claustrophobic, the Bridge Tour, flight deck and the aircraft make it worth the visit. Go on the Bridge Tour early to avoid the lines.

One of the planes on the flight deck was flown by John Glenn. Strongly suggest listening to the self-guided tour on the fight deck. There are interviews with the crewmen of the aircraft and additional information on the aircraft.

The Catapult presentation on the flight deck was very interesting in a geeky science way. Our presenter was a former naval aviator who was very engaging. The catapult system is very ingenious.

A great half day on the USS Midway. There were many ex-service volunteer helpers on hand to speak to in each area. Unfortunately, some areas were closed for refurbishment on the day we visited, but there was still plenty to do and see. We also had the pleasure of seeing a Naval Captain's retirement ceremony on deck. Tickets are reasonably priced.

Spent the day on the ship enjoying a comprehensive all-deck VIP tour with our docent Henry. He covered the ship at a fast pace to keep it interesting. The descriptions of the sections were factual and interesting. The new Fire Protection and Engineering section was crisp and well done.
Will be back soon!

This museum was converted from Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that was formerly based in Yokosuka.
Due to its vast size, it is necessary to allow extra time for the tour and it is better not to schedule anything else on the day.
The flight deck, hangar, bridge, as well as the mechanical rooms and living quarters of each class were open to the public, but it was a pity that the kanshitsu was not open to the public.

A must for anyone interested in the Naval ships and aircraft.
There were a number of tours conducted by very informative volunteers.

I loved my time visiting the USS Midway. I arrived when it opened at 10:00 and was glad I did because it became very busy as time went on. Starting on the lower hangar deck area, I picked up my free audio guide which gives good commentaries when you point it at particular items and worked well. At this level there are a good number of WWII planes and helicopters. There are also (at extra cost) flight simulator experiences which seemed popular with young people. Then I climbed up to the enormous flight deck to see a range of 20th century fighters - all well labelled and all with audio commentary if you wanted it. There were also mini talks taking place by docents but I did not stop for any of these. I did take the guided bridge tour which was good and then went 'below decks' to see the areas there. There was a lot to see - almost too much - from laundries, to dining areas, to officer’s mess, to navigator rooms to a chapel. All well laid out and well explained. There was also a display about fire on board....but I was losing interest by then! I spent almost two hours on board and wasn't sure I had seen it all then! A good place to visit - and well presented.

Planned on spending a couple of hours here....5 hours later we were still there. You can stay for as little or long as you like. The film was very well done - quite emotional. A lovely day and very informative.

Very interesting and seeing the boat is a great experience, understanding its features is a very good experience worth

A real experience to see such a ship from the inside. Very good job. In addition, many airplanes available in which you can also sit. Very helpful staff who have a lot of knowledge. You should definitely allow yourself enough time as it takes more time than you think.

Great experience seeing this great battleship. Lots to do and see for all ages. They have many exhibits, a short video on the war, and a nice cafe.

This was pretty cool. Eye opening to see how big these vessels are and how they functioned and his people lived on them. The audio tour was good and informative. Definitely recommend stopping here

The carrier was way bigger than what I expected. Another fun thing is that standing on the deck I could see two more different in-service carriers.

This was a fun experience. Lots of hands on things for kids and the volunteers that work there are very helpful. My son especially likes seeing the bright and the Captains quarters .

This was a cool experience. The docents were so funny and so knowledgeable. I loved learning about how the planes land on an aircraft carrier. This is a definite must do while in San Diego.

We brought our out of town relatives, visiting from SONORA, MEXICO; to see their very first AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER!!!

Needless to say, they were very, very Impressed!!! WHO WOULDN’T BE!!!

We started with the Lower Deck, then went up to the Upper Deck. Up there, you get Bay Views, City Views, Ship Views and, of course, lots and lots more PLANES.

We got a great photo with my NIECE and the AIRMAN STATUE!!!

Fabulous visit. All the caretakers were very chatty & knowledgeable. Huge ship, lots to see. Plus great gift shop that wasn't too pricey.

There was quite a bit to see. The views of the water are nice. Parking was simple. The kids (5 and 7) really enjoyed getting to go inside some of the planes.

My husband and adult daughter humored me by coming to the Midway with me, and they loved it as much as I did. The audio guides are high quality and the VR experience was fun. I'm not sure what "skip the line" means - we bought our tickets online and didn't have to wait at all. We arrived mid-day on a Thursday in August. It was busy but not at all crazy.

For someone who loves seeing old planes and an immense aircraft carrier (i.e. my husband), it was incredible! The docents were very knowledgeable and helpful.

My husband and I toured the Midway with friends from the area. We spent several hours touring the ship and all of the aircrafts on deck. Everyone there was very helpful and very knowledgeable. The ship gives you a great understanding of how the crew lived on board & performed their duties. We were able to view the airplanes on the flight deck.
We did spend several hours touring and we could’ve spent even more time but they were getting ready to close.
I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. This tour gives you a great understanding of what life was like at sea.

I was hesitant to bring my kids here. Worried they'd fight, complain, and bother everyone else around us. This museum is of course a ship, so plenty of space to run around. There is a self guided audio tour - a version for kids and adults. There is a junior pilot program where the kids can use the audio tour to answer 6 questions on a paper and earn an airplane pin. They also have plane cockpits that the kids can climb into and touch the controls. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my kids enjoyed it or at least endured it.

This is one of the best museums we have ever been to. In our opinion, the ticket price is too low compared to other museums, especially after learning that the museum is a non-profit organization and does not receive outside support. Thank You to the Navy and the San Diego area for utilizing this retired vessel in such a creative way, and for the veterans who volunteer in the museum - to provide insight into our history and the lives of those who serve our country. We walked away with so much appreciation and admiration for the incredible valor, intelligence, and commitment of our servicemen and women. The self-guided audio tour was well-organized and engaging, but the veterans who were present to offer additional information were amazing. Thank you! Nice 3-D theater, cafe, kids activities, aircraft/ cockpit experiences, and levels/decks that walk you through every underappreciated aspect of life onboard a naval aircraft warfare vessel. We easily spent 5-6 hours exploring the ship.

A real good historical site for Navy buffs. A lot of effort has gone into the verbal displays. Focused mainly on the battle of Midway.

This was easily the best Museum experience I’ve ever had. The facility was beautiful, clean, and had me in awe at every turn. All of the docent’s were kind, generous with their time and had incredible stories that made the experience even richer. Little tip - when you go, be sure to strike up conversations with the docent’s working there! They have amazing first hand stories that bring so much depth to the experience. My entire family loved it - there truly is something for everyone to enjoy here!

Thoroughly enjoyed this tour of Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu. The itinerary was exactly as described, and our tour guide truly elevated the experience with insightful commentary and great energy. A well-organised and memorable outing — highly recommended!

What a great museum! I visited here with my partner who is a bit of a plane geek and we both had a great time. There was so much to see and do and the museum was rich in history. The staff and volunteers there were amazing, all very polite, friendly and very knowledgeable, happily answering our questions along the way with ease.

A great learning experience for all ages. There are areas to watch videos and actual photos to view, along with many different types of planes and helicopters to explore. The ship design has many steep steps so it's not for the handicapped.

You should take at least 3 to 4 hours for wine viewing, the discussions with the veterans on site were the most tense.

We really liked this. It’s cool to walk around a real retired navy boat. I had one grandfather in the Navy and the other in the Air Force, so exploring the boat and checking out all the planes on the deck was cool. I would recommend spending a couple hours exploring.

Had a great day on the USS Midway! Docents are amazing and the island superstucture is completely open for tours again. The new engineering exhibit is a must - see...not like anything else in the museum. Price is right and very family friendly.

The USS Midway was a great place to spend a day at. They have detailed information about what the planes were, where the sailors slept at, and a lot more.

Wonderful museum with something to do for everyone. We were there for five hours and felt like there was still more to explore. The docents (retired military) led a variety of tours with personal anecdotes and information on the history and features of the ship and planes. The audio tours were narrated by the soldiers with their personal experiences. We gained a great appreciation for the sacrifices of these veterans and the technology that has evolved through the years. Even if you don’t believe in war (which we don’t), you can appreciate these people who gave their lives to try to make the world safer.

Most people pre-purchase their tickets, so it didn’t save that much time, but since the price ends up being the same, it’s a little more efficient. We went right when it opened at ten, and the line moved quickly. The veterans who work the museum run a tight ship (pardon the pun). The lines for all events are organized and move like clockwork. And even when you are waiting in line, there’s a docent giving you information and telling you stories about the exhibits you will see.

When you come in, be sure to see the Midway video first so you get some context for the rest of the day.

We arrived right at opening time and headed straight to the flight deck. We did their island tour right away and there was hardly anyone in line. The island tour was very educational and informative. We had picked up the free audio phones when we entered the ship. The audio phones were great for touring the ship from the cabins to the flight deck. There are lots of friendly volunteers ready to explain and answer your questions.

Excellent displays and flawless audio tour equipment. Staff were very helpful and friendly. They had elevators so if you were challenged with climbing stairs it was not an issue.

A visit to the USS Midway is not to be missed when you are in San Diego. It's super interesting, but also very moving. There are older gentlemen and ladies who have lived through the times and answer any questions or tell you what they have experienced.
You can walk the whole ship. We were there on 9/11/24. On the special day, a memorial service with television etc. took place...
We were there almost 4 hours and have very impressed and movingly disembarked again.

Growing up my grandfather would tell me stories about the size and complexity of these boats,but seeing it first hand toise stories were undersized. I loved the staff here everyone was amazing.

This was a great educational trip for my sons and me. It made for wonderful family time, and we really enjoyed exploring the ship and seeing the aircraft. The top deck offered amazing views, which made the experience even better. Highly recommend for families and anyone interested in history and aviation! ✈️🚢

Excellent visit. Well worth the $32, booked online, spent 4.5 hours there. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and gave great talks and tours around the ship. Lots to see and do. There used to be a cafe and restaurants with a good amount of restrooms. Definitely recommend for families too

We enjoyed our tour of the USS Midway Museum. There is so much to see and a deck full of planes and helicopters to see and climb onto and through. There are some great volunteers with loads of interesting stories and information about the exhibits.

Make sure you take the tour from the deck of the bridge and numerous parts of the ship.

Remember to bring a bottle of water, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and your camera.

Coolest thing my son (9 years) had ever done. Highly recommended to do. Lots to see, lots to discover, lots to learn, lots to do. Enthusiastic volunteers willing to tell you everything to give you and your family a great experience. The children's treasure hunt was fun, and the award with official presentation was also great. Totally awesome. Entrance at the door: $130 for 2 adults and 2 children.

The USS Midway really was incredible. I was slightly shocked at the $39 price tag initially, but I would have paid double and still enjoyed every second. The docents make this place, they are knowledgable, and make the time to talk to you and answer questions. Shout out to Mark, Pete and Larry who gave us the catch, catapult and bridge talks- I could have listened to them all day. The free audio guide helped navigate the ship, and there were water filling stations thought which helped with the heat! Do not miss this museum

Incredible slice of history preserved and presented by the most knowledgeable, passionate and genuinely lovely people. There are many, many people that volunteer here and I have never been so impressed by every one of them we met on our visit. Don’t miss a visit to the bridge up the steep ladders for a great feel of the size of this impressive beast of a ship. We were very lucky to see three other aircraft carriers in port when we visited which is apparently quite a rare occurrence. A truly memorable experience!!

It's a must go place.. museum is amazing. You can see the technology advancement of US Naval operations. There is a virtual fighter plane stimulator for 10$. There is a film inside which talks about the missions this warship undertook. There is a good sovenirs store. The air deck is amazing. They have a cafe area facing the ocean

What an amazing family experience! Took the kids and they had a blast playing in the planes and on the boat and it was a great history lesson as well! Incredibly fun, informative, and an experience I would recommend for the whole family (and bring your friends too).

We all enjoyed seeing the Midway. One of our family was a Navy man and it was especially fun for him to see the radio rooms, bunks etc… There was a Top Gun there (volunteer) and he was great!

We had no idea about the storied history, scope,size, and complexity of this aircraft carrier,the USS Midway. One cannot see everything in 3-4 hours. There is so much to take in and process. Well worth the time if interested in US military/navel history!

Just super impressive! Was fun, educational en humbling! Good thing to keep in mind that you should take at least 3 hours for it!

If you’re going to the Midway Museum with someone who wanted to be a Navy Pilot but wasn’t able to for financial reasons… then plan on about 4-5 hours because they will want to see it all! What a great experience that was!!

Allow plenty of time! Be sure to see the documentary re:Battle of Midway. Keep Dan to a brief description of landing planes on an aircraft carrier. (The man knows his stuff!) Otherwise, you may miss touring the bridge as access closes at 4pm.

Fantastic historic look on a stunning Aircraft Carrier. Lovely volunteers with great storie to tell. images and interior. Lovely volun

Great museum with lots to see. Everyone is so friendly and very knowledgeable.
You can walk around on the flightdeck and in the hanger area also a walk through for some crew areas inside the ship.

I have to admit, we aren’t into museums, but this is history and we are into that. The ship is massive, but I still can’t imagine landing a plane on the top deck. The areas below deck are equally as big and impressive. It seems like we could walk miles in the passageways below deck. At times we found ourselves all alone, then we would walk into a room with a volunteer and he would tell us about the room. The radio room was very interesting. The volunteers are amazing and the Battle of Midway film was very well done and quite moving. The aircraft spread throughout are fascinating, I tried to imagine myself strapped into one of those seats, flying through enemy territory being shot at. I could not even come close to imagining it. We spent several hours there and could have spent several more. We were also surprised that they had a large gift shop, a cafeteria and several food kiosks scattered around.

This was a great experience and we particularly loved the input and info from the Midway veterans. It was a terrific visit!

We had ordered our tickets from Belgium, 1 month before our departure for our road trip.
Very nice visit on this huge aircraft carrier.
A free audio guide is available in French.
We stayed there for at least 4 hours and still did not do everything.
Very nice visit.

Very informative and well done self guided tour. Lots of hands on exhibits.

Be sure to give yourself more than 30 minutes for this tour. To see the whole thing is a 4-5 hour experience

This was my 3rd time here. Great learning experience. Very reasonably priced and good location for other activities to enjoy

When in San Diego, you must visit the USS Midway. You get to tour three levels of the ship where you can spend at least 3 to 4 hours. They have interactive activities as well as opportunities to sit in the planes and the seats. It was extremely informative and if you’re a history off, this is a must go to.

So much for for everyone! Lots of interactive activities and wonderful docents everywhere offering their expertise. Recommended for all who want to experience part of living American history

I was on this aircraft carrier 20 plus years ago, it looks the same today except for the maintenance being done, as we had our dog we decided she would not like the many stairs and narrow corridors so just walked around it as much as possible, as I have been on board it , looked over every nook and cranny felt ok, but, it is a must see if ever this way, cheers

Awesome step back into history and you’ll gain a lot of respect for the sailors and Marines that lived in this Goliath. Huge inventory of aircraft to view, some you can even get inside of, and very knowledgeable stuff.

This is an incredibly unforgettable attraction. Everyone there is so helpful and spirited about their time of service, it is just a fascinating and humbling experience. One of the vets, Scott, was just awesome and totally went out of his way for us to ensure we had a great time! It is a must see!

So much more in depth than I anticipated. The hanger deck was impressive, but pretty much as anticipated. The flight deck was awesome ... more aircraft and more storied aircraft than expected, but that was kind of as anticipated. Now below decks ... that was an extra level (hah!).

Area after area, well thought out, with narrative to accompany. Admittedly it did get to be a bit much for the kids ... shiploads of laundry isn't sexy to be sure ... but to see the scale of it all for a ship dating from 1945 was really impressive to me at least. Having a docent as far as the depths of the engine room, that was really unexpected.

We didn't get to the island tour, and that is a regret, but the kids needed to lunch and we have seen bridges & CICs of other, more modern ships.

The hidden gem to me were the ready rooms. I don't think many people noticed the signage to them. There's a lot to see on the flight decks and they are located in a very logical spot for flight missions, but they aren't really on the way to anything else.

They were tremendous. Tons of history of the squadrons that flew from the Midway and others. Memorabilia donated from generations of air crew. You can feel though out the desire to pass along to the future what their life was like. All the detail, down to the green board was fantastic for someone who's been interested in the workings of the military from early days.

The USS Midway Museum in San Diego offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history aboard a legendary aircraft carrier. From the immersive exhibits to the impressive collection of aircraft, it's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in military technology. BUT! Why only 3 stars? I was really disappointed because nobody tell us that ship is partially closed because of restoration! So we couldn't see Engine rooms and really disappointing the command bridge! At least they could put a sign near the ticket office or at the entrance.

A. Great attraction, interactive Optionnal Activities, Very interesting And Les Story, quand historique, con historical facts told By, Real Veterans. Do not Leave, San Diego without Doing, This Activity.

An amazing journey into our nation’s service history ! What a thrill to be on an actual aircraft carrier, meet some if the men who be served on board, now serving as docents (guides) providing personal stories and information on the ship. JP gave a fascinating talk with film on how planes landed and took off from the deck of the carrier. The planes on board were amazing to view, and some you can even climb aboard. The walk through the ship gave a view of life onboard. Don’t miss this when you visit San Diego. And if you live here, a great connection to your home town. Great for adults and kids.

This was one of the most educational museums I’ve been to. The veterans who volunteer as docents are such a great set I’d people to learn from.

The USS Midway was fantastic! The docents were extremely knowledgeable and offered a wonderful perspective. The entire museum is curated with moving stories and each offers fun tidbits. Our boys (19 and 14) had a blast with the simulator experience; well worth the money. We all learned many new things and would return to visit again when in the area.

Matt was awesome!! He showed us the best tide pools with great marine life. My kids (and I) loved it! I would highly recommend this excursion!!

Well defined self tour with lots of opportunities for interaction. Great array of displays, but add ons and gifts were extremely overpriced as was the food offering..... 9.95$ for a hot dog!!!

Best self guided Museum tour I’ve ever been on. You’re not prevented from seeing & touching equipment on the Aircraft Carrier (including aircraft).

WONDERFUL! Very cool and informative but not a typical boring museum. Lots to look at, we spent 4 hours and we didn't even read/see everything! Definitely watch the short movie at the entrance about the history of the Midway. It was super cool to go through the ship and see it set up how it would have been. The kids loved it and it was super interactive. Lots of walking/steps if you want to go through the actual ship.

Visiting the USS Midway Museum in San Diego was a fantastic family experience! Exploring the massive aircraft carrier, sitting in fighter jets, and hearing veterans’ stories brought history to life. The interactive exhibits kept everyone engaged, and the views from the deck were stunning. Highly recommended!

This was an amazing experience! It truly made us appreciate our military even more than ever before. The view was spectacular!

What a great experience. This was my second trip to the Midway. Our docent Andy S.was so knowledgeable and made this experience even better than this 1st.

A floating city! Ability to hold 136 aircraft and 4,500 men. You need to allow at least 2 hrs. You can get lost easily, as there are no directional signs. No volunteers either. Still worth it.

HOWEVER……..plan accordingly, as there are NO- repeat- NO bathrooms except for the main deck. We were on another level, and ran around panicking, only to find them far away.

My grandson and I visited the USS Midway and found it very engaging and educational for him. He was very engaged with the exhibits and we found the volunteers/workers to be knowledgeable and friendly.

Even the view from the seafront promenade alone gives the idea of the size of an aircraft carrier.
For enthusiasts you can access the not very modest price of 30 dollars -

Interesting self tour. They have the rooms set up as of it were being used now. Can tour all levels and the bridge. However to visit the bridge you have to be adult or older child and not be bothered by confined places and be able to climb ladders. They have a cafe on board and a gift shop. You get a small recorder type thing when you board and then to scan it at each point and listen to the stories and explanations. All sorts of plans are in the upper deck you can climb in some of them such as the helicopters. Many retired servicemen on board to chat with and answer questions.

Wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

So much to see I spent 3.5 hours going around and I was moving fairly quickly.

The volunteers around the ship are amazing.

Definitely worth a visit

My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary and decided to go to the USS MIDWAY. My husband is retired NAVY and we both very much enjoyed the experience.

Great tour guides! Incredible level of experience in all volunteers. I feel much more informed about aircraft carrier operations.

It is the best tour I have been on other than Pearl Harbor. The docents are great and that so much has been preserved. It is an amazing feat to bring this ship back you the excellent condition. I didn’t get through everything but will be coming back.

Everything you ever wanted to know about a magnificent aircraft carrier! We enjoyed every bit of our three hours here. We took the "Island Tour" of the control 'tower', flight operations and main/navigation bridge. Some steep ladder stairs but well worth it. No extra charge, and led by Navy Veterans.
Every exhibit was very well done. Massive ship!

While in San Diego, we purchased
Skip-the-line tickets via Ceetiz. There were no large queues so buying standard tickets is enough. Provide $20 parking! But the visit is superb

A must see for anyone interested in WWII and aircraft. Amazing to see all the aircraft, and all the places sailers lived and worked- small bunks, meeting rooms, galley & lounges. We hda never seen anything like this giant ship. Films on board were very helpful.

This was one of the highlights of our trip to San Diego, you have to see the size and scale to truly understand this amazing part of history. So many amazing parts to this ship! This ship and its crew kept us safe for decades, we can never repay!
To all the crew who served, the staff and volunteers that now take care of her, Thank you for your Service.

Today we looked at the USS Midway aircraft carrier. There are parking spaces to the right and left of the ship, but they were all full, as they are for the entire harbor promenade area. But there is also a lot of turnover, so you drive around and wait until someone drives out. Here in the harbor it was really busy, lots of small stands with souvenirs, T-shirts and the usual knick-knacks, compared to the warship (USS Iowa in Los Angeles), where there was hardly anything going on.

Toilets are in front of the ticket office and in the ship itself at Cafe 41.

The entrance leads straight up to the deck (Main Hangar Deck), i.e. into the interior where the planes are. From there, there are various walkways: captain, officers, bridge. Everything here is not quite as steep and narrow as on the warship and the stairs were also wider. But the cabins for the ordinary sailors were the same, narrow 3-person bunk beds.

The officers even had their own bathroom in addition to their rooms.

The ship was in service from 1945-1971. I had hoped to see newer aircraft and technology, but it's mostly World War II machines.
The sailors had to work in dark rooms because otherwise you couldn't see anything on the screens and one device even had to be constantly cooled with water because otherwise it would overheat. At least now I have an idea of how big a ship like that is.

The museum is fantastic to be able to see life models of airplanes during the world war. It allows me to appreciate the history better. It is very real with all the stuffs to showcase how the ship is run.

It's hard to say anything new about this amazing place. Great for pics; history buffs; military buffs; and so on. This museum is really well run. Go early is best for almost all aspects of this museum. Skip the line was not needed if you go early. If noon or later, then this could be very beneficial to save you time. I would budget 2-3 hours for this tour, not 90-100 minutes as some suggest.

If you are interested in WW2 or history, don't miss this stop. WW2 vets are there to give snippets of history. Plan on walking and climbing up and down stairs.

There is so much to see on board the USS Midway. We only had a few hours after flying in to spend at the Museum, but easily could've spent an entire day if you're the type to read/visit all the available attractions that are offered. There are also frequent tour times on board to see certain sections of the ship that you have to time correctly.

There is a small dining cafeteria on the ship in addition to a gift shop that has absurd prices. Couple hundred dollars for a Top Gun Maverick leather jacket, it was cute, but no thanks!

Be sure to take advantage of the staff and volunteers on the ship. Some sailed on the ship when it was on active duty, these guys have tons of stories to share! Others have sailed on other aircraft carries and are a wealth of information.

We took our family of 5 (8mo old, 2yo, 4yo) to this museum on a Saturday morning and it was such a great experience. We arrived right after it opened and parking was easy to find on the pier for $20. We brought a large double stroller which was easily accommodated on multiple elevators. We were not able to do the part of the tour because you have to climb ladders but the inside tour of the admirals quarters is do able without the stroller and so interesting to see. Both of our kids got the free audio tour devices and especially our 4 year old wanted to hear all of the stories on it and kept going from one plane to the next to get a new story to listen to. The radio communications rooms were a hit with our toddlers. There are so many planes for them to see and sit in which they loved. We enjoyed their lunch on the outside deck. My husband wanted to do some of the flight simulators but we couldn't do them quite yet as our 4 year old was nervous to do them. The gift shop had a lot to offer and the volunteers here were so friendly. I wish we would have had longer attention spans and may have to return to see more later.

Highly interactive educational new exhibit Top secret. It was innovative highly explorable highly engrained in the Persian Gulf culture you felt like you were part of the experience.A deep heart felt thank you to the Midway staff for setting it up

This is a MUST SEE attraction! There is so much to see and learn about that you can easily spend 3-4 hours or longer walking around at your own pace. Loved the experience walking up on the flight deck and hearing firsthand information about take off and landing on an aircraft carrier from volunteers who lived the experience!

Tour was so well organised. I enjoyed the contributions from all the Veterans. Incredible the conditions the Crew endured during there Tours of duty. Well worth visiting. It leaves a lasting impression,

Fantastic. We had a super pleasant afternoon. The exhibition of the planes is amazing and all with visual audio explanations of action and operation. Everything very carefully. It has several volunteers in the care, most veterans. The souvenir shop is quite large and with many interesting souvenirs. I recommend

Very interesting, a lot of history. The volunteers do an excellent job of explaining the parts and pieces of the Midway as well as the history.

Hands on Experience where the kids can pretend to be a pilot or turn buttons in the control room. Volunteers everywhere to enhance the experience.

This is lump-in-your-throat good. What a wonderful experience. If you are in San Diego, see this museum. If you are not in San Diego, go to San Diego so you can see it. The highlight is the docents. The volunteers add so much depth and background, talk to as many as you can. The exhibits are fantastic and touring the ship and the planes on board is a treat.

Having to spend a full day in San Diego, with other people in the group we wanted to see this great aircraft carrier. We were able to see everything there was to see and it was a very positive experience. Seeing these big planes up close, the computer control room, the rooms, the kitchen and everything else was great. Two hours spent in a place I had never seen.

We spent about 4.5 hours here, lots to see, take in, and learn about. Start with the movie upon entering, which gives some good background and is well done. Staff are wonderful. Thank you for your service!

excellent place for aviation fans. everyone very friendly and lots of nice rooms to see. F14 Cockpit not to be missed!

We met your amazingly knowledgeable and lovely docent Scott on the flight deck. His wonderfully entertaining personality, and great depth of knowledge really made our visit to the midway that much better. Anybody would be lucky to meet him and hear his stories.

An excellent aviation must see!! Guides and lectures we’re done by people with real knowledge and experience highly recommend

We loved our experience! Everything was real. We could imagine what life was like on this huge aircraft carrier. It was our second time visiting this sight, and it was well worth it.

Simply an amazing exhibit that is worth seeing. Even for people that don’t believe in war the exhibit is about the people that service the ship. The engineering science is mind boggling. It is a floating city that takes care of all the needs when Service members dedicate their lives to protecting their country. There is one area dedicated to the POW. The statement it has is profound.

War should be avoided, but at times it is necessary.

Set aside 3 to 4 hours to do the tour justice. You won’t regret it.

A perfect place for an evening event! We held a conference at a hotel down the street. Started with 500 guests and grew to over 700+ and the boat was able to accommodate the capacity change. Khoa who manages the events is so amazing at what she does and makes it so easy from the client side. The entire events team on the boat including the av company are all pros and super kind. I wish all event venues handled things this perfectly. We even had an after party on the boat. We had buses shuttle our guests back and forth. There are green rooms for VIP's I could go on and on. We loved the USS MIDWAY as a specials events venue rental!

We went in for 2 hours and felt we needed an extra hour at least. Loads to see including a flight simulator. There were also hundreds of new recruits visiting at the same time and I had a good chat with one of them. A couple of old pilots giving talks about their past experiences, interesting to hear

This place is so interesting. Largely staffed by veterans of the actual ship, it certainly provides an insight into life in the navy, both in and outside of wartime.

The flight deck has an array of vintage planes and helicopters, many of which you can go into. The other levels show how and where the mariners lived and worked. It gives you a new appreciation for sailors.

I think I inadvertently perplexed one veteran when in the engine room. Given our location, I asked him if this was where he had worked. He looked shocked then explained he’d been a pilot, but knew all about the ships engines - that he then explained in great, great detail. Thanks Ron!

A must when you’re in San Diego.

The museum is fine, but I didn't find it impressive either. If you have time you can visit, but it is not essential.

Very informative sight. The veterans sharing how things worked was very interesting and authentic. A lot of things to see, try out and get an impression of how it must have been on the ship. We spent several hours and didn’t even listen to everything.

-We had this on our maybe list before we came but after passing it on a trolley tour and the guide really recommending it we decided to do this on our last day and are so glad we did. Our kids are 6 and 8 and they enjoyed the scavenger hunt and all the planes. We had never been on an aircraft carrier and the preservation of the ship and the history was so interesting for all of us. Every single guide was so friendly and informative and clearly had a love for the midway. This is fun for all ages and not something you can do in other cities - worth the visit!

Saved the day! In San Diego with nowhere to go in the rain. Since this tour is indoors we gave it a try. Guides everywhere. All were happy to share their memories, their knowledge and their friendly smiles. Everyone was very engaged and invested in making sure you see everything there is to see. I really didn't think we would spend six hours there. That was the limit on our parking. We spent five and a half including a brief lunch break. I highly recommend this tour. Lots to learn.

The views of all of the planes were amazing and interesting to see. We first went up to the control area of the ship as a guide said to try it before it got too busy. We had a great guide in the tower and all of the guides seemed to be ex navy. One even told us about landing on the USS Midway itself. This is a must see for anyone interested in planes or military history.

Highly recommend this place. So much to do and very well laid out. You can sit and play around in actual planes! You must do the Island tour but make sure you can climb a ladder. They are steep. Good for all ages

The USS Midway tour was outstanding!! We were tempted not to do the tour since we did the USS Missouri tour in May, but I'm so glad we did. The Midway museum is really well put together. The exhibits are excellent. The movie they show about the battle of Midway is top notch. And I got to sit in the cockpit of an F-14 after eating lunch at the bar where they filmed part of Top Gun. That's a great day!

Wow. Fascinating. Get the audio description! Just a great tour with tremendous access. Audio tour was very worthwhile.

Great museum and very interesting to walk around. I found that the audio tour wasn't the best and very top level descriptions of things and not always the most informative, but nice for it to be included.
The voices film on the hanger deck is very well done and worth hanging around for the next showing.
Volunteers very knowledgable and friendly - a credit to the museum.
We spent around 4 hours here and started having to rush through a little due to other plans, but plan maybe 4-5 hours for a trip if you want to soak up properly.

I went with my husband, a history bluff and pilot, did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Maker me think though what our ancestors did to assure our liberty!

Very complete aviation museum and its history. The bad thing is that its cost is high for people who come from a smaller economy

We bought tickets on site. It's worth a visit. Mainly because of history. You can see as much or as little of it as you want. There is a gift shop and a restaurant. There is a commemorative coin which we collect from places we visit all over the world. You can also get a stamp on the way out that you visited.

The Midway aircraft carrier/museum is great. Impressive past & present aircraft, displays, videos and small areas where Midway veterans discuss their experiences. And just seeing this massive ship from gun turrets & take off strip to dining & living areas is great. But do not make the mistake we did which was to buy our tickets at the so-called "Visitor's Booth" on the Embarcadero walkway adjacent to the ship. This is not an official facility but a small building which claims to be public and offer tour discounts. In reality, it is a private rip-off facility run by the Old Town Trolly Company which charges more than the official ticket price at the Midway booth on the side if the visitor's entrance to the ship. In addition, the booth does not accept the many discount coupons available to tourists which are accepted at the Midway booth, including the annual two-for-one February specials.

It is hard to see this 1,000 foot long ship as a museum, but that what it is called. It's an entirely unique experience and kids love it and adults can learn from it. Unfortunately, the bridge(the island superstructure above the flight deck)tour is closed for repairs, but is supposed to be open again this summer.

We really enjoyed the museum and the tour of the ship! We even were able to go up on the bridge. The line was super short for us. There are some ladders/stairs that are steep but all of us (in our mid 50's) were able to do them. Definitely recommend going here!

We were not sure if our girls, who are not into ships or military, would be interested. But they loved it!

There is so much to see. My daughter loved pretending she was a crew member as we explored the maze of hallways and rooms.

The flight simulators were fun. Although they were more intense then I thought, so I don’t suggest it if you easily get motion sickness.

The most fantastic ship museum to visit in the world. Would highly recommend this unique adventure to anyone. To begin this trip one should definitely start with the Film audience that is shown on the USS Midway to understand what really happened in that part of WW2

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the USS Midway Museum! Exploring the aircraft carrier was exciting, and the exhibits were both engaging and informative. A fantastic experience for history buffs and families!

We arrived right when they opened. The staff suggested we go to the flight deck and do the island tour right away to avoid a long queue later in the day. The tour was very educational and he explained the functions of some of the equipment. We had picked up the free audio phones when we entered the ship. The phones were great for touring all the areas of the ship from the cabins to the flight deck. There are many volunteers ready to explain and answer your questions

It is a fantastic museum, and such an amazing experience. You get to talk to war veterans and they tell you their stories. It brings the exhibits to life.

The Midway was amazing. The Docents who shared info and history about the planes and carrier functions were incredible. We had the best time, and stayed for 6 hours.

The entire museum is huge, lots of walking to do on several decks
This is not just hangar and flight deck
You can tour even the control tower
A lot to see and read, allow 2.5-3 hours to see it all

Seamless process using the Skip the Line tickets and wonderful visit to the USS Midway. We loved the film, the tour of the ship, planes, and most importantly interacting with the many veterans serving as docents. Fantastic visit and would recommend for all ages to visit.

This place is amazing! It is a little on the expensive side, but well worth the money whether you are visiting as adults or kids.
My husband and I enjoyed listening to the audio guide and live presentations and our 3 year old was OBSESSED with getting to touch all the planes and machines and go inside almost all of the planes and helicopters.

She also enjoyed getting her “junior pilot” wings by completing a short scavenger hunt.

All the employees we interacted with were so friendly and the exhibits were well maintained.

If we are back in San Diego again, we would visit this museum again for sure.

Tip- use caution when below deck if you are taller than 6 feet… my husband had several accidental bonks to the head 😂

Very impressive especially the display on the flight deck. The tour through the ship was sobering and definitely a physical challenge with some ladders to climb up and down! Wear walking shoes and carry a water bottle. A wonderful memorial to our armed forces.

With only a few hours to spare in San Diego I was debating whether to come here or go to the Maritime Museum but I'm so glad I chose the Midway!
There is so much to see and it's all fascinating.
The aircraft deck is amazing and the views of the bay are stunning. I was lucky enough to do the flight deck tour which was very interesting and led by passionate volunteers.
Don't miss the laundry/ kitchen area downstairs- there's so much more down there than I thought there would be.

Wonderful museum. The movie using holograms was amazing. The self tour with audio is great as you can set your own pace and listen to what interests you. Heard a wonderful presentation on landing on an aircraft carrier among many others. Anyone interested in aviation should put it on their list if in San Diego

This museum was really special particularly if you’re a history buff or just want to know more about living life aboard an aircraft carrier.

Worth visiting! Lots to see. Good movie and lots of information plus hands on experiences. Loved the real life size ship and planes. Definitely recommend it.

My wife and I, and our two long-time friends, all of us in our mid-sixties, visited this absolutely wonderful museum from a cruise ship, and had the best time.

When we arrived to buy the tickets we noticed that veterans got a $10 discount over the normal adult price, and as we were all British Army veterans of some sixty years’ service between us we thought we had nothing to lose by asking if we qualified for this discount. Now we’ve been to quite a few attractions in the United States who offered such a discount, and sometimes we are lucky and they give it to us, and sometimes we aren’t so lucky. Now at this point I really must mention the absolute legend of a man that served us. Unfortunately I did not get his name (I was hoping that it would be on the receipt, but when I returned to England I realised that it wasn’t, which is a real pity as I would love to have mentioned him in this review by his name), but he was on the left hand window at 13:27 on Thursday 14th March 2024. Anyway, we asked about the discount and he immediately told us that he would give us it if we could prove our service. Now the UK is years behind the US in their recognition of its veterans, and as such have only just began to issue proper Veterans’ ID Cards, which unfortunately we are not in possession of at this moment. However, we had our Veterans’ Rail Cards and he accepted this, along with a few questions about rank and such like, and duly gave us the discount. To make this person even more a top man he thanked us for our service – we left the ticket booth feeling ten foot tall. Oh how I wish veterans were treated with so much reverence in the UK as they are in the US.

Now onto the museum itself. We spent three and a half hours wandering around this magnificent museum, and only left when it was closing, but we could have spent much more time if we had been allowed. All four of us have visited many military museums in many places throughout the World, and all agreed that this was right up there with the best of them. There’s so much to see and do, and everything is presented with so much thought and attention to detail. We loved the fact that they had mannequins positioned in some of the areas of the ship depicting the persons that would have been there when the ship was on active duty – it added a sense of realism to the whole experience. The volunteers positioned strategically around the museum were fantastic at bringing the ship and its history alive, so well done to each and every one of them. Everything was laid out so well that it was easy to get around without missing anything, but we knew that we had time constraints, so we appreciated that we were hurrying along at a bit of a pace to see all that we could cram in before the museum closed. The Battle of Midway Theatre was just amazing and kept us enthralled throughout the multimedia movie.

This is a must see if you are ever in San Diego, and we would certainly visit it again if we are ever in this port – hopefully next time we will all be in possession of our UK Veterans’ ID cards.

Interesting experience- many different planes & helicopters used in navy on display with information about them. Tells their history and how they were used. There is a self audio tour that can be utilized also.

Walking through the aircraft carrier gave me a real sense of history and the scale of life on board. The interactive exhibits were super engaging, and the views from the flight deck were incredible. If you’re into military history or just want to explore something unique, this place is definitely worth a visit!

we went in at around 1:30 PM. We had bought tickets online so we were able to walk in with no wait. There was a pretty large crowd but it is such a huge ship that it does not feel crowded. It is an amazing experience. We had my wife and I along with our 7 year old daughter and 14 year old son. Surprising - they had an amazing time. We can get the free audio tour systems which had so much interesting information. The Hangers, the under deck and lower decks were a great re-enactment of life in the aircraft carrier and the flight deck was a place of beauty and awe.

They have so many docents and staff volunteers who are more than happy to explain things. We spent around 3 hours and we could have easily spent some more time. Highly recommended.

We enjoyed the tour, very informative. Be prepared to walk, lots of stairs, ladders to the bridge. We were there 4 hours and covered every part of the ship from top to bottom, front to back. Pick up the free audio guide! It tells the stories as you go through!

The USS Midway is an incredibly interesting and impressive museum - an aircraft carrier. Numerous aircraft are waiting to be inspected, some are even allowed to board.
Not only the aircraft carrier and aircraft are impressive, but also the location directly in the busy harbour is unique.

P.S.: I was only allowed to select a period until October 2023, but I was there in 2013.

Great American experience! A must see when in San Diego. This carrier exhibit makes you feel very proud to be an American.

This place is Huge with so many interactions and things to see. We arrive an hour before close and regretted not getting there sooner. The nice lady in guest services gave us a pass to return the next day so we could see more. The staff is super friendly and informative. So much fun. An added benefit is getting to purchase Top Gun attire. This is an awesome exhibit to visit for all ages. Plan a few hours to get the full effect.

The self guided tour of the Midway was fun and informative. There are lots of hands-on activities for kids and going through the departments on nearly every floor was fascinating. Be prepared to walk. A lot. There's elevators available for the main floors, but in the lower compartments and the tower, lots of stairs! Taller people will have to watch carefully to avoid whacking their heads.

The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 was the movie just inside the main entrance. I found it to be almost propaganda instead of a factual account of the incident it described.

There is parking available, food inside a cafe, plenty of restrooms, and a souvenir shop. The staff, mostly volunteers, were fantastic and very knowledgeable.

My son in law and I toured the Midway. It was fantastic. We only set aside 2.5 hours and that was not near enough time. This is an all day tour to do it just. The docents were very helpful. I will certainly do it again.

Very exciting to see an aircraft carrier! Gigantic! Lots of information in one place! It's so worth it! I recommend!

Though we are here to take a 2 week cruise, visiting the Midway Museum might wind up being the absolute best experience of the whole trip! It was easy, intuitive, clean, beautifully curated and staffed by remarkable volunteers, many of whom served us, their country, by their own military service.

Anyone who is even a little interested
absolutely take the time.
I thought it was great!
Old veterans who served on the aircraft carrier themselves explain with charm and humor and are open to any question. Here you can easily spend a few hours

Great history presented well, tickets easy to source, purchase, easy entrance and good knowledgeable staff on the ship telling many stories

Having been to San Diego I visited the USS MIDWAY musum. The tickets were available and could be bought either by internet or on site. The museum is large, operated by former crew members and volounteers who are very helpfull.

There is so much to see on the USS Midway and a lot of history. Be sure to see the 14-minute film about the battle of Midway. The self guided tour is really nice with good audio stops and many veterans stationed throughout. Also be sure to do the "island" tour, the super structure that houses the ship's navigation, flight control, and command center.

What an incredible opportunity to see and learn about this ship. Today was extra special with Veterans manning the exhibits explaining their specifics. We were there around 3 hours. The tours were informative and fun. It’s such a beautiful view of the bay and city too! Last year we toured the Intrepid in NYC. What a fantastic experience to compare! After we walked next door to the Unconditional Surrender statue and the Bob Hope salute.

What an amazing experience to walk thru this unbelievable floating museum. So much to see and so much information to read and take in. Give yourself a whole day as you will do a LOT of walking. All the Docents were amazingly helpful and so full of knowledge. Do the Island tour first thing in the day as it gets really busy. I did it at about 10:30 and there were only 5 of us in the group.

I’ve had a great time and spent around 5h on board, taking in pretty much everything the ship had to offer. The best part in my opinion are the veterans on board, easily recognizable by their yellow caps. So much firsthand knowledge and they are very happy to talk to you about it. The museum is actually way larger than I imagined, since most of it is down below the hangar. I’d 100% go again, though you gotta be careful not hitting your head especially once you get deeper down into the ship.

I’m 6’5 (1.96m) and hit my head a couple of times despite trying my hardest to avoid that. Some parts are only accessible for someone my height by covering and ducking when walking around, which really sucks sooner or later.

This is an amazing museum right next to the cruise port. We spent over 3 hours exploring & listening to the volunteers stories. We brought skip the line tickets but there was no line up. This museum is not to be missed.

This is a HUGE aircraft carrier. There are many sections you can see how sailors lived while on the ship, where the planes & helicopters landed & took off from, engine room, anchors, and more. There is a lot of history but also hands-on activities to do. They did a really nice job of making and keeping the space clean and providing clear directions of where to go throughout the ship. If you can purchase tickets online ahead of time that is recommended to get through the entry line faster.

I always wanted to visit one of the aircraft carriers and this was a good opportunity to do so. Nice to be able and see how they lived and how was in those years technological wise.
You will find a souvenir shop as well, a coffee bar and few entertainment for kids and grown ups as well, 2 flights simulator/VR. From 10-30$ per person.

Absolutely fabulous exhibit. Well maintained. Something for all ages.
Live being able to wander round.
Top deck with aircraft is amazing.
The volunteers are so knowledgeable.
Highly recommend.

One of the best museums I have ever been to and I have seen museums all over North America and Europe. It was very interesting

We did a tour with Andy S. I had previously visited the Midway and explored on my own. But with Andy, the ship really came to life. I learned so much from him, and he kept a great pace. 10/10 would recommend.

Amazing museum. Spent the whole day there and didn’t even see half. Very educational and inspiring. All staff members were incredible and very engaging. They clearly cared to share their knowledge. We will be back!

I've been very worth seeing. We already wanted to visit these ships in different places and the USA and good thing we got as far as San Diego and the USS Midway. We were there late in the day and walked quickly through the ship. A little more time would have been nice, but we've seen everything so far. Very great experience and we can only recommend it.

Amazing experience, from the top teck to the indoor sections. Absolutely a must when in San Diego. Recommended in particular on weekdays.

We were so happy to have had such an incredible tour of the USS Midway yesterday! All of our expectations were far exceeded....and our expectations were pretty high... as we know others who have toured the Midway! Thank you for making it such an easy, safe, enjoyable way to explore the history of this incredible vessel and all that has taken place in its years of service! My husband and I came with our 15 and 11 year old daughters and each one of us were able to experience and take in so much at our different levels! We are excited to come back when the new outdoor park is completed and to see some more of the ship that we didn't have time to see! One of our favorite memories will be the honor we had to meet an Admiral who was 96 years old who served on the Midway (beginning at age 16!!!). If you are considering going on a tour, just do it! It will not disappoint!

This is a "must-see" museum!! Museum ratings obviously depend on what drives you, but this is easily one of the Top 5 museums in the U.S.

I'm not sure exactly what I expected the first time I visited, but the USS Midway far exceeded those expectations. The displays are realistic and informative. The docents there are Top Notch (a.k.a. Top Gun?). Their movie on the Battle of Midway (after which the USS Midway is named, just to the right after you enter the ship) is a great way to start. The Hangar Deck sports a number of interesting historical aircraft while the Flight Deck has a number of more recent jets and helicopters. Audio guides help with the learning and you hear a number of stories from those who served on the Midway. You can see a number of the decks and features of this floating city. You can run through in a couple of hours or can easily spend a day or two if your interest runs deep.

I highly recommend including the USS Midway on your visit to San Diego or a membership if you're a local!

Second visit to the USS Midway and we can’t believe how much we missed the first time! Last time we had stopped while doing the on and off trolley tour, so we had more stops to make and less time to spend. This time we were able to dedicate much of the day just to the Midway. We were there at least 4 hours. An amazing place. So much to see and learn. The guides always eager to talk and answer questions. Highly recommend for any age. My teenager loved it both times. And we did too.

Incredible Experience with French Audio Guide.
From planes in the basement to all planes, an incredible visit.
Small Badge for children as a bonus.
Award is correct for 3h discovery, we are not bored for 1 second. Topissimo

Really amazing experience! So much to see and the self-guided audio is very well done. I spent 3 hours. One could easily spend 5-6 hours there, if you wanted to be really thorough!

When I was last in San Diego in 1997, the aircraft carrier was still in service and as an old military fan, I had to visit this impressive ship of course! The entrance fee is 34 USD and you should plan for 2 hours. After the visit you can theoretically explore the city center. The carrier is huge and there is no shortage of exhibits! There is also a free guided tour to the cab. It is very cramped, but those who are not afraid of very steep, narrow stairs should do the tour!

I had never been on an aircraft carrier before and the experience was instructive but alienating at the same time. Instructive because I learned a lot about crew life. Alienating because it's a city of its own. Impressive the size and quantity of tunnels to get into and get lost in. Despite not being a fan of the military it was interesting to learn how they lived on this ship. Fun fact: the ship built for World War II was launched a few days after the end of the war. In our day we would say epic fail

Place was to crowded, couldn’t see all exhibits. Wish they had timed areas and keep crowds moving at some. Why do I need 100 characters?

Our family visited the USS Midway Museum. There is a short movie experience, and equipment provided to do a self guided tour. There are volunteers readily available to answer questions and provide additional information. There is a large gift shop and a snack bar.

This was so interesting. You can go into some planes and helicopters on the flight deck. The audio tour is interesting as it has people who served telling the stories. The tour is at your pace and order. The staff are mostly ex-servicemen who are happy to chat, explain, help or just tell stories. We spent over 5 hours there including lunch. Very pleasantly surprised with the quality and price of the food. If you don't manage to see everything on your visit, you can get entry the next day if you show your ticket.

Not a massive war museum fan, but I do love understanding how things work.
The is exceptional. Stayed for about 4 hours and I didn’t read everything.

If you want to hit the high points, I would recommend the island tour, the catapult, and the retrieval talks. I was lucky and overheard someone talk about the island tour when I first walked in and didn’t need to line up, but I noticed later a massive line. So go to that first!

There are a few hidden spots, so keep your eye open for entrances to different parts of the ship.

Was by myself, but I noticed your kids having fun doing the activity that was provided.

Also, grab the audio thing. Easy to use at your own pace.

Definitely worth it.

So fun seeing this huge navy ship, and it’s interesting to see where the men slept, ate, showered, and received medical care! Salute to our men and women who fight for our country!

Explore the USS Midway Museum for an authentic voyage through naval history aboard an iconic aircraft carrier. Immerse yourself in captivating exhibits and savor breathtaking views of San Diego Bay. Perfect for history enthusiasts and families seeking an unforgettable experience

The resort was breathtakingly beautiful and simply amazing.
The staff was friendly and went over and above to make our stay special.
We forgot our blood pressure machine at home and asked the front desk if they had one we could borrow. The checked everywhere but they didn't have one. We were heading out the door to use the one at Walgreens when security knocked on the door. He had brought us his very own personal meter for us to use.
Wow! We were completely blown away. We thanked him for being so kind.
This resort will be our destination for many, many years to come.

So much history here.... It was quite eye-opening for my two teenagers. We particularly enjoyed the audio narration stations and visiting with the retired military personnel on board.

I took my 70-year-old sister to visit the Midway and I think she had more fun there than anywhere else I have taken her to in San Diego. We saw loads of children climbing in open aircraft cockpits so she followed suit to pretend fly the planes with the greatest of gusto. We hailed a docent to give us directions and he ended up giving us a semi-private tour full of wonderful anecdotes as he walked us to the opposite end of the ship to show us what we wanted to see. There was so much information available that we had to hold ourselves back or we would never have seen as much of it as we did. The fact that it was built in 17 months and had a navigational computer that ran on one gigabyte was mind boggling!

Hands down one of the best attractions I’ve ever visited. Amazing. Thank you all of the docents who take the time to speak to us - legends! Be sure to allow plenty of time; could have spent the whole day in there! Awesome attraction!

A fantastic piece of naval aviation history! From the earliest attempts at aircraft carriers to the most modern Gerald R Ford class supercarriers. If you are a fan of WWII Aviation technology up through the modern era, you won't be disappointed!
Score: 8.0/10.0

Amazing experience! Highlights were the volunteers who talked with us in small groups and led tours; the island tour; the Admiral and Captain Country self-guided tour. Loved how many planes we were able to climb aboard!

We were there just before 10am and it was easy to get on the ship. We asked for directions on where to go first in order to avoid crowds and it was great. So much to see and so much information available. There were lots of docents available to ask questions and we took full advantage of their knowledge. (We took advantage of the second day for free, since we couldn't get everywhere). We asked for a AAA discount and it was available (not really published on the website). Food in the restaurant was good!

The longer I spent looking, the more interesting the tour became and the more I wanted to see. It made me appreciate so much more what our aviators went through.

The USS Midway was finished just after World War II and was deployed for a long time in the Pacific.
The visit is very interesting, being the ship really immense, with many tunnels and corridors, a real labyrinth. Nice to see also the planes on the upper deck. The only sin so many people, often it was really hard to walk along the ship's corridors. Online ticket price $32, which may be considering the (high) price of other attractions in the city.

This is the most interesting experience. One has no idea of the training and what the sailors/crew had to go through - 4500 crew and staff on board. The size of this aircraft carrier is mind boggling and the different types of aircraft and helicopters are amazing. What we particularly liked, is the fact that the men giving the talks and showing videos at each section are ex-navy pilots, and ex sailors, many of whom were actually on this aircraft carrier. We spent almost 4 hours exploring this huge ship, but did not see the engine room. Highly recommended tour.

I had the chance to access it in private evening, military planes and helicopters! This represents the image of patriotic America! Friends have visited and clearly, when you have to pay, the price is excessive for what there is to see but like many things in the United States.

Worth every penny. It’s a major eye opening experience. Lots to see across three levels, with many mini levels in the lower deck. And there are paid flight simulators to experience.

Visiting the USS Midway Museum was an incredible experience! Walking through the massive aircraft carrier felt like stepping into history. The interactive exhibits and restored aircraft were fascinating, and the docents—many of them veterans—shared amazing stories that brought everything to life. Exploring the flight deck with its stunning views of San Diego was a highlight. The kids loved sitting in the cockpits and testing the simulators. It’s well-organized, educational, and perfect for all ages. Whether you’re into history, aviation, or just looking for something unique, this museum is a must-see!

It was my husband's birthday, and he chose to go to this museum. I was not exactly looking forward to the day, but I got a fantastic surprise for I greatly enjoyed the experience. We went directly to the top back of the ship to listen to a docent in the bridge and another explain what it was like to take off and land on the Midway. Their firsthand experience really brought it all to life. One could spend an entire day at this museum.

Amazing museum! So much to see. Expect at least a 3 hour visit. There are very helpful volunteers. Just be prepared for a lot of up and down staircases to explore!

First, we are overwhelmed by the size of the battleship about the parking lot, but once we get inside, we realize the size more. Up to the deck, there are actual fighter jets lined up, and there are lectures by veterans here and there. I heard an explanation of how fighter jets land and take off on short tarmacs on planes. The system uses a string on the runway to reduce speed. Next, you can go downstairs and see the battleship's living area, which is a maze of long! Each room has a low ceiling and is small, but the superior's room is quite luxurious. Unfortunately, the veterans' lectures are only in English, but the audio Guides are quite well-equipped in Japanese. Although they did not participate, there were tours in which they took a boat and watched battleships from the sea. I ran off in about two hours with no time, but it was good to spend half a day looking around.

A very interesting, and fairly “hands-on” experience. The Midway provides a good insight into life on the carrier, and also gives an idea of the vast size of the ship. I’ve been on a number of battle ships throughout my life, and really find them fascinating.
The only downside to this particular ship was one of the (genuinely very informative) guides constantly referring to a country where the ship was in operation as “Gooblegobblestan”. As someone who is half-middle eastern I found this quite offensive and disappointing. It made me quite uncomfortable, so I left that particular talk.

The USS Midway is such a cool experience, one that all ages will enjoy. Multiple planes and helicopters are present in both the hangar and on the flight deck, both vintage and modern. There are opportunities to walk through or sit in several of the planes & helicopters. The tour through the living quarters and operating stations in the underdecks was informative.

We often visit the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum when we are in San Diego. There is always something new to see as they are always refurbishing new areas of the ship. We start with the below decks and then work our way up. One of our favorite things about the museum is the docents that volunteer their time to talk to the guests. On this recent visit, I got to spend time speaking to a gentleman who spent time as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and my sons spent a long time talking to a fellow who served on the Midway in WW2. It is nice to get to thank them for their service and hear stories that you wouldn't hear from anyone else. There were also great docents on the tour of the superstructure. It's nice to see that they use the money from ticket purchases to continue refurbishing the ship. They also have some great merchandise in the gift shop.

Very interesting for people interested in history.
Audio also good, many languages possible.
Well signposted, parking nearby (but at 20 usd also expensive )

We were two couples looking forward to seeing The Midway. We had read reviews saying to allow 4-5 hours and we laughed about that! Well, we were there nearly 6! Because it was low season, there weren’t any crowds allowing all of us to get up close to the exhibitions! We were able to walk around the ship and really take our time and loved speaking to the retired vets making presentations and asking questions! The weather was absolutely perfect and we all thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful ship!

We had another successful visit to the US Midway Museum. Although we only went for an hour and a half, it was a very good visit.

We are able to only stay that long because we have the Freedom Pass, allowing us to come anytime we want. Because of my disability, this pass allows us to come for an hour and a half at a time whenever we want.

We started in the middle of the ship, stopping first for a picture in front of the American Flag. I also got a good picture of my partner in front of a large yellow plane. After that, I got a drink, and then we sat out on the outer patio.

We then walked end to end on the flight deck, taking pictures here and there. I went to both levels via elevator, and let me just say how much that is appreciated.

If it wasn't for the elevator, I wouldn't be able to come to the US Midway Museum.

We only stayed, as mentioned earlier, about an hour and a half. When we were driving in, we were not presented with the option of only parking for two hours for $10.00. We had to ask for it, because we knew about it. We don't think that that is right.

We were only presented with the option of paying $20.00!!! This was wrong.

Go visit USS Midway! It is a great day out, with so much to see and learn. The volunteer guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. Well worth 3 or 4 hours if you are in San Diego.

Great experience! Highly recommend. Nice the electronic info recording device is free with ticket. Great to meet vets stationed throughout out the ship eager to share their stories. Thank you for your service to our country and the visitors. Thanks for invoking the memory her name sake battle of Midway so tastefully. The ship inspires the American spirit of valor and duty.

When you come aboard, you will feel the energy that once abound on this vessel. The history, excitement, intensity, and the lives of the men and women who once made this floating city a military might is still up to this day quite electrifying.

I met several volunteers who were officers, sailors, and pilots of the USS Midway. All of them were incredibly knowledgeable , helpful, approachable, and very entertaining. I would highly recommend a tour of the USS Midway!

Fascinating experience spanning decades of history. Some of the stories gave me chills, some made me choke up. Couldn’t believe how huge the ship was! So many types of aircraft on display.

I am not attracted to these things but I accompanied a person who had been waiting for years to get on this ship. Entrance fee 39$ and you could visit everything, duration of the visit even 3 hours if you lingered with particular attention to all the attractions. There are many volunteers ready to explain and help; you can see original footage of the war, visit cabins and common areas of sailors, board planes of the time and take the guided tour, very interesting, with a former captain who explains the cockpit and all the main functions of the controls well. There is a very expensive souvenir shop inside and a bar. Bathrooms available and paid parking nearby.

From the start of your tour to the end they is plenty to do for all ages.
The story of the USS Midway along with other aircraft from different conflicts.
Well worth a visit

Excellent tour and view of the aircraft that served on that ship. Very thorough experience of history. I urge all patriots especially veterans to bring family and friends to see it.

The volunteers are very passionate in sharing the history and stories which are all very educational. We stayed for over 3 hours because we want to see a lot. But, 2-3 hours should be good. Don’t forget the deck tour above. Views are amazing, as well as the information, but you have to climb steep stairs.

There are so many 5 star reviews that I thought about not bothering to leave one, but I have to at least say this was the highlight of our trip to San Diego. We were there until closing and barely scratched the surface. My 7 year old grandson said it was on the same level as Disneyland for his favorite place to visit. Do not pass up the free-to-use lanyards with the recorders for self guided tours. The kids (7 and 3) were able to use the recorders without help to listen to stories about all of the items on display. It was a game changer. A huge plus is that almost everything is hands on and those little fingers were pushing every button in sight, haha. Don't miss out on the guided tour of the Bridge and make sure to talk to all of the volunteers. They are so willing to share stories and many of them actually served on the USS Midway before it was decommissioned. Lastly, have the kids "earn their wings" doing the scavenger hunt. They are presented the wings in a really memorable way.

So much to see! Great presentations and a lot of interaction for the kids. You can below and above deck to get a sense of what living on a Naval ship is like. Wear good walking shoes. They do have food and drinks available for purchase on board.

A great tour of the carrier, from top (flight deck) to bottom (brig, laundry, admiral's quarters, galley). Just about every part of the ship is available for tour. What REALLY makes it special are all the retired USN volunteer docents in almost every part of the ship who have firsthand in-depth knowledge and are happy to answer endless questions.

This is a wonderful tour. We enjoyed strolling around taking in the history and seeing the planes and helicopters. There was a short film which was excellent. When we boarded, there was no line—-so skip the line wasn’t really necessary.

If you are tall then this is not the attraction for you. I am 6'5 and hit my head several times. You have to duck down very low in a lot of areas on the ship. I would say if you are 6'1 and over then you will have difficulty.

I'm a big Top Gun fan and this was a must, even though Top Gun wasn't filmed on The Midway they make a big thing of it and it's done very well. I got to sit in an F14 Tomcat and they are so small. We spent a good coupl,e of hours on here and some of the guides are ex Navy with some good stories to tell. It was an excellent way to spend a couple of hours and such a well preserved ship.

This is such a great value for all the incredible history you see here! We absolutely loved both the aircraft carrier and all the aircraft!

This was a interesting place to spend at least 3 hours at. The volunteers were very informative. We did the tour of the bridge which was free. They had these kinda radios that you held up to a sign and it would play a commentary of the plane.

Good tour of the ship. Enjoyed the bridge talk and learned a lot. The docents are very knowledgeable. The audio headsets were very disappointing and did not work well. Overall a fun way to experience history.

Great stop in San Diego. Docents are very knowledgeable about the ship and the aircraft. Takes about 90 minutes on average to walk through the ship and planes. To access the bridge section there are steep ladders to climb and people should walk slowly, pay attention and use both handrails as you climb. Yes, the bridge is worth the climb; there is a lot to see and learn while on the bridge.

The USS Midway Museum is an outstanding bit of naval and American history. Not only do you get a feel for what life was like on this massive aircraft carrier, but the flight deck offers unique views of downtown San Diego and the Navy’s active carriers berthed across San Diego Bay at North Island Naval Air Station. But one of the best parts of our recent visit to the ship was docent Steve Droessler, who provided us with a tour that was informative, engaging, and just plain fun. Thanks, Steve, and thanks to the dozens of volunteers who keep CV-41 such a great place to visit.

Excellent visit, huge museum, we learn a lot about the Pacific War
Too bad the engine room is closed for work

Great experience learning about the battle of Midway and the naval aircraft carrier whose name bears and honors its legacy. The ship is a real testament to the naval and flight operations being conducted onboard and the lives of the honorable men and women who served our country. The volunteers who are retired former pilots and sailors are also a real jewel to tour the Midway with as well. They do a great job of explaining how operations worked aboard the carrier and give enormous insight into their life and experience aboard the carrier as well. Wonderful tour and museum for visitors all over the world to enjoy, explore, and experience. I recommend this experience to everyone. Very memorable and educational!

Visiting the Midway was a great experience. It's such a powerful experience walking on a real carrier and getting tours and stories from the people who actually served on it. These are not your usual museum tour guides, they have served aboard the ship and tell you the real stories of how life abord a carrier is.

One thing to consider though is the late opening time, at 10. If you're going with kids, remember to plan for your lunch. You can't go off and return and to properly see all there is to see takes 3-4 hours easily, more if you really want to dive in an take in the details.

Take the tours, listen to the speakers on the flight deck, and enjoy!

Parking at the Museum's parking lot is probably the best option, it's cheaper than the surrounding parking lots, and it's just next to the ship.

We went to the USS Midway during our visit to San Diego. We spent over 3 hours touring the ship and could have spent a few more. It is definitely worth seeing if you are in San Diego!

Wow! Didn’t expect that at all. We had no plans to do this but curiosity got the best of us after reading the reviews. And yes, the consensus was correct, this place is a must see! We spent over 3 hours and could have stayed longer, but they closed at 4:00. You can feel what it must have been like to be onboard this engineering masterpiece. It’s HUGE! On the flight deck you can board the helicopters. If you’re intrigued about planes, there are plenty to keep your attention. Below the flight deck you can explore the mess hall as if it is still serving lunch. Check out the sleeping quarters and imagine how sleeping in such a small space would feel. Go to the sick bay and envision the great men who fought for our freedom. That’s only a small taste of what’s in store. 5 stars from this civilian couple!

We had a great visit! We had three kids one was in a stroller very easily accessible, we were there for about four hours. Lots of places to sit with a toddler would highly recommend.

Excellent visit, amazing site.
Worth the price. In addition to the boat tour, there are planes, helicopter and activities on board such as trying to do a mission as an intelligence officer (Intel)

Quite a good museum, much better than we expected. The movie was fantastic and the passionate and volunteers (especially “slow talking Scott” and Kathy on the E2) are what made the museum special. Didn’t love that you needed to pay extra for the simulation ride (when the entrance fare is already quite high) and there is no senior discount. However, I would still really recommend visiting this museum.

We had a great day here...and plan to spend a good chunk of your day! There's so much to see and tour. It's a great experience for the whole family. The docents were passionate and knowledgeable resources that are eager to help. The tours are a unique experience just make sure your group is good with stairs and ladders.

Was in town visiting friends and figured we'd spend an hour to an hour and a half checking out the ship for "something to do". Our tour guide (Andy S.) was so engaging and knowledgeable, we spent almost 3 hrs, and could have stayed longer if not for having to go "feed the meter". Amazing ship. As an engineer I was particularly interested in the retrofit of the flight deck (which I didn't realize was a thing until the tour) and the engine room which was even cooler than I had anticipated. 100% would go back.

Visit of the USS Midway, long visit of more than 4 hours. Beautifully orchestrated throughout the war building that has served 50 years since 1947.
full of references in several movies.
Very impressive tour of this aircraft carrier. bcp of planes and chopper on deck.
Parking on site $15 for 6 hours, walk around Seaport Village right next door

Interesting visit to this military platform.
Possibility to explore both the indoor and outdoor part where there are several military vehicles.
For $30 it's worth it

I loved how there was a real person at this museum to explain each exhibit in addition to the audioguide. The real people brought stories to life.

The staff volunteers were hospitable, very knowledgeable, and I would attend this tour again. The signage was adequate and the self guided tour gave us all the information we needed. Thanks!!

Fantastic tour, the self guided nature with the listening device was really good. Listening to actual sailors on board the carrier during its tour of duty is special. Well done!

Wear really good walking shoes! Also, ask your hotel if they have a discount for admission. Admission was $39 for adults. Check the website for kids and veterans. We spent 4 hours at the USS Midway. There is so much to see. If you purchase tickets ahead of time you go to a different line for scanning. You don't need to purchase ahead of time but it is more convenient. There are staff members and volunteers everywhere. The volunteers love to help and chat about the museum history. They are amazing. You can borrow audio tour devices. There is a gift shop and café. There is so much to see. Enjoy and take it all in. A member of our party is 6 feet tall and he did have to duck a lot and bonked his head twice so just know if you are a tall person, you maybe ducking a lot. Also, remember it is a submarine and some areas feel tight and enclosed but there are exits to get out if you feel overwhelmed. There is a snack area in the bottom level that sold popcorn and the flight deck had water and other drinks for purchase. There is also a restroom by the gift shop. The flight deck overlooks the currently in port USS Theodore Roosevelt. We also saw another naval ship come in. Naval helicopters and other aircrafts fly around the area, too.

Super cool place. I was very happy that I went. I did not do a guided tour, but I felt I still learned a lot. If I had more time (3 hours), I would do the guided tour. I really enjoyed my time there. The planes were awesome.

A great museum to check out with your family. Very educational, eye opening, and beautiful view. I left feeling even more grateful for our brave men and women who have fought for our freedom.

The tour of the Midway is the best. The volunteers really make the experience even better. They share the stories in such a personal way. Thank you for not only your service in the military but your service in keeping the memories alive!

A great way to. spend time in San Diego. Near the convention center, airport or a baseball game. Pay tributes to the men and women that defend our great nation in WWII. Plenty to see for you and family on planes, helicopters, engine room or tools used on the USS Midway. My personal favorite was the upper deck. You don’t realize how big the ship is until you walk it. Definitely would go again. Would love a private tour from a military member to hear awesome and courageous stories.

Bonus: if you’re a Top Gun fan F-14 Tomcat is there too

Really incredible to visit because a good part of the ship is accessible: decks of course, but also kitchen, infirmary, boiler room, technical parts, meeting rooms, canteen, showers, command rooms,... Fascinating to imagine life on board. You can stay there for a good half day even if for the least able it is a bit "sport" because there are sometimes quite steep ladders if you want to do everything. Well, for about $30 per adult, which may seem expensive, we get value for money especially since audio guide in French is included.
Many mythical aircraft such as the Corsair or the F-14 Tomcat are also present.
For those who master the language, you can follow some explanations or question the staff present everywhere.
You can also eat there or have a drink fast food way.

We decided to check the Midway out this week. Totally awesome experience. I highly recommend this attraction. We climbed up and down throughout the ship. Really neat to see how the sailors lived and worked. Lots to see here. Don’t miss this attraction.

Loved it. Great staff, detail, displays, and life on the ship. Can’t miss the bridge tour. Took all day. Massive aircraft carrier. Great gift shop. Great snack and food. Audio tour so interesting. WAY BETTER than when we expected!

Visited with family while in San Diego. Well worth the admission fee and very short lines at the ticket booth. We spent around three hours touring through the museum and found it very informative and interesting. Views from the flight deck of San Diego are great. We even dined on board after again with great views. Will visit again next time we are in the area.

Awesome experience!! The ship has been completely restored and there volunteers everywhere to assist you. Start the visit off with there short 15 min movie to learn more about the ship abd its history. We spent about 4-5 hours touring the whole ship. Its a must do if you are in San Diego. The museum opens at 10am. There are some tight spaces and narrow stairs at times, so it could be a little challenging for those with mobility issues.

Great experience! Visiting a real navy aircraft with the opportunity to see something of top gun movie.
Some veterans are present to explain and give information about the aircraft.

Excellent experience just as advertised. Easy entry, no hassles, and very well presented. All exhibits are well presented and free audio tour works great. Many volunteers ready to answer any questions.

Great thing to do whilst in SD>
I would say go early as it gets really busy.
Lots to see and do!!
Nice cafe and shop on board too...

It is essential to allow enough time to visit the USS Midway. Very informative. Two hours is far from enough
We really liked the visit
Ambience: Cool but also educational
Price / performance: fair
to recommend: absolutely

This ship is an example of our Country’s manufacturing abilities, our might, our history and willingness to do what it takes. The tour is absolutely amazing. There are so many volunteers on board willing to provide important information about every aspect of the ship. Also, the variety of aircraft on the ship is amazing. You don’t want to miss this one if you ever have a chance to see it.

If you are any kind of history buff this is a great place to spend a half a day. Took my grand kids and they were apprehensive at first but they loved it. Didn’t want to leave.
Lots of Veteran volunteers around to answer questions. Very well done.

Took the time out to explore this amazing aircraft carrier. And it was truly amazing, what a place. You can lots off areas of the ship from the galley to the dentist all areas are accessible.
There is an audio if you want or do your own thing.
The staff are volunteers mainly x service who are knowledgeable and extremely professional in their work.
The carrier is still used by the navy for retirement services.
Which we were privileged to observe.
Take your time and visit all the decks.

The whole experience from the time we stepped on the ship we were amazed. The volunteers really made our visit so much better. They were all so helpful and friendly. They gave us great advice about where to go and what to do. We practically got a private tour of the island. All of the talks given were interesting and informative. So many hands on exhibits and the self guided tour was really well marked. If you got lost there was a volunteer right there to help you out. There are a lot of benches and places to sit if you get tired. Overall the whole experience was outstanding.

I’ve always wanted to do the tour and I’m so glad we did great history and hands-on experience. I would definitely say it would take at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours to see everything. We bought our tickets right there, which was nice and easy. Everyone was extremely friendly and very helpful. The volunteer staff that is there is very knowledgeable about the aircraft carrier and the history which was great. You do even get to sit in some of the airplanes as well, but you get to see almost every inch of the ship which is great. Great for families couples and kids as well. A lot of walking and also a lot of steps if you want to go up to the top or down to the engine room.

We spent an excellent morning at the Midway, so many aircraft & helicopters to see on the flight deck. Loads of rooms and parts of the ship are open to the public to tour. Most of the volunteers served on the ship and are super passionate about it, they are all super helpful and knowledgeable.
The audio tour is fantastic, although some of the stations didn’t work.

Would definitely recommend it.

Interesting for a while.I am a history buff but can't imagine that the whole ship will hold your interest unless you are speficially a big fan of military ships and aircraft. I would have been content with paying half the cost for half the tour! The volunteers are charming and knowledgeable. Also, definitely use the free audio tour that you pick up when you first come in and then go to your right to the movie theater.

This is a fantastic museum and experience. Great for families or couples, you can learn a ton and get to see all kinds of things in the ship and on the flight deck. The staff is super friendly and we enjoyed our visit!

It's a great place for plane lovers. When I visited, I was doing a Navy ceremony on deck. Even though it was a museum, I felt the naval city of San Diego.
The guidebooks and audio guides are available in Japanese, so I think even people who are not familiar with airplanes can enjoy them.
You can also see active aircraft carriers on the other side.
We have the aircraft carrier Intrepid in New York at the same aircraft carrier museum, and I feel like Midway is bigger.

A must for everyone to go to!
Staff are so friendly & the history on this boat fantastically preserved…

Will be returning next time we visit the city!

My wife and I were in SD for a concert so we made a weekend of it. As part of spending time there, we looked for things to do. Being former military, I figured SD would have some good military museums with the US Navy presence there so I looked up possibilities. Settled on the USS Midway Museum. It was a short walk from where we were staying on the waterfront. I initially thought it would just be a couple hours but we spent about 5-6 hours there. It was PHENOMENAL!! It was like a never-ending story as we progressed through the various parts of the ship. The volunteers were fantastic and provided a wealth of descriptions and stories through their experiences. It was amazing to see the scope of an aircraft carrier (small compared to the current ones) and to see how much a "water-borne city" these vessels can be. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the SD area.

This was a way better experience than I thought. The ship is massive and there is so much to see. My whole family enjoyed it (4 kids, ages range from 9-16). My two youngest did the scavenger hunt and got their wings from a veteran. Highly recommend this activity if you're interested in the military or history.

A must-see at this attraction in San Diego. Possibility to board the famous F14 Tomcat. Good variety of aircraft and nice audio tour (included in the ticket but not in Italian) and the tour also inside the carrier. Also nice are the guided tours held by veteran volunteers who tell anecdotes of their times.
Paid parking (salty)

We didn't know what to expect going to the USS Midway. All we knew is we wanted to check it out, but had no idea how many photo opportunities, history lessons, and interactive activities there were on the ship. Tips: Try parking next to the ship it's probably labeled Cruise Terminal Parking but it is super close to the ship. If that doesn't work, we parked across the street underground for about 15 dollars (9/hr) which isn't terrible. Grab the lanyard with the speaker (take headphones/non iphone port) if you want to listen, otherwise you can put to your ear like a phone. There is a small movie at one end, lots of different carriers where you can interact with the exhibit, and for those with mobility issues, it is pretty accommodating. This activity is #1 on TripAdvisor for a reason, and we've experienced those reasons. Enjoy!

We're not usually history museum kind of people, but the USS Midway Museum in San Diego completely surprised us! We spent a fun-filled half day there, and it was much more than just looking at old war planes and boats. Wandering through the different decks, from the bustling mess hall to the intricate engine room, gave us a real sense of what life was like for the sailors who lived and worked on board. Interactive exhibits and informative displays brought the ship's history to life, even for history novices like us. The size of the Midway is simply staggering. It's hard to imagine a machine this big ever moving, let alone being a center of wartime operations. We felt tiny next to the massive anchors and stood on the impressive flight deck. The views from the Captain's quarters were incredible - you really get a sense of the command and control needed to run this floating city. There are lots of ladder steps to get upto this area in small groups - which did mean a short 15min queue at the beginnign of this optional section.

We were impressed by the variety of things to see and do. We spent a lot of time checking out the fighter jets and other aircraft on the hangar deck, but there were also simulators (up-charge), short films, audio tour, and even a restored WWII bunkroom.

If you're looking for something interesting and different to do in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is a great choice. We learned a lot, had a fun time exploring, and came away with a newfound appreciation for this historic ship and the sailors who served on her. It was quite busy, but the scale and size of the ship along with the huge number of places to explore ensures that crowds are well dispersed. We used the Go City pass to gain entry to this attrraction which gave us great value for money!

For us Brazilians, it is unimaginable to have the opportunity to set foot on an aircraft carrier, perhaps have dinner on it and have a few beers!
Lots of history, lots of planes, helicopters and the like!!! It's so worth it!!!

Don't miss the flight simulator - delicious!!!

Brilliant.an amazing place .with happy wel l informed vollunteers great historical venue
Good value.3 hours well spent

Catering a little poor.cold coffee and not good value. Take your own snacks

I absolutely loved this tour! I go everywhere but I never write reviews but this one I had to, because the site was so top notch, and the volunteer x service men who volunteer there to be guides and helpers where off the charts good!! I couldn’t recommend this site enough for a wonderful site to see in an absolutely amazing city!! Two cents from the Mormon from Wyoming.

If you are a military or aviation aficionado, you'll love the USS Midway Museum. I was a bit more interested in how the carrier operated day-to-day, and it was really cool to see how sailors lived and worked onboard. The free audio player and the short film about the vessel's namesake battle were nice additions.

Our kids had this in their top 3 activities in San Diego. We loved talking to retired pilots that both landed and took off, they said day was better than night. Also was able to go into some planes and sit for some presentations on. Taking off and landing. We arrived when Midway opened and were encouraged to go to the top at the beginning so we wouldn’t have to wait in line later on- great idea! Also used the audio tour.

能够参观航母的揯个角落极具刾高的体錪价值. 不过逜提前知智，这蘉已Retired old-style navigator 与现役 navigator existence 很大DIFFERENCE傼 (内结构).

内空间狭如进宫晔缻夤杂，单调的寺白调也令人乹�味。 参观ARRIVED ON THE WAY，家人出簰了甜晕SYMPTOM，而我则感到无聊 内通风系统唺该improved under.

Mibi Shoten in the harbor, 仅外雐域有简餐抑位、建议参观前自备饮用水.

You can visit every inch of the aircraft carrier and it is highly valuable as an experience. However, it is better to understand in advance that it is different from the current aircraft carrier because it is an older aircraft carrier that has already been retired.

However, the interior is narrow and maze-like, and the color scheme is monotonous with only white, so entering the middle of the tour my family was dizzy and I felt bored.
We should improve the internal ventilation a little bit.

There are no dealerships inside the aircraft carrier, only snack shops in the deck area outside, so it is recommended to prepare water and other items before visiting.

Can't say enough good about this place! We went onto every deck and below deck levels that are available to see. Interesting to also see the pilot room, chart house, etc. The flight deck had many planes and helicopters to check out. You don't really realize how large an aircraft carrier is until you see all those vehicles! Lots of displays with things to read if you have the time to do so. One thing I found interesting was the sick bay. There was a room of beds (16, I think), bunk style, and not a single window for fresh air or ventilation. That would have been awful.

My husband is 6'2" tall and had to do a lot of ducking to avoid hitting his head. If you want to do the whole ship, be aware that there are many, many stairs and ladders to climb. The hangar deck has a large gift shop, food, more planes, a place to have a souvenir photo taken, and a theater. You can park for six hours on the starboard side of the Midway for $15.

Highly recommended!

The museum was amazing with many interesting aircrafts. The interactions were nice for kids. I love these veterans who volunteered at the museum, and they were very enthusiastic.

This adventure far exceeded my expectations. I spent 3 hours just wandering and learning. You will experience how the ship operated and what it took to get the jobs done. You will see were crew members bunked, were officers of different ranks bunked and there accommodations. Were air craft was tracked, the communications rooms. Of course the flight deck with multiple aircraft of that era. This is a must do!

A magical moment spent on this ship! Volunteer veterans very welcoming, very friendly, a big thank you for their welcome! an experience not to be missed and even more with children! there is a very easy questionnaire to win a junior pilot badge. Kids love getting on the different planes, helicopters ....! it was just Whaouh!!! February is an ideal time to visit!

A superb immersive experience on a ship dripping with history and knowledge!!
The guides were friendly and clearly have so much pride in the Midway they were a pleasure to talk to
As we are not American I knew very little on the military history involved but it didn't matter the whole experience was amazing
Thank you

We had been here over ten years ago, but there are a lot of new things to see and the staff is much better prepared. Friendly yellow-capped docents are all over and eager to answer questions. Lots of fairly recent history to revisit as well as close-up views of historical and current naval aircraft. A good way to get familiar with the complicated details of launching and retrieving aircraft from a moving ship.

A can't-miss thing to do in San Diego.

Plan on spending a minimum of two hours on the ship. We ended up spending an entire afternoon. Parking was tricky to find, but we were pleased there were some spaces left by the ship. Cafe is pricey, but at least they have one.

Very exciting museum. If you are interested in it, you should allow yourself enough time. The staff is friendly and attentive!

My family and I visited San Diego for the first time. We have two young boys, 5 & 3 years old and we had a jammed packed agenda for our trip. This was the last activity before the drive home but the boys had a BLAST!!! First it is every little boys dream to get so touch everything in a museum but that is exactly what you can do here. They loved walking through the bowels of the boat and seeing where the sailors slept, ate and all of the different jobs they had to do. Of course the airplanes were the hero of the day, the LOVED sitting in the airplanes and taking pictures.

The views from the flights deck are stunning of San Diego and the weather was beautiful.

Parking was so easy and actually cheaper in the Midway lot then other lots at the piers. We got there early and walked around to the famous statue and then by the time we walked back the museum opened up and we walked right in. The staff was extremely friendly and happy to take your picture or answer any questions. I love that little kids can have fun while the adults can read and learn about the ship and the history.

Plus you can leave your car in the lot and walk to lunch since you are surrounded by so many great restaurants/bars.

I would highly recommend the USS Midway as a place to visit when coming to San Diego.

A fantastic museum. The exhibits are fantastic, the written and audio guides are so informative and the lectures given on how to land a fighter onto the deck of the carrier is well worth listening to.

Thoroughly recommend.

A must see place in San Diego. It's a museum where you can spend, without much of a problem, a whole day. Especially if you really want to stop by everywhere, if you are a technology or history enthusiast, or if you are or have a child or few with you .
Staff members working at the place were very nice and I felt encouraged to ask questions and interact during the whole visit.
Besides a souvenir shop, there is also a small restaurant inside of the museum, where you can grab a coffee or have a regular meal. This makes the stay much more pleasant.
Maybe avoid the same mistake as I and my boyfriend did and don't visit the place on Memorial Day. The place was super crowded and there were queues for everything.