Reservations: Not required
Cost: Admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour; children under five and active-duty military in uniform get in free. Check current prices
Location: Navy Pier, between the cruise ship terminal and Seaport Village
How Long: Allow at least 3 hours to see it all, or if you're in a hurry, follow their Express Tour
Best Time to Visit: Any time, but try to arrive in plenty of time to see everything before it closes
The USS Midway served the United States longer than any other aircraft carrier. The largest ship in the world when commissioned in 1945, it was retired in 1991. The decommissioned USS Midway now serves her final tour of duty in San Diego, home to one-third of the Pacific Fleet and a large cadre of the Midway's former crew.
People of all ages like the USS Midway. It seems to attract many more men visitors than women, but women seem to like it as well as the menfolk once they get there.
On board the USS Midway, you can learn about life on a Navy ship and how aircraft land and take off from an aircraft carrier. Visitors can tour many of the USS Midway working areas and see more than 15 restored aircraft. Volunteer docents, many who either served on the USS Midway or are former Navy pilots, provide live talks about the catapult and other operations.
Other areas such as the mess deck, sleeping quarters, hangar deck and flight deck can be toured with the USS Midway self-guided audio (available in English, Spanish and Japanese) included in the entrance fee. It incorporates the voices of many who served on the USS Midway, who tell the stories of their experiences there.
The tour of the bridge, chart room and primary flight control is guided by a live volunteer. The last tour leaves a half hour before closing time, and on busy days you may need to get in line a half hour earlier than that to make it in. If you arrive in the afternoon, you may save time by taking this tour first so you don't get stuck in line, but the best strategy is to get there as soon as the USS Midway opens and go straight upstairs.
Visitor Services On the USS Midway
I didn't expect to stay as long on the USS Midway as I did, and if you find yourself getting fascinated but need some nourishment to continue, you can get something to eat at the Fantail Cafe.Be Prepared for the USS Midway
- Many doorways have a high threshold, and there are many stairs, some of them quite steep. Wear comfortable shoes with soles that give you firm footing.
- Elevators provide access to the hangar deck and flight deck
- Bring a light jacket; it can be windy on the Flight Deck
- Leave the big bags behind; only modest-sized diaper bags and camera bags are allowed
- If you have a child in a stroller, either take them out and park the stroller at the entrance or be prepared to skip visiting many parts of the ship
- The USS Midway is a 100% non-smoking ship
Getting to the USS Midway
USS MidwayBy automobile, follow Harbor Drive south past the Maritime Museum. Limited parking is available on the pier next to the USS Midway. If you're in an RV that's over 18 feet long, the nearest parking is in metered spots on Pacific Highway, one block east of Harbor Drive.
910 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA
(619) 544-9600
USS Midway Website
Metered parking is also available along N. Harbor Drive and Pacfic Highway. They're cheaper than the lots if you have up to $3 in change with you, don't plan to stay longer than 3 hours AND if space is available.
The San Diego Trolley stops three blocks from USS Midway at the Santa Fe Depot.
If You Liked the USS Midway, You May Also Like
San Diego Maritime Museum
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of reviewing the USS Midway Museum. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
