The USS Midway Museum in San Diego offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers of the 20th century. With an entry ticket priced at £30.15 per person, visitors can dive into over 60 exhibits, including the engine room and sleeping quarters. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging day out, the museum’s self-guided audio tour and family-friendly activities promise an unforgettable experience. But what else does this iconic attraction have in store?
Key Points
- The USS Midway Museum in San Diego offers entry tickets for £30.15 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Visitors can explore over 60 exhibits, including the engine room, galley, jail, and sleeping quarters, with self-guided audio tours available in six languages.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Active-duty military personnel with valid ID receive complimentary admission, and children under 12 enter free in October (two free per adult ticket).
- Family-friendly activities include interactive simulators, short films, and the opportunity to climb aboard historic aircraft, with engaging docents providing captivating stories and insights.
Ticket Information
The entry ticket to the USS Midway Museum costs £30.15 per person.
Guests have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available.
The ticket is valid for one day, and kids under 12 get in free throughout October – two free children per adult ticket. Active-duty military personnel with valid ID also receive complimentary admission.
The museum offers a self-guided audio tour in multiple languages and skip-the-line entry with a mobile ticket.
Museum Highlights
Visitors can explore over 60 exhibits throughout the USS Midway Museum, including the ship’s engine room, galley, jail, and sleeping quarters.
Self-guided audio tours are available in six languages, allowing guests to enjoy the museum’s rich history.
Self-guided audio tours in six languages allow guests to enjoy the USS Midway Museum’s rich history.
Visitors can also experience simulators and short films, as well as climb aboard historic aircraft.
The museum’s docents are on hand to share captivating stories and provide additional insights.
Most guests spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the museum’s vast collection, ensuring a memorable and informative experience.
Accessibility and Hours
The USS Midway Museum is located at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, making it easily accessible to visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible, allowing all guests to explore its extensive exhibits. Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
| Accessibility | Hours | Closures |
| — | — | — |
| Wheelchair accessible | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thanksgiving Day |
| | Last admission at 4:00 PM | Christmas Day |
| | | |
Audio Tour and Languages
Though the USS Midway Museum offers a self-guided audio tour, it’s available in 6 languages – Spanish, English, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese – ensuring a rich and immersive experience for guests from diverse backgrounds.
The audio tour allows visitors to explore the museum at their own pace, learning about the ship’s history, technology, and stories through engaging commentary.
Whether guests prefer to hear the narrative in their native tongue or practice a new language, the multilingual options cater to a wide range of visitors and enhance the overall educational and cultural experience.
More Great Tours NearbyFamily-Friendly Activities
Along With the self-guided audio tour, the USS Midway Museum offers a range of family-oriented activities throughout its expansive exhibits.
Children can engage with interactive simulators, watch short films, and even climb aboard historic aircraft. Docents are available to share captivating stories and historical insights, bringing the museum’s rich legacy to life.
The museum’s family-friendly focus ensures an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With complimentary admission for children 5 and under, and two free kids’ tickets per adult in October, the Midway caters to families seeking an unforgettable day out.
Docent-Led Experiences
Knowledgeable docents are stationed throughout the USS Midway Museum, ready to share captivating stories and historical insights that bring the vessel’s rich legacy to life.
These friendly volunteers offer a personal touch, enhancing the museum experience:
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Docents share firsthand accounts of life aboard the aircraft carrier, from serving in the engine room to launching fighter jets.
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They provide in-depth explanations of the museum’s many exhibits, bringing the Midway’s history to vivid life.
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Visitors can engage in lively discussions, asking questions and gaining a deeper understanding of the ship’s significance.
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Docents are passionate about preserving the Midway’s heritage and ensuring every guest leaves with a newfound appreciation.
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Their dedication and expertise transform the self-guided tour into an immersive, educational journey.
Ratings and Reviews
The USS Midway Museum has earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating based on over 3,099 reviews, a testament to the exceptional experience it offers visitors.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging docents who share captivating stories about the museum’s exhibits and history. Families highlight the abundance of interactive and educational activities that make the visit both fun and informative.
With a 4.7/5 rating for value, the museum provides an exceptional experience that’s well worth the admission price. Visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for the USS Midway’s rich legacy.
Booking and Payment Options
How can visitors book their entry tickets to the USS Midway Museum? There are several options available.
Visitors can:
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Purchase tickets online through the museum’s website, securing their spot in advance.
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Select the "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option to hold their tickets without immediate payment.
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Take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before their visit for a full refund.
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Bring children ages 6-12 for free in October, with each adult ticket.
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Enjoy complimentary admission for children 5 and younger, and active-duty military personnel with valid ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into the Museum?
You can bring your own food and drinks into the museum. However, the museum has various dining options available on-site, including cafes and restaurants, if you prefer not to bring your own.
Are Pets Allowed on the Museum Premises?
Pets are not permitted on the museum premises, with the exception of service animals. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Visitors should leave their pets at home.
Do I Need to Wear a Face Mask During My Visit?
Face masks are not required during the visit, though visitors are encouraged to follow current local health guidelines. The museum maintains high sanitation standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Is There a Coat Check or Storage Facility Available?
Yes, the museum offers a coat check and storage facility for visitors. Guests can securely store their belongings while exploring the exhibits and ship without having to carry them around.
How Do I Redeem My Military or Educator Discount?
To redeem a military or educator discount, guests should present a valid ID at the admission desk. The museum offers complimentary admission for active-duty military personnel and 2 free children’s tickets (ages 6-12) per adult ticket purchased.
The Sum Up
The USS Midway Museum offers a captivating naval experience in San Diego. With a £30.15 entry ticket, visitors can explore over 60 exhibits, from the engine room to sleeping quarters. The self-guided audio tour enhances the experience, available in six languages. The museum is family-friendly, with free admission for kids under 12 in October, and accessible for all. Docent-led tours and high ratings make it a must-visit destination.
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