San Diego: USS Midway Museum Ticket & Audio Tour Access

Summary

Walk the decks of a historic aircraft carrier in San Diego Bay with sailor stories echoing around you

You’ll step onto the legendary USS Midway in San Diego and follow sailor-narrated stories through hangars, sleeping quarters, and a massive flight deck. Hear laughter from volunteers as you climb into restored Navy aircraft or get lost in winding corridors. With included audio guide and skip-the-line entry, you’ll feel both awe and nostalgia as you look back at downtown shimmering across the bay.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — a mix of old steel and something faintly salty, like the sea air clinging to your jacket. We’d barely stepped onto the USS Midway before a volunteer named Tom waved us over, grinning under his ballcap. “You want to see where 4,500 people ate?” he asked. I nodded, honestly not sure what to expect from a day trip on an aircraft carrier museum in San Diego. The galley was smaller than I thought — or maybe it just felt that way with all the ghost stories Tom kept sneaking into his tour.

We wandered through narrow hallways that echoed with our footsteps, listening to the audio tour (it’s narrated by real sailors who actually served here — one guy joked about midnight snacks in the engine room). There’s this weird comfort in hearing someone talk about their old bunk or how loud it got during flight ops. On deck, I tried to imagine jets roaring overhead. The wind picked up and I could see downtown San Diego shimmering across the water. Kids were climbing into cockpits, pretending to be pilots; I almost joined them but chickened out at the last second. My partner laughed at me for that.

I didn’t expect to feel so small walking across that huge flight deck — four acres, apparently — or to get lost trying to find the officer’s quarters (the signs are there but somehow I still got turned around). The volunteers really bring it alive; one woman told us about crossing the Pacific and eating ice cream on Sundays. There’s a spot up top where you can just lean on the rail and watch boats drift by below — I stood there longer than I meant to, thinking about all those years this ship was basically its own city at sea. Still kind of sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit USS Midway Museum San Diego

• Arrive at USS Midway Museum
• Start self-guided audio tour
• Explore hangar and flight decks
• View over 30 restored Navy aircraft
• Visit interactive exhibits and simulators
• Explore galleys, sleeping quarters, engine room
• Enjoy panoramic views of San Diego Bay
• Shop at gift store and visit cafe

Top questions

Is USS Midway Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, about 60% of exhibits are accessible and loaner wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served.

What are USS Midway Museum opening hours?

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; last admission is at 4:00 PM.

Is public transportation available near USS Midway?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access.

Does my ticket include an audio tour?

Yes, your admission includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by former sailors and officers.

Can infants or small children visit USS Midway?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers inside the museum.

Is parking available at USS Midway Museum?

Parking is available adjacent to the ship for an additional fee through Ace Parking.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted within all public areas of the museum.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-ticket-line entry to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego with a self-guided audio tour narrated by former sailors, plus access to interactive exhibits and restored Navy aircraft throughout both hangar and flight decks. You’ll also receive discounts for other nearby attractions as part of your admission.