San Diego's Former Navy Aircraft Carrier Is Now An Immersive Museum With Flight Simulators

You probably know San Diego for its world-renowned beaches and nice weather, or for the San Diego Zoo, one of the top tourist hot spots in California. However, another activity in this charming city is absolutely worth your time, and that's the USS Midway Museum. 

This aircraft carrier-turned-museum features immersive exhibits, historic planes, and even flight simulators you can try out. The USS Midway began its service a week after WWII ended and is the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the last century, having been decommissioned in 1992. During its career, the carrier served in the sub-Arctic and participated in actions in North Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. It was donated to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum in 2003 and opened to the public in 2004. 

The USS Midway Museum is less than 3 miles from the San Diego International Airport, so it's a great first stop if you're visiting the city. It recently hosted the red carpet for the film "Top Gun: Maverick," with star Tom Cruise landing there in a helicopter. During your visit to this incredible ship that once housed more than 4,000 sailors, you can learn about the Midway's history, how operations worked, and see aircraft like Corsairs, Avengers, an F9F Panther Jet, an A-4 Skyhawk, and a WWII Dauntless bomber. Tickets for the USS Midway Museum are $39 online and $41 at the door for adults 13 and up at the time of this writing, with discount pricing for kids and veterans. It's open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also annual passes available.

The USS Midway Museum has all sorts of activities in addition to the experience of being on this enormous ship. There is a film presentation that gives you the history of the WWII Battle of Midway, which the ship was named after. Kids can command radio-controlled boats in the "Middie's Fleet" activity. Visitors can also try their hand at the Air Combat 360 Flight Simulators where two people can experience what it's like to launch off an aircraft carrier and fly a mission. All ages are welcome, but you have to be between 42 and 77 inches tall to try the simulators out. 

If you like virtual reality, you can try the Virtual Reality Flight Experience: Screaming Eagles, where you can "fly" an F/18, or take a guided tour of the Midway's Island command center. You can even stay overnight with your family. One reviewer on Tripadvisor, where the museum has a 4.8 rating across more than 26,000 reviews, wrote of the experience: "An absolutely unforgettable experience and one we will treasure for a lifetime!" 

The museum also hosts events like the Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration, when the entire ship lights up, and a Bring Your Dog Day, as well as spooky Halloween events. There is paid parking at the nearby Navy Pier, as well as metered and pay station parking in town. However, you can also take the five-minute walk from the Santa Fe Train Depot or the American Plaza Trolley Station. In 2028, the new McGrath Freedom Park will open along the length of the ship as well. Finally, while you're in the area, make sure to visit La Jolla, one of San Diego's beautiful waterfront villages, just a half-hour away from the USS Midway.