Families with kids 5+
Cockpits to climb into, wide-open deck, and simulators. One of the best-value family tickets downtown.
USS Midway Museum guide
Tickets, hours, Navy Pier parking, and how to see the flight deck before the tour buses arrive.
Last updated
Quick answer
The USS Midway Museum is open daily 10 AM–5 PM with last admission at 4 PM. Adult tickets run about $34, youth about $24, kids 5 and under free, and active-duty military free with ID. Budget about three hours, park on Navy Pier ($10–20) or at a metered spot along Harbor Drive, and arrive at 10 AM opening — the flight deck is empty and cool for the first hour.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Price | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | ~$34 | Includes the self-guided audio tour, flight deck, hangar deck, and below-deck spaces. |
| Senior (62+) | ~$29 | ID checked at the window. Same access as adult admission. |
| Youth (6–12) | ~$24 | Kids 5 and under are free — no ticket needed. |
| Active military | Free | With valid ID. Retired military and dependents get a discounted rate. |
| Flight simulators | $8–12 extra | Add-on, bought onboard. Skippable unless you have teens. |
| Annual membership | ~$70 adult | Breaks even on the second visit; includes guest passes on some tiers. |
Prices move a dollar or two year to year and online rates usually beat the window. Confirm at checkout.
Best time to go
| Arrival | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM (opening) | Light | Best hour of the day. Flight deck is empty and cool, and the cockpit lines are short. |
| 11 AM–2 PM | Peak | Tour buses and cruise passengers. Expect 10–20 minute waits to sit in a cockpit. |
| 2–4 PM | Moderate | Thinning out, but the deck gets hot and there's almost no shade. |
| After 4 PM | Light | Last admission is 4 PM and the ship closes at 5 — enough for the flight deck only. |
Parking and logistics
- • Navy Pier lot sits right at the gangway — easiest option, roughly $10–20 depending on day and length of stay.
- • Metered spots along Harbor Drive are cheaper but time-limited; three hours goes fast here.
- • Downtown garages 3–5 blocks inland are the cheapest and the walk down to the water is flat.
- • The Green Line trolley to Santa Fe Depot puts you a 10-minute walk from the ship.
- • Combine it with the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Unconditional Surrender statue — all within walking distance.
Who it's best for
History-minded adults
The audio tour plus former-crew docents is the real draw. Easily a four-hour visit if you engage with it.
Rainy or gray days
The hangar and below decks are indoors, making this a strong bad-weather backup to the beach.
Frequently asked
How much are USS Midway Museum tickets?
Adult admission runs about $34, seniors about $29, and youth (6–12) about $24. Children 5 and under are free, and active-duty military are admitted free with ID. Buying online in advance usually saves a few dollars and lets you skip the ticket window.
What are the USS Midway Museum's hours?
The Midway is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4 PM. It closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Special events occasionally shorten public hours, so check before a late-afternoon visit.
How long does it take to tour the USS Midway?
Plan on three hours. A quick pass focused on the flight deck takes about 90 minutes; a thorough visit with the audio tour, below-deck spaces, and the docent talks runs four hours or more.
Where do you park for the USS Midway?
The Navy Pier lot directly in front of the ship is the closest and costs roughly $10–20 depending on the day and duration. Cheaper metered street parking exists along Harbor Drive and North Harbor Drive, and downtown garages a few blocks inland run less on weekends.
Is the USS Midway worth it?
Yes, and it's one of the few San Diego attractions where the ticket price is rarely questioned. The audio tour is genuinely excellent, the volunteer docents are former crew, and you get 60+ exhibits plus 30 restored aircraft on the flight deck.
Is the USS Midway wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Elevators reach the hangar and flight decks, and those areas are fully accessible. The below-deck spaces are reached by steep original ship ladders and are not accessible.
Can you go on the USS Midway flight deck?
Yes — the flight deck is the highlight. It's included in standard admission and holds about 30 restored aircraft, several of which you can climb into. Bring a hat; the deck has no shade.
Is the USS Midway good for young kids?
Kids roughly 5 and up love it — cockpits, flight simulators, and huge open deck space. Under 5, the below-deck ladders and narrow passages are a struggle, so stick to the hangar and flight decks.
Nearby and next
Things to do in San Diego
The full list, sorted by neighborhood and interest.
Downtown parking guide
Garages, meters, and the rules that get visitors ticketed.
Gaslamp Quarter guide
Where to eat and drink a few blocks from the pier.
San Diego Zoo tips
The other must-do attraction — and how to do it well.
Balboa Park guide
Museums and gardens 10 minutes up Park Blvd.
San Diego with kids
Family itineraries that pair well with a Midway morning.
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