Hotels near USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway served as an active United States Navy aircraft carrier from 1945 to 1992, longer than any other American carrier in the twentieth century, and has been anchored at Navy Pier on the San Diego Embarcadero as a museum since 2004. The self-guided audio tour covers more than sixty exhibits across the hangar deck, the flight deck, engine rooms, sleeping quarters, and the ship's bridge. Twenty-nine restored aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, an F-4 Phantom, and an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, are on display on the flight deck with cockpit-access opportunities on several. The museum is open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM). Adult admission in 2026 is $34, seniors are $29, retired military are $24, youth (5-12) $24, and active-duty military plus dependents enter free. Budget 3 to 4 hours for a proper visit; docents (many are Navy veterans) run short talks throughout the day and are worth stopping for.

Pro Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and be ready for narrow ladders below deck. Weekends and school holidays get crowded by 11:00 AM; arrive at the 10:00 AM opening if you want to walk the flight deck without waiting for cockpit access.