USS Midway Museum: San Diego’s Top Attraction

A Floating Legacy

Permanently moored in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway is more than a retired aircraft carrier—it’s a living museum that brings naval history to life. Commissioned in 1945, the Midway served for decades before becoming one of the most visited attractions in the United States.

Aviation and Movie Magic

For aviation enthusiasts and film fans alike, the Midway offers a treasure trove of classic military aircraft. Visitors can see an F‑14 Tomcat, famously flown by Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and a Douglas SBD Dauntless, featured in the movie Midway, which dramatized the pivotal World War II battle the ship is named after.

National Recognition

The Midway’s popularity is undeniable. Tripadvisor ranks it as the 9th most popular museum in the U.S., ahead of icons like the American Museum of Natural History and Graceland. Locally, it has been crowned “#1 of 935 Things to Do in San Diego,” outshining the city’s beaches, restaurants, Petco Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Ties to Naval History

San Diego’s connection to the U.S. Navy stretches back more than a century. The Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, launched in 1922, while the Midway joined the fleet in 1945. Today, the ship stands as a monument to that enduring relationship.

Immersive Experience

The Midway’s 1,000‑foot flight deck showcases 29 restored aircraft, while interactive flight simulators and exhibits reveal how more than 4,000 sailors lived and worked aboard. Admission includes a multilingual self‑guided audio tour—available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, French, and German—as well as entry to a documentary film about the Battle of Midway.

A Must‑See Destination

Blending history, technology, and entertainment, the USS Midway Museum offers an unforgettable experience for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about America’s naval past.