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Military Ship Museum San Diego

Five Doctors Including Surgeons Were Onboard Four Dentists Worked On The Shipfire Was A Concern Always In The Forefront For This Self

USS Midway, the most visited naval ship museum

Continuing down, you come to the big engine room, with its dials and pipes for water. Midway ran on steam power, so water was important. The phrase full steam ahead applied. Four engines moved the huge Midway along.

You will notice lots of long hallways, many stairs and ladders, and more dials, knobs, switches than you could ever count.

What To Expect At Uss Midway Museum San Diego

See the longest serving aircraft carrier in American history with this ticket to the USS Midway Museum in the downtown San Diego area. The ship itself is the museum, and houses an extensive aircraft collection. More than a million visitors walk through this aircraft carrier to learn about its history as well as the history of the United States Navy. Now a school for top gun fighters, there’s also the opportunity for visitors to see what it takes to become a fighter pilot for the US military. Former Midway sailors will be narrating the audio tour, and they’ll take you through over 60 locations within the museum, from the engine room and galley to the post office, officers quarters and more. The museum also holds climb-aboard cockpits for aircraft and flight simulators. Don’t miss out on a day of excitement and discovery aboard the USS Midway.

Highlights Beyond The Vintage Aircraft

Everyone who visits the USS Midway Museum will find their own favorite spots. My daughter and her friends enjoyed these areas of the ship the most:

  • The brig, which is tiny!
  • The kitchen, which fed hundreds at a time in a remarkably small space.
  • The electrical turbines in the engine room.
  • A sentry post where a guard , stationed in front of an access door to weaponry/missiles, was apparently authorized back in the day to shoot any trespasser who crossed a yellow line painted on the floor in front of him.
  • The tight sleeping quarters.

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Uss Midway History Comes Alive In The Present

Visitors can take the self-guided adventure audio tour, the abbreviated family audio tour, or the private docent tour to visit the various locations throughout the Midway. The family audio tour reduces the locations to 30, and at the end children can get their Junior Pilot Wings at the information booth on the Hangar Deck. Former Midway sailors and aviators narrate tours. Some locations on the ship that are on the tours are pilots ready rooms, primary flight control, the brig , the galley , and the bridge . Visitors can also climb into aircraft cockpits and flight simulators.

Visitors can purchase inexpensive meals and snacks from the Fantail Café, where mess hall grub is also available for purchase, made from recipes in the USS Midways 1945 cookbook. Souvenirs such as memorabilia, clothing, CDs, DVDs, books and more can be purchased in the Jet Shop, the museums gift shop.

Need A Little Extra Help

USS Midway Museum

The Midway is a retired aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945. Since their start as a museum, they have made many modifications to improve accessibility for guests with mobility difficulties or other challenges. With the addition of several elevators and access routes, approximately 60 percent of the Museums exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

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Uss Midway Museum Parking And Directions

The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

The USS Midway is docked right at the end of Broadway, alongside Navy Pier, and is therefore very walkable to and from most downtown San Diego hotels. Many San Diego harbor cruises depart from near the ship.

It is also steps from the so its very common for people to visit both on the same day.

If you plan to take the trolley or a train, the MTS station and Santa Fe Depot station are just a few blocks from the USS Midway . You can also get there via the free Circuit shuttle called FRED that operates in Downtown.

There are about 300 parking spaces located on Navy Pier immediately adjacent to the ship, but youll pay for it and it tends to fill up quickly during the summer and on holidays. Metered parking is available on the streets near the USS Midway Museum with a two-hour time limit. Walking will give you maximum flexibility and eliminates the need to find parking. If you have to drive, plan to arrive early in the day when parking is easier to secure.

USS Midway Museum hours are daily from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Last admission is at 4 p.m.

Have you been to this San Diego attraction yet? What tips for visiting the USS Midway Museum can you share?

*Photos with the exception of the top are used courtesy of the USS Midway Museum.

Dont miss any of my posts! for expert travel tips, insider information about San Diego and my favorite destinations, discounts on attractions, and hotel discounts and tips.

Uss Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Where else in the world, besides San Diego, can you climb aboard a real retired military aircraft carrier and learn about the intimate moments of its past? The USS Midway accommodated over four million visitors in its first five years since opening in 2004. It has since become the worlds most visited floating ship museum, and San Diego, Californias number one tourist attraction. Docked at the Navy Pier between Seaport Village and B Street Cruise Terminal, the USS Midway offers visitors an unfiltered and authentic glimpse into its glorious past.

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Battle Of Leyte Gulf Memorial

The Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial features ship plaques and a bust of Admiral Clifton Sprague. The statue honors the heroism and sacrifice of Task Unit 77 during one of the most decisive engagements of the war. Two small escort carriers and three destroyers were lost in the valiant Taffy 77s defense of the Leyte landings against a vastly superior Japanese task force.

Uss Midway Museum Ticket & Audioguide

USS Midway Museum Tour – San Diego | USS Midway Naval Carrier Tour

If you’re in San Diego, you won’t want to miss one of its main tourist attractions, the museum of the aircraft carrier USS Midway. This iconic ship is a symbol of the city and definitely a must-see in San Diego!

With your ticket to the USS Midway Museum, you’ll be able to explore this ship’s exhibits at your leisure while you discover its fascinating history. You’ll learn interesting facts such as the origins of its name, which is related to a famous battle…

Your audioguide, the simulators and the projections on the aircraft carrier will help you to understand the historical moments that this imposing 971 foot long ship has witnessed. You’ll also have the chance to see restored aircraft on display along the USS Midway.

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Uss Midway Museum San Diego Ca

By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor , via Wikimedia CommonsAny city built on the shores of an ocean is sure to have a rich military history, and San Diego is no exception this seaport has done more than its fair share of serving our country! The USS Midway Museum is actually an aircraft carrier that was retired from duty many years ago, but it still serves as a reminder of the perils we faced and fought proudly against during troubled times in our countrys history. Today, you can explore almost every inch of this magnificent carrier, and to some degree, have the opportunity to experience what life must have been like aboard this floating city!

From The Living Quarters To The Flight Deck

As you make your way around the hangar deck, there are several stairs and a few ladders leading below to those sections of the ship open for viewing. The flight deck may be accessed from the hangar deck by elevator. Following the audio tour will provide detailed information on how and where the sailors aboard Midway lived, worked, and relaxed. The ships various living spaces highlight the relatively Spartan conditions aboard a Cold War naval vessel and the differing levels of comfort afforded the crew based on rank. Sailors berths are simple bunks with a locker underneath to hold personal possessions, while the captains suite spans several rooms. Of particular note is the noncommissioned officers mess. One of the few amenities afforded petty officers was a nicer place to eat and relax.

While the living spaces exhibit the conditions and social order of the crew, the various working spaces show just how complex a modern warship is. Literally thousands of sailors had to work at hundreds of different tasks to keep Midway functioning at peak efficiency. Touring the engine room, electrical control spaces, machine shops, sick bay, mess, and laundry facilities highlights just how many separate tasks a warship required.

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San Diego Ups Its Meetings And Events Profile With Major Developmentsyour Browser Indicates If Youve Visited This Link

While SanDiego is typically lauded for boasting perhaps the most agreeable weather in the worldsort of a âGoldilocksâ climate where sunny days are tempered by free AC provided by the Pacific Oceanmajor change is also in the air due to a variety of exciting new developments that will increase the cityâs desirability as a meetings destination.

Meetings Today

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Walk The Decks Of Historic Ships

Uss Midway Museum Ship In San Diego Photograph by Michael Wood

Star of India, San Salvador, Californian :: Photo by Mark Albertazzi

Indoor Exhibits, and Below Deck Galleries are OPEN.

The Maritime Museum of San Diegos experience includes a walking ship tour clearly marked to comply with social distancing guidelines. Tours take guests back in time as they stroll the upper decks of the historic fleet, including the worlds oldest sailing ship, Star of India, Navy frigate replica H.M.S. Surprise, featured in the award-winning film, Master and Commander, and Californias official state tall ship, the Californian. Indoor exhibits and below deck galleries are open.

History on the high seas.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego features a world-class collection of National Historic Landmark Vessels, including sailing ships, steam-powered, and submarine. You can board and explore our ships. Some even take passengers!

Sailing Ships

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How To Tour The Uss Midway Museum

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A visit to San Diego, California is not complete without a tour of the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier now docked in the bay. With 10 acres of exhibits and displays, this City at Sea is open for you to explore and its massive. From the time you enter on the Hangar Deck, you can go up and down to levels from the top Island, where the captain steered the ship, down to where you are actually below the outside water line among a nest of water pipes that fed the boiler.

Ships Of The Maritime Museum

Located in downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero of San Diego Bay, the impressive museum boasts 10 historic vessels, four of historic distinction on the National Register.

Here is a list of the Museums current historic ships and submarines on display along with tips for exploring these nautical treasures. Of special note, is that one ticket allows guests to explore all ships in the museums collection.

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What To Know Before Visiting

Visiting the USS Midway Museum involves a lot of walking, stair climbing, and bending. Thats because this WWII-era U.S. Navy ship has very narrow stairs, low ceilings, and cramped hallways that may pose unique challenges for some visitors. That said, there are several elevators, and about 60% of the exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

The sights on the USS Midway that are most popular with visitors are deep inside the ship, far from natural light, wind, or other weather. Dont skip a visit if you happen to be in San Diego on one of our rare drizzly days.

As mentioned above, the flight deck on top is one of the biggest draws. It is totally open to the sky, and accessible no matter what the weather. Bring some sun protection if you plan to spend time here .

Its a good idea to wear layers when youre visiting the USS Midway Museum. You might want a hat or a cover up when youre exploring the flight deck and its nice to be able to take off a layer when you check out the cramped hot quarters below.

Uss Midway Museum In San Diego

San Diego prepares for day of honoring veterans at USS Midway
  • Cost: $40 per person . Credit card is required to guarantee reservation. Cancellation policy is passengers must cancel 10 days prior to tour date.

Admission Fees: $13 for Adults, $10 for Senior / Retired Military with I.D., $7 for children and FREE for Active Military with I.D.

  • Pickup Location & Time: Bus departs from Palm Desert at 8:00am from the T-Mobile cell phone store parking lot . Physical Address is 34260 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert 92260. Need to arrive 15 minute prior to departure.
  • Tour Information:

Bus will arrive at 10:30am at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. You will spend approximately 4 hours at the Museum. The bus will depart the museum at 3:00pm.

On board the USS Midway, enjoy your self-guided tour of 60 exhibits throughout the historical aircraft carrier and 25 restored aircrafts. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom and peace.

For more information on the USS Midway museum www.midway.org

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Uss Midway And Maritime Museum San Diego Overview

The USS Midway and Maritime Museum San Diego are two of the citys most fantastic attractions! Visit both museums for one low price! Redeem your Smartsave coupon at The Maritime Museum of San Diego. There you can visit the worlds finest collections of historic ships before experiencing life on board the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, The USS Midway!

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San Diegos Proud Naval Tradition On Display

While Midway is by far the largest thing to see in San Diego harbor, a number of other museums and monuments are well within walking distance and worth spending the effort to visit. Immediately south of Midways dock is a row of veterans memorials dedicated to San Diegos proud naval tradition. There are sculptures dedicated to sailors homecomings and the USS San Diego, a World War II antiaircraft cruiser that earned 18 battle stars during the war. A nine-foot-tall black obelisk commemorates all of Americas aircraft carriers by name.

Perhaps the most moving tribute is dedicated to Taffy 3, the task force of U.S. Navy vessels that fought in the battle off Samar, part of the larger and better-known Battle of Leyte Gulf. When a large Japanese force attacked the American invasion fleet, all that stood in its way were the destroyers and destroyer escorts of Task Force 77.4.3, known as Taffy 3. Joined by planes from some nearby escort carriers , the tiny, outmatched force attacked the Japanese, putting up stiff resistance and causing so much damage and confusion to the Japanese that they retired without achieving their goal of attacking the vulnerable transports of the American invasion force.

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Who Visits The Uss Midway Museum

Visiting the USS Midway Museum in San Diego is fun for many reasons. Nearly everyone, including entire families, can visit and enjoy the experience. Youll see veterans and active-duty military personnel, especially Navy service members, visiting this museum.

Children frequently visit on school-sponsored field trips conducted by USS Midway staff . It is a must-visit for San Diego tourists, and for locals alike.

Bob Hope Uso Memorial

CAMP HOST Jobs: USS Midway Museum

The Bob Hope USO memorial titled A National Salute To Bob Hope & The Military pays a fitting tribute to this famous comedian who graciously entertained the troops during WWII and for many years afterward.

The memorial consists of 16 bronze sculptures portraying the comedian at a microphone surrounded by servicemen and women from the many conflicts throughout his nearly 50 years of bringing them comfort and humor. The look on their faces says it all. Thanks for the memories, Bob!

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The Storied Past Of The Uss Midway

For 47 years the USS Midway served in military and rescue operations around the globe, and was one of the main aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. Active in every war from World War II to Desert Storm, jets could be deployed two at a time from the hangar to the flight deck in ten seconds. Those returning from maneuvers landed on the deck in a space no larger than a tennis court.

At the end of the Vietnam War, over 3,000 South Vietnamese refugees were evacuated to the flight deck in military helicopters during Operation Frequent Wind. In 1991, 1,800 Americans were rescued during Operation Fiery Vigil after the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines. Docents on the USS Midway Museum are mostly retired military personnel who served on the Midway or in similar capacities, and who share their first-hand accounts of these and other events with museum visitors.

Uss Midway: Floating Museum In San Diego Harbor

A boat trip through San Diego harbor provides visitors with tangible proof of Americas military might. San Diego is one of the U.S. Navys largest home ports and the headquarters of all naval air forces, including its aircraft carriers. On any given day, one might see everything from nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to hospital ships anchored at the port. Gray-painted helicopters fly overhead, joined by the occasional orange-and-white Coast Guard aircraft. Nearby are the Marine Corps Miramar air station and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Camp Pendleton, where thousands of Americans have made the grueling transformation into Marines, is just a few miles north. Standing on the deck of a tour boat in the harbor center, one is literally surrounded by the awesome power of the United States military.

Nestled in the middle of the harbor is a visible marker of the heritage of the sailors and Marines who made the Navy into the respected and feared force it is today. The USS Midway floating museum stands as a tribute to those who served aboard her and all the other flattops America has sent into battle, as well as those who pioneered carrier aviation, ushering in a new era of naval combat. The largest of only five American aircraft carriers in existence as a museum ship, Midway serves as a both an educational tool and historical monument.

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