The USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier turned floating museum docked on San Diego’s Embarcadero waterfront. The Midway served nearly 47 years in the U.S. Navy, from the end of World War II through the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, making it the 20th century’s longest-serving American aircraft carrier before it was decommissioned in 1992.
Visitors can explore more than 60 exhibits and climb through over 30 restored aircraft across the hangar and flight decks, including cockpits, ejection seats, and flight simulators. Self-guided audio tours, many narrated by former Navy crew members, walk you through the bridge, the galley that once served 14,000 meals a day, and the engine room that powered the ship.
Plan for at least a few hours to see the ship properly, since the flight deck alone offers sweeping views of downtown San Diego and the bay. The museum is a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter, making it easy to pair with a day exploring downtown.
