USS Midway Museum Tickets: Prices & Tips 2025

The USS Midway Museum is an experience in San Diego you won’t want to miss! Spark your imagination aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century! As the longest-leaving and first returning U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th cejtury, this floating museum is an immersive and exclusive glimpse into ships, naval history, and aviation in the years following World War II. 110,000-square-foot museum has more than 60 exhibits and 29 beautifully restored aircraft, along with a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway ride-along veterans. History buffs, kids on vacation, and tourists looking to make the most of their time in San Diego will find that the USS Midway Museum is a must-visit destination that’s as entertaining as it is rewarding.

In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about USS Midway Museum tickets – cost, discounts, where to buy, best time to go, special tours available and insider tips to prepare for your visit. From the extensive Flight Deck to walking along the Captain’s Bridge, this guide will help you prepare, so you can get the most out of one of the best things to do in San Diego.

USS Midway Museum Ticket Pricing and Options

It all begins with knowing how much are tickets. The USS Midway Museum has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re traveling on your own or with an entire group. A sample list of general admission prices (other than the above) can be found below (current as of 2025 and is entirely fictional).

• General Admission Adult (13–61 years old): $26
• Child General Admission (6–12 years): $18
• Children (5 and under): Free
• Seniors (62 and older): $22
• Students (with valid college ID – 13 and over): $22
• Military and Veterans:
  • Active-duty military, reservists, sworn law enforcement, and firefighters (with valid ID): Free
  • Veterans (with valid ID): $22

Museums for All Program: $3 admission for EBT cardholders, at the on-site ticket booth with EBT card and ID (up to four people per card).

Discounts and Special Offers

The USS Midway Museum offers a variety of discount options for tickets, so it’s an inexpensive inclusion in your San Diego trip. Here is an in-depth look at the available discounts:

• Kids Free October: Oct. 1-31, up to two kids (6-12) get in free with purchase of one full-price adult ticket. As part of Kids Free Month in San Diego for families coming to town for fall break.
• San Diego Museum Month (February): All February long, score a San Diego Museum Month Pass at local libraries or at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Guards can take half off any four regular-priced, general admission, full-priced visitors. That’s a good chance to check out other San Diego attractions at a discount, such as Balboa Park museums.
• CityPASS and Go City San Diego Passes: Pair USS Midway with other attractions such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld or LEGOLAND California to save up to 44%. For example:
  • San Diego CityPASS (www.citypass.com) and includes the USS Midway plus select add-ons; great for travelers with a few days to kill when planning their San Diego trip.
  • Go City San Diego (gocity. com) sells All-Inclusive or Explorer Passes that include USS Midway admission. Apply promo codes like GOSDQ4LJM for 5% off or SUMMER25 for 10% during July weekends (based on availability).

Embarcadero Adventure Deals: When you buy general admission tickets online through the USS Midway Museum official website, you gain access to special ticket deals at other attractions in the area, such as:

• $5 off a San Diego Maritime Museum ticket
• $5 off per person on 1-Hour or 2-Hour Harbor Tours with City Cruises or Flagship Cruises (up to six people)
• 10% off at participating Embarcadero restaurants

Group Discounts: Groups of ten or more including school trips, scout troops, and corporate outings, get special rates. For details and reservations, call (619) 398-8264 or contact the museum’s group sales department at [email protected].

AAA and AARP Discounts: AAA and AARP members could discover occasional offers from their programs, however availability changes. (Readers should check with their membership provider and on the museum’s website for details.)

Note: Some offers can’t be combined, and not all the deals include special events or group bookings, or already-discounted tickets. Always check terms on the official USS Midway Museum website (www.midway.org) before purchasing.

Where and How to Buy USS Midway Museum Tickets

The best way to a smooth planning your visit to this icon of San Diego is by securing your tickets ahead of time. Here are the best places to buy USS Midway Museum tickets:

• Official Website (www.midway.org): Ordering at the USS Midway Museum’s web store is the safest and easiest way to purchase tickets. When you buy tickets online you have the opportunity to choose your visit date and Skip the Ticket Booth line, PLUS you can save with Embarcadero Adventure Offers. General admission tickets are good for daytime hours (10 AM to 5 PM; last entry is at 4 PM). Digital tickets can also be stored on your phone for convenience at the gate.
• On-Site Ticket Booth: At Navy Pier (910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) you’ll find the ticket booth where tickets are first-come, first-served. But there can be long lines at peak times (summer, holidays, weekends) so booking online is heavily encouraged.
• Authorized 3rd Party Resellers: Additional savings or bundled offers may be available from these certified sellers:
  • San Diego CityPASS (https://www.citypass.com/): Admission to USS Midway and other attractions for tourists visiting multiple San Diego landmarks.
  • Go City San Diego (gocity.com) Flex passes with USS Midway access available. Search for seasonal promotional codes such as GOSDQ4LJM or SUMMER25 to save even more.
  • FunEx (www.funex.com): Offers discounted tickets starting from $22.05; no reservations necessary. Tickets are digital and can be scanned on your phone.
  • Tripster (www.tripster.com) Save up to 26% with USS Midway vacation packages that include tickets with hotel stays or additional local attractions.
  • Groupon (www.groupon.com): Sometimes has discounted rates on USS Midway tickets or combo packages, when they are available. Always double confirm with the OFFICIAL website.

Important Tips for Buying Tickets:

• Book online with at least 24 hours’ notice if you want to make sure you have a spot, and to avoid sold-out days, a frequent occurrence in high season.
• Don’t get scammed: Some tips to avoid being swindled by a third-party seller. Stay with a reputable source like the ones included above.
• Online tickets are non-transferable, but may be canceled for a full refund as late as 24 hours prior to your visit date. Policies of third-party resellers may differ, so check their terms.

Best Time to Visit the USS Midway Museum

Planning your visit can make a very big difference to your experience at this one of the top San Diego points of interest. Below is a comprehensive guide to selecting the optimal time to visit the USS Midway:

Best Time of Day to Visit: Best to go 10 AM when it opens to avoid the long lines, heat and most of all tons of tourist. The overwhelming majority of visitors spend 3 to 5 hours navigating the huge exhibits in the museum, so be sure to plan a half-day to explore. If you are coming later, shoot for early afternoon (1-2 PM) to minimize peak crowds.

• Best Seasons:
  • Spring (March to May): With mild temperatures (average highs range from 65–70°F) and fewer crowds, explore the outdoor Flight Deck and bask in the coastal charm of San Diego in spring.
  • Fall (September-October): Like spring, fall has agreeable weather and is less crowded. And October’s Kids Free promotion means it’s a budget-friendly month for families.
  • Winter (November – February): The quietest time to visit with some light rain, though indoor exhibits such as the Hangar Deck and Below Deck are unaffected. Also worth a visit in February, when Museum Month provides major discounts.
  • Summer (June–August): The high season will draw more crowds and higher temps (70–80°F). Get tickets early and arrive at opening to avoid the rush.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays, and particularly Tuesday-Thursday, are less busy and provide a more relaxed experience. Weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day) are busier, especially if there’s a fun festival going on.
• Weather: Sailing the USS Midway is in San Diego’s weather bank—it’s one that’s open year round. But the Flight Deck is an open space, so pack sunscreen, hats or light jackets for cooler morning or evening hours. Verifiy the forecast for San Diego’s Embarcadero area.

Pro Tips for Visitors:

• Carry earbuds or headphones for the self-guided audio tour, which is offered in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Chinese. The tour complements your experience with personal stories from the sailors at Midway.
• Same-day re-entry is allowed, which means you can break for a lunch at one of the Embarcadero’s restaurant and come back to keep exploring.
• To dig even deeper into the Midway experience, the USS Midway Museum mobile app (iOS, Android) provides interactive maps, exhibit descriptions, and up-to-the-minute information on tour availability.

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Special Tours, Exhibits, and Events at the USS Midway Museum

Things to do in San Diego: Spend the day at the USS Midway Museum 4. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:

• Self-Guided Audio Tour: Included with each admission is this tour of over 60 numbered sites throughout the ship, ranging from the engine room to the bridge. Told through the experiences of the Midway crew, it’s an intimate portrait of life on board the carrier. A family-friendly version, narrated by Airman Sam Rodriguez, provides entertainment for kids: young visitors are awarded Junior Pilot Wings after completion.
• Captain’s Bridge and Flight Control Tour: Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this limited-capacity docent-led tour (1,600 visitors daily) brings you to the command center of the ship. You will learn navigational techniques, flight operations and the Battle of Midway as you take in panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Get there early (preferably as soon as the Pinball Museum opens at 10) to snag a spot, because slots are limited and go quickly.
• Flight Simulators (Extra Fee): Choose from three types of flight simulators:
  • Air Combat 360: This two-person simulator lets you engage in dogfights or aerobatics.
  • F-18 Cockpit Simulator: Pilot the F-18 Hornet in a virtual cockpit.
  • Helicopter Experience: Fly a helicopter on a high-tech simulator. Simulators are $10–$20 per person, and are a favorite for attendees of all ages, including teens and adults.
• Voices of Midway Theater: Set on the Hangar Deck, this 90-seat theater presents a 15-minute, multiscreen, multimedia movie shown on 3 large screens; it features a holographic sailor describing the Battle of Midway. Showtimes are several times a day and are included with admission.
• Galleries and Aircraft: The museum’s 10-acre site consists of;
  • Flight Deck: Visit 29 restored aircraft, from World War II fighters such as the F4U Corsair to modern jets like the F-14 Tomcat. Visitors can climb inside many of the cockpits.
  • Hangar Deck: Interactive displays, including aircraft, and the Battle of Midway exhibit with holographic storytelling.
  • Below Deck: Explore the living quarters, engine room and brig where sailors lived and worked.
  • Docent Talks: Well-informed volunteers share tales and answers questions at select spots. Peruse the daily schedule for talks on what to see in grenada from aircraft restoration and combat to naval operations.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, USS Midway hosts different type of events including:
  • July 4th Celebration: An outdoor event featuring live music, fireworks and family activities (additional tickets may be needed).
  • Advertisement Veterans Day Salute: Honor veterans with special ceremonies, guest speakers and free admission for military personnel.
  • STEM Education Programming: Interactive teaching sessions for students, often linked to group visits.
  • Consult the events calendar on the official website (www.midway.org/events) for an updated schedule and ticketing information.
• Overnight Adventure Groups of 15 or more may reserve a private overnight stay on the ship, sleeping in real sailor bunks and participating in guided activities. It is necessary to book this unique experience in advance and it is not included in your general admission.

Accessibility Notes: The museum is about 60% wheelchair access, with elevators to Hangar deck and partial access to the Flight Deck. You can also borrow a wheelchair from courtesy loaner wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the museum with accessibility inquiries.

FAQs About USS Midway Museum Tickets

In order to best prepare for featured snippets and satisfy common visitor inquiries, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about USS Midway Museum tickets:

How much do USS Midway Museum tickets cost?

General admission is $26 for adults (13 to 61) and $18 for youth (6 to 12); children 5 and under enter free. Seniors (62+) and students (with ID) pay $22; afctive duty military, reservists, law enforcement and firefighters enter free with ID. Veterans also pay $22.

Are there discounts for USS Midway Museum tickets?

Yes, there are discounts (such as Kids Free October; up to two free youth tickets with one adult ticket, San Diego Museum Month (50% off in February), and with CityPASS or Go City passes). Groups of 10 or more are eligible for special rates, and EBT cardholders pay $3 through the Museums for All program.

Where can I buy USS Midway Museum tickets?

Purchase tickets online at www. midway. org for the best price and a line pass. Discounted tickets or packages are also available through authorized resellers including San Diego CityPASS, Go City, FunEx and Tripster. Tickets will be sold at Navy Pier (910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). However, purchasing in advance online is encouraged.

What’s included with USS Midway Museum tickets?

Tickets come with a self-guided audio tour (offered in six languages), admittance to more than 60 exhibits, 29 restored aircraft, a docent-led talk and “Voices of the Midway” movie. The Captain’s Bridge tour is also included, but capped at 1,600 guests a day. Special features such as flight simulators or events can be subject to additional fees.

What is the best time to visit the USS Midway Museum?

Go early (10 a.m.) on a weekday, especially in spring or fall, for shorter lines and milder weather. For families, October is a great month thanks to the Kids Free promotion, but Museum Month discounts are a deal in February.

Is the USS Midway Museum wheelchair accessible?

Approximately 60% of the museum is wheelchair accessible by elevator, including the Hangar Deck and portions of the Flight Deck. Wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Tight corridors below deck may be impassable.

Can I cancel or refund USS Midway Museum tickets?

Tickets purchased through www.midway.org and can be canceled for a full refund for up to 24 hours in advance. Terms on third-party reseller policies differ, so check them out before you purchase.

Are there special tours or events at the USS Midway Museum?

Yes, museum has a Captain’s Bridge tour (included, limited availability), flight simulators (extra charge) and events (such as Independence Day celebrations or overnights for groups). Check www.midway.org/events for details.

Insider Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum

Make the most out of your visit to this iconic San Diego site with these tips from insiders:

• Budget at Least 3–5 Hours: The museum covers a lot of ground, so give yourself ample time to visit the Flight Deck, the Hangar Deck, and Below Deck sections without feeling rushed.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes You’ll be taking lots of steps and climbing lots of stairs (or elevators, if necessary for access), so walk with ease. The ship’s decks can be jagged, so closed-toe shoes are advisable.
• Pack Light Layers: The Flight Deck sits out in San Diego’s coastal breezes, which can be chilly in the morning, or evening in the summer.
• Pair with Other Attractions: The USS Midway sits on the Embarcadero, just down the street from the San Diego Maritime Museum, Seaport Village and harbor cruises. Get discounts on nearby attractions with Embarcadero Adventure Offers or CityPASS.
• Parking and Transportation: Paid parking is accessible at Navy Pier or at a near by parking lot (eg ACE Parking at 900 N. Harbor Drive). You can reach us on public transportation (San Diego’s Trolley Green Line to Santa Fe Depot and walk 5 minutes) or on the various rideshare services Uber or Lyft.
• Dining options: The museum’s Fantail Café serves snacks and light meals, or you can leave and return to eat at restaurants such as The Fish Market or TopSail at the Maritime Museum.

Why the USS Midway Museum is a Must-Visit San Diego Attraction

Among the best things to do in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum offers you a chance to explore history, adventure, and family-friendly activities. At more than three football fields long, it is home to a treasure trove of exhibits that make the story of naval aviation come alive. Each step, whether getting into a fighter jet cockpit or listening to the voices of Midway sailors, is an opportunity to step into the past. The museum, situated on the picturesque San Diego Embarcadero, is a great stop for tourists visiting the waterfront of the city, with or without kids, friends or on your lonesome.

More than just educational, the USS Midway Museum is a testament to the bravery and creativity of the US Navy. No wonder it’s ranked among the best museums in the U.S. every year, with more than 1 million visitors taking it in annually. If you live in San Diego or are visiting, this is a must-visit attraction.

Plan Your USS Midway Museum Adventure Today

So are you ready to walk onto one of the most legendary aircraft carriers in history? What Is the USS Midway Museum Like?The USS Midway Museum is a unique blend of history, discovery, adventure and entertainment. With low-cost ticket options, exclusive discounts, and numerous exhibits and tours, it is one attraction anyone coming to San Diego should enjoy. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover a piece of living history, and book your USS Midway Museum tickets today, available at the attraction’s website (www.midway.org) or trusted resellers like CityPASS, Go City or FunEx to book ahead and save off the general admission price.

Start planning your San Diego adventure today! Combine your trip to USS Midway with visits to other must-see attractions in the area, such as San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park or a harbor cruise. Questions? Tips? Comments? Leave them in the comments below and let’s make sure your visit to one of the best things to do in San Diego is more enjoyable!