Memorial Day Weekend Outing: The USS Midway Museum

Take a day aboard the famous floating wonder that once served this country. Military buffs and non-military buffs alike should not miss spending a Saturday or Sunday at the USS Midway Museum – the most-visited floating ship museum in the world with 4.1 million visitors in 5 years (2004-2009).

Whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy one, this is one attraction that gets you up close and personal with where naval personnel once lived and worked. According to the museum’s web site… “Commissioned a week after the end of World War II, the USS Midway embarked on an unprecedented 47-year odyssey that set new standards in naval aviation. More than 225,000 Americans took part in the odyssey that ended after Midway served as the Persian Gulf flagship in Desert Storm. It is the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier of the 20th century and largest ship in the world, 1945-1955.”

That said, put on your comfortable sneakers, grab your digital camera and get ready to enjoy America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier. Enter the floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom and peace.

The USS Midway Museum is an enjoyable afternoon for young and old alike. Once aboard, explore more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 25 restored aircraft. The self-guided audio tour, narrated by Midway sailors, brings the carrier’s history to life.

You can even “take to the sky” aboard one of three flight simulators to get a feel for what it’s like to be high in the sky. If that’s not exciting enough, check out the crew’s sleeping quarters, impressive galley, engine room, the ship’s jail, officer’s country, post office, machine shops, and pilots’ ready rooms, as well as primary flight control and the bridge high in the island over the flight deck.

You might just pass by one of the museum’s volunteers who are full of nostalgic stories about the ship and more. Don’t be surprised if you spend well more than 3 hours participating in all kinds of family-oriented activities such as short films, interactive exhibits, “Ejection Seat Theater,” and much more.

There’s even a place to grab a sandwich or burger right on the ship at the Fantail Café. Or enter the gift shop filled with every kind of USS Midway memorabilia you can imagine — from coffee cups and music to T-shirts and videos.

The USS Midway Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Last admission is at 4:00 p.m. General Admission: $18 adults, $15 seniors (62+) and students (with valid ID), $10 retired military (with valid ID); $10 youth (ages 6-17). Complimentary admission for children 5 years old or younger, active-duty military personnel (including Reservists) with valid ID (daytime admission only).

The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 N. Harbor Drive in
San Diego or call the main phone number (619)544-9600 for more information.

Photos Courtesy: USS Midway