San Diego’s Navy Pier + USS Midway Museum

San Diego USS Midway Discount Tickets + Activity Review

Navy Pier in San Diego is a hot destination for military buffs because of the museum that is the USS Midway. But anyone curious about our nautical and aviation history will enjoy a visit. Most notable is the USS Midway, a working Navy ship turned museum.

You can go inside the historic aircraft carrier or just take a look around while you stroll along the waterfront. Want to take the full tour narrated by Midway sailors (highly recommended)?

Savvy tip: Skip down this page for a review of USS Midway discount offers.

From USS Midway, I like to walk south to enjoy the green areas and to grab a bite at the Fish Market Restaurant along the water. Keep walking and you’ll see the Seaport Village shops and more restaurants, and eventually you see an amazing view of the Coronado Peninsula over the water.

The activities along the San Diego waterfront is what attracts me most, but once there, you can’t help but admire the well-presented USS Midway Museum and related attractions, including more than 20 restored aircraft where you can climb into some of the cockpits, and more than 60 exhibits.

You can go aboard the the Midway’s deck for free. Working Navy ships also come and go at Navy Pier and sometime offer free, guided tours.

About USS Midway

USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, is a the 972-foot (296-meter) craft in service from 1945 until Desert Storm in 1991.

When you visit USS Midway, you can see some things for free. Or you can purchase tickets (see deals below) that include admission, a self-guided audio tour to more than 60 locations narrated by Midway sailors who lived or worked there. You can listen to real pilot conversations during Desert Storm, and sit in the ejection seat theater, visit the ships galleys, sleeping quarters, and engine room.

My favorite thing to do is take in the panoramic view of downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge from the four-acre flight deck. But my military relations get into the nitty gritty, exploring every detail of the ship’s rich history.

This is a very family-friendly experience, especially now that they’ve added a new child’s audio tour for 7-12 year olds. Kids can climb into the aircraft and helicopters, ride the flight simulators, climb into the bunks, and play with the interactive exhibits.

USS Midway Discount Tickets

Discount tickets for the historic naval aircraft USS Midway Museum are sometimes available online for a better price than at the door.

Buying your tickets online also lets you skip the ticket line, so you can usually board right away. Note: I try to keep these offers updated, but the host of each deal may change them without notice.

How to Get In Free

Active Duty with ID get in free (retired military get a discounted $10 admission at the door). Children 5 years old and younger always get in free. 

Best deal for Weekends

Any Day/Weekend 30% Off — Valid Any Day (including weekends) and you don’t need to pick your date when you order. (That way you can change your mind and go later.) No fees. Print-and-go tickets.

Best deal for Weekdays

Any Weekday 20% Off — Museum Admission Print at Home Tickets Available.

Best deal for Reserved Days

Reserved Date 25% Off — No fees, but with this ticket source you’ll need to pick your visit date when you order.

Go San Diego Card

Here’s where to get the best price on the Go San Diego discount card, which includes free admission to USS Midway Museum as one of the activities. This combo pass, also has an option to include up to 46 other San Diego activities and attractions.

Plus they’re running a sale right now. Their new Build Your Own San Diego Pass is customizable, so you can choose any two or more activities and save on just the ones you want.

USS Midway: Know Before You Go

Where to Get Tickets

Available at the door, or grab a USS Midway ticket deal from one of the sources listed above.

Open Hours

The USS Midway Museum is open 10am to 5pm daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Last admission at 4pm.

Address & Location

USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92101.

The USS Midway Museum is located on San Diego Bay (alongside Navy Pier) in downtown San Diego, not far from the San Diego International Airport, Port of San Diego Cruise Terminal, San Diego Convention Center, downtown Gaslamp District, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo.

Where to Park

You can park alongside Midway on Navy Pier, more than 300 spaces, for $5 to $12, depending on how long you stay.

When to Go

Going on a weekday is a good way to avoid crowds. Or if you go on a weekend, earlier is best. Give yourself a couple hours to see everything. People using the free audio tour typically spend a minimum of four hours.

Plan Your Route

You can wander at will, but the best way is to start at the top and work your way down. That way you’ll see the bridge with its aerial view of the flight deck first. This is the command center. Then you’ll experience the flight deck next, and so on.

Children

Your kids can earn their “wings” at the end of the tour by answering simple questions at the exhibits. Ask for the New Family Audio Tour, perfect for the little skippers.

Official Info

For more information, see USS Midway’s website at www.midway.org,