2. USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway served as America’s longest active aircraft carrier from 1945 to 1992. Today it is permanently docked on the Embarcadero and transformed into one of the most visited naval museums in the world.
The included audio tour is narrated by former Midway sailors and adds context that turns this into more than a walk-through museum stop. You can explore the flight deck, see over 30 restored aircraft, and understand why San Diego is known as Navy Town USA.
If you are visiting San Diego for the first time, this is one of the strongest history experiences in the city and easy to combine with a waterfront walking route.
📍 Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Cost: $31 adults, $26 seniors/students, $21 kids 6-12, free under 6
⏱ Time needed: 2-4 hours
🕐 Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm; last admission at 4pm
🌤 Best time: Weekday mornings before 11am
Traveler’s Tip:
Download the audio tour app before you arrive, and don’t miss the flight simulator experiences (book these separately as they fill up quickly). Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be climbing steep stairs and walking several miles throughout the ship.