I’ve walked past the USS Midway many times. Standing here, it's hard to believe that the USS Midway Museum now houses dozens of restored aircraft and interactive naval aviation exhibits. Big gray ship. Flags snapping. Gulls yelling like they own the place. But this time, I went for the famous “kissing statue” next to it. That artwork is officially known as the “Unconditional Surrender” statue, a 25-foot-tall ode to the jubilant Times Square photograph taken on V-J Day. You know the one—the sailor bent low, the nurse leaning back. Huge. Bold. Kind of sweet, kind of messy. I had my phone, a light jacket, and about two hours to wander.
If you’d like an even more detailed blow-by-blow of that moment, check out this longer rundown of exactly how the visit felt.
The vibe in one breath
Wind in my hair. Salt on my lips. People smiling at strangers. Cameras up. Kids trying to copy the pose. A Navy jet roared somewhere across the bay, and everyone’s heads popped up like meerkats. It felt like a postcard that actually moved.
Getting there without the hassle
I parked in the lot by the Midway. Pay-by-machine. I paid about twelve bucks for a couple hours. Easy walk along the water. The path is flat, so my friend pushed her stroller with no trouble, and I saw two wheelchairs glide past us like pros.
Pro tip: bring a sweater. The breeze sneaks up, even when the sun looks warm.
First look: big, bold, and a little extra
The statue is taller than you think. It towers—more than two stories. The sailor’s cap catches the light, and the nurse’s shoe points like she’s about to take flight. I stood at the base and looked up. My neck got tired, but in a good way. I snapped a pic and laughed at myself because it felt cheesy. And I liked it anyway.
Is it romantic? Yes. Is it simple? Also yes. But real life is not simple. Some folks say the kiss in the old photo wasn’t asked for. That made me pause. I watched couples hug and then I saw a veteran in a cap, hands in his pockets, just staring. We caught eyes, nodded. No words. Sometimes silence says enough.
When I went and what worked
I showed up near sunset. Golden hour love letter. The sky went soft orange, and the statue glowed. My phone loved that light. I knelt to shoot low, which made the figures look even taller. I also tried a wide shot with the Midway behind it. That one felt like San Diego on a plate. My niece rolled her eyes at me fussing with angles—and then asked me to take five more of her. Teens, right?
A sailor walking by offered to hold my bag while I took a picture of both of us, which was just kind and very on-brand for this spot.
Sounds, smells, little moments
- Guitar guy playing “Stand by Me.” He wasn’t great. He was fine. It fit.
- Sea breeze smelled like salt and a hint of grilled fish from The Fish Market next door. I got chowder after. Not sorry.
- Seagulls strutting like tiny mayors. One sat on the sailor’s cap for three minutes. Crowd went wild. Phones up again.
Not just one statue
Right nearby is the Bob Hope memorial—bronze figures of troops listening to him tell jokes. I walked the circle and read the little plaques. I don’t cry easy. That one got me.
And of course, the Midway is right there. You can tour the deck if you’ve got more time. I once paid for the full experience—here’s whether I thought the ticket was worth it.
If you want to explore another storied vessel from San Diego’s fleet, check out the USS San Diego site before you go.
Photo tips that actually helped me
- Go at golden hour. Morning works too if you want calm water and fewer crowds.
- Shoot low so the figures look epic. Knees on the ground, quick snap.
- Step back and frame the ship in the background. It tells the whole story.
- Watch your hair. Wind + lip gloss = a comedy you didn’t ask for.
Accessibility and simple comforts
The path is flat, wide, and friendly. Benches right by the water. Shade is hit or miss, so bring a hat. I found restrooms at the park area a short walk south; not fancy, but they do the job. Street vendors had churros and cold drinks. Cash helped. Card worked too.
If staying overnight is on your radar, I actually slept just steps from the Midway and put together an honest take on the nearby hotels.
What I loved and what bugged me
What I loved:
- Big feelings in a simple scene
- Sunset light on the metal—warm and strong
- Easy parking and flat paths
- People-watching was top-tier
What bugged me:
- Crowds bunched up, especially near the feet of the statue
- Wind made it chilly fast
- A few folks climbed where they shouldn’t, which slowed photos
Who will enjoy it
- Families who want quick, free “wow”
- History fans who like the Midway and the Greatest Generation Walk
- Couples who want a sweet, slightly corny picture (own it)
- Photographers who love big shapes and soft light
Solo travelers who find themselves swept up in the statue’s romantic energy sometimes ask how to meet other adults while they’re in town. If that’s you, consider browsing Instabang — the dating site focuses on quick, no-pressure hookups and makes connecting with like-minded locals in San Diego straightforward and discreet.
While we’re on the topic of meeting new people, if your journey later takes you up to the East Bay suburb of Danville, check out the Danville hookups guide for a curated list of bars, apps, and low-key date ideas that make finding a fun connection there just as easy as it is in SoCal.
My small digression that still matters
Art can be cute and also complicated. Standing there, I felt both. The statue says “victory” and “home” and “we made it,” and it also sparks a talk about consent and how stories change when we look closer. I liked that it made me think and not just pose.
Final take
Is it worth the stop? Yes. It took me 35 minutes to slow down, take photos, breathe the bay air, and feel something simple but real. I grabbed chowder after, watched the harbor lights blink on, and walked back to my car with cold fingers and a warm mood.
My rating: 4.5 out of 5. Go near sunset, bring a light jacket, and take the low-angle shot. You’ll thank me later.