I’m a San Diego local, and I’ve been on the USS Midway three times. Twice with family. Once by myself, just to wander. Each time, the price felt a tiny bit high at first. But then I’d step onto the flight deck, feel the wind, and hear a former Navy pilot tell a story that made me stop and just… listen.
For readers who want an even deeper dive into every nickel and dime I shelled out, I broke it all down in I Paid to Visit the USS Midway in San Diego — Was It Worth the Price?.
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Let me explain.
What I Actually Paid
- On my last visit (spring 2024), my adult ticket was a little over thirty dollars before tax.
- My kid (9) was around twenty.
- Kids five and under were free.
- Seniors paid a few dollars less.
- Active-duty military with ID didn’t pay for general admission when we went.
- The audio tour headsets were included.
Prices can shift, so double-check the museum site or call before you go. I learned that the hard way once, standing in the sun and squinting at a sign. Their concise Know Before You Go page is also worth a skim—it lists current hours, bag policies, and parking tips so you’re not caught off-guard.
Online vs. At the Gate
I bought tickets online on my second trip. It saved me a small amount per ticket and cut the line a bit. Not a huge deal, but when the kids get wiggly, even five minutes helps. At the gate, the line moved fine, but on weekends it snaked back toward the harbor. You know what? Bring a hat. The sun off the water is sneaky. If you want to lock in your spot ahead of time, you can snag passes directly through the museum’s secure online ticket portal.
If you’re curious about every step of the online checkout—fees, pop-ups, and all—my post I Bought USS Midway Museum Tickets in San Diego — Here’s My Honest Take walks through the process click by click.
Add-Ons and “Gotchas”
- The flight simulators were extra. We paid around ten bucks each. My son loved it, even though we spun too much and he laughed so hard he hiccupped.
- Parking near the ship isn’t free. We used the lot right by the pier and paid roughly in the $10–$20 range for a few hours. Street spots were tough.
- Food on the ship costs about what you’d expect at a museum. Sandwiches, fries, soft serve. Not cheap, not wild either.
None of that ruined the day. But it’s good to know so your wallet doesn’t faint.
What We Did for That Price
Here’s where the Midway wins.
- We spent almost four hours on board and still missed things.
- A volunteer named Mike, a former aviator, told us how catapults work. He tapped the deck with his boot, and the sound rang in my chest.
- My kid climbed into a cockpit (F-4) and flipped switches like he was saving the planet.
- Down below, we saw the bunks, the mess hall, and a tiny barber chair. It felt close and real—like you could smell coffee and machine oil at the same time.
- The audio tour was clear, with short stops so kids don’t tune out. I liked the stories about life on board more than the tech, to be honest.
I walked out with a patch from the gift shop and sore calves from all the stairs. Those ladders are no joke. If naval history grabs you, the USS San Diego website is packed with firsthand stories and photos that add even more context to the ships you’ll see on the waterfront.
Ways We Saved (Or At Least Tried)
- Buying tickets online shaved a bit off and sped things up.
- We brought water bottles and filled them up outside before we boarded. San Diego sun, remember?
- If you’re doing other attractions, check city passes. Some include the Midway and can make the math easier.
- Ask about military, student, or senior rates. It never hurts.
Scoring a discount code can help, too; here’s my real take on finding a USS Midway coupon and actually using it if you want to try that route.
Small Gripes (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
- Weekend crowds make the flight deck feel busy. You may wait to sit in cockpits.
- The lower decks get warm and tight. Strollers and narrow stairs do not mix.
- The flight simulators can stack up a line. If you want that, go early.
Still, none of this was a deal-breaker. Just stuff to plan around.
Was It Worth the Price?
Short answer: yes—if you give it the time.
If you only have an hour, the cost feels steep. But if you stay three to four hours, listen to a docent, and take the audio tour, it lands. History feels human here. You can see the ocean and picture the deck alive with noise and speed. It’s not just planes; it’s people.
Quick Tips I Wish I Knew
- Go early or late morning. The light on the water is pretty, and it’s cooler.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. Those steel stairs bite.
- Hit the lower decks first, then the flight deck. Crowds build upstairs.
- Snap your photos fast; then put the phone away and listen to a docent. That’s where the value lives.
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Final Take
Is the USS Midway cheap? No. But it’s fair. I’ve paid the price three times now, and each visit gave me a new story. A tiny moment. A voice I can still hear. If you care about ships, planes, or just plain grit, it’s worth the ticket—and the sunscreen.
And hey, grab a patch on your way out. Mine sits on my desk, a little navy blue square that makes me sit up straighter.