USS Midway Museum

Plan your visit to USS Midway Museum

Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these

How long to spend

Most families spend three to four hours, and the museum itself suggests four or five to see everything. Flight simulators, docent talks and the Junior Pilot activity stretch the visit, and same-day re-entry is allowed.

Best time to go

Midweek mornings are quietest; on weekends and event days, arrive early for parking on Navy Pier.

Parking & getting there

The Navy Pier lot next to the ship is closest, with metered spots on Harbor Drive, the IQHQ RaDD underground garage across the street, and B Street Pier (on non-cruise days) as backups. Santa Fe Depot and the America Plaza trolley station are about a five-minute walk.

Best ages

School-age kids get the most out of climbing into cockpits on the flight deck and earning wings in the Junior Pilot Program. The Air Combat 360 and Screaming Eagles simulators require riders to be at least 42 inches tall, and the steep ladders below deck are tough with toddlers.

Food

Outside food and drinks are not allowed onboard, though clear plastic water bottles are fine. The Fantail Cafe on the hangar deck serves sandwiches, burgers, pizza and Starbucks coffee, and Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter are close for more choices.

What to bring

Wear closed-toe shoes for the ladders and uneven surfaces, and dress in layers since temperatures change around the ship. Bring hats and sunscreen for the open flight deck; strollers are allowed but impractical below deck.

Rain or heat plan

The hangar deck, below-deck spaces and the Battle of Midway Theater are all indoors, so a rainy or hot day works fine; save the exposed flight deck for when the weather breaks.