As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, cities across the country are going bigger than ever for the Fourth of July with massive drone shows, stunning fireworks and historic parades.
But if you’re looking to celebrate the holiday while stepping inside a piece of history, few places are as unforgettable as the USS Midway Museum. Permanently docked along the city’s scenic waterfront, this enormous floating museum lets visitors explore one of the most recognizable ships ever built, transforming a former aircraft carrier into an immersive experience filled with history, engineering, and aviation.
USS Midway Museum: Skip The Line
13 July 2026 10:00 + more dates
Step aboard one of California’s most extraordinary museums
Located on San Diego Bay, the USS Midway Museum occupies the former USS Midway (CV-41), the U.S. Navy’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Commissioned in 1945 and converted into a museum in 2004, the ship has since become one of Southern California’s most visited attractions, welcoming millions of guests from around the world.
At the museum, visitors can explore more than 60 restored areas across the ship, from the engine room and sleeping quarters to the flight control center and captain’s bridge. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by former crew members.
The massive flight deck features dozens of restored military aircraft, many of which visitors can climb inside. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and restored cockpits make the museum especially popular with families.
The remarkable story behind the USS Midway
Although often described as a floating city, the USS Midway was first built as one of the largest ships in the world when it entered service in September 1945, measuring nearly 1,000 feet long. During its 47 years of active service, roughly 200,000 sailors served aboard the carrier, which remained in operation until 1992, making it the longest-serving U.S. aircraft carrier of the 20th century.
After its retirement, a community-led effort helped preserve the vessel, allowing it to reopen as the USS Midway Museum in June 2004.
