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San Diego Air and Space Museum and International Aerospace Hall of Fame Review

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San Diego Air and Space Museum and International Aerospace Hall of Fame

Fodor's Review:

By day, the streamlined edifice commissioned by the Ford Motor Company for the 1935-36 exposition looks unlike any other structure in the park; at night, outlined in blue neon, the round building appears -- appropriately enough -- to be a landed UFO. Every available inch of space in the rotunda is filled with exhibits about aviation and aerospace pioneers, including examples of enemy planes during the world wars. All in all, there are 68 full-size aircraft on the floor and literally hanging from the rafters, and interactive exhibits that kids love (such as the DC-3 cockpit display where they can pretend to fly). In addition to exhibits from the dawn of flight to the jet age, the museum also displays a growing number of space-age exhibits, including the actual Apollo 9 space capsule. A collection of real and replicated aircraft fills the central courtyard, and a behind-the-scenes tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday allows you to watch volunteers restoring aircraft or creating replicas.

  • Cost: $10, restoration tour $5 extra
  • Open: Daily 10-4:30, 5:30 Memorial Day-Labor Day

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