maitaitom

For all the times I have been to San Diego, I had never gone on the USS Midway. Yesterday, however, we finally found the chance to go on board and take the tour. For a history buff like me, it was quite fascinating. If you are interested in ever going on the USS Midway or would like to see more about it, click on my website below and then click on "California Dreaming." There are pictures of our day, as well.

http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...e/Welcome.html

d_claude_bear

I agree comletely. My wife and I went, with limited expectations, and were amazed at the sights and the info we got from the many "docents," most of whom were former military pilots who had many missions from aircraft carriers and knew the "nuts and bolts" of the procedures and perils. You don't need to be military-orienyted (we certainly aren't) to enjoy this attraction. And while there, visitors should stroll past the "Urban Trees" and consider visiting the Maritime Museum. You are just a short walk from Little Italy. Enjoy!!

logandog

Touring The Midway was the highlight of my trip to San Diego,but I love ships.
The walking tour can be a real workout if you go down to the engine room and all the way up to the bridge.

maitaitom

d_claude, We love Little Italy!

logandog, I'm just happy we didn't trip anywhere going from room to room, although Kim did get a noggin full of pipe when he didn't duck in time.

volcanogirl

Tom, I'm having fun exploring all your trip reports for our upcoming SD trip. You're giving me some great ideas!

HappyTrvlr

Did you notice the color of the flooring changed to ocean blue when you entered the Admiral's area of the ship? We found the tour fascinating as well. Quite a workout climbing those stairs!

MichelleY

Definitely a must on a visit to San Diego.

maitaitom

By the way...the link above is from a long time ago. Here is my relatively new website that has all about it. Prices might be a little different from when I went there.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/uss-midway-museum-san-diego/

jetset1

Very worthwhile. We had taken our sons on the tour when they were younger. Then, when my younger son graduated from the USMC Recruiting Depot, they gave him a family pass. He and a pal were lucky to have a former Marine fighter pilot that day. They spent two hours just talking to him.

Highly recommend, and there is something there for every age, including very realistic flight simulators in some plane mock-ups.

Also, we took the bay cruise, and you learn quite a bit about the Navy history, while enjoying planes flying over, and seeing things like the Navy Seal Stealth boat, and covered submarines.

We try to visit the Midway every other trip.

volcanogirl

I'm definitely going to put this on our to do list. My husband would love to do the flight simulator - is that included in the regularly priced ticket? About how long would you allocate to do the tour?

jetset1

volcanogirl, the simulators are extra, bit pretty fun. My oldest son was somewhat of a savant with aviation games, and they gave him a free hour, after he attained the most kills on his simulator, lol.

I remember two different kinds of planes.

I found some info. for you.

http://www.midway.org/flight-simulators

HappyTrvlr

I think our tour was around 2 hours, maybe a little longer.

volcanogirl

Thanks, everyone, for the great info. The simulators sound pretty amazing - my husband would definitely get a kick out of doing that.