san diego navy ship tours

San Diego Cruise Guide > San Diego Harbor Cruises > Navy Base Tour

San Diego Naval Base Tours

San Diego has the largest Naval Base on the west coast and is home to the Pacific Fleet. San Diego's Naval Bases are closed to visitors most of the time, but there are other ways to get a look at the Navy in this port city. An excellent option is to take a harbor cruise that tours past the naval ships. A maritime museum is also available, as well as an aircraft carrier open to visiting.

A special event that includes Navy-related tours is Fleet Week San Diego , which offers Ship Tours at Broadway Pier and a Boat Parade on the San Diego bayfront. Miramar Air Show is at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

Throughout the year, Flagship Cruises Harbor Tours take you by boat to see the Naval Base, the Pacific Fleet, the Naval Air Station, and the Sub Base. You'll get a great view of the Navy ships and operations from the water.

City Cruises Harbor Tours also take you on the water to see all the sights, including the Naval Bases.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a San Diego's Navy exhibit . It depicts 100 years of the Navy here, and includes artifacts and models.

The USS Midway aircraft carrier is the most visited naval ship museum in the world. The Midway was the longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century and 225,000 sailors served our country on this huge ship. Your tour includes 29 restored aircraft, and two fun flight simulators for you to try. You'll see the carrier's crew quarters, big galley, engine room, machine shops, flight control, and the bridge. The USS Midway is located on the downtown San Diego waterfront.

Military Ship Tours

November 8 – 11, 2024.

Event Times:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Broadway Pier 1000 N. Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92132

We invite you to come down to the spectacular San Diego bayfront to tour our visiting ships docked at Broadway Pier and get a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the sailors serving in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.

Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must be at least five years old to tour the ships. Strollers, glass, large bags and large backpacks will not be permitted on board. Closed toe shoes are Highly recommended.  There are no elevators aboard the ships, those with limited mobility should not join the tour.

Due to the Navy’s current operational security posture, we cannot confirm the names of the ships participating until the ships are pier side. Thank you for understanding.

• Ship tours are FREE
• No Tickets needed
• No Advance Reservation needed
• Valid Government Picture ID Required. (i.e.: Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, etc.)

CLOSED-TOE SHOES ARE REQUIRED.

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USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum sits in San Diego at the Navy Pier welcoming and enriching guests from around the world. Its patriotic service and military operations are brought to life throughout this interactive museum. Relive the legacy of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval history-47 years! “Midway Magic” became a recognized term describing the amazing tenacity of the Midway and its crew. When other ships broke down or headed for port, the Midway continued to respond, to perform from the end of WWII all the way through Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Coming in at #6 on the Tripadvisor® 2016 Travelers’ Choice list of the Top 25 Museums in the United States, the USS Midway  Aircraft Carrier Museum doesn’t disappoint. Standing tall in the San Diego Bay, this impressive aircraft carrier is likened to a floating city on the sea and delights visitors year ‘round. During the sunlit-filled hours of the day, locals and travelers alike take pride in the nearly 50 years of military history showcased aboard this stunning vessel. And in the evening, the red, white and blue lights adorning the deck shine brightly across the harbor.

Visitor Information

A short drive from the international airport and Port of San Diego, the USS Midway Museum serves as a constant reminder of the symbiotic relationship that San Diego has with the military. After a walk along the Embarcadero, purchase your ticket and climb aboard. A “Welcome Aboard” sign greets visitors as they enter. Once on board the longest serving naval aircraft carrier of the 20th century, guests can grab an audio guide and continue on their way.

The Self-Guided Tour

Over 225,000 service members have served aboard the USS Midway . Once your headsets are on and you’re ready to enjoy your journey, the tour will take you from deck to deck wiggling through the ins and outs of the aft and starboard sides. Some of the many spectacular spaces showcased on the tour are the sick bay, combat stations, jail, laundry, mess halls, galleys, bridge, and quarters of all different levels of servicemen. From the tiny quarters of sailors to the large sized rooms for the Admiral, you can walk through the footsteps of history to feel what it was like to live, work and serve aboard this floating sea vessel.

Family Activities

Families can take part in flight simulations, interactive exhibits, films, knot-tying exercises and conversations with military veterans. On a regular basis, World War II combat veterans are aboard the ship to speak to guests. Give a hug, shake a hand, take a photo or listen to a story – these revered veterans have much to share and much to teach.

Visit the Aircraft

Special Events

Before you head out, check out the many other opportunities offered aboard the USS Midway . From venue spaces for special events to onboard educational programs, this aircraft carrier provides information of seafaring history in a variety of ways. Teachers can plan real and virtual field trips, schools can receive professional development and you can even sleep overnight aboard the carrier. Find out about the many military ceremonies and the countless events open to the public. In the summer, be sure to check out the movie nights on the flight deck and join in for the celebration at one of the best viewing spots for the Fourth of July fireworks over the water.

Things to Do Nearby

Nearby the USS Midway are a number of attractions with various ways to take in the joys of downtown San Diego. Check out some adventures not far away:

• Old Town Trolley Tour : The best way to see the city of San Diego
• Hornblower Cruises: Dinner and entertainment cruises
• Maritime Museum : Museum of tall ships and submarines
• Embarcadero : Boardwalk beside the San Diego Bay
• Little Italy : Saturday farmer’s market, shopping, dining and entertainment
• Lane Field: Former baseball stadium and original home to the San Diego Padres
• Liberty Station: Former Naval Training Center turned shopping and dining area
• Seaport Village/The Headquarters : Shopping, dining and entertainment
• Convention Center : Home to the International Comic-Con event
• Gaslamp Quarter : Historic dining, shopping and entertainment precinct

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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Year in and year out, the USS  Midway  Museum is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. This unique destination is actually a United States naval aircraft carrier that has been decommissioned and turned into a museum. Visitors to the USS  Midway  Museum can peruse a series of exhibits that demonstrate what life was like for the crew in every aspect of their time in service, as well as explore the over 30 historic aircrafts that remain onboard the vessel.

Save on your visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum! USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is included on the Go San Diego Pass . Save an additional 5% on the Go City Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on May 31st.

USS Midway History

Over the course of the 20 th  Century, no United States aircraft carrier was in active service for longer than the USS  Midway . Named in honor of the Battle of Midway, a significant naval confrontation that took place in early June 1942, the USS  Midway  was launched in September 1945, just after the close of World War II. The USS  Midway  would go on to see action all over the world, engaging in deployments off the coast of Vietnam, joining in NATO exercises, and serving as flagship naval carrier during Operation Desert Storm.

The USS  Midway  was decommissioned in 1992, and spent the next decade in storage. In 2003, plans were made to transform  Midway  into a museum, and the ship was moved to San Diego Bay. The USS  Midway  Museum opened its doors in 2004, and millions of visitors have passed across its decks ever since.

What’s at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

There are four primary exhibit areas at the USS  Midway  Museum: Hangar Deck, Flight Deck, Below Decks, and the Aircraft Gallery. Each one of the deck exhibits contains a plethora of hands-on experiences that share the story of life on the  Midway , details about its lengthy career, and historical artifacts pertaining to some of its many missions. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Gallery is home to over 30 historic aircrafts and helicopters. All of these aircrafts have been meticulously restored, and each one represents an important part of the  Midway ’s service.

The Battle of Midway Theater is a 90-seat facility that shows a 15-minute film called “Voices of Midway.” This riveting movie tells the story of the famous World War II battle that gave its name to the aircraft carrier, and is part of your general admission ticket. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra, you won’t want to miss going for a ride on one of the  Midway ’s flight simulators, Air Combat 360 and Virtual Reality Flight Experience: Screaming Eagles.

The USS  Midway  Museum has its own dedicated, on-site gift shop. Known as the Jet Shop, it occupies a prominent spot on the ship’s hangar deck, in the same location where jet engines were serviced by crew members when the vessel was on active duty. There you’ll have your pick of Navy-related apparel, souvenirs, books, and USS  Midway -themed memorabilia.

Not too far from the Jet Shop is Café 41, USS  Midway ’s in-house restaurant. Café 41 has been recently renovated and now features an all-new menu. Favorites here include staples like sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. There’s usually a daily special or two available as well. If you’re hungry but in a hurry, Jet Express is a “grab-n-go” option that might work best for you and your needs.

Tips for Visiting the USS Midway

• If you are planning to visit many tourist attractions while in Sand Diego, think about buying a Go San Diego Pass . It includes admission to the Midway Aircraft Carrier as well as lot of other popular tourist attractions for one price.
• The USS  Midway  Museum is a large site, where there’s a lot to see and do. Therefore, it’s recommended you budget three to four hours when planning to visit, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet plenty!
• Unlike most museums, the USS  Midway  Museum actually permits same-day re-entry. All you have to do is swing by the Visitors Information Center for more details.
• All visitors are provided a self-guided audio tour with their admission. This terrific resource is divided into three parts covering the flight deck, hangar deck, and below-deck, and since it’s self-guided, you can customize your listening experience to suit your interests. If you were to listen to the entire tour, it could take you upwards of four hours to complete. The museum recommends bringing your own headphones or earbuds. 
• There are plenty of museum docents situated throughout the museum just waiting to answer any of your questions. Many of these individuals have personal experience as navy veterans, and they can easily be identified by the yellow hats they wear. 
• Air Combat 360 is a two-person flight simulator. Both spots must be occupied by participants, each participant must be at least 48” tall, and it costs less than $10 per person. Virtual Reality Flight Experience: Screaming Eagles is similarly priced, and each participant must be at least 38” tall. 
• Traveling exhibitions and special events routinely stop at the USS  Midway  Museum. Make sure you consult the museum’s calendar of events prior to your visit in order to be aware of any exciting, upcoming happenings that might be taking place around the time of your trip.

Navytown, USA: 12 must-visit naval sites in San Diego

As one of the largest fleet concentration areas in the world and home to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, San Diego’s temperate climate isn’t the only draw for tourists and transplants. The Navy snagged some of the best oceanfront real estate in America’s Finest City, but due to security measures, opportunities for the general public to access military bases nationwide are limited. For those who want to experience naval activities in San Diego that aren’t camouflaged, there are still many opportunities to say “hooyah!”

1. Perhaps the most popular Navy attraction is the USS Midway Museum , a decommissioned aircraft carrier-turned-museum that sees more than one million visitors annually. As the Navy’s longest-serving carrier of the 20th century, the USS Midway (CV 41) was in active service until 1992. Today visitors can explore 60 exhibits, see 29 restored aircraft and complete a self-guided audio tour. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events onboard annually, which the public is welcome to observe.

San Diego, so close yet so far from L.A.

2. Adjacent to the Midway, get in line to take a picture of the iconic 25-foot Unconditional Surrender sculpture replicating the famously photographed embrace of a sailor and nurse celebrating the end of World War II in Times Square. Nearby, the USS San Diego (CL 53) Memorial is a sculpture honoring the service and sacrifice of the World War II-era light cruiser and her crew.

3.  Fleet Week San Diego (Sept. 3 to Oct. 1, 2016) takes place annually during the fall, featuring public events like Navy ship tours, the Sea & Air Parade with Navy assets on San Diego Bay, the Coronado Speed Festival auto show and exhibition held on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) Air Show flight demonstration, among others. Fleet Week events are typically the best opportunities for the general public to visit a military installation.

4.  Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a military cemetery and California Historical Landmark in Point Loma, located on the grounds of a former Army artillery station. Spanning 77 acres, the cemetery holds more than 100,000 graves, including those of many notable Medal of Honor recipients. Memorial Day is one of the most popular times to visit.

5. Just past the cemetery, Cabrillo National Monument is home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and a statue of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. At 422 feet above sea level, the monument is a great vantage point to see the entire military footprint in San Diego, spanning the submarine, surface ship and aviation hubs.

6. Once a Naval Training Center, Liberty Station in Point Loma opened in 1923 as a training facility for Navy recruits. After the Cold War, the Navy eventually closed the base, which was later acquired by the City of San Diego. Today, Liberty Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a popular shopping, arts and culinary district with much of the original Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture still intact. The district’s layout still closely resembles a Navy base, with nods to its earlier life in many of the design elements.

7. Located within Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum has a large collection of fully restored military aircraft from both World Wars, the Korean War and Vietnam War. While there, test-drive one of the flight simulators or take a guided tour of the museum to hear about the history of aviation.

8. Over the landmark bridge in Coronado, much of the island belongs to the Navy, including NASNI and Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, making it a major site of naval activity. Navy SEAL candidates endure a rigorous course called Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado. Guests at Hotel del Coronado usually know when candidates make it to week four of training, also known as Hell Week, because the exercises are done on the beach near the hotel. The teamwork exercise “rock portage” is one of the most visible, where candidates simulate landing a boat on rocks, then carry the boat out of the water above their heads. A prime viewing spot, the same beach also falls along the flight line for aircraft landing at NASNI, recognized as the birthplace of naval aviation and home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Air Forces.

9. The 1986 blockbuster movie Top Gun is perhaps the naval aviation community’s best recruiting tool. Audiences watch Tom Cruise train at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School at MCAS Miramar, one of many local filming locations. Known as the “Top Gun bar” downtown where several scenes were filmed, Kansas City Barbeque is where the memorable jukebox serenade takes place with Kelly McGillis. To visit the “Top Gun house” where McGillis lived in the movie, drive north to the Oceanside cottage that still stands today on an empty lot in front of Hello Betty Fish House.

10. Owned by a former Navy SEAL, McP’s Irish Pub in Coronado is a favorite off-duty hangout among the Navy community. Previous patrons include Prince Harry and his British military brethren in 2011.

11. For the best views of San Diego Bay, head to Harbor Island, Shelter Island or Coronado Ferry Landing to see ships as they transit the harbor. Typically Mondays and Fridays are the best opportunities to spot a ship in action. In years past at Naval Base San Diego, homeport to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force, the base has opened to the public for a holiday lights open house when ships along the waterfront are aglow from bow to stern.

12. The Navy’s Marine Mammal Program is only visible by water from a few vantage points. The enclosure of dolphins and sea lions is located on Naval Base Point Loma, home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Submarine Force, where the mammals are trained to detect sea mines and other harmful underwater objects. Take a harbor cruise or ride a stand-up paddleboard through the channel between Liberty Station and Marine Corps Recruit Depot to get a peek of the enclosures and — just maybe — the top of a submarine.

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Fleet Week Military Ship Tours

Tours of US Navy and US Coast Guard ships will be available during Fleet Week on a first come, first served basis.

Visitors must be at least 5 years old to tour ships; strollers, glass, large bags and backpacks will not be permitted on-board.

Neighborhood: Downtown

Broadway Pier

1000 N Harbor Dr CA 92101

Contact Info

[email protected]

Date & Time

Oct 26 - Oct 28, 2018 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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Del Mar Racing Season

San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Racetrack racing season, mid-July - early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation's top racehorses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

San Diego Restaurant Week

San Diego Restaurant Week, hosted by the California Restaurant Association, returns with over 100 restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods for eight days of dining.

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Explore the Midway from the Comfort of Home

Let’s be clear: there is no substitute for a real, in-person, all hands on board visit to the Midway. But, for now, here are a few ways to see all the spectacular experiences in store for you.

Midway 360 Virtual Tour

Select an area to explore.

• Flight Deck
• Hangar Deck
• Jet Airplanes
• Helicopters
• Battle of Midway Theater
• Visitor Center
• Helicopter Cockpit

Audio Tours

Listen to what it was like to live aboard a floating city at sea..

Choose from two engaging audio experiences for the entire family to enjoy! Midway’s award-winning Audio Tour & Family Audio Tour bring the ship’s history to life.

Our Family Audio Tour is perfect for our Little Skippers! Families can follow Airman Sam Rodriguez as he leads youngsters on an eye-opening and entertaining audio tour to more than 30 locations throughout the aircraft carrier.

Our Audio Tour is great to listen to Midway pilots describe their incredible experiences flying more than 20 different aircraft from the flight deck off of this floating airport. Learn what it was like to drop anchor, sleep in an enlisted sailor’s bunk or fly a WWII aircraft. From the Sick Bay, Galley, Laundry and Engine room hear Midway sailors describe their daily shipboard life in their own words!

Turn your speakers up and click on the numbered sound bites to begin your tour of the USS Midway! Tours are available in 6 languages, simply click on the flag to access your desired language.

More Midway Fun From Home

Midway’s Aircraft Gallery

Explore a unique collection of more than 30 Navy aircraft including jets, propeller planes, and helicopters!

Karl’s Korner: History Blog

Meet Karl Zingheim, USS Midway’s ship historian and a San Diego State University military professor and specialist in naval history. Karl shares slices of naval history in his blogs that are family friendly and compelling reads for the military history or curious buff.

Little Skippers: Activities 
for Kids

Learn naval history and all about the USS Midway Museum from Airman Sam Rodriguez. Download activity sheets, recipes, and enjoy the Family Audio Tour for some family fun in the comfort of your home.

UNITED STORIES OF AMERICA

Restoring one of the u.s.’s biggest aircraft carriers.

The son of a fisherman, he was an enlisted man who “came up the hawsepipe” to become Chief Warrant Officer aboard Midway. Today, he will tell you to go the engine room — because that’s where the values of responsibility and respect can be found.

Fall of Saigon Survivor Recounts U.S. Navy’s Rescue in Vietnam

As Saigon collapsed around her, Stephanie and her family ran to a rescue helicopter destined for the USS Midway. Stephanie experienced firsthand the chaos and heartbreak of the U.S. evacuation in Vietnam. But what stayed with her to this day is a perspective of how precious freedom truly is. It’s a tale she’s still sharing from the Midway.

U.S. Navy Aviator and Former P.O.W. Tells His Story

The combat missions seemed endless. First, Jack and his co-pilot shot down two North Vietnamese fighter jets only minutes apart. But on his 285th combat mission, he was shot down by the enemy. This former USS Midway aviator’s journey carried him through the depths of pain and humiliation at the “Hanoi Hilton” — and ultimately to triumph, honor, and personal peace.

How 40,000 Dozen U.S. Eggs Saved a Philippine Village

Jim was responsible for all the supplies aboard a floating city of 4,500 voracious young men. From eggs to pens to equipment weighing tons, there isn’t anything that USS Midway supply officer Jim Reily hasn’t seen, ordered, inventoried, and reordered. Rescuing families threatened by a massive volcano eruption in the Philippines reminded him why it mattered.

An Aerial Reconnaissance Chief Talks Operation Linebacker

Ed Murray defied the odds to make sure that Navy aircrews could rely on their 75 planes during combat missions. He regularly worked two 12-hour shifts back to back, prepping jets with parts from half a world away for each day's missions: a life of "eat, sleep, work, repeat." To date, Ed Murray has even logged 7,500 hours as a docent on the Midway. Dedication doesn’t run any deeper.

How A Former U.S. Navy Captain Helped Avoid A Nuclear War

The shortest flight of his career was over in “10 or 15 seconds” — when a botched catapult launch dumped Herb Zoehrer's aircraft into the ocean where he was rescued by Midway crewmembers. His longest flights? Going low and slow, chasing enemy submarines. In the Cuban Missile Crisis, Herb and his fellow airmen stepped up to maintain a fragile peace.

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