San Diego Air & Space Museum Review

Discover the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the ultimate destination in Balboa Park. Immerse yourself in a world of aviation and space exploration as you explore over dozens of aircraft and spacecraft recreations. Whether you're visiting with kids or on your own, this museum promises an unforgettable experience.

While the main location of the museum is at Balboa Park, they also have an annex at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. Explore this small annex to admire military jets, private sport aircraft, and small racing planes on display.

At the Balboa Park location, delve into six permanent exhibitions showcasing the rich history of flight. Marvel at the Theodore Gildred Rotunda, explore the World War I and World War II Galleries, step into the Golden Age of Flight Gallery, admire the Edwin D. McKeller Pavilion of Flight, and discover the Modern Jet & Space Age Gallery. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to explore the special exhibits and visiting displays (additional ticketing may apply).

Plan your visit to the San Diego Air & Space Museum today and embark on an incredible journey through the wonders of aviation and space.

Experience the Best of the San Diego Air & Space Museum!

Uncover the fascinating highlights that visitors love at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Get ready for an out-of-this-world journey:

• Step into history with the original Apollo 9 command module, a testament to the groundbreaking test flights that paved the way for space travel.
• Marvel at the Spirit of Saint Louis replica, the iconic plane that Charles Lindbergh flew on his historic New York to Paris solo adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the wonder of space exploration with captivating 3D/4D movies in our state-of-the-art theater. Check the schedule for screenings during your visit.
• Discover the amazing Wright Brothers 1902 glider, a reproduction of their game-changing aircraft that paved the way for modern aviation.
• Get up close to the Ryan Firebee II, a legendary target drone used by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s through the 1990s.
• Witness the power of the Blue Angel 1, a glorious F/A-18 A Hornet from the renowned Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron.
• Take flight in our exhilarating flight simulators, where you can experience aerial combat, flight training, and even the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. (Additional fees apply)

These remarkable attractions are just a fraction of what the San Diego Air & Space Museum has to offer. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian, it stands among the elite aerospace museums in the world.

Top 5 Essential Details About the San Diego Air & Space Museum

Plan your visit to the San Diego Air & Space Museum with ease by knowing these key facts. Find out about special events, ticket prices, and exclusive deals.

Tickets and Hours:

Explore the main campus from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ticket prices are:

• Adult (12+): $23
• Child (3-12): $13
• Senior (65+): $19
• Student (with ID): $19
• Retired military (with ID): $19
• Active military (with ID): $0
• Infant (0-3): $0

Discover the Gillespie Field Annex:

While smaller, this annex provides a unique experience. Open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults (12+) and free for children. Be sure to check the operating hours of any San Diego museum before your visit.

Interactive Activities:

Kids can enjoy a hands-on experience with replicas, while the adults can delve into the state-of-the-art flight simulators. Sit back and relax in the 3D/4D theater, where educational films about space come to life. Remember, motion sickness sufferers should take caution.

Special Events:

The museum hosts regular events throughout the year, including Pumpkin Chucking in October and talks by NASA engineers and flying legends. Take advantage of rotating exhibits, such as the interactive Galileo exhibit and the Aerospace Hall of Fame. Check the calendar to see if any events coincide with your visit.

The Flight Path Grill:

Enjoy a delicious meal at the Flight Path Grill, open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don't worry if you can't dine in – the museum store offers prepared meals as well. Choose from a variety of options, including hot dogs, salads, snacks, and more.

Gift Shop:

Explore the diverse range of souvenirs, costumes, clothing, and unique items at the San Diego Air & Space Museum's shop. From space food to autographed plaques, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to find the perfect gift.

Make your visit to the San Diego Air & Space Museum an unforgettable experience by staying informed and taking advantage of all it has to offer. Don't miss out on this incredible journey through aviation history. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum today!