San Diego Military Attractions

San Diego’s location on the edge of the Pacific means the city has a strong naval and military presence. You can explore our military history at several San Diego museums, or conduct active business at nearby Naval Base Point Loma.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1992 and today is the USS Midway Museum. Simply seeing the enormous ship docked is impressive; go on board for up-close encounters with the aircraft it carries, and test out your own flying and landing skills in its flight simulators. Learn about the famous Battle of Midway in the ship’s theater. You’ll also explore the crew’s life on board, from their sleeping quarters to the galley to the brig.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

There are more military aircraft at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, including the famous Spitfire and a Soviet Mig-17. Flight simulators, including aerial combat, put you in the pilot’s seat. The museum’s exhibits cover the entire history of military aviation from WWI into the space age.

Flying Leathernecks

Marine Corps aviators get their due respects at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum on MCAS Miramar. There are more than 27 planes on display, and you have the chance to sit in the cockpit and get a feel for the pilot’s experience.

Honoring Veterans

Pay your respects to veterans as you stroll along the Embarcadero, where the Greatest Generation collection of artworks is displayed. You can also visit the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park, or the Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, which sits high above the beautiful seas where our naval veterans served.

Best Western Plus Island Palms’ marina location means thoughts of the sea and the navy are never far away. At just two miles from Naval Base Point Loma and six miles from the Midway Museum, Island Palms is a great base for reaching the military attractions of San Diego.