While visiting the San Diego Air and Space Museum, you’ll learn about the hair-raising antics of the pioneers of flight, whose moxie made air travel possible. The museum is divided into several galleries, each emphasizing the contributions San Diego has made to aviation. The galleries include the Theodore Gildred Rotunda, Special Exhibit area, World War I, Golden Age of Flight, World War II, Modern Jet & Space Age, and the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight.
Special Exhibits
SPEED: Science in Motion
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is bringing Speed to San Diego with a focus on competition, record-setting and racing throughout 2018, with of the Museum’s planes, jets, cars, space vehicles, motorcycles, and more – including some of the fastest vehicles known to mankind — having their top speeds posted next to them for everyone to enjoy. The heart of the Museum’s year-long celebration of speed is a new special exhibition, SPEED: Science in Motion. Designed and Produced by Scitech and Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, SPEED: Science in Motion is a fun, interactive exploration of the technology behind everything fast.
American Women of Flight honors contributions to the world of aviation by women. Notable aviatrixes, such as Bessie Coleman, Jacqueline Cochran, Fran Bera, Sally Ride, and many others are featured.
Atlas Rocket Exhibit: The Museum is proud to showcase an exciting exhibit telling the story of the Atlas rocket series from the late 1950s to the present. Both graphics and videos detail the history of the project. Describing its role in the space race, the manned Mercury orbital missions, its effect on the San Diego area. Finally its enormous successes in helping launch many space projects. Benefiting mankind in general along with lessons in rocketry and guidance.
Kids Aviation Action Hangar: This special “kids only” area has an abundance of attractions for kids of all ages. Preschoolers can enjoy magnetic toys and aviation coloring books, plus a dry erase board where they are able to sketch out their favorite airplane! Even pedal planes to whisk them around our kid-size airport. Grade school-age aviators will thrill at the “U-Fly-It” machine. A flight simulator experience in a real wind tunnel atmosphere. They’ll also enjoy a romp in our simulated moon’s surface.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is an incredible destination for aviation and space enthusiasts of all ages. The... museum is conveniently located in Balboa Park, near several other popular attractions. I recently visited the museum and was thoroughly impressed by the quality and depth of the exhibits.The museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including replicas of famous planes and rockets. The exhibits are informative and engaging, with interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about the science behind flight and space travel. Some of my favorite exhibits included the Apollo 9 spacecraft and the replica of the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer.In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs and events. I attended a lecture on the history of aviation that was both informative and entertaining. The museum also has a planetarium that offers shows throughout the day.The staff at the San Diego Air & Space Museum are friendly and knowledgeable. They were happy to answer any questions I had and provided great recommendations for other attractions to visit in the area.Overall, I highly recommend visiting the San Diego Air & Space Museum. It's a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation and space travel.read more
Loved it! My 6 year old son loved it! I'm a native San Diegan who has been going here since I was a kid. It gets... better and better. From the original Apollo 9 capsule to gorgeous examples of WW1 and WW2 aircraft, this museum is laid our brilliantly. For all ages, it has great hands on/climb in things for kids including two flight simulators where u can fly one of the blue angels. Conveniently located in Balboa Park and with plenty of parking, it's a must see for anyone!read more
We spent the day in Balboa Park and this was our first, and best, stop. So much history in this space! Among the many... aircraft, saw the original Apollo 9 capsule, a GPS satellite and a police car from 9-11. Enjoyed the Galileo exhibit located right where you enter (set up perfectly for students!). We ran into a great volunteer guide that gave us a load of information that made the visit more entertaining. The only negative is that this museum does not have AC, and we visited during the very hot and humid week (Sept 8) San Diego (and all southern CA) was experiencing. They did have the large fans going, but it didn’t help too much. However, the museum was so fascinating, we stayed to experience it, hot weather or not. If you visit Balboa Park, make this your first stop. It’s in the back of the park, and there is plenty of parking. There is a free shuttle that will take you in other areas of the park that runs every 15 minutes or so.read more
Very interesting museum! Good educational and hands on exhibits on Galileo and physics. Nice collections of early small... planes and WWI and WWII aircraft. Space exhibits, especially the Apollo 9 command module were very informative. Lots to see and do for both adults and kids.read more
The place is really awesome! Free military entrance, It has so many things to watch, do and read about, starting off... with massive physics rules, inventions and cool stuff to understand and learn about, then you got so many history about the cold war, the space race, and plenty of NASA items. Next you see attack helicopters from different countries and in different Eras, It looks like the Allied museum in Berlin but it’s more interactive and interestingread more
Many options to experience with some classics and some reproductions that look at amazing as the originals. Ideally,... this could be elevated to 5 stars with better audio options and more details. It would be great if it was bigger, too. However, it isn't easy to find land or make a big car or small car fit. Totally worthy of a visit and with rotating vehicles, so much to see and a lot of fun. Went through it twice and enjoyed it so much.read more
The visit to this museum was very nice, I went on a Sunday and yet it was not crowded at all. The prices are not... exorbitant and inside the museum there are many things to see and do such as a 4D movie included in the price of admission. The museum has a cafe inside where you can eat. But nevertheless the most fun of the museum was a flight simulator which cost 8 dollars and is the most realistic thing I've seen in flying a plane.read more
There is a marvelous collection of aircraft. I was particularly impressed by the WW I era examples. The presentation is... engaging. And the background information extensive and interesting. I would have spent a day here. And if I lived close by would visit periodically to attempt to absorb my fill.As it happens I visited as part of a group for which the facility had been reserved. Thus I have no knowledge about wait times, ticket prices or the like.read more
After having seen the National Air and Space Museum in DC, this felt honestly disappointing (as someone more inclined... to the space side). My brother, a military geek, thoroughly enjoyed it, especially because they had a Japanese Zero fighter plane from WWII.If you haven't been to the Smithsonian, or you are interested in specific unusual items they have, it's a pleasant diversion. Otherwise, consider spending your time/money elsewhere in Balboa Park.read more
A great place for aviation and aerospace enthusiasts, and for kids who might want to learn about air and space... craft.My favorite exhibit is the fastest and highest flying air breathing aircraft ever--the beautiful A-12, from which the slower and lower (but more useful) SR-71 was developed. Too bad they're leaving this magnificent work of engineering and art outside, to moulder and peel in the sun and rain... It's almost criminal.read more
Fairly fun. The temporary Galileo exhibit was lots of fun since it was mostly hands on experiments beside simple... descriptions of the physics. The siege exhibit was also really cool with a simulator for landing the space shuttle and a trivia game.I'm more interested in space flights than aircraft so I spent most of my time on that section of the museum. The airplane section was a lot larger than the space exhibit so I think it could be good if you're interested in airplanes.I wasn't quite prepared for the 9/11 exhibit but it was interesting and informative.Smallish museum but we spent a couple of hours reading placards and playing with the exhibits you were allowed to.read more
A fun and enjoyable place to know the history of flying and space traveling.There is a session introducing the... starting area of modern science, which started from Copernicus, to Kepler and Galileo. It presents ways in which we know our world with more precise data and repeated experiments.Also, there are many models of various kinds of previous airplanes hanging over your head. It is interesting to watch.The part about space traveling is even better. A lot of information and very friendly staff will answer all questions you may have. They are quite knowledgeable and experienced! Kudos!read more
Loved it here! You can spend a whole day here or a couple of hours as well. If you do a tour ask for Vern! He’s the... best, very knowledgeable and humorous. Don’t eat here though, because they don’t have a lot of options.read more
I am reviewing the Galileo exhibit only. The rest of the museum is excellent. This exhibit is the classical attack... on the Church. Galileo had two big problems in claiming the Earth orbits the sun. First he did not have an expiration of how gravity works, and he could not explain the lack of parallax. If in January. We look at the North Star then we look again in July the star should appear in a different place because the earth moved. If we look at the top of a flag pole, then 'orbit ' over to the other side the top will be in a different place. Galileo had no explanation for the lack of this. Today we have tools and can measure it. Back then nobody realized how far away the stars are. This easy test of Galileo's hypothesis is why many did not believe his conclusion. For more on his trial search Galileo Rocky Kolb. The exhibit did not address these and took the lazy, easy way out and blamed the Church.read more
This was an on the spot decision for our family and we’re pretty happy! The museum wasn’t as big as I had... hoped/expected, but ALL of the cars and motorcycles were super amazing! I wish there were more to see! The young man who was very professional and friendly. He gave us some interesting facts about the cars which helped with the visit.read more
Very cool. Always fun to geek out on stuff like this, and they have put on a good show here. Added bonus is that the... flight simulator was only $8 a person, it's twice that price at the USS Midway. Excellent experience all around, and we'll be going back!read more
This was an excellent Museum but because of a fire back in the 70s a lot of original display planes and items were... lost. They have done a super job replacing them and with beatutiful reproductions and the displays are laid out very intelligently with enough information to make them interesting as you walk by and not overload you with information. I actually rate this Museum at 4 to 4.5 Starsread more
I was pretty happy with this museum considering the relatively smaller size of it. It contained very pristine aircraft... and was well designed with a nice layout. There is an outside patio that you come across along the tour. You can grab a bite from a limited menu and eat in the open air. I left feeling that there could have been more but I'm happy it exists to experience. Enter with the right expectations and you'll be happy with your decision. Enjoy if you decide to take the journey.read more
What a great museum. It was perfect for adults and for kids. There were lots of displays, plenty of information... available, and interactive games and experiences available to break things up a bit. We really enjoyed this museum, and wished we could have spent a couple of more hours here. We spent about 2 hours here in total, but probably could have spent about 4 or more.read more
Took grandkids thinking I could ditch them for a while by hiding in restroom. Instead I found the entire museum... fascinating. Five year old granddaughter loved it. It’s a whole day walk through mind you and worth every minute. Take good walking shoes 👟read more
Small-size museum with good selection of displays from the region. The collection isn't very big so this is more of a... starter natural history museum experience which is why it's a good spot to visit if you're in Balboa Park for several stops. Large theater for documentaries worth seeing. A live reptile/amphibian room and several interactive displays for kids. Gems and minerals on the top floor. Took about 2 hours to go through the displays. About $20 for an adult ticket.read more
First time visiting since I was a kid! It was amazing how much new exhibits and information they have about all the up... and coming science projects. Getting up close and personal with space and the clouds as you enter.read more
One of the better museums in Balboa Park for kids. They have a rotating exhibit that changes about once every three... months that my kids inevitably love. Very hands on museum, depending on the age probably about 2-3 hours of timeread more
Fantastic museum full of more information than can be consumed in one day. There are exhibits and activities for all... members of the family. In addition to the "walk, look and read"-type displays, there is a 3D-4D movie theater and a kid's area for younger museum goers to enjoy. Tickets aren't cheap, however if you're a San Diego resident and frequent Balboa park visitor, the Explorer Pass might be a better baby for the buck.read more
This is a really fun and worthwhile attraction, with lots of aviation, space, military, and other American history. Our... entire family loved it! Plus they have 4D movies and realistic flight simulators! Would highly recommend this attraction if you're in Balboa Park, or otherwise looking for something to do in SD especially on a rainy day.read more
Very interactive! I recommend 2-3 hours mid-morning during the week. Super great museum for small groups or homeschool... events. Staff are scattered throughout and know a TON of info about the exhibits, ask questions and have fun!read more
We had a blast at this museum! The best part was the tour guide by the WW2 planes. I believe his name was Verne. He was... very knowledgeable, sweet & made my two daughters laugh while learning.There is tons of great pieces of history here. If you haven't visited, you should!read more
A wonderful place to learn about the history of aviation from the first plane to space flights. Took my nieces here. ... Showed them there are many women pioneers who helped pave the way for others in the field. There are many activities here for people of all ages to enjoy and learn. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at least to learn about the amazing history of aviation.read more
Great museum with lots to see. We enjoyed many of the interactive exhibits, including the “landing the space shuttle”... simulator. The staff was friendly and informative, providing additional information on specific exhibits throughout. Excellent for kids and adults, highly recommended.read more
For a small area, the curators have done such a great job providing exhibits about the history of aviation. My son... loved it! Offer annual membership for active duty/retired families plus guests for $109. We will be going back!read more
I love Space..the journey out of this world to the next. I grew up with Mercury, Gemini and Apollo and any time I can... see some artifacts from that time I jump at the chance. To see the Apollo 9 Command Module, Neil Armstrong’s space suit and other memorabilia was great. Oh, did I mention they also have a tremendous amount of early aeronautics too?! See the Spirit of St Louis replica and the jet Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in…worth the mo EY (and the time!!)read more
This was a good museum, I really enjoyed my time here, the space section was pretty impressive for such a small museum.... Some of the planes are scale models but they are still impressive. The focus is primarily on planes before 1950 however there are some newer planes at the end of the tour. There are some very interesting early planes that I have not seen previously. It reminds me a smaller WWI and WWII hanger section at the National Museum of the USAF. I would highly recommend going here for a quick tour for those that love aviation. The WWI section was impressive as was the HO229 model.read more
This place sure is a fun place to go! My family had a blast! Perfect for anyone. Their flight simulators are open too!... My husband had a blast in those with the kids 😂read more
A lot to see. We arrived at 4pm . Last entry is at 430pm. This should be cut off to 330pm. Too much to see. They start... chasing you out at 440pm, with 20 min reminders they are closing. The lady in the gift shop was already counting her money at 4:50 pm and asking if we were the last people. I felt really uncomfortable . The museum is great. Give yourself at least 3 hours. We missed a lotread more
It was so nice to see this museum open. The once free for all is now organized to have the crowd flow through out. You... do not miss anything.A new auto greeter starts you off and I swear he looked right at me, lol.A few free simulation machines in the middle and at the end simulation machine to let you experience a jet or older plane. Quite reasonable at least than $10 each.Go with friends and family or go alone, you will not regret it!read more
I always love checking out this Museum. They have an A-12 on display outside (the predecessor to the SR-71).Definitely... give this Museum a visit the next time you find yourself in Balboa Park...read more
George the tour guide really made are trip unique and special! He very knowledgeable and had funny jokes along the way.... “The plane that played cricket!” Would highly recommend seeing George when you visit the establishment. Well worth the money !Thanks George!read more
What a FANTASTIC place to visit! SO much history. SO many faces of aviation on the walls! The facemasks on the statues... was a hilarious added touch..LOLread more
Great sports fishing place in point Loma. They have been around for years. They have half day party boat too 3-5 days... tubas fishing boats. Staff is friendlyread more
The exhibits are amazing. Lots of great displays and different aircraft. Also have multiple interactive cockpits and... planes to get into. And if you need lunch or an ice cream there’s a great cafe in the Hall of Champions!!read more
Better than Tacomas museum of flight! I liked this museum alot and will definitely encourage people to come and look.... I had an amazing time thereread more
An excellent museumSan Diego Automotive Museum is in the amazing Balboa Park next to the Air and Space Museum. It is a... nice museum with a big collection of awesome vintage cars and motorcycles, the museum is small but packed, the staff was helpful and nice, overall it was an excellent experience.read more
First time I visited this museum and wow it had some cool stuff inside. A ton of history with lots of reading... materials, plaques, and videos.This museum is also free for san Diego county residents on Tuesday. Look it up on Google to see what other museums are free.read more
Great place to see the history of airplanes, but not too many exhibits on space. A good history of flight and an... interesting place to spend an hour of your day in Balboa park.read more
Interesting if you love planes and the history of mostly military planes. Small area about commercial flights... beginning. Nice little area about space.read more
This is a great place for a home schooling history/science lesson and/or field trip. To my pleasant surprise... Kids... were free right now. And it's not super crowded like the zoo.read more
Was an awesome museum to go would of loved to take my family. If you are active duty military make sure to bring you... military ID it's free for you!.read more
Overall the museum was a great place to visit. However, I don’t think it’s worth $20 just to get in. They also had... additional charges for some of the simulation activities. Will not be coming back.read more
Lots of cool things to do and knowledge. They charge for different interactive games apart from the tickets. Other... sections are closed due to COVID-19.read more
For how much you pay for it's not very exciting. Took my young kids here and they enjoyed looking at all of the... displays. But there were a lot of things that were closed due to covid. might have been worth the price if those things were open and we were able to interact with them. My husband did enjoy being able to do the flight simulator though.read more
Honestly a letdown. I thought this would be a great museum and all but I have seen so many of the cars that were there... and even have one more valuable then some of them. Also, the Plank Road display has so little information that I have read websites that had more info so it made that one pointless. The cars were in nice condition though.read more
Great experience in a post-shutdown world! Felt safe and they took the time during the pandemic to update the exhibits... and do some touch-up. New articles about African American history in Aviation are especially relevant in today's conversations.read more
Great air museum. Lots of great displays and different aircraft. Make sure you look up as you go through. Lots of... exhibits hanging from the museum ceiling. Close to many different things in the park.read more
Absolutely LOVE this place. Unlike other museums where you see pictures and comment cards and plaques this is the real... deal. An airplane hanger filled with some inanely historical, interesting, and important aircraft that are just a marvel to look at. I 100% recommend taking a guided tour also. These guides are smart individuals who actually enjoy explaining everything you could want to know about the museum and it's contents. I visit a fair amount and every tour I'll still hear some new information that is just fascinating. I could spend days here and still enjoy myself.read more
Excellent museum for military and history buffs. It's incredible to see how large and intricate a carrier can be.The... displays are well-marked and informative. And the gift shop is pretty extensive as well.It's awe-inspiring and makes me proud that we can make such incredible and powerful machines.All in all, if you're in San Diego, this is definitely worth a visit!read more
This is a place of history and fun. There is so much to see in this museum, more planes than in the Smithsonian museum.... It has its own gems and is the house of some of the rare items for the world war artifacts.There are flight simulations and other activities for kids. It will make a nice family outing packed with history.read more
It is a very nice museum. All ages can enjoy it. Every 4 months they change many of the cars. At present, there are... many 70's vehicles along with many unique and unusual vehicles. This is brand new. It is worth the trip.read more
This museum was truly an amazing experience. The memorabilia collected all in one place. And there was an older museum... tour guide who told us amazing stories about the Japanese bombers and his own personal encounters with astronauts. It was wonderful hearing his stories. We will be visiting here again ASAP.read more
It was a very cool place to visit. A lot to see and learn and there's a little bit of interaction to do around. Kid... friendly museum, it has cool discounts for everyone,. I wish they will put more newer stuff too, like new type of planes, things like that. We definitely enjoyed it, and might go back once in a while.read more
This is a must see!! First time being here. It's in Balboa park and easy walking distance from everything. This air and... space museum is remarkable. The time and effort put into it is worth the stop. Prices are very reasonable. 20$ a person. 15$ if your military. We made it through in about 4hrs. Could easily spend more time. The place is very clean. Friendly staffread more