3 Best Places To See in San Diego, CA

As a veteran, visiting the USS Midway Museum was an incredibly meaningful and unforgettable experience. Walking through the decks of this historic aircraft carrier gave me a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of those who served before me. The museum does an outstanding job of preserving naval history, and it was humbling to explore the very spaces where so many sailors lived and worked. The exhibits were detailed and interactive, making the experience both educational and engaging. From the flight deck with its impressive collection of aircraft to the below-deck living quarters, every section was rich with history. The volunteer docents—many of whom are veterans themselves—shared personal stories that added an even deeper layer of authenticity to the experience. One of the most impactful moments for me was standing on the flight deck, looking out at the San Diego skyline, and imagining the countless missions launched from that very spot. It was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and brotherhood that define military service. I highly recommend the USS Midway Museum to anyone, whether you’re a history buff, a veteran, or just someone who wants to gain a greater appreciation for our nation’s military heritage. This visit was more than just a tour—it was a journey through time that left me with a renewed sense of pride and gratitude.

I had an amazing time exploring Midway, a truly remarkable piece of naval history. It was my second time visiting a carrier, and I found it incredibly informative and interesting. They had a great collection of aircraft and helicopters on display, and the docents were fantastic at sharing stories about the ship. We spent about 5 hours exploring everything, with a short break in between. So, if you’re planning a visit to San Diego, make sure to add Midway to your itinerary - it’s a must-see.

This was super cool. Definitely worth the visit, we spent 3 or 4 hours here. Some parts of the self guided audio tour were better than others. Definitely do the island tour if you are okay with ladders. Everything on here was awesome. The food in the cafe was fine but very expensive. I recommend bringing in snacks instead. This was our favorite thing we did during our San Diego vacation. Highly recommended.

The Birch Aquarium is currently doing a partnership with the San Diego Air & Apace Museum and tickets were free! It was a shame that they're renovating, but if the new exhibits are as cool as the existing ones, I sure it will be even better, if that's possible. I really enjoyed the projection art and contemporary pieces throughout the different areas as well as the sensory spaces all over the aquarium. It was a really cool place to go to and the staff were very friendly and funny. If I was still in the area this summer I would definitely go see the new exhibit.

We went to Birch on a field trip where my son dissected a squid. The staff were wonderful needful and extremely educational. Afterwards we discovered in the waterways making boats and enjoyed a snack outside looking over the ocean. It was a great day and we fully enjoyed our experience.

Small aquarium but fun for kids. They loved seeing all the sea life, creating boats to go down the water, and playing with the foam blocks. My husband and I enjoyed the views while they played. My favorite part was the penguins area. They’re so cute.