San Diego Air and Space Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum which includes military items, interior views and aircraft
San Diego Air and Space Museum showing aircraft, interior views and a city
San Diego Air and Space Museum featuring aircraft
San Diego Air and Space Museum which includes aircraft
San Diego Air and Space Museum showing aircraft


Let your imagination take flight with a simulated trip to the moon or a browse through exhibits dedicated to flying machines.

Your knowledge and understanding of the aviation world will reach new heights with a visit to the Air & Space Museum, one of Balboa Park’s most popular attractions since it opened in 1963. It’s home to dozens of aircraft. View a hot air balloon from 1783 and the actual Command module used on NASA’s Apollo 9 mission. See a model of the bright red Lockheed Vega in which Amelia Earhart set two of her aviation records. The model was used in the 2009 film Amelia, starring Hilary Swank.

Make your way through exhibits dedicated to the planes of both World Wars, and examine the aircraft that contributed to the Golden Age of Flight. Compare these to the hi-tech, supersonic rockets of the modern era, in the Modern Jet and Space Age Gallery. The museum also has the only GPS satellite on public display in the world.

The Education Center in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight hosts monthly family days, when children can participate in guided activities such as building their own gliders or miniature hot air balloon. Ask at the ticket desk or the Balboa Park Visitor Center for details.

Some of the museum's simulators include a 4-D experience that will take you to the moon, fly you on a jetpack adventure or send you on a mission to Mars. Rides on the simulators cost extra.

If you don’t have time for an extended visit, go to the Theodore Gildred Rotunda area for a smaller display of planes. The San Diego Air & Space museum is open daily, with extended hours in the summer. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Popular places to visit


Top San Diego Air and Space Museum Hotel Deals

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
3.5 out of 5
1055 1st Ave, San Diego, CA
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
4 out of 5
660 K St, San Diego, CA
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
4 out of 5
1047 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
3.5 out of 5
701 A St, San Diego, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
Palihotel San Diego
Palihotel San Diego
4 out of 5
830 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
Palihotel San Diego
Omni San Diego Hotel
Omni San Diego Hotel
4 out of 5
675 L St, San Diego, CA
Omni San Diego Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.