San Diego Air & Space Museum

Embark on a journey through aviation and space exploration history at the San Diego Air & Space Museum where you’ll find an expansive collection of artifacts, aircraft and other memorabilia.

For more than 75 years, the museum has fostered the celebration of air and space technologies and has been committed to the preservation of a rich and honorable history. The museum offers a number of lectures, educational programs, guided tours and special events throughout the year—guests can even reserve portions of the museum for private events.

The museum is divided into galleries featuring exhibits that showcase the ways that San Diegans has influenced the course of aviation. In the galleries you’ll find topics that include World Wars I and II, the golden age of flight and more. Some of the noteworthy aircraft on display throughout the museum include the Apollo 9 command module “Gumdrop," a Convair Sea Dart, a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI, and a McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II. The San Diego Air & Space Museum restores aircraft at two restoration facilities, one located at the museum and another at the Gillespie Field. Take a tour of the facilities and get an up-close view of the restoration process in action.

In the Golden Age of Flight gallery, you’ll find aircraft such as a Lincoln Standard J-1, Consolidated PT-1 Trusty, Aeronca C-3 Collegian,Ryan STA, Piper J-3 Cub, and Pitts Special. There are also a number of engines on display, including a Curtis OX-5, Aeronca E-107, Liberty L12-A, Wright J-3 Whirlwind and Continental A-40. Then, head over to the Pacific Southwest Airlines exhibit where you’ll find a replica of the former intra-California airline's first ticket office and a collection of stewardess uniforms dating from the 1950s to the 1980s, before it was bought by and merged into US Airways. 

Take a closer look at the Science of Aliens—in this special exhibit, you’ll journey through the science behind alien life and science fiction films. Learn about some of the inspiration, science and curiosity that has inspired many of the science fiction classics, myths and bizarre dynamics that surround our world's fascination with alien creatures and the unknown. This special exhibit has an additional admission fee so be sure to mention that you’re visiting the aliens when you arrive.

There’s a lot to see and do at the museum, explore at your own pace or schedule a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. The museum offers an aerosummer camp program with a variety of half-day, week-long sessions to get your kids off the couch and using their imaginations. Some of the activities include designing and building model airplanes, launching model rockets and participating in flight simulations. Or, visit the museum on special family days and enjoy hands-on learning activities and take-home projects.

HelloSanDiego Tip: Other amenities you’ll find at the museum include a café, where you can enjoy a variety of snacks, sandwiches, drinks and more. Also, the museum store offers a collection of air and space-themed gifts, books, clothing and toys. Visit the museum website for more information. Also follow them on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.