San Diego - Visiting the Midway

[GreenValleyDogWalker]

Hello -

 

There are lots of posts on this board about folks that have visited the Midway - pre-cruise - with tips on where to stay in San Diego, etc.

 

Our cruise itinerary includes a one-day port-stop in San Diego - (on the way down to Mexico from Los Angeles) this time we would like to visit the Midway Museum.

 

Has anyone been on a ship that ports in San Diego for a day - that has walked over to the Midway Museum ? - Any tips or advice ? (time of day to visit, purchase tickets in advance ? or ?

 

THANK YOU

[SadieN]

Easy walk, about 10 minutes from the ship. Do the 'Island' first as the wait is long later on. We got discount tickets thru Costco online.

 

The other side of the cruise ship is the Maritime Museum. Besides checking out all the ships they offer a short harbor cruise on a 100+ year old pilot boat.

 

Can do both in one day.

 

 

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Edited May 16, 2016 by SadieN

[GreenValleyDogWalker]

Easy walk, about 10 minutes from the ship. Do the 'Island' first as the wait is long later on. We got discount tickets thru Costco online.

 

The other side of the cruise ship is the Maritime Museum. Besides checking out all the ships they offer a short harbor cruise on a 100+ year old pilot boat.

 

Can do both in one day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks ! - What is the "Island"? (will it be obvious when we get there ?)

(already done the Maritime Museum and the harbor cruise)

[Splinter]

Thanks ! - What is the "Island"? (will it be obvious when we get there ?)

(already done the Maritime Museum and the harbor cruise)

 

The "Island" on the Midway is the superstructure above the flight deck. There is a separate docent led tour of this area, with a limit on the size of each group. Included in your ticket, but you have to get in line for the tour of this area of the ship.

 

It only takes 10 minutes to walk to the Midway from the cruise ship terminal if you walk VERY SLOW. It is about 300 yards. Take a look at their website for more information:

 

http://www.midway.org/

Edited May 16, 2016 by Splinter

[Rosefloater]

The island is where the bridge is located.

[GreenValleyDogWalker]

Thank you !!

[MTdreaming]

It is a great and easy thing to do, just did the Midway in April. Agree about doing the Island Tour first, very interesting. Also take time to go down into the engine rooms. You will find throughout the ship several places where little talks are given.. usually by former Navy personnel, including pilots. It is a very worthwhile, interesting stop.

[Kartgv]

A couple of more tips - when you finish on the Midway, coming off the ship turn right instead of left. Spend a little time looking at the huge statue that recreates the famous 'Kissing Sailor & Nurse' photo from the end of WWII. Walk just a little further to see the bronze 'band' tribute to the Bob Hope USO tours. It will take just a few minutes and is very enjoyable. If you're in the mood for lunch off the ship, the Fish Market right next the Bob Hope tribute is a good spot.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

A couple of more tips - when you finish on the Midway, coming off the ship turn right instead of left. Spend a little time looking at the huge statue that recreates the famous 'Kissing Sailor & Nurse' photo from the end of WWII. Walk just a little further to see the bronze 'band' tribute to the Bob Hope USO tours. It will take just a few minutes and is very enjoyable. If you're in the mood for lunch off the ship, the Fish Market right next the Bob Hope tribute is a good spot.

 

More important than the kissing statue, stop and read the memorial to the Samuel B Roberts and Adm Ziggy Sprague.

 

http://www.navsource.org/archives/03/features/taffy3m.jpg

[CRUZBUDS]

Here is the kissing statue --

 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

Here is the Sprague - Gulf of Leyte Memorial.

 

https://www.portofsandiego.org/images/stories/Public-Art/artdirectory/battle-of-leyte/P1180025.jpg

https://www.portofsandiego.org/images/stories/Public-Art/artdirectory/battle-of-leyte/PA250154-leyte-gulf-mem.jpg

[cassie cruiser]

Here is the memorial to Bob Hope.

[euro cruiser]

The Midway is huge and fascinating. We spent four hours there and did not see everything, we ran out of energy before we got to it all.

[J&B in GA]

For those of you who have toured the Midway, is it accessible to someone using a mobility scooter ? I'm sure the original construction was not, but was wondering if there have been ramps added. If not, any other attractions around the port of interest that are accessible ?

 

Thanks.

[SadieN]

Parts of the Midway are accessible.

 

http://www.midway.org/access

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60750-d531819-r165453605-USS_Midway_Museum-San_Diego_California.htmlJune 27, 2013 review

 

The Island (tower) is not accessible).

 

 

 

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Edited June 23, 2016 by SadieN

[J&B in GA]

Parts of the Midway are accessible.

 

http://www.midway.org/access

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60750-d531819-r165453605-USS_Midway_Museum-San_Diego_California.htmlJune 27, 2013 review

 

The Island (tower) is not accessible).

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks Sadie.