USS Midway Museum

San Diego, California

Visiting the Midway is impressive. There are no two ways about it. Even at half the displacement of something like a Nimitz class, it's still big. Add to that the ship's history, relatively recent retirement and how intact the interior is and it's almost overwhelming. Then add to that nearly 30 aircraft on display, on-board activities, displays and even a cafe, it is a very impressive package. Particularly to an Aussie like me who grew up thinking the HMAS Melbourne was big! I spent a whole day on the USS Midway and they had to heard me off at closing time. I've visited it three times now and it still holds me spellbound. The audio tour is great. It takes you on a twisting trip through the bowels of the ship and shows you many of the critical areas, giving you a glimpse of life on board. It takes a couple of hours to do the complete tour and even then you probably only see 10% of the ship. Much of the ship is off-limits and locked off, as you'd expect.