Memorial Day, traditionally the start of summer brings to mind memories of beaches, burgers, and barbecues. Fortunately, San Diego has plenty of all that.
Memorial Day is also the time set aside to remember those who gave their lives for our country. In honoring these heroes, a great way to spend Memorial Day weekend is visiting the USS Midway Museum.
Visitors are now cleared for takeoff to visit the museum, which offers an array of activities for all ages.
The Hangar Deck and Flight Deck are open for exploration. A designated tour route allows visitors to make their way around the more than 30 restored aircraft, which date back to World War II. Visitors can walk up and touch fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters.
Docents on hand answer questions and share adventures of launching and landing aircraft on the deck. Visitors can also get an audio tour to dive deeper into history.
If you choose, submit a fallen hero’s name and information for the Museum’s Remembrance Wall. You can submit your hero online. Once approved, it will be displayed on the Midway’s digital wall.
FYI: Below-deck tours, the “Battle of Midway” theater, flight simulators, and climb-aboard cockpits remain closed due to the pandemic.
The museum opens at 10 a.m. seven days a week. Last admission is at 4 p.m.
Of course, safety protocols are in place at the USS Midway Museum. Tickets are available for purchase online only. Masks are required, and there’s a contactless check-in. Purchases are credit cards only. Wherever you visit in San Diego, wear a mask in public spaces, wash hands often and keep six feet distance from others.
Veterans Memorial Garden
You can also visit Balboa Park, home to Veterans Memorial Garden, which honors veterans of all eras who served in all military branches. The Garden includes a bronze statue of a WWII B-24 Liberator at one-sixth scale that soars over a reflecting pool. The B-24 points in the direction of the old Consolidated Aircraft, where the majority of B-24s were manufactured during WWII.
You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sun and enjoy those burgers while vacationing in your waterfront rental. Book early for the best selection of luxury homes like our four-bedroom B5120 La Jolla Oceanfront property overlooking Windansea Beach. Or choose the three-bedroom Ocean Front Sanctuary adjacent to Sunset Cliffs Nature Park.
Here’s to our heroes. This Memorial Day, we honor their service and sacrifice.
