The San Diego Air and Space Museum delivers sky-high exhibits for youth and adults from the past and exciting futuristic developments!
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San Diego Air and Space Museum Tickets and Hours

San Diego Air & Space Museum at Balboa Park
It is nearly impossible to stay on top of openings and restrictions, and promotions so please use this link provided via culturalpartnership.org by Balboa Park.

In general, however, tickets are readily available online or in person. Local residents enjoy periodic free Tuesdays to specific museums throughout the year, the Air & Space Museum included. Also, don’t forget about the Explorers Pass which offers a wide variety of passes for families whether you are visiting San Diego or a resident. Passes vary from limited options to seven days or even annual family passes, truly something for everyone!

As for the hours of operation, currently, the San Diego Air and Space Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Parking Within Balboa Park

Balboa Park offers free parking throughout the park and there are even trams to take you to various sections of the park. So while you may not be able to park right near a particular attraction, you can certainly take full advantage of the trams to get you to an area with ease. Click through for an extensive map and plan your day.
San Diego Air and Space Museum Entrance

Walk Under History at the Museum

How cool is it to walk under what was some of the most advanced aircraft at one time? Experience life-size planes positioned before you even enter the actual museum. The backdrop is quite dramatic, especially if you are an aeronautical enthusiast.

Also, enjoy the tables and chairs with umbrellas either before or after your visit. The convenience and budget-friendly open areas throughout the park are terrific to enjoy a packed lunch from home.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum Features Early Experimental Craft Flying High

Early Flight Exhibits in San Diego Air and Space Museum
As an avid flyer and having traversed the globe, it is so interesting to see the development of flight from the beginning of the 20th century to today.

The early attempts seemed ill-advised at best. The experimental crafts were fragile and awkward looking. I can’t imagine how much courage (or crazy ambition) it took to try to fly in the early days. The first exhibits at the entrance include just a few of them but further into the museum walk, there are far more.

SD Air & Museum Entry

Young Pilot Delights Kids at the Entrance

One feature that I personally didn’t find particularly cool but every single little kid that came in did was the pilot who talks and moves while telling “his” story. I gotta tell ya, it drew attention from every single little person that walked through those doors!
Spirit of St. Louis at Balboa Park

Wall of Pioneers and Achievers

In addition to all of the aircraft and memorabilia throughout the San Diego Air and Space Museum, there is a long wall off of the entrance before entering the exhibits.

I loved the history of aviators and especially the inclusion of so many women as my daughter continues to see examples throughout eras and industries of their contributions. I included just a single example here but you see how far that wall stretches. Consequently, youth visiting will readily see the extent of aviation accomplishments.

Wall of Famed Aviators at SD Air & Space Museum
Jacqueline Cochran Female Aviator 1965

History of Space Exploration at the San Diego Air and Space Museum

Space Rockets at the Museum
Okay, this is the main reason we took the opportunity to visit the museum. It was five dollars for residents and wasn’t included in the Free Tuesday promotion for residents. We didn’t mind though!

The exhibits were really cool and I had never been so close to an actual space suit or capsule. I’ve always been a little claustrophobic so seeing the constraints on physical space in the capsule was shocking. The space suits were also super bulky so moving and performing tasks must have been incredibly challenging!

If you have kids that love rockets, there are a ton on display along with all the specifications. Some of the sections were interactive through touch screens while others were tactile.

Mars Rover Curiosity at Balboa Park
Space Capsule at San Diego Air and Space Museum
Museum Rocket Exhibit

Flying Through Military Aeronautical History

There is an astonishing number of military aircraft at the museum. You walk through each era with exhibits, information, and actual or reconstructed aircraft. The walk progresses from the first aircraft of World War I to the present day.

As you can imagine, a majority of the aircraft displayed are military. The museum does a fantastic job setting the scene for each era visually, incorporating the facts and details, and of course, surrounding you with the aircraft. While some exhibits are on the ground for close-up inspection, others fly high above. As a result, there are surprises all around!

 

San Diego Air and Space Museum at Balboa Park
Aircraft Carrier Display at Museum in Balboa Park
World War 1 Airplane with Snoopy

Exciting Interactive Opportunities

From Zeppelins to aircraft carrier displays, a walk through this circular museum is a treat but I was certainly surprised and thrilled to see flight simulators that twisted and undulated through the air.

Now, I have been prone to mild vertigo of late so didn’t attempt this particular experience this day. I can tell you though that all the passengers had huge smiles on their faces upon exiting. You will have to be a certain height, just like any other amusement ride.

Beyond the simulators, we found lots of opportunities to “pilot” other aircraft and even try our hand at mission control in the space exhibits. The San Diego Air and Space Museum definitely focuses on a visual and interactive approach to learning.

Space Shuttle Display at San Diego Museum
Mission Control Interactive Activity
Get Inside the Airplane Cockpit

Balboa Park Is A Destination

As you might get guess, there are many museums and exhibits throughout Balboa Park. We detailed a few that have particular appeal to kids. We will also continue to post on each museum individually as we revisit them post-pandemic.

Balboa Park is a great option if you have limited funds as cruising throughout the park is absolutely free, including the parking. It’s full of parks, gardens, and architecture. In an earlier post, Cool Things To Do in Balboa Park, San Diego, we did just that! With everything closed in 2020, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon wandering the park and escaped the confines of the house nearly all day.

Get Inside the Airplane Cockpit