About the Museum

     Aviation history is truly a remarkable story and it all unfolds at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Your journey through the history of flight begins in the Rotunda where you have the opportunity to closely examine the only flying replica of the Spirit of St. Louis flown by Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic 1927 as well as the Apollo 9 command module which returned from space in 1969. Overhead hangs an original Predator and Firebee II and a Curtiss A-1 reproduction.

     Rare specimens of aircraft suggest the excitement of air combat in the World War I Gallery and guests can marvel at the entertaining and dangerous antics of the barnstormers of the 1920s in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery.

     The World War II Gallery displays original planes flown by the Flying Tigers over China, the RAF over the English Channel and the carrier pilots over the Pacific. You will see up close the Curtiss Warhawk, a Mustang, Spitfire, Zero-sen, Hellcat and Wildcat. In the Modern Age Gallery join the Jet Age as the rise of new technology introduces the A-4 Skyhawk.

     The Museum’s display of space age technology, like man’s desire to journey to the stars, may never be finished, for it represents an adventure which the human race has truly just begun. From the development of the rocket to the International Space Station you can learn how the story of space exploration ignited the imagination. You can also enjoy the Magic Planet where you can visit the planets with a touch of your finger.

Special Hours

The Museum will be open 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm with final admission at 4:30.