What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 4:30pm Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm Thursday 10am - 4:30pm Friday 10am - 4:30pm Saturday 10am - 4:30pm Sunday 10am - 4:30pm

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Name: San Diego Air & Space Museum
Address: 2001 Pan American Plz, San Diego, CA, 92101, US
Telephone: +16192348291
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.5

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San Diego Air & Space Museum

San Diego Air & Space Museum We are proud to be California's official air and space museum and education center located in Balboa Park. Preserve, Inspire, Educate, Celebrate!
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Visit our website at https://sandiegoairandspace.org and follow us on social media to join the fun. We respect all views, and we prefer to keep our religious and political opinions out of air and space. We ask that you do the same, and note that any disrespectful or excessively negative comments will be deleted.

01/25/2025

🚀 Experience the World Premiere of “Da Vinci’s First Flight”! 🚀

Opening February 1st in celebration of Museum Month in San Diego, join us at the San Diego Air & Space Museum for the grand unveiling of this extraordinary exhibit at 10 AM!

🌟 Exclusive Early Access for Museum Members & Balboa Park Explorer Pass Members: See it first with early entry at 9 AM on February 1st!

🔍 Dive into over 30 life-sized replicas of Leonardo’s flying machines, interactive flight experiments, and the story of Zoroastro, Da Vinci’s apprentice and a possible first test pilot.

Celebrate Museum Month with a journey into Leonardo’s visionary world!

01/24/2025

🌍✨ “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Today, on the International Day of Education, we celebrate the boundless potential of learning to ignite change, inspire innovation, and shape a brighter future.

At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, we’re proud to be a guide for dreamers and explorers of all ages. Through the stories of aviation pioneers and the marvels of space exploration, we spark curiosity, fuel imagination, and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Let’s keep looking up, dreaming big, and embracing the endless possibilities of learning. 🚀📚

01/23/2025

🍻 to 1926: Beer, Planes, and Prohibition! ✈️

When a flood washed out the roads between Mexicali’s breweries and Tijuana’s bars, the Ryan Cloudster swooped in to save the day! Kegs of beer were flown to thirsty patrons, proving that ingenuity knows no bounds—even during Prohibition. Rumor has it, a spare keg might’ve found its way back to the U.S. 👀🍺

Originally built by Douglas, the Cloudster was converted by Ryan to carry 10 passengers for his Los Angeles-San Diego airline. But in this case, it wasn’t passengers onboard—it was liquid gold!

🚀

01/22/2025

Join us for the Dick Lareau Memorial Charity Golf Tournament at Admiral Baker Golf Course!

Experience a day of fun, camaraderie, and giving back—all while supporting the innovators and explorers of tomorrow.

📅 Mark your calendars: April 23rd

⏰ Secure your spot early—get the early bird rate!

🔗 Learn more at the link in our bio or at: sandiegoairandspace.org/golf

💡 Why it matters: Your participation supports the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s STEM educational programs, helping to inspire the next generation of adventurers to reach for the stars.

🎯 Let’s transform lives through education, innovation, and exploration. Together, we can make a difference!

01/20/2025

🚀 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, we honor Dr. King, a visionary who inspired generations to rise beyond limitations and build a united future. His dream encourages us to not only look up to the stars but to also look within—to create a world where every person can soar to their highest potential.

At the San Diego Air & Space Museum, we celebrate the dreamers, the explorers, and the change-makers who challenge boundaries—just as Dr. King did. Together, let’s continue to dream big, reach for the stars, and work toward a brighter, more just world.

🌌

01/19/2025

🚨 Adventure Awaits! 🚨

We’re preparing to unveil a masterpiece of art and innovation: Da Vinci’s First Flight! ✨ To ensure everything is perfect, the museum will be closed on January 20th. But don’t worry—we’ll be ready to welcome you back on January 21st! 🗓️

🛠️ Experience the Genius of Leonardo Da Vinci

Join us on February 1st as this groundbreaking exhibit takes flight during San Diego’s ! From hands-on interactions to stunning displays, this journey will inspire the next generation of dreamers and creators.

🛩️ Don’t Miss Out on This Historic Launch!

Discover the brilliance of Da Vinci and explore how his timeless ideas still shape the world.

Plan your visit and take off with us!

01/18/2025

🚀 Breaking Barriers: The Bell X-1 ✈️

Looking like a bullet—and as fast as one too—the Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in controlled, level flight. Conceived in 1944 and shaped like a .50 caliber bullet for supersonic stability, this rocket-powered marvel made history on October 14, 1947. With Capt. Chuck Yeager at the controls, it hit Mach 1.06 (807.2 mph), shattering the sound barrier and echoing a sonic boom over Muroc Lake. 🌟

Launched from a modified B-29, the X-1 changed aviation forever, ushering in the supersonic era. Our Museum proudly displays a reproduction, built with care by our talented restoration shop volunteers.

Come see this iconic aircraft and relive the moment that redefined flight!

🚀

01/17/2025

✈️ Hall of Fame Spotlight: Joseph Clark 🌍

Joe Clark, the “Lord of the Wings,” was a true aviation visionary! From founding Jet Air, the first Learjet dealership in the Northwest, to co-founding Horizon Air and revolutionizing aviation technology with blended winglets, Clark’s contributions to the industry are unparalleled. 🌟

His blended winglet innovation, now on over 1,000 Boeing 737s and many other aircraft, saves billions of gallons of fuel annually and reduces emissions worldwide. 🌎✈️ Clark’s career also includes setting a world speed record for charity and co-founding the Friendship Foundation, raising $530,000 for children’s causes. ❤️

Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2010, Clark’s legacy of innovation and philanthropy soars high. 🚀

Learn more at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! 🌟

01/16/2025

📸 to 1919 🛳️

Check out this little stowaway peeking out of a gun on the USS Brooklyn! These photos are part of the BJ Peterson collection in our archives, featuring personal snapshots from his time aboard the Brooklyn during the Russian Revolution. 🇷🇺

This incredible collection also includes rare glimpses of early aviation at North Island, San Diego. ✈️ Explore the rich history preserved in the Museum’s archives, where every photo tells a story!

🌍

01/15/2025

✈️ Calling all Aviation Enthusiasts & Collectors!

Got treasures to sell? Be part of the Kit, Model & Aviation Collectable Show & Swap Meet on Feb. 1, 2025, at Gillespie Field.

🔖 Sellers Info:

• $50 per table (limited tables available, advance reservation only).

• Set up: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM.

• Includes 1 helper per table at no extra charge.

📧 Reserve your spot now! Contact Manny Gutsche: [email protected].

01/13/2025

🎟️ One Ticket, Two Adventures! 🎟️

From January 13 to March 16, explore the wonders of the ocean and the marvels of flight with this incredible offer!

📍 Visited Birch Aquarium? Show your ticket at the San Diego Air & Space Museum for FREE entry.

📍 Visited San Diego Air & Space Museum? Show your receipt at Birch Aquarium’s ticket booth for FREE admission.

Don’t miss this chance to experience two amazing attractions for the price of one! 🐠✈️

📅 Tickets valid if purchased between January 9 and March 16, 2025.

🔗 Learn more at the link in our bio

01/11/2025

Beachey-Eaton biplane, known as the “Little Looper,”

The San Diego Air & Space Museum has an airplane that will turn you upside down! The Beachey-Eaton biplane, known as the “Little Looper,” was built in Chicago in 1914. The airplane appeared to be a smaller version of the Curtiss Model D Headless biplane, but it differed in many significant ways. It was designed and built to be an aerobatic biplane and was stronger, faster, and more agile than its larger Curtiss Model D Headless cousin. The 80 horsepower, Le Rhône rotary engine provided sufficient power for the airplane to exceed 80 mph in level flight, and to perform as many as 80 continuous inside loops.

Lincoln J. Beachey was a pioneer American aviator and early star airshow performer who learned to pilot fixed-wing aircraft at the Curtiss Flying School in Hammondsport, New York. He became an official member of Glenn Curtiss’ flying team in 1910, and by the end of 1911, his stunt piloting was a major moneymaker. Beachey was known as “The Man Who Owns the Sky,” and sometimes the “Master Birdman.” Acknowledged even by his adversaries as “The World’s Greatest Aviator,” he achieved the pinnacle of American adoration. Orville Wright said: “An aeroplane in the hands of Lincoln Beachey is poetry. His mastery is a thing of beauty to watch. He is the most wonderful flyer of all.”

The Museum’s aircraft was built in 1948, by Albert Dudek in Cleveland, Ohio. Dudek was a WWI pilot who barnstormed for many years, during which time he collected and preserved planes and spare parts, including the 80 horsepower Le Rhône engine which was used in the plane’s construction. This Beachey replica was then acquired by E.D. Weeks and Howard Gregory in 1958. Weeks and Gregory recovered and refinished the aircraft, and flew it for several years before donating it to the Museum in 1979.

Looper 1
The Beachey Little Looper in the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Looper 2
The Little Looper looping the loop!

Looper 3
Lincoln Beachey racing a car while piloting his Little Looper.

01/09/2025

when , Paul Maiwurm almost revolutionized aircraft engineering. His Flyworm, AKA Maiwurm Cyclonic Aircraft, was supposed to fly due to lift generated by a large spinning cylinder. Not surprisingly this didn't work…rumor has it that a frustrated Mr. Maiwurm pushed the Flyworm into Mission Bay, where it sits to this day! These photos are just a few of the images of strange aircraft that are highlighted in our “Weird and Wild Aircraft” online exhibit: https://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/weird-and-wild-introduction

01/05/2025

🚧 Heads up, explorers! 🚧

The Museum will be closed January 6th–10th as our team works to make way for our exciting new exhibit, Da Vinci’s First Flight.

We’ll reopen on January 11th, and Da Vinci’s First Flight will be ready to soar on February 1st - get ready to be amazed! ✈️

Thank you for your understanding as we prepare for this next adventure.

01/04/2025

SBD Dauntless

At the San Diego Air and Space Museum you can see an aircraft that sat at the bottom of the ocean for 50 years, and is a testament to the craftmanship to the Museum volunteer’s that were able to restore herr to her prior glory. That aircraft is the Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless. Among aircraft credited with changing the tactics of naval warfare, the Douglas SBD Dauntless is perhaps the most significant. In the pivotal Naval Battle of Midway in June of 1942, the Douglas SBD Dauntless turned the tide of the Pacific War in favor of the United States, and in the process helped to complete a paradigm shift in naval warfare tactics, effectively replacing battleships with carrier based air power as the primary attack force of U.S. Naval fleets. SBD-3 Dauntless squadrons destroyed four Japanese carriers at Midway, Kaga, Akagi, Soryu and Hiryu, compared to the loss of only one carrier for the U.S. Navy. The SBD would continue to play a major role the Pacific War, sinking a total of 18 Japanese ships.

Designed by the esteemed Ed Heinemann, the Douglas SBD was intended to be both a scout aircraft and a dive bomber. Its dual mission reflected a continuing debate in the 1930s within the Navy, whether the primary tactical uses of aircraft, and aircraft carriers, should be for reconnaissance or attack. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor showed the awesome effectiveness of the latter, in the most nightmarish way, and the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway drove the fact home. For the rest of the war, carriers were the frontline attack force in the Pacific, and battle ships were primarily used for heavy bombardment of shorelines prior to amphibious landings.

SBD-3s first arrived in the fleet in 1940. The SBD-4, virtually identical to the SBD-3, except for a change in the voltage of the electrical system, began to arrive in 1942. The Museum’s SBD-4 (06900), one of 780 SBD-4s built by Douglas, was attached to the U.S.S. Sable for carrier training, when it sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan as a result of engine failure on June 26, 1943. It sat there for half a century until it was recovered by the National Museum of Naval Aviation in 1993. It was loaned to the San Diego Aerospace Museum in 1994, and went under an extensive volunteer restoration process that took four years. It is painted in the markings of VB 16, when the bomber squadron was attached to the U.S.S. Lexington in 1943.

SBD-4 1:

The Museum’s Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless as it appears in the our World War Two Gallery.

SBD-4 1:

Our Douglas Dauntless prior to being restored by our Museum volunteers.

SBD-4 1:

A Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless in flight during World War Two.

01/03/2025

🛩️ Mark Your Calendars!

The Kit, Model & Aviation Collectable Show & Swap Meet is coming to Gillespie Field on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM!

🎨 Discover:

• Plastic Kits

• Wood Kits

• Diecast Models

• Toys

• Art & Publications

• Aviation Memorabilia & Flight Gear

📍 Where: San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field, 335 Kenney St, El Cajon, CA.

🎟️ Buyers: $10 entry fee (gate opens at 9 AM).

Proceeds benefit the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Don’t miss it!

01/02/2025

to Jan 2, 1929 when Evelyn “Bobbi” Trout flew for over 12 hours in a Golden Eagle in the skies above Los Angeles, setting a new non-refueling endurance record for women. Our archives contain a rare 16mm film showing Bobbi Trout, which has been digitized and placed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJugj62heF8

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! 🎉 Start 2025 with a bang at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. 🌠 We’re open today, so bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience filled with history and adventure! ✈️🚀

Address

2001 Pan American Plz
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	10am - 4:30pm
Thursday	10am - 4:30pm
Friday	10am - 4:30pm
Saturday	10am - 4:30pm
Sunday	10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16192348291

Website

https://linktr.ee/sdasm

Alerts

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Videos

✈️ Hall of Fame Spotlight: Joseph Clark 🌍 Joe Clark, the “Lord of the Wings,” was a true aviation visionary! From founding Jet Air, the first Learjet dealership in the Northwest, to co-founding Horizon Air and revolutionizing aviation technology with blended winglets, Clark’s contributions to the industry are unparalleled. 🌟 His blended winglet innovation, now on over 1,000 Boeing 737s and many other aircraft, saves billions of gallons of fuel annually and reduces emissions worldwide. 🌎✈️ Clark’s career also includes setting a world speed record for charity and co-founding the Friendship Foundation, raising $530,000 for children’s causes. ❤️ Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2010, Clark’s legacy of innovation and philanthropy soars high. 🚀 #SDASM #AviationPioneer #Innovation #FuelEfficiency Learn more at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! 🌟

#TBT to Jan 2, 1929 when Evelyn “Bobbi” Trout flew for over 12 hours in a Golden Eagle in the skies above Los Angeles, setting a new non-refueling endurance record for women. Our archives contain a rare 16mm film showing Bobbi Trout, which has been digitized and placed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJugj62heF8

✈️History in Motion! ⭐ Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning to celebrate the 121st Anniversary of Powered Flight! Watching the exact replica of the Wright Brothers’ engine roar to life was a powerful tribute to Orville & Wilbur Wright and Charles E. Taylor—the pioneers who launched aviation into the future. From Kitty Hawk in 1903 to today, their legacy continues to inspire us to Look Up and dream bigger. 🚀 📍 If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s always something extraordinary happening at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! #WrightBrothers #AviationHistory #LookUp #SDASM #PoweredFlight

Celebrate the Holidays at SDASM

🎄 Host Your Holiday Party at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! 🛩️🚀 Looking to elevate your holiday celebration? Our museum offers a truly unique setting where history and innovation meet. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand event, your guests will be surrounded by awe-inspiring exhibits and historic aircraft that make every moment unforgettable. Our experienced events team will handle every detail, ensuring your holiday party is a soaring success. ✨ Book now to secure your date and make this holiday season one to remember! 🎉 #HolidayParty #EventVenue #UniqueVenue #SanDiegoEvents #MakeMemories #SDASM

Did you know we have an additional portion of the museum next to Gillespie Field? 🚀✈️ Discover the San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex, where you can explore unique exhibits and aviation history up close! The facility is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:00 PM. Learn more about our special offerings and plan your visit today. 📅✨ #SDASM #GillespieField #AviationHistory #ExploreMore #FamilyFun #MuseumVisit

🚀🌌 On this day in 1962, NASA’s Mariner 2 mission made history as the first successful interplanetary probe! It paved the way for future space exploration by flying by Venus and sending back invaluable data. Join us in celebrating this monumental achievement in space history! To learn more about other milestones in space history, visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum and dive into the fascinating world of interplanetary exploration! See you soon! 🌠 #Mariner2 #NASA #SpaceExploration #SDASM #VisitUs

Calling all Martians! 🚀✨ Time is running out to write your story for the Athenian “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” contest. August 17 is the final day to submit and compete for the chance to have YOUR book published! With Athenian and NASA as your guides, the journey to Mars begins now! #MissiontoMars #SpaceDiary #SpaceAdventure #BeAthenian #NASA #SDASM #DiscoverSDASM #Mars #GirlsinSTEM #ExploreSpace @BeAthenian

🌊 Explore the legendary Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! 🌊 🌟 Discover one of America’s most iconic flying boats, produced in greater numbers than any other. Developed in 1933 to succeed the Consolidated P2Y, the PBY Catalina became a versatile and vital asset in WWII. 🛩️ From 1936 to 1945, about 4,000 Catalinas served Allied air forces. The amphibious PBY-5A variant, with added landing gear, became the most produced model. These aircraft excelled in scouting, anti-submarine missions, rescues, logistics, and night attacks on Japanese supply convoys. 📅 Our Catalina PBY-5A was built at the San Diego Consolidated plant and delivered to the U.S. Navy on December 31, 1943, as the 1,985th Catalina. It patrolled the Gilbert and Marshall Islands and served with the Coast Guard until 1956. 🛫 Stand under the Catalina’s enormous wings and marvel at the engineering that gave it such impressive range. Don’t miss this piece of aviation history! #AviationHistory #PBYCatalina #SDASM #DiscoverSDASM #WWIIFlyingBoat #HistoricAircraft

🚀 Have your questions answered by NASA expert, Karma Snyder today. Her position is the NASA/Stennis Space Center Range Safety Manager, and she is responsible for the safe operation of any range activity that takes place within the boundaries of Stennis Space Center, including use of restricted airspace and the use of Stennis’ waterways. Registered students have submitted their questions this week and we are ready to get you answers! Fire up your imagination and write your own book in the Athenian “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” contest. With the inspiration that NASA provides, the possibilities are endless. The LiveStream starts at 7pm EST on all of Athenian’s social media platforms (@BeAthenian, @BeAthenianSTEM on YouTube and Twitter) #MissiontoMars #SpaceDiary #SpaceAdventure #BeAthenian #NASA#SDASM #DiscoverSDASM #Mars #GirlsinSTEM #ExploreSpace

🚀 Are you ready to paint the stars with your words? 🖋️ Join us for the “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” contest and turn your dreams of space travel into reality. With NASA as our guide, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning! Register today and let your dreams take flight! Have your questions answered by NASA experts! #MissiontoMars #SpaceDiary #SpaceAdventure #BeAthenian #NASA #SDASM #DiscoverSDASM #Mars #GirlsinSTEM #ExploreSpace @BeAthenian

🌟 Step back in time at the San Diego Air & Space Museum! 🌟 🏆 Witness the legendary Bleriot XI, the first airplane to soar across the English Channel on July 25, 1909. This groundbreaking flight made the Bleriot XI an icon of its era. 🌍 Over 800 Bleriot XIs were produced between 1909 and 1914 by the Bleriot Airplane Company, founded by aviation pioneer Louis Bleriot and Gabriel Voisin near Paris. These classic monoplanes were a common sight at aviation meets before WWI. ✈️ Our museum’s Bleriot XI, rebuilt from original parts by Mr. Leslie Goldsmith in England, hangs proudly in the Milestones of Flight Gallery. It’s powered by an Anzani engine with 28HP – a true piece of aviation history! 🔍 Come explore cutting-edge flight technology from over a century ago. Don’t miss this historic marvel! #AviationHistory #BleriotXI #SDASM #HistoricFlight #AviationPioneers #DiscoverSDASM