Sun & Summit Destinations
3-Day San Diego Itinerary for Military History Fans
An aircraft carrier, a lighthouse with a view of the Navy's home port and a harbor full of history.
- Best time
- Any time. September–November is warm and clear. May–June often starts gray ("June gloom")
- Getting there
- San Diego International (SAN) is about 10 minutes from downtown
- Stay
- 3–4 nights
- Good for
- Veterans, history buffs, families
Day 1: USS Midway Museum
The aircraft carrier USS Midway served from 1945 to 1992 and is now a museum on the downtown waterfront. Many of the docents are veterans who served on carriers. Allow at least half a day, then walk the harbor to the Maritime Museum's historic ships.
Day 2: Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument has the old Point Loma Lighthouse and a sweeping view over the Navy's North Island air station and submarine base. Stop at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on the way, a quiet, moving place above the ocean.
Day 3: Balboa Park and Coronado
The Veterans Museum in Balboa Park tells San Diego's military story, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum is nearby. Take the ferry to Coronado in the afternoon and watch Navy aircraft over the beach.
Where to stay
These resorts are in very different spots. Pick the one that fits how you want to spend the trip.
Stay in San Diego, CA
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