California - Has anyone been to the San Diego Aerospace Museum?

How much time is needed to see the exhibits and do a simulator or two? It will just be me and my 8 year old. Also have you gone to the Gillespie field annex? and is it possible to do both the same day.

I have already checked the hours and I know Gillespie is only open on a few days, and closes early as well so I will plan accordingly. Also we are going to skip the Star Trek exhibit.

I have seen the museum but not the annex. In comparison to the National Air and Space Museum (and its stunning Dulles extension) in D.C., this museum is not that impressive.

I visited in 1/07, before Star Trek arrived.

We were there for about two hours before moving on to other Balboa Park sights. So I would allow for 2-3 hours max. with simulators and the like.

It's outstanding.Some wonderful restorations have been done by those retired aircraft workers.Museum time depends on the individual if you read all the tags it could take the better part of a day.Have not been to the annex.The Ford Tri Motor was my favorite it took them several years I believe to complete the restoration

Thanks for the input. How does it compare to the Wings of Fame in Chino?

I know you didn't ask this, but it seems you are on the east coast and have a son interested in aerospace.

If you have the time and inclination, I second the kudos for the National Air and Space Museum branch near Dulles airport. It is very impressive and makes a great visit. They have original or exact copy aircraft from early gliders and a Wright Flyer all the way to brand new models that haven't entered service yet like the Joint Strike Fighter. The Enterprise Space Shuttle is there as are several of the original "space capsules", suits, rockets and satellites. The civil and military sides are very complete with all sorts of historic aircraft, including an SR-71 Blackbird and the real Enola Gay, hanging on wires from the ceiling. The museum also has a couple of restaurants, an I-Max theater and several simulators the kid (and you) can try.

Several hotels in the area, including the Hampton Inn in nearby Chantilly, have free shuttle service to and from the museum and the kicker - museum entry is free.

Now, back to our regular programming. :p

Thanks for the input. How does it compare to the Wings of Fame in Chino?

Have not been to Chino but I have been to the Air museum in Seattle at Boeing Field and I believe I enjoyed the SD experience because the restoration aspect interests me.Paul Allen has his own museum that is open to the public at Payne Field in Everett all the planes are flyable I believe.If your ever up this way drop in.Of course the National Space museum is in a class by it's self.

The SD Aerospace Museum at Balboa park is right near the SD Zoo, just in case you expand your time. I have discounts for both (50% off up to 2 adults for the Museum and $5 off the zoo). e-mail me at ranles76@hotmail.com and I will mail.

If it is aircraft that interests you, the USS Midway, besides being a first class visit in itself, also has a couple dozen aircraft aboard and several retirees to discuss them as well as to discuss how planes are launched and land on the carrier. Refer to their website for the exact planes you will see.

I know you didn't ask this, but it seems you are on the east coast and have a son interested in aerospace.

If you have the time and inclination, I second the kudos for the National Air and Space Museum branch near Dulles airport.

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Now, back to our regular programming. :p


Yes, you are correct, I do live on the East Coast with a son interested in avaiation.

The new Smithsonian exhibit is definitely on the radar for the fall. We have friends who have gone and said it is teriffic. But we are heading out to SoCal to visit family and looking for amusement while out there. Based on feedback from FT, and other sources I think we are going to go to the museum in Chino instead

The SD Aerospace Museum at Balboa park is right near the SD Zoo, just in case you expand your time. I have discounts for both (50% off up to 2 adults for the Museum and $5 off the zoo). e-mail me at ranles76@hotmail.com and I will mail.

If it is aircraft that interests you, the USS Midway, besides being a first class visit in itself, also has a couple dozen aircraft aboard and several retirees to discuss them as well as to discuss how planes are launched and land on the carrier. Refer to their website for the exact planes you will see.

Thanks for the coupon offer, but I think we are going to the museum in Chino instead. It has a bigger collection of WW2 craft, my sons favorite, and is closer to where we will be basing in Orange County