Planes of Fame Air Museum on Cal Aero Drive
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Planes of Fame Air Museum Valle

4.8
·2k reviews·Chino, United States

Aviation museum with over 150 aircraft, many still flying, showcasing rich history from WWII to experimental planes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Planes of Fame Air Museum on Cal Aero Drive

Planes of Fame Air Museum Valle

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Aviation museum with over 150 aircraft, many still flying, showcasing rich history from WWII to experimental planes.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"This place is amazing. The kiddos will definitely enjoy seeing the airplanes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check the Airshow Schedule

Don't miss the monthly airshow on the first Saturday! See planes start up and fly.

💧 Bring Water

Hangars can get hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,648 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Flying Zero

The Flying Zero

Main Hangar

Witness the world's only flying authentic A6M5 Zero fighter plane. A true piece of history in the air!

WWII Aviation History

WWII Aviation History

Exhibits

Explore detailed exhibits on the 475th Fighter Group and other WWII aviation heroes. Artifacts, photos, and stories abound.

Operational Aircraft Collection

Operational Aircraft Collection

Hangars

See over 150 aircraft, many still in flying condition. The sheer variety and active status are breathtaking.

Military Vehicles

Military Vehicles

Outdoor Display

Beyond planes, discover a Sherman Tank and a Dodge Ambulance, maintained by passionate volunteers.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Hangars can get hot, especially during summer. Visit early or on cooler days. Weekends, particularly the first Saturday of the month for airshows, can draw crowds. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

Plan for the Planes

This isn't just a static display; many aircraft are operational! Check the schedule for 'Hangar Talk' events and flight demonstrations, especially the monthly airshow on the first Saturday. It's a unique chance to see history fly.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
First Saturday of the month
Why
Monthly airshow & flight demos
Crowd
High
When
Mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lugar para pasar un rato gradable y ver aviones de todos los paises #plane #landing #airplane #visitar #museum
@castrojorge777
27.5K likes • 348.6K views

🎯 Check the Airshow Schedule

Don't miss the monthly airshow on the first Saturday! See planes start up and fly. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Hangars can get hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated! Reddit

reddit.com

I went to the Chino "Plane of Fame Air Museum" and it was awesome! Here's my experience! The planes were huge...

Link for the lazy http://planesoffame.org/ Guess I will have to make a trip here one day. This place looks amazing.

reddit.com

Plane’s of Fame A6M5 Zero! engine start up & fly by!

This is the only flying authentic Zero in the world that is still being flown using its original 1943 Nakajima Sakae engine! This Zero was captured by US Marines in Saipan in 1944 and was shipped back to the US (San Diego) where it was tested & flown, Even Charles Lindbergh…

🚸 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love seeing planes up close, and many are still running! Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about aviation history. Reddit

reddit.com

Newly restored F8F Bearcat piloted by Steve Hinton at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA does a flyby for the crowd on its first public flight.

Just a heads up, if you've never been to the Planes of Fame Museum and you travel to Southern CA, you should make it a priority. It was one of the greatest aviation museums I've ever seen. When I visited as a kid, the rest of my family went to Hollywood for the day, but my dad…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check the Airshow Schedule

Don't miss the monthly airshow on the first Saturday! See planes start up and fly. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Hangars can get hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🚸 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love seeing planes up close, and many are still running! Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Staff

Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about aviation history. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture stunning shots of iconic aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Planes of Fame Air Museum for its extensive collection of operational aircraft and rich aviation history, especially its WWII exhibits. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are frequently highlighted, making the experience educational and engaging. While hangars can get hot, the unique opportunity to see and hear historic planes fly makes it a highly recommended destination for enthusiasts and families alike.

"An amazing "little" museum. It's really not small, just looks like it from the outside.

I had an incredible chat with Victor, who also took me into two areas that weren't finished yet. Forever grateful for the tour, the chat, and the amazing history.

Highly recommend visiting if you're an aviation enthusiast. Lots of history, lots of planes, and even a tank!"

Kevin Tabor

"This place is amazing. The kiddos will definitely enjoy seeing the airplanes. Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable of the aircrafts that are on display. Place is clean and very organized so you know where to go even though it's a self guided tour. Gift shop is really cool with selling a bunch of memorabilia and a few toys."

Domingo Mendez Jr

"Great visit. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. We came on Father’s Day and all the days were free. Hangars were a hot and not enough ventilation. There was a lot to look at but wished there were areas to purchase water. The gift shop was great and had a lot of cool items. We got shirts and a magnet. Crowds were not an issue."

Erica Garcia

What People Like

Operational aircraft collection
Knowledgeable staff
WWII exhibits

What People Dislike

Hangars can be hot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at the Chino Airport. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. If using GPS, input 'Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino, CA'.

Public transportation options to Chino Airport can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.

The museum is typically open daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation, especially around holidays.

Yes, there is an admission fee. Check the museum's website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts, such as for seniors, military, or children. Some special event days might offer free admission. Reddit

Yes, the museum is open on weekends. However, be aware that the first Saturday of each month features an airshow and flight demonstration, which can attract larger crowds. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees vary for adults, seniors, military, and children. It's recommended to visit their official website for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Discounts may be available for military personnel, seniors, and children. Some special event days, like Father's Day, have offered free admission in the past. Reddit

While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good idea, especially if you plan to visit during a special event like the monthly airshow, to save time. Check their website for online ticketing options.

The museum is largely self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, engaging with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers can greatly enhance your understanding of the aircraft and history. Reddit

Yes, the museum hosts a monthly airshow on the first Saturday of every month, featuring aircraft startups and flight demonstrations. They also have 'Hangar Talk' events with themed discussions. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse collection of over 150 aircraft, including many rare and historic planes, with a significant focus on WWII aviation. Many are still in flying condition. Reddit

Yes, a remarkable number of the aircraft are maintained in flying condition, and some are flown during special events and airshows. Reddit

Absolutely! Children often enjoy seeing the planes up close, and the interactive nature of some exhibits can be engaging. It's a great place for young aviation enthusiasts. Reddit

The museum also features a collection of military vehicles, including a Sherman Tank and a Dodge Ambulance from World War II, maintained and operated by volunteers. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. The aircraft make for fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum has a gift shop that sells memorabilia and toys, but food and drink options on-site can be limited. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, especially on hot days. Reddit

Yes, there are dining options available in the city of Chino, which is a short drive from the museum. You can find various fast-food and sit-down restaurants in the surrounding area.

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted, especially for personal consumption. However, it's best to consume them in designated areas or outside the main exhibit halls to maintain the museum's cleanliness.

📸 📸 Photography

The hangars offer incredible close-ups of the aircraft, while the outdoor areas provide opportunities to capture planes against the sky. The monthly airshow is prime time for dynamic shots. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permission. Always check with museum staff if you have specific needs. TikTok

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a 70-200mm, is great for capturing both wide shots of the hangars and details of the aircraft. A wide-angle lens can be useful for interior shots. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer, more dramatic lighting. However, the bright midday sun can also highlight the aircraft's details. The airshow offers unique lighting opportunities. TikTok

Yes, the monthly airshow is a fantastic opportunity to photograph aircraft in action. Be prepared for fast-moving subjects and consider a camera with good autofocus capabilities. Reddit

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