Wings Over Miami Air Museum
Explore WWII & Cold War aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, at this compact Miami aviation museum. Great for families!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Wings Over Miami Air Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII & Cold War aircraft, including an F-14 Tomcat, at this compact Miami aviation museum. Great for families!
"A compact gem for aviation lovers, offering a glimpse into history with impressive aircraft and a fun gift shop."
📸 Phone Photography OK
Phone cameras are generally permitted. Professional camera use may incur a $300 fee, so clarify beforehand!
✈️ Educational Experience
Great for families and aviation enthusiasts. Learn about WWII and Cold War aircraft history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
F-14 Tomcat
Main Hangar
See one of the last F-14D Tomcats that flew with the US Navy, a truly impressive piece of aviation history.
MiG-21
Main Hangar
Marvel at the iconic MiG-21, a successful Soviet-era fighter jet, often seen undergoing restoration.
Douglas B-26 Invader
Main Hangar
View the B-26 Invader, painted to resemble Cuban Air Force planes used during the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Photography Policy Alert!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Phone Photography OK
Phone cameras are generally permitted. Professional camera use may incur a $300 fee, so clarify beforehand!
✈️ Educational Experience
Great for families and aviation enthusiasts. Learn about WWII and Cold War aircraft history.
🎁 Unique Gift Shop
Find aviation-themed souvenirs, books, and toy airplanes. Airplanes hang from the ceiling!
⏱️ Quick Visit
The museum is compact and can be explored in about 30 minutes.
Aviation places to visit in Miami
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Phone Photography OK
Phone cameras are generally permitted. Professional camera use may incur a $300 fee, so clarify beforehand!
✈️ Educational Experience
Great for families and aviation enthusiasts. Learn about WWII and Cold War aircraft history.
🎁 Unique Gift Shop
Find aviation-themed souvenirs, books, and toy airplanes. Airplanes hang from the ceiling!
⏱️ Quick Visit
The museum is compact and can be explored in about 30 minutes.
📍 Bay of Pigs Memorial
Don't miss the nearby Bay of Pigs memorial on your way out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wings Over Miami Air Museum is a compact and educational aviation museum, praised for its collection of historical aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and MiG-21, and its engaging gift shop. Visitors appreciate the friendly volunteers and the educational value for families. However, some find the museum small for the admission price and are critical of the strict and costly photography policy for professional cameras.
"This first time visit to Wings Over Miami Museum with my grandson. My grandson and I were welcome by two very nice members of the museum that provided information on museum walk thru requirements, answered some of our questions. Also impressed by the quantity of model airplanes and many types of surveniers available at the store. The walk thru the museum was very interesting and exciting. We enjoyed the visit and took lots of pictures of the many airplanes and presentations on display. Highly recommend a visit to the museum."
Luis Nodar
"An aviation museum located inside Miami Executive Airport.
30 minutes drive from Miami International Airport, Florida
Admission fee: $15 (discounts for children and seniors available)
A medium-sized hangar has been turned into an aviation museum. The exhibits are mainly aircraft that were active from World War II to the Cold War, and the history of the development of civil aviation from Florida to Cuba after the war. There are few explanatory texts, but if you have any questions, you can check them online.
The exhibition room near the entrance has many historical aviation photos and books. There are also tables and chairs, so you can take your time looking around if you are interested.
Notable exhibits include the actual D-type, which is the final form of the F14, the actual MiG-21, and classic models.
Wartime dioramas and aircraft under restoration are also on display, and you can feel the efforts of the exhibitors in the compact atmosphere.
If you have time while staying in Miami, please visit."
T M
"Took my father to this museum. It offers a highly educational experience, showcasing a remarkable collection of aircrafts and history. This is perfect for families with kids or anyone who loves airplanes and aircraft vintage. The gift shop, which features unique aviation themed items, airplanes hanging from the ceiling, a book area and even toy airplanes for sale. The museum is small and you can be done in like 30 minutes. They have one of the last F-14 Tomcat and is in good shape. The website says $10 for admission but in the entrance they charge me $15. They need to update their prices. My dad had a great time. Also, on your drive out check out the Bay of Pigs memorial. That was neat."
Abel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wings Over Miami Air Museum is located inside Miami Executive Airport. It's about a 30-minute drive from Miami International Airport. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing is recommended.
Yes, as it's located within an airport, there is typically ample parking available for visitors.
Since the museum is at an active airport, you might have opportunities to see other aircraft movements, which adds to the aviation experience.
Follow signs for Miami Executive Airport and then look for the museum's specific signage within the airport grounds.
The museum is situated within the airport complex, so keeping an eye out for airport directional signs is key.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $15, with discounts available for children and seniors. However, one visitor noted a discrepancy between the website price ($10) and the charged price ($15), so it's wise to confirm current rates.
Yes, the museum usually offers discounted admission for children and seniors.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead, especially if planning to visit during a special event.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Wings Over Miami Air Museum website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, phone photography is generally permitted. However, using professional cameras may incur a significant fee, so confirm their policy before your visit.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum features aircraft from World War II and the Cold War, including notable exhibits like an F-14 Tomcat and a MiG-21. You'll also find historical aviation photos and books.
Absolutely! It's a great place for families, especially for kids who love airplanes. The exhibits are educational and engaging.
The museum is relatively compact and can typically be explored in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest level.
While not heavily focused on interactive exhibits, the presence of aircraft under restoration and historical displays offers an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts.
The Bay of Pigs memorial is a nearby exhibit, often noted by visitors, featuring a Douglas B-26 Invader painted to resemble Cuban Air Force planes used during that historical event.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there's a gift shop featuring unique aviation-themed items, books, and toy airplanes. It's a popular spot for souvenirs.
The museum itself is primarily an exhibition space and may not have extensive dining facilities. However, being located at an airport, there might be eateries within the airport complex, or you can plan to dine before or after your visit.
The gift shop offers a variety of aviation memorabilia, including model airplanes, books on aviation history, and apparel.
Yes, the gift shop typically stocks a selection of books related to aviation history, which can be a great takeaway for enthusiasts.
Visitors often highlight the unique aviation-themed items and the visual appeal of airplanes hanging from the ceiling in the gift shop area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visitors often mention how much their grandchildren enjoyed seeing the planes, with some kids not wanting to leave. The opportunity to see aircraft under restoration adds an extra layer of interest. While the museum is educational, it's also presented in an engaging way that appeals to younger audiences. Remember to check the photography policy if you plan on documenting the visit with a camera.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Pilots
While the museum is small, the chance to see aircraft in various states of restoration can be particularly interesting. The proximity to an active airport also means you might catch other aircraft movements. Be prepared for minimal explanatory text and consider doing some research beforehand to fully appreciate the exhibits. The photography policy is a key consideration for those who wish to document their visit professionally.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aircraft Collection
The museum also highlights the history of civil aviation, particularly its development from Florida to Cuba after the war. This includes exhibits like the Douglas B-26 Invader, which has been painted to resemble Cuban Air Force planes used during the Bay of Pigs invasion, adding a layer of historical context and storytelling to the exhibits.
While explanatory texts might be minimal, the presence of knowledgeable volunteers and the opportunity to research exhibits online can enrich the visitor experience. The compact nature of the hangar allows for an intimate viewing of these historical artifacts, making each piece feel significant.
Photography at the Museum: A Point of Contention
This approach to photography can be seen as a missed opportunity for the museum. By imposing high fees, they may be hindering the organic promotion that high-quality photography can provide. Many aviation enthusiasts share their experiences and photos within online communities, acting as unofficial ambassadors for such venues. The current policy, however, might discourage this valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
For those planning a visit with photography in mind, it's crucial to clarify the exact terms and conditions regarding camera usage with the museum management beforehand. Understanding these restrictions will help manage expectations and ensure a smoother visit, whether you're using your phone or a professional setup.
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