Moffett Field Historical Society Museum
Explore aviation history at Moffett Field Museum, featuring historic aircraft, interactive cockpits, and fascinating artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy docent tours
Moffett Field Historical Society Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy docent tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore aviation history at Moffett Field Museum, featuring historic aircraft, interactive cockpits, and fascinating artifacts.
"A fantastic museum with so much inside and an extensive collection of artifacts!"
Bring Your ID! 🆔
Valid identification is mandatory for gate access to the federal airfield. Don't forget it!
Docent-Led Tours 🧑✈️
Highly recommended for outdoor planes! Former pilots share incredible details.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Aircraft Displays
Outdoor exhibits
See a P3 sub hunter and an F18 up close, with former pilots offering fascinating insights.
Cockpit Experience
Inside museum
Step into the full cockpit of a P3 sub hunter and explore its controls and gauges.
Extensive Artifact Collections
Indoor exhibits
Discover medals, uniforms, historic newspapers, and detailed models showcasing aviation history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gate Access & ID Required
Check Operating Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your ID! 🆔
Valid identification is mandatory for gate access to the federal airfield. Don't forget it!
Docent-Led Tours 🧑✈️
Highly recommended for outdoor planes! Former pilots share incredible details.
Check Hours Before You Go ⏰
Open Wed-Sat, 10 AM - 3 PM. Confirm times to avoid a wasted trip.
Kid-Friendly Fun 🧸
Interactive exhibits and historical displays make it engaging for all ages.
Things To Do In San Francisco and San Mateo for a Space/Aviation/Tech geek?
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your ID! 🆔
Valid identification is mandatory for gate access to the federal airfield. Don't forget it!
Docent-Led Tours 🧑✈️
Highly recommended for outdoor planes! Former pilots share incredible details.
Check Hours Before You Go ⏰
Open Wed-Sat, 10 AM - 3 PM. Confirm times to avoid a wasted trip.
Kid-Friendly Fun 🧸
Interactive exhibits and historical displays make it engaging for all ages.
Gift Shop Treasures 🎁
Find unique aviation-themed souvenirs and gifts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum to be a worthwhile stop with interesting displays and hands-on exhibits, particularly the aircraft cockpits. While some note its smaller size compared to larger aviation museums, the knowledgeable docents and extensive artifact collections are frequently highlighted as major positives. It's especially recommended for families and aviation buffs seeking a personal connection to history.
"The Moffett Museum is a nice little stop — there are a few planes, a helicopter, and some interesting displays with photos, stories, and artifacts. But I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. It’s quite small, and the large building next to it seems to be under construction (I think Google is renovating it). Inside the museum, there’s definitely some cool stuff to see, but overall it felt a bit limited. I’ve seen more impressive aviation museums. Still, worth a quick visit if you’re nearby."
Antoine Pilot
"We went for a Moffett Field Historical Society event, Post-war (WWII) History of San Jose Japantown. The talk was very interesting detailing the return and influx of the Japanese Americans to San Jose Japantown, a self-sufficient and self-contained community. The Moffett Field Museum has lots of US Navy flying history including several hands on exhibits. It’s located right next to the newly re-skinned Hangar One, a massive, historic structure built in the 1930s to house the Navy's USS Macon airship."
Todd Hirozawa
"Lots of interesting things to see: from plane and submarine models, medals, uniforms, historic newspapers and documents to the full cockpit of a P3 sub hunter and an F18 outside.
You need a docent to take you to the outdoor planes. Our guide was a former P3 pilot and gave us lots of interesting details on the controls and gauges in the actual cockpit.
Having lived in the flight path of the P3’s that flew regularly in the 80’s it was especially interesting to get “up close and personal” with one of these planes"
Jeff Meyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Severyns Avenue in Mountain View, building 126, within the federal airfield. You'll need to pass through a gate, so be prepared to show identification.
While some areas of the base might be accessible, accessing specific facilities like the museum may require proper identification and a clear purpose, like visiting the gift shop or attending an event.
Parking is generally available near the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific parking instructions or restrictions on the day of your visit.
From San Jose, you can take US-101 North towards Mountain View. Exit onto Moffett Boulevard and follow signs for the airfield. Driving is the most convenient option.
While direct public transport to the museum itself can be limited, you can take VTA buses or light rail to nearby Mountain View transit centers and then consider a short taxi or rideshare to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission details can vary, but it's often free or by donation. However, you absolutely need to present valid identification to enter the federal airfield where the museum is located.
The museum is typically open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's always best to verify current hours before your visit.
The museum generally strives to be accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's recommended to contact them in advance to ensure they can accommodate you.
Hangar One is a massive, historic structure adjacent to the museum. While you can see it from the outside, access to the interior may be restricted or part of specific tours or events.
No, the museum is generally child-friendly and educational for all ages. Families often find it a great spot for a field trip.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find displays on aviation and aircraft history, including photos, stories, artifacts, plane and submarine models, medals, uniforms, and historic documents.
Yes, the museum features several hands-on exhibits, including the full cockpit of a P3 sub hunter, allowing visitors to explore the controls.
Yes, there are planes and a helicopter on display. You can get up close to a P3 sub hunter and an F18, especially with a docent-led tour.
Docent-led tours are available and highly recommended, especially for the outdoor aircraft. Guides, often former pilots, provide in-depth information.
Absolutely! The museum is described as child-friendly, with interactive elements and historical content that can be educational and engaging for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or ask a staff member if you're unsure.
The outdoor aircraft, especially the P3 Orion and F18, offer great photo opportunities. Inside, the cockpit exhibits and displays of historical artifacts are also popular.
You can certainly photograph the exterior of the massive Hangar One from the museum grounds. Its sheer scale makes for impressive shots.
Given that Moffett Field is an active airfield, drone usage is highly restricted and likely prohibited without special permits. Always adhere to local regulations.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor shots. For the outdoor aircraft, a versatile lens that can capture both wide shots and details would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the aircraft, the displays of uniforms, medals, and historical documents can spark curiosity about different eras. The docent-led tours, when available, can also be tailored to be engaging for younger audiences, with former pilots sharing exciting stories. It's a great way to introduce children to the history of aviation and military service in a fun and accessible environment.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The museum's collection of artifacts, including uniforms, medals, and historical documents, further enriches the understanding of Moffett Field's role in aviation and defense. Whether you're interested in naval aviation, wartime contributions, or the evolution of aircraft technology, this museum offers a concentrated dose of history. It's a place where you can truly get 'up close and personal' with aviation history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Moffett Field Access
This is a crucial detail that can catch some travelers by surprise.It's worth noting that the base has a rich military history, particularly with the U.S. Navy's presence. Understanding this context helps appreciate the significance of the artifacts and aircraft on display. The museum is housed in Building 126, a space that once served as a recreation room for the Navy in the 1980s, adding another layer of historical context to your visit.
For those arriving by bicycle or on foot, be prepared to state your purpose clearly at the gate. Simply exploring might not be sufficient reason for entry; mentioning a specific destination like the museum or gift shop can be helpful.
Exploring the Aviation Treasures
Beyond the cockpit, outdoor displays include a P3 Orion aircraft and an F18 fighter jet.
Inside the museum, you'll find a diverse array of artifacts, including medals, uniforms, historic newspapers, documents, and detailed models of planes and submarines. These items collectively paint a vivid picture of Moffett Field's significant role in aviation and military history, from WWII to more recent times.
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