
Museum of Flying Santa Monica
Discover Southern California's aviation legacy at the Museum of Flying Santa Monica, featuring historic aircraft and inspiring stories.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Museum of Flying Santa Monica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Southern California's aviation legacy at the Museum of Flying Santa Monica, featuring historic aircraft and inspiring stories.
"A wonderful museum, not busy during the day, with really cool models and retired planes."

Affordable Admission
Tickets are very affordable, with discounts for seniors and students. A great value for a family outing! :moneybag:
Explore the Hangar
The museum is essentially a hangar with a mezzanine, offering a unique and spacious environment for aircraft exhibits. :airplane:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wright Brothers Replica
First floor
Step back in time with a detailed replica of the Wright brothers' groundbreaking aircraft. A must-see for aviation history buffs.

Douglas Aircraft History
Second floor
Explore the rich legacy of Douglas Aircraft, a cornerstone of Southern California's aerospace industry. Fascinating displays and stories.

Women in Aviation
Second floor
Discover the inspiring stories and contributions of female aviators, honoring their achievements in a dedicated section.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Aviation museums or places?
Affordable Admission
Tickets are very affordable, with discounts for seniors and students. A great value for a family outing! :moneybag:
Explore the Hangar
The museum is essentially a hangar with a mezzanine, offering a unique and spacious environment for aircraft exhibits. :airplane:
Things to do with plane/flight enthusiast?
FedEx Plane @ Museum of Flying, Santa Monica
Interactive Simulators
Experience flight firsthand with the Max FS 3000 simulator for an added thrill. :joystick:
Plan for 2-3 Hours
Give yourself ample time to delve into the exhibits, from early aviation to modern aerospace. :clock:
What interesting things do you know about Santa Monica Airport?
Tips
from all over the internet
Affordable Admission
Tickets are very affordable, with discounts for seniors and students. A great value for a family outing! :moneybag:
Explore the Hangar
The museum is essentially a hangar with a mezzanine, offering a unique and spacious environment for aircraft exhibits. :airplane:
Interactive Simulators
Experience flight firsthand with the Max FS 3000 simulator for an added thrill. :joystick:
Plan for 2-3 Hours
Give yourself ample time to delve into the exhibits, from early aviation to modern aerospace. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum of Flying Santa Monica for its affordable admission, engaging exhibits on aviation history, and the inspiring stories of female aviators. Many appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the collection without large crowds. Some wish for more extensive information on specific historical events.
"Have been driving by this museum for years and finally went with some family that was in town. We really loved it! Learned a lot about the history of both commercial and military aircraft. Tickets were very affordable and they offer senior and student discounts."
Evan
"Wonderful museum. Not busy during the day - was basically all to myself. Really cool models and retired planes. They recommend you start off with the Wroght Brothers' section. Inspirational! And make your way through to today's air and spacecraft by the end. They have a section on the second floor honoring the female heroes in aviation. Really nice to see. Many names, I'd not heard of or hadn't known well."
Aaron Stall
"Museum of Flying (est 1974) is a 22,000 sq ft aerospace museum in Santa Monica, CA. This museum exhibits aviation history, a dozen aircrafts including a replica of the Wright bros and a Max FS 3000 simulator. MOF is basically a
hanger with a mezzanine.
I have been to every aerospace museums in LA/OC except this one. It’s very organized and well maintained; you can go through the entire exhibits in "
Carlo N.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Flying is located at the Santa Monica Airport. You can reach it by car, with parking available. Public transportation options might involve bus routes that serve the airport area. It's a good idea to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, parking is generally available at the Santa Monica Airport, which serves the museum. It's advisable to confirm specific parking arrangements or fees with the airport or museum directly before your visit.
The Museum of Flying is located at 3062 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405. This address will help you navigate directly to the museum.
While the museum is located at the Santa Monica Airport, it is primarily a destination for ground visitors. It's not set up for public aircraft landings directly at the museum itself, but rather for those arriving by car or other means.
Public transport options to Santa Monica Airport can be limited. It's best to consult local Santa Monica transit maps or apps to find the most convenient bus routes that get you close to the airport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Museum of Flying is very affordable. Adults are typically around $10, and children are around $6. They also offer senior and student discounts, making it a budget-friendly option.
While not always strictly necessary, purchasing tickets in advance can be a good idea to ensure entry, especially during peak times or if there are special events. It can also save you time upon arrival.
The museum's operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information on opening and closing times.
Information on group discounts is not widely publicized, but it's worth contacting the museum directly to inquire about rates for larger parties or educational groups.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibits and events. Checking their website or social media channels is the best way to stay informed about upcoming activities.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection of aviation history, including a replica of the Wright brothers' flyer, exhibits on Douglas Aircraft, and a section honoring female aviators. They also have a flight simulator.
Yes, the museum is generally considered good for kids, especially those interested in airplanes. The exhibits are engaging, and the flight simulator can be a highlight.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the museum's exhibits. This allows time to appreciate the displays and potentially try the simulator.
The museum is often not very busy, especially on weekday mornings, allowing for a more personal experience. Weekends might see more visitors, particularly families.
The Max FS 3000 simulator offers an interactive flight experience. While not all exhibits are hands-on, the displays are designed to be informative and engaging.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the Museum of Flying. However, it's always a good practice to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure about any restrictions.
The aircraft displays, especially the larger planes and the Wright brothers' replica, make for great photo opportunities. The exhibits detailing the history of aviation also offer visually interesting backdrops.
Flash photography is often discouraged in museums to protect artifacts. It's best to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted by museum staff or signage.
Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited inside the museum due to safety and space constraints. It's also important to note that Santa Monica Airport has its own regulations regarding drone usage in the vicinity.
Tripods can sometimes obstruct pathways in museums. It's advisable to check the museum's policy on tripods before your visit, as they may not be permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking advantage of the affordable ticket prices, which make it an accessible family activity. The flight simulator is an added bonus that can provide an exciting interactive experience for older children and teens. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid larger crowds, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Women in Aviation section, which highlights important, often underrepresented, figures in flight history. The museum's laid-back atmosphere allows enthusiasts to spend ample time appreciating the displays and absorbing the rich history presented.
Budget Travelers
This airplane museum Santa Monica provides a rich educational experience without breaking the bank. It's a perfect option for a few hours of exploration that won't strain your travel funds, especially when combined with other free or low-cost activities in the Santa Monica area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History in Southern California
Visitors can trace the evolution of flight through the museum's exhibits, which often start with the pioneering efforts of figures like the Wright brothers and move towards more modern aerospace achievements. The Santa Monica Airport itself has a history intertwined with aviation development, making the museum's location particularly fitting. It's a place where the past, present, and future of flight converge.
The museum's collection includes a variety of aircraft, from replicas of early planes to artifacts from significant historical periods. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of how aviation has progressed and its impact on society. The aviation museum Santa Monica offers a unique perspective on this crucial aspect of American history, right in the heart of a region that helped define it.
Exploring the Exhibits
Moving through the museum, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to the significant contributions of Douglas Aircraft, a company that was instrumental in Southern California's aerospace boom. These displays often include models, historical documents, and stories that illuminate the company's impact on both commercial and military aviation. The museum's layout, described as a hangar with a mezzanine, provides ample space for these impressive displays.
A particularly noteworthy area is the section honoring women in aviation. This exhibit shines a light on the often-overlooked achievements of female pilots and engineers, celebrating their courage and contributions to the field. The museum aims to provide a well-rounded narrative of aviation history, ensuring that all significant figures and eras are represented.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit