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Museum of Flying Santa Monica

4.5
·510 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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www.MuseumOfFlying.org

Museum of Flying Santa Monica

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(510 reviews)

"A wonderful museum, not busy during the day, with really cool models and retired planes."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wright Brothers Replica

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

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

Women in Aviation

Second floor

Discover the inspiring stories and contributions of female aviators, honoring their achievements in a dedicated section.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visit during weekdays for a more intimate experience, as weekends can see more families. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to secure your spot and potentially save time, especially if you're interested in specific exhibits or events. Reddit

Plan Your Visit

This museum is housed in a hangar, so dress comfortably. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits, from early aviation pioneers to modern spacecraft. Check their website for any special events or temporary exhibits. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Still quiet, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Aviation museums or places?

Affordable Admission

Tickets are very affordable, with discounts for seniors and students. A great value for a family outing! :moneybag: Reddit

Explore the Hangar

The museum is essentially a hangar with a mezzanine, offering a unique and spacious environment for aircraft exhibits. :airplane:

reddit.com

Things to do with plane/flight enthusiast?

reddit.com

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:

reddit.com

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: Reddit

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

4.5
(510 reviews)

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

Affordable admission prices
Engaging aviation history
Inspiring women in aviation

What People Dislike

Desire for more historical detail

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Museum of Flying is located at 3062 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405. This address will help you navigate directly to the museum. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the museum's exhibits. This allows time to appreciate the displays and potentially try the simulator. Reddit

The museum is often not very busy, especially on weekday mornings, allowing for a more personal experience. Weekends might see more visitors, particularly families. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Flying Santa Monica is a fantastic outing for families. The exhibits are engaging and educational, making it a fun way for kids to learn about airplanes and the history of flight. The replica of the Wright brothers' flyer is always a hit, and the chance to see real aircraft up close sparks imagination. Reddit

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

For true aviation buffs, the Museum of Flying Santa Monica offers a deep dive into the region's aerospace heritage. The detailed exhibits on Douglas Aircraft and the historical context of Santa Monica Airport provide valuable insights. You'll find a well-maintained collection that appeals to those with a passion for aircraft and their development. Reddit

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

The Museum of Flying Santa Monica is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. With admission prices around $10 for adults and $6 for children, it offers significant value for the experience. Reddit

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

Southern California has a rich and storied history in aviation, and the Museum of Flying Santa Monica serves as a vital repository for this legacy. From the early days of flight to the golden age of aircraft manufacturing, the region played a pivotal role in shaping the aerospace industry. The museum highlights this by showcasing iconic aircraft and the innovations that came from local companies like Douglas Aircraft. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

The Museum of Flying Santa Monica is organized to guide visitors through a chronological journey of aviation. You'll typically begin with the foundational era, featuring a replica of the Wright brothers' flyer, which offers a tangible connection to the very beginnings of powered flight. This section is often recommended as a starting point to appreciate the subsequent advancements. Reddit

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. Reddit

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.

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