If you LOVE planes, aviation, history, and everything in between, you might like to know that the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum happens to be the ONLY museum in the entire world that is dedicated to the US Marine Corps aviation.
It also happens to be the museum that has the largest, and most complete, collection of incredible vintage aircraft that have been flown by Marine pilots…in the WORLD!
If you want to learn all about the story of the US Marine Corps and the part they have played in defending the USA – you have found your museum!
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum currently has 27 aircraft on display. This includes some pretty iconic models, such as “Lady Ace” – the helicopter that evacuated the US ambassador in 1975, from the rooftop in Saigon – how amazing is that!?
There are also 8 galleries that house artifacts from nearly the last century, covering all the way back to WWI, right up to present day. You can learn about the Marines in space, and even Women Marines (great to inspire those young girls in the family that they can do anything they want!)
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum also has one of the finest collections of Marine Aviation patches in the entire world.
For kids to be so close to real historic aircraft is quite a thrill. The museum maintain and restore these aircraft so they can continue to be admired for visitors in years to come.
Currently they are restoring a WWII-era Douglass Dauntless SBD bomber!
When you visit, make sure you speak to the staff. They are staffed nearly entirely by Veterans, who can tell you stories you could never read in a book!
Historic fun AND aviation fun at this fascinating San Diego Museum!
Great staff, many aircraft ranging from WWII to present. You also can’t beat the price – free, with a recommended donation of $5, which is more than worth it. Personally I always bring a sketchbook to museums, and the way the aircraft are displayed lets me get as close or far as I want from any angle, which I very much appreciated. While the museum building is small, be sure to ask about the various displays – the staff are helpful and had some great facts and anecdotes about the artifacts. I only wish I brought sunscreen and a bigger hat- be sure to bring those if its a sunny day out. Still, I had a great time and highly recommend this museum!
Our two year old liked the museum and he enjoyed walking around the helicopters in the outdoor display , we didn’t have to worry about him because the place had a nice tall fence. The museum buidling is old but well maintained, the restrooms were nice and clean and the people working there were courteous and friendly. We would love to go again in summer during the cockpit days.
Great aircraft selection outside but the indoor museum was closed the day I visited for installation of new carpet. Few trees so site can be a bit warm. The present museum is just trailers but I don’t know whats inside.
I’d also have to ask my ghost just like the other check-in in San Diego, never been here… just my Google timeline is showing that I have…
Great museum that I think is better than many of the other aviation museums I’ve been to that seem to be far better financed. The planes the FLAM has are neat, and you can get right up next to them, under them, etc. The staff are there to greet you from the very beginning, answer any questions, and obviously care very much about what they have to share. I’m also partial to outdoor exhibits since it helps kids to get their exercise, but also not have to be so quiet as a typical museum atmosphere. Highly recommend it for a family trip or any veterans.