San Diego is known as the "City of the Navy," reflecting its deep ties to the U.S. Navy.

It is home to some of the most important naval bases on the West Coast, and I'll introduce a few key bases.

Naval Base San Diego is located on the east side of San Diego Bay.

This is where ships belonging to the Pacific Fleet are stationed, with about 50 warships and hundreds of support units gathered here.

It's a very busy place responsible for all aspects of naval logistics, maintenance, and training.

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_san_diego

We can't forget about Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) on Coronado Island.

This is where aircraft carriers are stationed and serves as the center for naval aviation operations.

Aircraft carriers that roam the Pacific come here to prepare for training and operations.

And do you know about the Navy SEALs? Their headquarters and training facility are located at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

This base is also on Coronado Island and plays a crucial role in U.S. special operations.

The rigorous training process of the Navy SEALs is often featured in documentaries, and that training takes place right here.

Additionally, the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) near Balboa Park is a hospital for military personnel and their families, equipped with excellent facilities. It plays an important role in caring for the health of service members.

The San Diego naval bases are responsible for the defense of the Pacific while also being deeply connected to the city's economy.

When people ask where to go in San Diego, I immediately mention the USS Midway Museum without hesitation.

This isn't just a museum; it's an actual aircraft carrier that has been opened to the public, making it a unique experience.

This is the USS Midway (CV-41), an aircraft carrier that was in service from 1945 for nearly 50 years, having participated in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, making it a true "living history" artifact. It was retired in 1992 and is now docked in San Diego Harbor as a museum.

Once you step inside, it's not just a casual visit. You can actually walk through the interior of the aircraft carrier. You can see the crew quarters, the bridge, and even go down to the hangar deck, and you can climb up to the flight deck. Especially when you get to the flight deck, you really feel it: "Oh, this is a real warship."

There are fighter jets lined up on the deck, and it feels like you're seeing things you've only seen in movies. From F-14 Tomcats to helicopters, there's a variety of aircraft, making it a great spot for photos. Honestly, taking a few pictures here really captures the essence of your trip.

Another fun aspect is the interactive experiences available. There's a flight simulator where you can feel like you're piloting, and programs that explain the takeoff and landing processes of fighter jets. It's great for kids, and adults can get really into it too.

One thing that impressed me was the living quarters. The spaces where crew members actually slept and the dining area are recreated, making you think, "So many people lived here together?" The space is surprisingly small, adding to the realism.

What's really great is that many retired veterans volunteer to give tours. Hearing stories from someone who experienced it firsthand is completely different from reading about it in a book. Sometimes, you can lose track of time listening to their stories.

For practical information, it's located right in front of San Diego Harbor, and the operating hours are usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee is about $30 for adults, but personally, I didn't feel it was a waste of money. It's definitely worth it. There's a paid parking lot right in front, making it convenient to park.

Lastly, I'll just say that this isn't just a place to check off on your tourist list; it's likely to be one of the most memorable parts of your day. The scenery is beautiful since it's right by the sea, and the view of San Diego Harbor from the aircraft carrier is quite nice too.

If you have time, I recommend taking your time to explore. Once you go, you'll immediately understand why everyone says you must visit.