I caution that a few well meaning folks have mentioned great places, but they are currently closed or have access issues- I would hate for you to plan on something and find a closed gate/building, specifically:
-The Naval Museum at Pensacola is currently closed/difficult to get to unless you have a US Military or retired ID. I think they have an escort/sponsor program, but it sounds challenging.
- Kermit Weeks/Fantasy of Flight is essentially closed until Kermit re-imagines Phase III of the site.
- The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, Washington State. Been closed for about 2 years, but plans to re-open during summer months for the next 2 years before moving to Arkansas. Details pend.
- Mention of Galveston likely refers to the former Lone Star Museum which was heavily damaged during a Hurricane. Some of the collection has been moved to their Houston site.
- Charlotte. I believe it is currently closed pending a new building/lease.
And a few that were recommended that I can pass my thoughts on (standing by for incoming!)
- World War 2 museum in New Orleans. A storytelling museum that tells the story very well, but as an aviation enthusiast it felt flat for me. The aircraft are mostly suspended and hard to see.
- Quantico. Great story telling museum of the US Marine Corps, but most of the aircraft are hung high in the Atrium or mounted above displays making them hard to see. Same flat feeling.
- Hiller Museum. Small and was OK, but don't need to go again. Would not go out of my way.
A few I can second or third:
-USAF museum, Dayton Ohio- an absolute must, 2 full days
-Udvar Hazy, Smithsonian, Virginia. Half day
-Smithsonian Mall, half day, but not fully open due to remodeling.
-Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover Delaware, great collection of "Trash Haulers" . Only place you can go inside a C-5 Galaxy (lower deck) and the C-130, C-141 are usually open and the C-133 if you ask a docent. neat.
- USS Midway in San Diego, very impressive.
- USS Intrepid, new York
- Caslte, California but a long way from anything else
- SAC Museum, but you will see most of the same the USAF Museum
- Chino, California. A must if into WWII warbirds.
- Palm Springs
And a few I can add
- Patuxent River Naval Air Station. a small collection on Naval test jets outside the main gate, but a long way form anywhere else.
- Warner Robins Air Force base, Warner Robins Georgia. Large collection, but you will see the same things if you go to the USAF Museum, and a long way from anything.
- Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, Excellent WWI and WWII collection. Most are flyers. Great up close airshow in October and few smaller event each year from the grass trip.
Finally we have all recommended things all over the USA, and many visitors, especially from Europe, fail to appreciate how big the place is ("what do mean we are still in Texas, we have been driving for 10 hours!?) Some of these could take you a whole day or more to drive between. I might recommend an Eastern Focus and maybe a jaunt to California, but you can't do it all in 2 weeks on a budget. Enjoy.
Last edited by sandiego89; 16th Mar 2023 at 12:51.