The Museum of Flying sits on the south side of Santa Monica Airport, on land where the Douglas Aircraft Company built airplanes for decades. It's one of the best aviation stops in Los Angeles for families, students and anyone thinking about learning to fly.
Hours And Location
- Address: 3100 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica (south side of the airport).
- Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday through Sunday, as of September 2026.
- Admission: Check the museum's website for current prices before you go.
What's Inside
- A replica Wright Flyer and a Lockheed Vega
- An F-86 Sabre, an A-4 Skyhawk and a Douglas DC-3 monument
- The nose section of a Boeing 727, with a cockpit you can sit in
- Douglas Aircraft artifacts, photographs and the original boardroom table
- More than 300 aircraft models and the California Aviation Hall of Fame
- Hands-on exhibits for kids
Make It A Full Aviation Day
After the museum, go from looking at airplanes to flying one. Van Nuys Airport is about a 30-minute drive north, traffic permitting. A You Fly LA discovery flight puts you in the left seat with an instructor for $229, and you can book online for the same afternoon if a slot is open.
Santa Monica Airport's Future
The city of Santa Monica's agreement with the FAA allows it to close the airport after 2028. If you live on the Westside and want to learn to fly, see our guide to where to train when Santa Monica closes, or our flight school page for Santa Monica.
You Fly LA is not affiliated with the Museum of Flying. Details are accurate as of October 2026; confirm with the museum before visiting.