Are you an aviation aficionado or a history buff? Then you don’t want to miss visiting The Museum of Flying at the Santa Monica Airport. It showcases a remarkable collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that celebrate the rich aviation history of Southern California.
Outside of the building, you can’t miss the Douglas DC-3 that is parked outside. It serves as a symbol of the golden age of aviation.
A Blue Angel Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is also parked outside. It was designed for Navy and Marine synchronized flying. The aircraft is lightweight and capable of ground attack.
Watch my video walking tour of the museum
Once inside, I started my tour checking out a replica of the Orville and Wilber Wright glider. It was built by 20th Century Fox as a movie prop for “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.”
The North American Navion was a civilian aircraft designed after WWII. It was built to compete with the Cessna 195 and Beechcraft Bonanza but resembles a fighter plane with its distinctive “teeth.”
The museum is small but contains historical artifacts including a display that highlights the 1929 Women’s Air Derby where famous women aviators such as Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barnes, and Ruth Elder competed.
One exhibit featured vintage stewardess outfits.
Some of the old photos had me reminiscing about how comfortable airline flights were in previous decades when there was much more legroom. I don’t miss the smoking section, however.
Upstairs is the Douglas Boardroom which is often rented out for corporate meetings and receptions. It was constructed in 1953 and was originally located in the Douglas Plant that was in Santa Monica.
The Santa Monica Airport
The Museum of Flying focuses on Douglas aircraft and the history of the airport. The area has been an airfield as early as 1917 but was recognized as a commercial field in April 1923 making it over 100 years old. Sadly, it is scheduled to close in winter 2028 due to public opposition because of noise. I doubt this will affect the museum as it is dedicated to the history of aviation in the area.
The airport was originally known as Clover Field until 1927 and was later the site of the Army’s 40th Division Aviation, 115th Observation Squadron, and became a distribution center after WWII. Photos are displayed inside the museum that show the airport camouflaged during WWII to resemble a small town.
B-18 Bolo and B-18A bombers and other aircraft were built in Santa Monica to support the war effort.
Dine near the Museum of Flying
The Cloverfield is located near the museum. It is a bistro that features a garden-style patio and serves pizza, burgers, street tacos, and craft beers.
The Museum of Flying
3100 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
I have spent virtually no time in LA but I am really interested in the area
I’m sure the aviation buffs out there would love this museum! Makes me miss L.A. Would love to go back.