Miramar Air Show San Diego
Every year, near the beginning of October, the Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar hosts a spectacular air show that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. This three-day event has previously proven to be a huge success, winning numerous awards from the International Council of Air Shows. The Miramar Air Show is San Diego’s largest annual public event, taking place on a stage surrounded by desert and mountains and framed by hangars housing Marine Corps jets and helicopters used by America’s 9-1-1 Force. Spectators can go up and tour planes of all sizes as they watch planes perform death-defying feats of glory.
Every year, the Miramar Air Show serves three main purposes: 1-To improve community relations by opening the station to the public, to thank the community for its support of the Marine Corps by providing a free world-class air show, and to provide an opportunity for community team-building through direct participation in the Air Show. 2-To educate the San Diego community about military and civilian aviation, as well as MCAS Miramar’s mission, while promoting a positive image of both to the general public, community leaders, and decision-makers. 3-Support military recruitment efforts.
Originally a Navy event, the Marine Corps took over when they arrived in 1999. The prestigious performing unit began in 1953 as the 3500th Air Demonstration Unit, the Air Force’s official air demonstration team.
The three-day event attracts over 700,000 people. Viewers arrive prepared to stand in lines and sit in traffic because gates typically open at 8 a.m., with demonstrations and other activities taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More than 100 aircraft are on the ground and open for inspection, but the real show is high above, as top-of-the-line military planes astound viewers with precision movements, supersonic flybys, and silent hovering above the crowd below. There is usually a consumer show highlighting local businesses, as well as flight simulators to give visitors a closer look at the real thing. What’s the best part? Admission, parking, and blanket seating are all complimentary. If you want to watch the game from any of the following areas, special ticket packages are available at various prices: Semper Fi, Chalet Flight Deck, Chalet Observation Deck, Box Seats, or Grandstands.
The Miramar Air Show is an excellent opportunity for young people to get up close and personal with the exciting field of aviation. For people of all ages, it is pure entertainment. The show is free to the public, and many consider it to be one of America’s best, having won awards for “Best Air Show” in the past. If you’re looking for power, speed, and patriotism, there’s no better place to satisfy your cravings than the annual Miramar Air Show in October.
The Thunderbirds performed instead of the Blue Angels for the first time in 2007. Thunderbirds or Angels, these planes can always be seen from dozens of locations outside Miramar. The MCAS Miramar Air Show allows the general public to witness and enjoy a world-class air show and aviation trade expo firsthand.
Exciting San Diego Event for the Whole Family
Both locals and guests at a San Diego Hotel will love spending the day at the Miramar Air Show – a popular San Diego Event.
When you’re looking for things to do in San Diego, consider some of the top San Diego Events like the Miramar Air Show. Turn your eyes to the skies and see exciting aerial performances by some of the best-known performers in the world. San Diego is a perfect choice for those planning a visit to attend this or other popular Events.
MCAS Miramar Air Show
SEPTEMBER 24 – 26
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
When you think of the MCAS Miramar Air Show, the very first thing to come to mind is probably the Blue Angels. This flight demonstration squad is known throughout the world, and the squadron has been delighting crowds since 1946. More than 11 million people see the Blue Angels perform each year, and this San Diego Event is a chance to do just that.
While the Blue Angels might be the highlight of the show, they aren’t the only thing to see. A number of aircraft will be on display throughout the show, and attendees are able to get up close to these planes, ask the pilots questions and, in some cases, even sit in the pilot’s seat. You’ll also have the chance to watch other aerial performance teams including the Breitling Jet Team. Other Activities include a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration and another from the U.S. Army Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are considered the best elite parachute team in the world.
With lots of activities for kids and adults, the Miramar Air Show is a perfect choice when you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in San Diego. Downtown San Diego is ideally located, and our San Diego Hotel is within easy reach of this and other top San Diego Events. Our Hotel is also near top Dining, Shopping, and Attractions.