San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum

The main attraction in Embarcadero is the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum aboard the USS Midway, the navy's longest-serving aircraft carrier (1945-91). A self-guided audio-tour takes in the berthing spaces, the galley, the sick bay and, of course, the flight deck with its restored aircraft.

Any armchair Mavericks will want to check out Mach Combat on the hangar deck, below the flight deck (www.machcombat-midway.com) where you can 'fly' an F-4 in a mini-simulator at a desk. Alternatively, you can get the full cockpit experience in which you wear a flight suit, receive a mission briefing, close down the canopy and 'take off'. Make reservations.