Pacific Coast Air Museum
Explore over 30 vintage aircraft, many open for exploration, at this volunteer-run museum dedicated to aviation history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Pacific Coast Air Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 30 vintage aircraft, many open for exploration, at this volunteer-run museum dedicated to aviation history.
"A friendly place with amazing aircraft and passionate volunteers who make history come alive."
🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers for amazing stories and history about each aircraft.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Visit early or on a cooler day; much of the museum is outdoors and can get warm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore Vintage Aircraft
Outdoor Display Area
Get up close to over 30 vintage planes, many of which you can explore inside. A true aviation enthusiast's dream!
Sit in a Cockpit
Select Aircraft
Experience what it's like to be a pilot by sitting in the cockpit of some of the featured aircraft. An unforgettable thrill!
F-14 Tomcat 'Jolly Rogers'
Hangar/Display Area
Marvel at the iconic F-14 Tomcat, a symbol of naval aviation history. A must-see for fans of fighter jets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Volunteer-Led Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers for amazing stories and history about each aircraft. +1
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Visit early or on a cooler day; much of the museum is outdoors and can get warm.
🚗 Check for Events
Car shows and special events can increase crowds but offer a lively atmosphere.
✈️ Open Cockpit Days
Look out for open cockpit days for a chance to sit inside the planes! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers for amazing stories and history about each aircraft. +1
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Visit early or on a cooler day; much of the museum is outdoors and can get warm.
🚗 Check for Events
Car shows and special events can increase crowds but offer a lively atmosphere.
✈️ Open Cockpit Days
Look out for open cockpit days for a chance to sit inside the planes! +1
💰 Affordable Admission
Tickets are a reasonable $10, making it a great value for aviation fans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Pacific Coast Air Museum for its impressive collection of vintage aircraft and the passionate, friendly volunteers who share captivating stories. The affordability and the opportunity to get up close with planes, including sitting in cockpits, are major highlights. Some note that it's primarily an outdoor museum and information on planes can be sparse without volunteer interaction.
"Rich in aviation history, each plane has its own story from where they came from and how it ended up at PCAM, the workers and volunteers were super nice and helpful. Thanks for keeping this museum in shape, and intact just like I remember it from when I was a kid. Tickets were 10$ witch is super affordable and reasonable for adults"
Emanuel M
"Mostly an outdoor display museum, which can be a bit warm in the summer. The hangar was currently off limits for renovation. Good thing is that you can get up close and personal with many of these aircrafts, especially on open cockpit day. I believe this place is run by volunteer docents."
Ton T
"It’s a decent aviation museum with not too many airplane displays. Besides, there's no intro or plane info, so you don’t know what you’re looking at unless you know your planes. The place is not organized since there was also a car show when I was there. The place could be a bit crowded that even taking pictures alone with the planes could be difficult. Planes are well-maintained, though. A friendly place for adults and kids."
John Ma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 1 Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, California, at the Santa Rosa Airport. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available.
While direct public transport to the museum might be limited, you can check local Santa Rosa transit routes that service the airport area. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services are common alternatives.
From Highway 101, take the Airport Boulevard exit and follow signs towards the Santa Rosa Airport. The museum is located within the airport grounds.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.
Yes, the museum is located at the Santa Rosa Airport, making it convenient for those arriving by air. You can walk or take a short shuttle/taxi from the terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $10 per adult, which is considered very affordable and reasonable by visitors.
The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. You can purchase tickets at the gift shop upon arrival.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the $10 admission is already seen as a great value. Keep an eye on their social media for potential special event pricing.
The museum is largely an outdoor display, with some areas potentially having uneven terrain. Hangar access may vary. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a collection of over 30 vintage aircraft, including fighter jets like the F-14 Tomcat, helicopters, and various historical planes. Many can be explored up close. 
Yes, many of the aircraft are accessible, and on 'open cockpit days,' you can even sit in the pilot's seat! +1
The museum features a significant outdoor display of aircraft, with some exhibits and aircraft housed in hangars. Be prepared for outdoor conditions.
Absolutely! Kids, especially those who love planes, will be thrilled to see and explore the aircraft. The volunteer-led tours are also very engaging for younger visitors.
On the first Thursday of the month from May to October, the museum offers a $10 lunch special including a hot dog and ice cream, with some planes potentially open for viewing.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. Capture stunning shots of the vintage aircraft, especially during golden hour.
The outdoor display area offers great angles for photographing the planes against the sky. The F-14 Tomcat is a popular subject.
If you have the opportunity to sit in a cockpit, photography is usually permitted, but always be respectful of the aircraft and any volunteer guidance.
While generally allowed, avoid using flash photography inside hangars if it might disturb exhibits or other visitors. Tripods might be restricted during busy event days.
A versatile zoom lens is helpful for capturing details from a distance. Wide-angle lenses can be great for showcasing the scale of the aircraft.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & History Buffs
📸 Photographers
+1 Visiting during the golden hour can add dramatic lighting to your photos. If you get the chance to sit in a cockpit, it offers a unique perspective for close-up shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Museum: Volunteers and Aircraft Stories
Each aircraft at the museum has a narrative. From iconic fighter jets like the F-14 Tomcat 'Jolly Rogers' to other vintage warbirds and helicopters, the collection offers a tangible connection to aviation history.
+1 The ability to get up close and personal with these machines, and in many cases, explore their interiors and even sit in the cockpit, provides an immersive experience that resonates with both adults and children. Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips and Special Events
The museum hosts special events that can enhance your visit. 'Hot Dog Thursdays' (held on the first Thursday of the month from May to October) offer a budget-friendly lunch option and the chance to see some planes with their cockpits open.
+1 Additionally, the museum sometimes coincides with car shows, which can draw larger crowds but also add a vibrant atmosphere to the grounds. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit