santa maria museum of flight

this is a great place to find veterans to tell you their stories and the stories behind Hancock Field. Very reasonably priced and a fun brief experience for kinds.

Open only Fri, Sat and Sundays, the museum is a lot of fun for children as well as adults. It is fun to see the antique photos and planes, as well as letting the kids experience the fun of aviation for themselves. The volunteers who work there are very helpful, even giving guided tours.

Thanks to a change in flight time, I had a few hours to kill with my two boys (age 8 and 6) before returning home from Spring Break. The SMMOF is right next to the Santa Maria Public Airport and is a hidden gem. The admission fee was nominal- $5 for adults, and $2 for kids 7-11. My six year old was free. We were led on a personal tour of the hangars, toured the planes on display outside and had an opportunity to look at all the neat flight memorabilia, collectibles and models they had. I was impressed at the variety of artifacts they had on hand from military to Hollywood movie props. The kids had a great time and enjoyed the visit. The volunteer docents were very nice and obviously care a lot of about museum. They have a lot of cool aircraft related toys and gifts for sale at fairly reasonable prices. Every child's dream! Highly recommend for family activity or those interested in aviation.There is a small blue sign off the main road to mark where to turn. If you're driving too fast, you could easily miss it.

Not very big, but make up quanity with quality. Excellent displays and very knowledgeable member/docents.One main hanger -from Disney's Rocketman- and several outside static displays -although the F-86 just disappeared, but they're working on replacing it with a Fury -the Navy Sabre.The takeoff in "The Spirit of St Louis" with Jimmy Stewart was filmed here.

The Santa Maria Museum of Flight is unlike any other flight museum I have visited, and I grew up with parents and other family members who were in the flight industry as pilots, etc. This museum is unique, and to have watched their growth from having very little to what they currently have is impressive.

Small but clearly a lot of personal attention given to the exhibits. Some unusual displays, including small planes from WWII to the present, and rocket engines up close and personal. Curated by Air Force veterans, there's a lot of personal attention given to each visitor (we had a private tour by the museum president). Also a neat display, and pretty garden, honoring the Ninety-Nines! Easily covered in an hour, it's a worthwhile stop if you have any time at all and have had enough wine country.

We decided to go check out the museum which is right down the street from the Radisson. The donation for adults is $5 each and a little less for children. You have the option of having a docent and we could tell the older gentleman was eager to share information with us. We chose a docent and it was a great time hearing many details and historical information. This is a great little museum with a lot of history that will hopefully be preserved through the years.

Not the fanciest museum in the world but one of the best! Mike Geddry really "gets it". Being a veteran himself, he brings authenticity to the place that doesn't always exist elsewhere. This is a labor of love and it shows! GO!

Who expected to see an original Norton Bomb Sight in perfect condition at a small Town Museum? This site is packed with historic artifacts from a replica Wright Flyer through early flight to today's modern jets. My wife and I spent over three hours immersed in the many exhibits. I have been involved in all aspects of aviation for more than 45 years; but still found many artifacts that I had never before had the opportunity to examine closely.Serious Aviation Affectionados will love both the exhibits and the knowledgeable Docents who skillfully guide you through them.

For being this close to an Air Force Base, I really expected better exhibits. Its on the grounds of the Santa Maria Airport. You can find better Museums of Flight in towns out in the sticks.

Last time there it was only one hangar. No great shakes, I'm sure you've seen better. Located just west of the SM Airport. Don't blink.

Une halte à faire sur la route entre San Francisco et Los Angeles.Dans cette petite ville sans histoire se cache le lieu de tournage du film Rocketeer ! le musée d'aviation a récupéré le hangar en bois monté pour le film et cela en fait le parfait écrin pour la collection d'avions des années 30. A l'extérieur on trouve un beau A-4 et un F-4 Phantom II. Le deuxième hangar abrite d'autres avion dont un Gnat anglais. Il n' y a pas une grande fréquentation donc le personnel est très attentionné et la visite guidée est parfaite !Voilà un petit musée qui mérite d'être connu !