Independent aviation museum

March Field Air Museum

About 9.8 driving miles and 15 minutes from Southern California Railway Museum

Add an independent 30-acre aviation museum about 9.8 driving miles from Southern California Railway Museum.

The place

About March Field Air Museum

March Field Air Museum is an independent nonprofit aviation museum beside March Air Reserve Base in Riverside. Visitors do not enter the military installation and the museum says no base pass is required. Its 30-acre campus and two exhibit hangars interpret military and aviation history through more than 100 aircraft and a large artifact collection.

The aircraft collection spans early flight through modern military aviation. Major outdoor and indoor subjects include the SR-71 Blackbird, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, B-52 Stratofortress, fighters, transports, helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft, and aircraft connected to March Field's history. Official pages give several slightly different aircraft totals, so this guide uses the stable description 'more than 100' instead of claiming a false exact count.

The museum began as a March Air Force Base heritage effort and was dedicated on December 19, 1979. A nonprofit foundation later assumed operation, the institution became March Field Air Museum in May 1999, and it received American Alliance of Museums accreditation in 2011. A 12,000-square-foot addition also opened in 2011.

The museum publishes ordinary hours and admission but can change operations for holidays or special events. Outdoor aircraft viewing depends on heat, wind, rain, walking tolerance, and current barriers. Tram capacity, narration, route, and accessibility should be confirmed when they are essential to the visit.

What stands out

See the SR-71 Blackbird

Use the outdoor SR-71 as a Cold War and high-speed reconnaissance anchor while treating the dated gallery view as context rather than a live access promise.

Compare heavy bombers

Connect B-17, B-29, and B-52 aircraft across different eras, then use the official collection record for current display details.

Ride the flightline tram

When operating and available, add the paid 45-minute narrated outdoor tour for collection context without assuming capacity or a fixed route.

Trace March Field history

Use exhibits and the museum's institutional history to connect the collection with the neighboring airfield's changing military roles.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Southern California Railway Museum trip

The checked road route from Southern California Railway Museum to March Field Air Museum is approximately 15.8 kilometers (9.8 miles) and 15 minutes. They are independent destinations with separate admission, hours, parking, access, and photography rules. Protect the railway ride or event time first, allow for traffic and entry, and confirm both institutions on the selected date.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Regular hoursTuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Monday except listed federal-holiday openings
  • Holiday closuresClosed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day; special events can alter access
  • Adult admission$18 for visitors age 12 and older
  • Reduced admission$12 seniors age 62+, $10 veterans, $10 children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under
  • Military admissionActive-duty military, active National Guard, and active Reserve members are listed free; current proof rules apply
  • ParkingFree; the parking lot closes 15 minutes after the museum closes
  • Flightline tramPublished 45-minute narrated outdoor tours are $8, normally at 11 a.m., noon, 2, 3, and 4 p.m.; confirm availability and access
  • Base boundaryThe museum is not on the military installation and says no base pass is required
  • PhotographyInformal visitor photography is allowed; commercial photography requires a permit, and active-base security restrictions still matter
  • Mobility planningNo reviewed page makes a blanket full-site accessibility promise; call ahead about mobility routes, outdoor surfaces, and tram boarding

Return to the railway

Add Southern California Railway Museum

Use the railway guide for the current gated-event boundary, verified 2026 ride dates, event-specific rules, accessibility facts, and equipment caveats.

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Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What days is March Field Air Museum open?

The museum publishes Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It is normally closed Monday but lists several federal-holiday Monday openings. Check the selected date for special-event changes.

How much is admission?

Current posted rates are $18 for ages 12+, $12 for seniors 62+, $10 for veterans, $10 for children ages 5-11, and free for children age 4 and under. Active-duty, active Guard, and active Reserve members are listed free under current proof rules.

Do I need to enter the military base?

No. The museum says it is not on the military installation and no base pass is required. Follow museum directions rather than a gate route.

Is parking free?

Yes. The museum publishes free parking and says the lot closes 15 minutes after the museum closes.

What is the flightline tram?

It is a published 45-minute narrated outdoor tour currently priced at $8, normally offered at 11 a.m., noon, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. Confirm same-day operation, capacity, and boarding access.

How many aircraft are displayed?

Official museum pages give slightly different totals, so this guide uses the stable claim 'more than 100 aircraft' rather than presenting one disputed exact count.

Is the whole museum wheelchair-accessible?

The reviewed official pages do not make a blanket full-campus guarantee. Call ahead about indoor and outdoor routes, surface conditions, seating, and tram boarding if those details control the trip.

Can I take photographs?

Informal visitor photography is allowed. Commercial photography requires permission, and visitors must respect security restrictions involving the active neighboring installation.

How far is it from Southern California Railway Museum?

The checked driving route is about 9.8 miles and 15 minutes, subject to traffic and entry conditions. The two museums operate independently.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.