Lyon Air Museum was founded by retired US Air Force Major General William Lyon. At the specialist museum which bears his name, you can learn about the role the United States played in World War II from the mouths of those who took part. Many of the volunteer guides are veterans who keep visitors absorbed with anecdotes while showing them around the displays of memorabilia. This emphasis on personal experience and authenticity has been one of the museum’s guiding principles since its inception.Some of the most impressive exhibits are the aircraft themselves, all of which are still in working order, although they only take to the skies on rare occasions. You might recognise the famous B-17 Flying Fortress known as “Fuddy Duddy”, which has been featured in films including the Pearl Harbor blockbuster Tora! Tora! Tora!, and once carried the future US President General Dwight D. Eisenhower as a passenger while in use as VIP transport in the Pacific.Alongside examples of American aircraft and military vehicles, the museum houses other notable World War II exhibits with fascinating stories to tell. Don’t miss the German Army’s 1939 Mercedes Benz Touring Wagon, delivered for the personal use of Adolf Hitler and subsequently seized by the French at the end of the war. The vehicle still retains many of its original features, including a bullet-proof windscreen and a front passenger seat which folded back to allow the German Chancellor to stand and greet the crowds.Lyon Air Museum is on the west side of John Wayne Airport, a 15-minute drive from Santa Ana city centre and around 10 minutes from South Coast Plaza. Free on-site parking is available, or catch an Orange County Transportation Authority bus direct to the airport. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day. Ask for details of group tours and discounts.
Lyon Air Museum
Visit Lyon Air Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 57 activitiesOpens in new tabFull-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabLaguna Beach Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabBrew Boat Private Tour
Water activities
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Surfing Lesson in Huntington Beach
Wildlife & nature
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabNewport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Popular places to visit
The LAB Antimall
During your trip to Costa Mesa, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at The LAB Antimall. Discover the entertainment choices in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.
Orange County Museum of Art
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or experience the lively festivals in this romantic area.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
From classical concerts to rock gigs, Orange County’s prestigious arts complex provides year-round cultural entertainment.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Explore the great outdoors at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Newport Beach. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Southern States University
Walk around the campus at Southern States University as part of your travels around Newport Beach. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
The Camp
During your trip to Costa Mesa, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at The Camp. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Lyon Air Museum
- Holidays and getaways similar to Lyon Air Museum
- Hotels Near Lyon Air Museum, Airport Area
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Bowers Museum
- Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse
- Old Orange County Courthouse
- Heritage Museum of Orange County
- Santiago Park
- Westfield Mainplace
- Jerome Park
- Disneyland® Resort
- Disney California Adventure® Park
- Knott's Berry Farm
- Anaheim Convention Center
- Honda Center
- Irvine Spectrum Center
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Hotels near Disneyland® Resort
- Hotels near Disney California Adventure® Park
- Hotels near Anaheim Convention Center
- Hotels near Downtown Disney® District
- Hotels near Honda Center
- Hotels near Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Hotels near Huntington Beach Pier
- Hotels near Fashion Island
- Hotels near Chapman University
- Hotels near Orange County Great Park
- Hotels near UC Irvine Medical Center
- Hotels near Crystal Cove State Park
- Hotels near Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- Hotels near Asian Garden Mall
- Hotels near Corona del Mar State Beach