March Field Museum in Riverside, California, is a fascinating place to visit. You will be amazed at viewing this vast collection of military aircraft. Founded in 1979, it highlights over 120 years of aviation history, with a focus on military air power and the pivotal role of March Field (originally Alessandro Field, established in 1918). The museum features an impressive collection of over 119 aircraft—from early flight pioneers, including replicas of the 1903 Wright Flyer, to World War II bombers, Cold War fighters, and modern drones like the MQ-1 Predator.
March Field Museum See and Do
March Field Air Museum is home to over 70 historic aircraft and many inside displays relating to the history of March Field, now known as March Air Reserve Base. The main building was erected in 1993. Its style reflects the traditional hangars of earlier aviation days. The checkerboard roof is visible from Interstate 215.
Aircraft and Exhibits
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Starduster” WWII bomber used as Lt. Gen. Ira C. Eaker’s personal transport; climb aboard for a cockpit view.
Boeing B-52D Stratofortress. This bomber, used in the Vietnam War, completed 175 combat missions and is one of the largest aircraft on display.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat Prototype, a rare YF-14A (11th prototype); iconic Cold War fighter featured in the Top Gun movie.
SR-71 Blackbird: The aircraft is a high-speed reconnaissance jet, well-known and popular among crowds for its sleek design.
Firebase Romeo Charlie: Outdoor reproduction of a Vietnam-era forward operating base with tents, vehicles, and immersive war artifacts.
15th Air Force Commemorative Wall: WWII tribute to the 15th Air Force; poignant memorials including K-9 units.
Indoor Galleries: Artifacts like WWI trenches, London Blitz displays, uniforms, and interactive flight simulators for kids. Museum Gift Shop: Be sure to pick up a souvenir from the museum store.
Guided Tours: Groups are welcome with advance notice. Narrated tram tours of outdoor aircraft are $8.00 per person and are scheduled hourly from 11 AM to 4 PM on weekends.
Air Museum Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and most indoor exhibits; outdoor aircraft ramps may have gravel—loaner wheelchairs available.
Service animals welcome; limited ASL interpreters by request.
Free parking is available on-site in a large lot adjacent to the museum—no reservations needed.
Rules: No drones, no climbing on aircraft without permission, and respect base security (no restricted areas).
March Field Museum Tickets
Adults: $15–$20
Seniors (65+), Military/Active Duty: $12–$15.
Children (5–17): $8–$10.
Children under 5: Free.
Family packages available for two adults + 2 kids.
All veterans are free on select holidays, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day.
Getting There:
- The March Field Air Museum is a nonprofit aviation museum located at the historic March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. The Address is 22550 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California. Visit the museum website for detailed information and to purchase tickets.
- From I-215: Take the Van Buren Blvd exit south (Exit 38). The museum is about 1 mile down on the right, just past Cactus Ave.
- From I-15: Head west on CA-60, then south on I-215 to Van Buren Blvd.
- Note: As it’s on an active military base, photo ID may be required at the gate for security checks, but no special clearance is needed for museum visitors.
Final Thoughts
Field Museum Foundation. Its support comes entirely from donations, contributions, and proceeds from the gift shop. Dining options are limited; however, one exit north of the museum on I-215 is Cactus Ave with several fast-food restaurants; two exits north on I-215 is Alessandro Blvd with many more restaurants.
Nearby Inland Empire Points of Interest
California Citrus State Historic Park, located in Riverside, California, spans 248 acres and celebrates the state’s important citrus industry, which is a key part of its agricultural history. Opened in 1993, the park preserves the legacy of citrus farming that began in the 1870s with the introduction of navel oranges, turning Riverside into a major citrus hub. The park features historic groves, a visitor center with exhibits on citrus history, a 1907 Victorian-style house, and the Sunkist packing house, all showcasing period architecture.
The Southern California Railway Museum, located in Perris, California, covers over 100 acres and features a variety of locomotives, passenger cars, streetcars, artifacts, and buildings. This nonprofit museum offers weekend train rides for a small fee, narrated tours for $5 (free with a donation), and special event days. Admission and parking are free, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is ideal for rail history enthusiasts and family outings, although it is best visited during milder weather due to its outdoor setup.
Western Science Center: Dinosaurs & Fossils, in Hemet, CA, is a natural history museum opened in 2006 near Diamond Valley Lake, showcasing nearly one million Ice Age fossils and Native American artifacts unearthed during the lake’s construction. Highlights include “Max,” the largest mastodon skeleton in the West, “Xena,” the Columbian mammoth, “Li’l Stevie,” the most complete mastodon found, plus ground sloths, saber-toothed cats, and dinosaur fossils from New Mexico.