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Fort MacArthur Museum
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- Good for Kids:
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8 reviews for Fort MacArthur Museum
Fort MacArthur Museum is one of many museum gems that seem to escape SoCal locals' eyes when they are looking for places to go.
There are not too many places you can visit where you can learn about Southern California history, military history, enjoy great views of the ocean, help out a museum keep its doors open with your donations and walk away learning something you may not have known about before. Their Old Fort MacArthur Days event in July is a must and is a lot of fun for the whole family. Every penny raised at this event helps the museum stay open and fix the indoor and outdoor exhibits.
We attended a friend's wedding here last weekend and it was just beautiful. Fort Macarthur appears to be a still functioning air force base, but it's got nice ocean views from every angle and well-appointed facilities -- the perfect combo for a wedding. My friend rented the banquet hall, outdoor area for the ceremony, and a bar/reception area. I would recommend this as an elegant and accommodating space for any wedding party!
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If I had been in the military in the early 20th century, I would've gladly accepted deployment to Fort MacArthur. Actually, I might have joined the military just to have the chance to be stationed here. I have to admit that the history of the place was a blur. I learned very little and I'm probably disappointing you because I have no details whatsoever, but it's not my fault. I walked about with jaw agape during my visit because I was too consumed by the scenery and the spectacular vista. I would've been the worst soldier here because I know I'd sneak out for daily picnics, kite flying breaks, and watching the sun set every evening. This peninsula wasn't meant for serious duties of any kind and it still isn't. It's all quite unfair.
The Fort's interior is a fun little diversion for about 30 minutes as you walk through the underground bunker and look at the displays and machinery -- and kids love it -- but it doesn't match the superb outdoor landscape. It's an unfair competition, to be sure. When you package it all together, it's worth an afternoon of your time. Leave your bazooka at home and bring your kite.
To be quite honest, I really don't care much for military museums, but hubby seems to like them -- who am I kidding? He totally digs 'em! I was only there because well, he wanted to go and my other option was to wait in the car and that would be boring as I didn't even bring a book along.
It wasn't as bad as I had originally expected. They had the artillery in the main open area and the bunker served as a museum with articles, photos and other artifacts from the wars starting 1917 to 1970s. It was sort of interesting -- moreso for hubby -- but it wasn't THAT bad. It's just that I walked through and I was done, but hubby wanted to look at everything in detail.
There isn't really a charge. They do ask for a $3 donation for adults and $1 for children so we put $7 into the box. Lots of people just walked in and I commented loudly that people were walking in without donating so that they'd hear me. People have no shame. I mean sure I wasn't bowled over, but they do rely on donations to upkeep the place. Then there are those people who bring their dogs in for a tour even though it specifically says NO DOGS. SHEESH!
It was aiiiight. I'm not coming back again though. 3.5 stars.
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After all these years of living in California, I never new this place existed.
This place is a must for California history. Parents and teachers please bring your children to this very hidden treasure.
Fun to run through the tunnels where they used to cart gunpowder.
Otherwise, a bit of a disappointment.
Still, only a 30 minute visit and not a bad detour if you are in the area.
Great t-shirts at the gift shop (they have a shirt of a dog with a nazi in his mouth).
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From 1916-1945, the Fort, was the defense of the harbor against enemy attack from the sea. The museum features photos, drawings, exhibits and memorabilia of Fort MacArthur and Los Angeles Harbor defenses from 1920 through World War II. Only open at weekends.
Every year in Feb they have an reenactment of an rare air raid in 1947!
http://www.maxwelldemi...
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This is a review of Ft. MacArthur Days more than for the museum itself. I had to work this event with a table last year and I'm pretty sure I've never had so much fun at a museum event before. Basically, they invite just about every re-enactor group together and they pitch tents, fight each other, do demonstrations and just have a great time. You litterally can walk by Roman soldiers one second, civil war guys the next, and World War II renactors the next. Combine that with the beautiful views and you've got one heck of an day. This is an annual event, so if you are planning on visiting, find out from the website when this day is and go then.
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