Travel with Preschoolers in Southern California

The Santa Paula Airport opens its hangers and Museum to the public on the first Sunday of every month. Visitors can walk next to the run way and watch small planes take off, land, gas up and park. There are a variety of planes and some are replicas of military fighters.
Along the runway are many open hangers. Inside each privately maintained hanger you may find people working on various improvements, or hobbies. Some hangers store classic cars, or model trains. These folks are happy to tell you about what they are working on and some even have formal exhibits. One hanger has a working model train that children can watch.

The museum is located in a hanger at the end of the runway. There is a sign that will direct you to the entrance. Outside the museum are planes in an open hanger and a large red plane.
Inside the museum are exhibits that commemorate the opening of the Santa Paula Airport in 1930. There are several exhibits at the Aviation Museum. Mannequins model clothing worn by pilots in the 1930’s. There are also exhibits celebrating the 1st Chinese woman pilot in 1932 and the 1st black woman pilot who was also the 1st black pilot in 1921. They also have a good size collection of model planes.

At the other end of the airport many show car owners come to display their hot rods and classic cars.

There is a gift shop outside behind Logsdon’s restaurant where you can buy toys, small planes, helicopters, tee shirts and more.

Logsdon’s is a family style Restaurant with runway views and offers a champagne brunch every Sunday.

Here is the important info:

Santa Paula Airport and Aviation Museum
www.amszp.org
824 E. Santa Maria St.
Santa Paula, Ca 93060
(805) 525-1109

Hours: 1st Sunday of the month 10am-3pm
Admission: Airport is free, Museum suggests $2 donation
Parking: Free