History, Technology, and Fun
Hiller Aviation Museum
Neil Wiley


If you are a curious adult, like history or airplanes, or just want to entertain your favorite children, take a short drive to an entertaining exploration. The Hiller Aviation Museum, located next to the San Carlos airport, features more than fifty aircraft from more than a century of aviation history. You can see the Avitor, a blimp-like airship that flew over the San Francisco Peninsula before the Wright Brothers learned to walk.

Look up. There is a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright flyer, the world’s first heavier-than-air, powered, human-piloted aircraft. Think about traveling around the world as you look inside a Grumman Albatross amphibious aircraft.
Want action? Try the controls in an actual 747 cockpit, “fly a plane” via a simulator, or visit anywhere on earth with the Google satellite display.

If this stimulates your interest, extend your visit in the gift shop, which displays a giant collection of aviation books, flight wear, models, and memorabilia. See videos in the Hall of Fame Theatre, or do some in-depth research in the Reference Library.

Enjoy a picnic in the courtyard while the children climb aboard the fuselage of the giant Boeing 747. You can watch landings at the San Carlos Airport. Everyone is safe behind the airport fence.

Directions. Take Highway17 to 85 north, then north on Highway 101 to Holly Street/Redwood Shores Parkway exit (exit 411). Go east on Redwood Shores Parkway, then right to Airport Road, and right again to Skyway Road.

Cost. Adult tickets are $16, seniors $11, youth $11, and children four years old with adult are free.