About

While Others Remain The Same, We Grow!

It started with an idea by two guys and two airplanes along with a vision that said,
"Paso Robles should have an aviation museum."

1998
1999
2009
2010
2009
2009
2010
Estrella Warbirds Museum, Paso Robles view from the air
Estrella Warbirds Museum, Paso Robles view from the air
Estrella Warbirds Museum, Paso Robles view from the air
Estrella Warbirds Museum, Paso Robles view from the air

For over 30 years, we've learned how to grow, and we're not stopping!

We are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, military vehicles and memorabilia of those who flew and worked on military aircraft. Our approach, however, is not to glorify conflict but rather to make a future generation aware of the fact our way of life does not come without sacrifice.

  • 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status

    Adopting a name to memorialize the World War II Estrella Army Air Force Base, that which is now Paso Robles Municipal Airport, the Museum was chartered as a not-for-profit California corporation in 1992, and 501(c)(3) accreditation soon followed to establish us with the US Departments of Navy and Air Force, as well as the state of California, as an organization approved to receive surplus aircraft and other government properties.

  • Funding

    The majority of our funding comes from individual donations, admissions, memberships, special events and corporate grants. Our community has strongly supported us in the past and we will continue to insure that all donated funds are dedicated specifically towards our operations and growth. Your continued support is vital to our success and we very much appreciate all whom have dontated time, materials, funds and exhibits.

  • The Future Is Here!

    We can now clearly see our future.  Plans have been drawn. Funding has already been secured for underground utilities for the ten acres immediately to the west of our current location.

Estrella Warbirds Museum is actively seeking financial partners, corporate, business, community and strategic partners to come along side the museum to help insure the future becomes a reality within our community.

6007

Visitors Since Jan 1

1224

April 2004

2008

Visitors - May 2024

64

Mo. Percent Increase

Aircraft
Missiles
Red Ball Motor Pool
Restored Military Vehicles
Memorabilia
Woodland Auto Display

Events

Recurring  Events

You can always count on their being something special happening all times at Estrella Warbirds Museum.
News * Events Calendar *

Monthly Dinners

First Wednesday every month catered dinner. Always a very  interesting guest speakers. Open to all. RSVP required.

Flight Simulator

This unique opportunity allows any pilot, or wanna-be pilot, to fly while sitting in the real cockpit of an F/A-18 "Hornet" naval fighter. You will be flying an FA/18F series aircraft, one of the better fighter aircraft in the world. Reservation Required.

Middle-High School Youth Program

Engaging teaching/training program for Middle to High Shool. We help our youth reach their potential.

Fly in C-47B

A once in a lifetime chance to fly on a WWII transport plane. Estrella Warbirds Museum is accepting donations for a seat on a once a month flight on board the restored C-47B, Betsy's Biscuit Bomber.

Bi-Annual Swap Meet

Twice a year primily automotive related plus plenty of suprises.

Warbirds Wings & Wheels

Annual car show drawing thousands of people & loaded with family fun! One of the largest fund raisers for museum operations. Includes Food, Craft Vendors, Music.

Georgina May

5 Stars

Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Military history and or cars. Extensive Military collection from WW1, WW2, Vietnam War. The Woodland collection of cars! Racing cars and beautiful vehicles starting from a "horse less buggy" on up. You won't be disappointed what this museum has to offer!

Nikhil Tungare

5 Stars

Fantastic place. Can spend hours together soaking in all the information and the exhibits and it still wont be enough. Highly recommended.

Erin Morey

5 Stars

This is a very kid friendly place to visit. We went with 3 kids under 2 and one 3 y/o and they had an absolute blast. All the airplanes, tanks, and vehicles outside are hands on and the kids can climb into many of the attractions. They have an indoor car museum that is no touching but there is one little car to climb in there too. Overall I highly recommend for a mixed aged audience, everyone loved it from youngest to oldest and it was worth the price of admission.

Bet R.

5 Stars

We loved this place! My son was intrigued by everything there, and asked so many questions! It covers WW1, WW2, Vietnam, etc. The classic cars were a real bonus. We all learned a lot and had fun. You can even climb into a few wartime vehicles and planes there. Highly recommend this place.

Todd Tennison

5 Stars

A really amazing museum. The staff is really friendly and are happy to answer your questions. Seeing the jets and planes up close is really an experience that no picture can justify. Take a visit, you will not be disappointed.

Exhibits

Check out some of our Exhibits

The museum features a great number of exhibits ranging from military aviation, vehicles, armament & munitions, missiles, drones, an awsome collection of personal memorabilia, and of course, historical vehicles of all sorts.  

  • All
  • Airborne
  • Static
  • Vehicular
Aircraft

Aircraft

Static & Operational

Armament

Armament

Weapens & Ordnance

Radio Room

Radio Room

Communications Electronics

Military Jeeps

Military Vehicles

1945 Ford GPW

USS Constitution

USS Constitution

Well Stocked Display Halls

Missiles

Titan I

Missiles AIM to ICBM

Woodland Auto Display

Woodland Auto Display

Automotive History

1942 DUKW

1942 GM DUKW

Amphibious Craft

Korean War

Freedom Hall

Korean War

Cockpit Displays

Cockpit Displays

WWII era cockpit gauges and displays

Nuclear Power

US Naval Ships

Nuclear Powered

Library

Library

Aviation Reference Library

Frame-up Restorations

Restoration

Vehicles & Aircraft

Team

Our Hardworking Team

We've assembled a great team of dedicated professionals, all of whom put their heart and soul towards ensuring Estrella Warbirds Museum will remain a growing asset within our community.

John Couch

John Couch

President of the Board
Scott Stelzle

Scott Stelzle

Chief Operations Officer
Cindy Bergin

Cindy Bergin

Board Treasurer
Ken Neuman

Ken Neuman

Museum Coordinator / Curator

More Team Members:
Board Members    Staff & Key Personnel

Admissions

Admissions

One Admission, two museums!
Open Thursday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holidays: Open on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

The hardest question to answer is the one not asked.

  • Hours: Thursday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Holidays: Open on: Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

    Closed on New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

    Admissions: Pre-purchase of admission tickets is NOT required. However, if the option is available at this link.

  • Yes, most items are displayed on ground level and there are paved sidewalks between all buildings and throughout the bulk of the aircraft displays. There are however, several military equipment displays which can not be modified for handicapped accessibility as they are maintained in their original military condition. There are several wheelchairs available to lend (at the Gift Shop) if needed.

  • We know that dogs are sometimes our best friends, but dogs are not allowed in any of the museum buildings. Dogs are allowed on the grounds with a leash, but NOT allowed on the grounds during any major museum event.

  • Although there is room for most campers to navigate the parking areas, there are no services available for overnight parking.

  • We encourage people to take photographs or videos and even share them on social media. There are some display areas which are roped/chained off and photography can not be done from beyond those restrained areas.

    We currently do not have a food court nor do we sell snacks in the gift shop. There are, however, soda machines available and multiple picnic type tables. Thompson Hall does have a dining area which is utilized for docent/worker lunches on Saturdays and for scheduled or advertised or private events.

  • Yes! We love to handle group tours, for a minimum of 10 or more; by appointment and reserved 7 days in advance. More information and pricing for tours can be done through this link.

    Estrella Warbirds Museum has multiple options for facility rental space. You can find more information here.

Contact

Contact Us

We make every opportunity available to address all points of contact at the earliest possible time. We encourage you to search this site for additional information.

Our Address

4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Call Us

+1 (805) 238-9317



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