Visitors can travel back in time, explore new worlds and view rare artifacts at more than 90 museums in San Diego County. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Museums in San Diego, CA. Copyright 2020 La Jolla Living, LLC All Rights Reserved. San Diego Air & Space Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. San Diego Museums – Coupons, Balboa Park & History; explore the best! Reviews on Art Museums in San Diego, CA - San Diego Museum Of Art (245 reviews), Museum of Contemporary Art (104 reviews), Wonderspaces San Diego (251 reviews), Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (5 reviews), Balboa Park (2103 reviews), Museum Of Photographic Arts (153 reviews), Mingei International Museum (61 reviews), Japanese Friendship Garden (380 reviews), Museum of Man (312 … Status: Open. Also, they are working on a fun Halloween outdoor experience. Museum of Us. Located adjacent to Downtown San Diego along the Big Bay, San Diego's Embarcadero is a testament to the region's colorful maritime history complete with historic ships, museums and harbor tours, as well as a working fishing harbor, cruise ship terminal and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops. Email Us. High touch exhibits are closed EXCEPT for a new touch experience in Tide Pool Plaza (details below). San Diego is home to over 90 museums that are loved by all ages and span a wide range of topics including anthropology, folk art, science, music, surfing and so much more. We Museums San Diego Museum Council PO Box 371322 San Diego CA, 92137 (619) 957-4660 Email Us. You’ll also view images from some contemporary artists. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See also: Tips for Visiting the USS Midway Museum. LEARN MORE Make sure to know how to use the QR code reader on your phone. The museum showcases the history of photography through its collection of over 9000 historical images. The museum is already uniquely set up for properly distancing due to its layout. Walking through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden and grab a bite to eat at Panama 66, my favorite Balboa Park restaurant. Your email address will not be published. Status: Open. The MCRD Museum Foundation depends upon membership fees, grants, and donations to conduct its business of supporting the MCRD Command Museum, the Marines and Sailors of MCRD, San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region. 6 Taste portion food pairings from Sugar Factory. Balboa Park boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions with an incredible diversity of collections. watch the two trains move through, "Wonderful visit saw around some terrific ships the Russian submarine was a real eye opener, it was great to see how the local children get to interact with some of the, "You could cruise through the sailing ships, steamboat and submarine in this, "In addition trains the layouts feature great modeling of people, cars, trucks, buildings, etc. Most have reopened but those that haven’t remain on this list for those who are planning future vacations. This San Diego museum is conveniently within walking distance of popular downtown San Diego hotels and is also one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids. The BEST way to buy attraction and theme park tickets is my discounted site. View all posts by Katie Dillon, Your email address will not be published. You can visit both on the same day but it would be a long day. Below deck tours, flight simulators, and climb aboard cockpits are closed, but there is still plenty to see. Email * Status: Open. In place of hands-on exhibits, there are new ways to explore exhibits that you’ll discover after reading the associated QR code. The Joan & Irwin Jacobs Theater hosts film festivals, movie premieres, documentaries, and other fun events. Those who live in San Diego County can also take advantage of Residents Free Tuesdays, where residents receive free admission to a rotating set of museums upon presentation of a valid ID. They are working on their reopening plan and do not have a date yet. The San Diego Natural History Museum (also known as theNAT), is a favorite of local kids. "The Museum is chocked full of terrific history and showcases from everything to the Wright Brothers, "We recently toured this museum and were greatly pleased at the well done exhibits and the stories of the development of civilian and, "The Birch Aquarium is located at the world famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and features excellent displays of local SoCal plus tropical, "In addition to such fun and thought provoking shows, the Timken engages, "This small, but mighty, museum showcases the interests of the Putnam sisters who collected fine pieces, especially, "Balboa Park in general is a treasure, and a free docent led tour of this beautiful, "We were greeted by the highly knowledgeable Dennis...he sure knows a thing or two about political and military history and was a great guide to the, "The entrance to the Subaru 3D Experience (the largest Dolby® 3D theater for a, "I really enjoyed the 1st floor where there were really interesting facts about, "... historic sheriff cars; several sheriff motorcycles (which you can sit upon); a helicopter, etc. You can also step into a simulator to see what it was like to fly one. A tour guide relays the history of the tower and other fun facts. Of the various ships, steam-powered boats and submarines, museum highlights include the Star of India, an 1863 iron bark, a historically-accurate replica of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s, San Salvador. The majority are located in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, though there are other fantastic museums sprinkled around the county. The Museum is open seven days a week Monday through Sunday and we are closed on Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. San Diego museums cater to artists, archeologists, surfers, kids, photographers, and a variety of interests. California’s railroads play an important part in the state’s and country’s history, and this massive museum charts the rail lines through scale models with precise detailing across 27,000 square feet (2,508 square meters) of property, the largest such exhibit on the continent. Nov 30, 2020 - Looking to get inspired on your trip to San Diego? Highlights include the Sketch Aquarium where kids draw fish on paper that come to life on a giant screen; the mattress room which encourages kids to jump on the bed; and the wonder sound labyrinth or rooms, nooks, and ropes to explore. Courtesy of the museum. Do find one and ask away! The Museum of Man is also one of the best places to learn about the Kumeyaay, the Native American people of San Diego and surrounding areas. You’ll also need to check opening hours before you go. I’ve had a chance to go behind the scenes at theNAT to take a peek at some of the over 8 million specimens in their collection used to monitor change in our region. Currently, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla is closed for renovation. The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Historical Balboa Park welcomes you to visit. The artifact collection walks visitors through the history of flight and includes artifacts from Charles Lindberg, the Wright Brothers, and other flight pioneers. Status: Closed. Footer. These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in San Diego: "The tours of this historic battleship are amazing and the volunteers are the best part hearing how the ship works and, "Stopped in here, free admission but donations accepted, amazing detail in a huge two room train set up, moving parts, lights etc. The Fleet Science Center makes science fun for all ages through over 100 interactive exhibits and movies shown in the IMAX dome theater. I suggest, if time permits, that you break visits into two days. Formerly known as the San Diego Museum of Man, the Museum of Us is a new identity for a 100-plus-year-old institution, beloved by generations of San Diegans and tourists alike. You can also walk through galleries detailing events and memorabilia from World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War, and other wars. Adults aren’t left out of the fun, especially when it comes to the Fleet’s special events. I always get so excited when people choose San Diego as a vacation destinations because their kids have an interest in oceanography. Right now, you can take the Hangar Deck and Flight Deck tour routes. There is even an infant play area. The most unique San Diego museum is no doubt the USS Midway Museum. Get discounted tickets. See also: Local Kids’ Guide to the San Diego Natural History Museum. Check out their online photo club. Here, We may be an anthropology museum, but we’ve had . Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. So Watt explores the different ways we generate electricity here in San Diego. Check out the best museums in San Diego to visit in 2020. So, go and have fun! Our collection of ships and exhibits are available for daily public tours. These places are best for museums in San Diego: Which places provide the best museums in San Diego for kids and families? Tours include whale watching. The discount stacks on top of sale rates! San Diego Natural History Museum 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101. Old Town State Park enables visitors to travel back in time and experience life during San Diego’s Mexican and early American period between 1821 and 1872. You’ll want to avoid paying admission each time with either a Go San Diego sightseeing pass or a Balboa Park Explorer Pass (recommended for residents). Stop into the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), one of the only independent institutions in the country dedicated to photography, film, and video. Fleet Night of Science is just for the 21 and older crowd to geek out at this fun this San Diego museum with a cocktail in-hand. Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. Kids head straight to the hands-on exhibits in Adventure Kids in Egypt while stopping to take a peek at the real mummies in residence, too. Status: Open daily. Go to the San Diego Air & Space Museum to view various original and replica historic aircraft and spacecraft, including a Spirit of St. Louis replica (it can fly) and the original Apollo 9 Command Module. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. CST# 2011220-40 The Official Air & Space Museum and Education Center of California has many attractions for the entire family. In the meantime, you can still take advantage of their at-home learning. Speaking of the outdoor tide pools, there is a new animal touch experience where guests can gently touch juvenile Swell Sharks, Horn Sharks and Round Rays, endangered Pink Abalone, sea stars and more. Another must-see is the Edmunds L. & Nancy K. Dubois Library, a unique collection of over 20,000 books and resources for visitors to browse through and use. Bring your own wired earbuds for the audio tour. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. The San Diego Air & Space Museum welcomes you to visit. Today, highlights include Beerology, an exhibit covering over 10,000 years of beer history. #28 of 85 Museums in San Diego "In addition to various special shows that highlight parts of their collection, they have a movie theatre that hosts film series from various groups and a huge photo library that is open by appointment." Immerse yourself into world-class art, exciting history, and mind-bending science. Start here and walk past several other fantastic museums like Mingei International Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and others. 1350 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 619-239- 2001. Step into a Max Flight® simulator for a full-motion multi-role aircraft ride or watch a movie in the 3D/4D Zable Theater. Retired Sheriff Wilder gave us an excellent tour of the, "The first room you visit is like an armory, filled with 3 walls of, "We were visiting San Diego for the weekend and heard that there was a, "This is an excellent place in Balboa park with a great Dome IMAX theatre where they show IMAX, "I'd highly recommend getting the costco city pass, and this, "Hosted in a delightfully ornate building dating from the 1915 Panama–California, "Anyone who lives history, fine collections and the stories behind them will love this specialized, "On Dec. 10 during the afternoon, you could tour the, "Lots of fascinating history, whether you like to read or just look at, "The greeters were very friendly, the fire trucks and, "All the items are either on loan or have been donated as gifts to the, "In addition to various special shows that highlight parts of their, "But there's more to delight your senses -- a, "... and a koi pond; at 9 a.m. on Saturdays all are welcome to a free Tai Chi/Qi Gong class.. Get your qualifying ticket (these tickets do not require a reservation). Findings by scientists drive exhibit content and motivate guests to live with environmental conservation in mind. Many of these museums are on my list of best children’s museums in San Diego (but there are others your kids may be interested in on that list). The majority are located in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, though there are other fantastic museums sprinkled around the county.I … The first place I send them is to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and I encourage residents to also take advantage of their programming. Status: Open from September 16 on Wednesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read my advice on how to buy San Diego Zoo discount tickets. The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The Balboa Park museums can easily be seen on the same day. Highlights include “Al” the allosaurus cast in the lobby, the second-floor scavenger hunts in Fossil Mysteries, the Foucault Pendulum, drawing skulls on the gigantic chalkboard, movies in the Giant-Screen Theater and more. The museum is currently closed on Wednesdays. Visit restored and recreated historic buildings where you can view exhibits featuring a wide range of artifacts. Go San Diego card holders can make reservations by contacting Visitor Services at 858-534-FISH. Some food and drinks are available for purchase. Simulators and interactive area are closed. It’s one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers of the 20th century. Be sure to arrive with a charged phone. Learn more. Use their app to navigate as no paper maps will be distributed. In the interest of protecting the public health of our staff and visitors, the Museum is temporarily closing to the public starting Saturday November 14th. Discover I speak from personal experience having visited all of them. Temporary exhibits have included everything from Grossology to Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition. From local San Diego history, to the history of flight, trains, or automobiles, to the workmanship of the old masters, and the arts, crafts, and culture of people near and far, recent and historical. Guests can even take a ride on board some of the museum’s ships. These are the best places for couples seeking museums in San Diego: Which places provide the best museums in San Diego for groups? In addition to touring the ships, permanent and temporary exhibits convey important milestones in maritime history ranging from Swift Boats at War in Vietnam to Charting the Sea. Right now, you can climb the tower in a small private group. Climb up a staircase (that was hidden to the public for decades) to the top of the California Tower for 360-degree panoramic views of San Diego. The Museum of Us is an anthropology museum dedicated to studying the role of humans in the world. Have an interest in photography? Sign up to receive our Museletter and get updates on special offers, events & more! Docents wearing yellow hats, many who also served on the ship, add incredible value to a visit by relaying personal anecdotes and answering questions. The Mingei Museum of folk art in Balboa Park (one of our favorites) is also closed for renovation until 2021. Status: Closed. Which experiences are best for museums in San Diego? Here, research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists are showcased across 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates, (usually) hands-on exhibits, outdoor tide pools with panoramic views over La Jolla Shores Beach, and more fun. Take in views of the Museum’s May S. Marcy Sculpture garden and enjoy local craft beers on tap, exhibitions-themed cocktails, and locally-sourced seasonal sandwiches, salads, and entrees at Panama 66. The ten best San Diego museums on this list are among the most visited by residents and tourists. Both also can be classified as belonging to best museums in San Diego lists and we’ll let you know when they reopen. You’ll tour on a one-way path that covers certain vessels (the submarines are temporarily excluded) beginning at the Berkeley and ending at the Star of India. San Diego Mingei Museum puts folk art, craft and design on display for the public to enjoy. While the collection specializes in Spanish art featuring, Murillo, Zurbarán, Cotán, Ribera and El Greco. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. There's also an active monthly lecture program at a nearby building and a, "James de Silva established the collection and enticed world renown, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Diego, Hotels with Military Discounts in San Diego, Hotels near Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Hotels near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Hotels near Mt. After operating as the San Diego Museum of Man for. Take advantage of the free docent tours. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is not just for enthusiasts. Required fields are marked *. The New Children’s Museum believes that children learn the skills they need to become future leaders through art and creative play. San Diego Air & Space Museum. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the participating institutions. Be sure to also check their schedule of naturalist-led offsite programming including tide pool tours, whale watching, snorkeling with La Jolla leopard sharks, and more. Status: Closed. Additional beers and soft drinks available for purchase during the movie (Both of these activities are currently closed.) Complete List Of Free Museums & Attractions In San Diego. Timed reservations are required for all guests. 6 San Diego Craft Beer Tastes - curated by the Museum of Beer. Guests can take free docent-led tours or self-guided tours through Mingei Museum Balboa Park. Located in The San Diego Museum of Art’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Court, Panama 66 features lunch and dinner, late hours, live music, and weekend brunch. When museums were given the green light to reopen, they were among the first. Our most prestigious fine art museum is the San Diego Museum of Art. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The museum operates on a pay what you wish admissions philosophy. 2080 Pan American Plaza. Get help navigating which museums in San Diego County are currently open to the public. These are the best places for groups seeking museums in San Diego: Which places provide the best museums in San Diego for travelers on a budget? It’s housed in four original buildings from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Observatories & Planetariums in San Diego, Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Tickets & Tours‎, Coronado Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Maritime Museum of San Diego: Tickets & Tours‎, San Diego Air & Space Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Tickets & Tours‎, San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla: Tickets & Tours‎, National Geographic Fine Art Galleries: Tickets & Tours‎, Old Town Model Railroad Depot: Tickets & Tours‎, RC Gorman Navajo Gallery: Tickets & Tours‎, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (SAN) San Diego Intl Airport, Things to do near (TIJ) Rodriguez Airport, Things to do near Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Things to do near Cabrillo National Monument, Things to do near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Things to do near Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Things to do near The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket in San Diego, Go San Diego Explorer City Pass: Choose any 3, 4, 5 or 7 Attractions, Exclusive: San Diego Harbor Speed Boat, Electric Scooter and USS Midway Tour, See more museums in San Diego on Tripadvisor, See more museums for kids in San Diego on Tripadvisor, See more museums for couples in San Diego on Tripadvisor, See more museums for groups in San Diego on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly museums in San Diego on Tripadvisor. Subscribe now for my best San Diego, theme park, and luxury hotel tips in addition to thoughts on our recent travels — delivered straight to your inbox, for absolutely free. The Nat The San Diego Museum of Natural History (the Nat) also reopened last week, only to close again after state orders. This is a list of museums in San Diego County, California, defined for this … She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both). Cashless payments and reliance on museum apps for navigation will mean that you’ll be using it more than usual. Home San Diego Travel Tips San Diego Attractions & Things to Do In This Post. Located here in Balboa Park, on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay people, our mission is “inspiring human connections by exploring the human experience.” These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in San Diego: Which places provide the best museums in San Diego for couples? theNAT is taking some time for enhancements and expects to open in January 2021. These experiences are best for museums in San Diego: What are the best places for museums in San Diego? Kid City allows kids under 5 to explore texture, movement, and shapes in a fun play space with a ball wall, fire station, and more. “As a San Diego resident I learned a lot, and also finally made the trek to the Serra Museum (over by Presidio Park, above the 8 freeway, that a lot of people think is the San Diego Mission). Blog . The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship Star of India. Some museums in San Diego participate in Kids Free San Diego, an October promotion where kids receive free entry with paid adults. San Diego museums cater to artists, archeologists, surfers, kids, photographers, and a variety of interests. Museums in San Diego on YP.com. Learn how your comment data is processed. EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNTClick to apply an extra 10% off All-Inclusive Go San Diego sightseeing passes. Special Promotion: Two kids ages 6-12 GO FREE with each paid adult between now and December 15, 2020. When it comes to museums in San Diego, most of us think of the great collection in Balboa Park, and rightly so, but San Diego has interesting and amazing museums all over the county. Also, do take a peek at special exhibits and events like camps, hikes, and get involved via the Citizen Scientist projects. more. Open Wednesday – Sunday. #WhereIsItWednesday – Guess that exhibit! 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Museum of Us. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The naval ship is docked as a maritime museum at the San Diego Embarcadero in downtown. Status: Open. Worth several hours of entertainment, and the bonus is it is in, "This is one of my two favorite model train, "You can shop until you drop for photos, pottery, jewelry and other souvenirs at various small shops clustered on the walk between the. INDEPENDENT AFFILIATE, CADENCE TRAVEL If there’s one San Diego museum to visit, make this your top choice as there aren’t many in the world like it. San Diego is a craft beer mecca, after all. Some of these museums are well known, while others are under-the-radar gems just waiting for you to discover. As one of only a handful of air and space museums in the country to be an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is home to a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft exploring the history of flight. Now, you can expect enhanced health and safety measures when you visit including masks required for ages 2 and up, reduced capacity, distancing markers, temperature screenings, timed reservations, and cashless transactions. As they get older, they go back to the same exhibits they love over and over again. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They’re open for grab-and-go and limited dine-in. Local Kids’ Guide to the San Diego Natural History Museum, take a ride on board some of the museum’s ships, how to buy San Diego Zoo discount tickets, exclusive discounts on theme park tickets, 15 San Diego Discounts (Attractions Tickets, Restaurants, Tours), The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities in 2020, 10 Best Tide Pools in San Diego and Tips for Visiting Now, 20 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Teens (and Tweens), San Diego in November: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips. If you have any questions feel free to call us at 619.234.8291. Other highlights include works by Goya, Rubens, Matisse, Renoir, and van Dyck. We have something for the entire family. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. See the largest preserved collection of historic ships in the United States at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-2886 Masks are required for all guests (no age restrictions provided but county order is for ages 2 and up). During normal times, visitors may climb aboard many of the retired aircraft displayed on the outdoor decks. This San Diego attraction has exhibitions of Japanese ceramics, international hats and headdresses, and jewelry made from turquoise, lapis lazuli and cobalt, among many others. The San Diego Zoo is also located in Balboa Park. One thing this list of museums has in common, however, is the uniqueness of their collections. Hours (These exhibits are fun no matter what your age is.). In the process, they manage to see, do, and learn something new every time. Status: Closed. The Museum is widely accessible to our visitors with disabilities. San Diegans, their families and guests can explore 42 museums … A showing of the Halloween classic - It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 2 free tickets to another movie at the Theatre Box for a later date. Tip: This top San Diego Museum is just across from theNAT and one end of the pedestrianized El Prado street. The Timken Museum of Art is always free. Pieces date from 5000 BC to 2012 AD. Use their online resources to build cool stuff and perform experiments at home. Alternatively, February is Museum Month where with a free pass, you can enter participating museums for half-price. Stay tuned for more details. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! If you are not a member, you will usually need a timed ticket. See the Maritime Museum of San Diego and USS Midway Museum on the same day as they’re only a short walk from each other. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by former USS Midway sailors that leads visitors throughout the ship to sleeping quarters, the engine room, galley, and more. All exhibition text is in both English and Spanish.
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