Museums
USS Midway Museum
“Americas symbol of enduring Freedom”
The USS Midway is America’s longest serving Aircraft Carrier in American history, almost 48 years of service. One reason she was such a great ship, she was built by women. The USS Midway was built during the 2nd world war, you remember Rosie the riveter and Rosie the welder.
San Diego Museum of Man
From monsters and beer history, to learning about the power of secrets, to our relationships with animals and the truth about cannibalism – there’s something for everyone at the San Diego Museum of Man! Specializing in cultural anthropology, the Museum of Man explores the human experience from multicultural perspectives to spark dialogue, self-reflection, and human connections. During your visit, you’ll explore a variety of unique, interactive exhibits that cover a vast range of human history and culture.
Fleet Science Center
At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet—and beyond—in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Science, space and aviation history all unfold at the San Diego Air & Space Museum – California’s Official Air and Space Museum. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum houses a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft from all over the world, including a flight-worthy replica of Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” the actual Apollo 9 Command Module, and the only real GPS satellite on display in the world. View artifacts from the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Wally Schirra and other aviation and space pioneers!
San Diego Automotive Museum
This museum presents the story of the automobile in ways that engage the visitors and their experiences with cars. Compelling exhibits invoke a visceral reaction for the visitors about cars they have owned, loved, and driven. There is something for everyone. In addition to cars, the museum features a large motorcycle exhibit, memorabilia, and videos that put the automotive experience into cultural perspective. The museum was founded by San Diego car collectors in 1988 and has now grown to a museum that features automotive culture from around the world.
San Diego Natural History Museum
The real world: it sure can be real interesting. Explore the natural history of Southern California—from past to present—at the San Diego Natural History Museum. From rattlesnakes and flesh-eating beetles, to dinosaurs and fossils, to a pendulum that proves the earth is spinning, there’s something for everyone. Visitors will be impressed by the unique, interactive exhibitions that span across five floors. The museum features a giant-screen theater with daily showings of 2D and 3D films, as well as rotating exhibitions that bring nature to life.
San Diego Museum of Art
Providing a rich and diverse cultural experience, The San Diego Museum of Art houses the worlds finest art in America’s Finest City. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the museum’s nationally renowned collections include Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings including the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of Indian paintings, and 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures. At The San Diego Museum of Art, exhibition text is always in English and Spanish.
Timkin Museum of Art
Affectionately called San Diego’s jewel box of fine art, the Timken Museum of Art is home to the Putnam Foundation’s globally-important collection of European old masters, 19th century American art and Russian icons. The collection also includes the only Rembrandt painting on public display in San Diego. This fine museum provides visitors with an accessible and enriching cultural experience featuring a beautiful collection, intimate surroundings, perennially free admission.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
At 28,000 square feet, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the world’s largest operating model railroad museum. This unique museum contains four enormous scale and model layouts, built by separate clubs, which depict railroads of the Southwest in O, HO, and N scales. In addition, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum features a Toy Train Gallery with an interactive Lionel layout for children and state-of-the-art theater lighting.
The museum of photographic arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is a museum in San Diego‘s Balboa Park. First founded in 1974, MOPA opened in 1983. MOPA is one of three museums in the US dedicated exclusively to the collection and preservation of photography, with a mission to inspire, educate and engage the broadest possible audience through the presentation, collection, and preservation of photography, film and video. The museum’s address is 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA.
mARITIME mUSEUM OF sAN dIEGO
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship Star of India. Our collection of ships and exhibits are available for daily public tours. One of the best things to do in San Diego!
OPEN LATE
9am to 8pm daily until Memorial Day weekend.
the new children's museum
We’re a new model of children’s museum, with a focus on early learning through contemporary art and play. We change things frequently so you’ll always find something new to explore when you visit. And for 2020, we have new hours. Check the calendar for programming, events and special closures. Here’s to another year of new!