While San Diego is commonly known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and jaw-dropping views, it is also home to a laundry list of must-visit museums. Sprinkled throughout the city are museums that allow guests to broaden their horizons by soaking up different cultures, admiring beautiful artwork, celebrating San Diego history, and exploring new learning opportunities.
Whether you’re planning a school field trip, weekend activities for out-of-town visitors, or a solo touristy day, chances are that San Diego has an institution that will spark passion, excitement, and curiosity. Dive into our rundown of the top museums in San Diego.
San Diego Natural History Museum
It only seems fitting that we kick this list off in Balboa Park. The park is home to 18 museums, with a fan favorite being the San Diego Natural History Museum. Also known as The NAT, the expansive museum allows guests to explore the past and present of Southern California history, from prehistoric fossils and surrounding garden trails to live animals and a stadium-style movie theater.
Address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $24 for adults; $20 for seniors (62+), students, and military (with I.D.) ; $14 for children (3-17)
USS Midway Museum
In 1945, the USS Midway was commissioned as the largest ship in the world, and for the past couple of decades, it has been home to one of San Diego’s most popular museums. Officially opened in 2004, the USS Midway Museum features a flight deck full of military aircraft, flight simulators, an immersive theater, and highly-knowledgeable docents. The museum also hosted the Top Gun: Maverick premiere back in 2022.
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, Downtown
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Price: $39 for adults; $26 for kids (4-12); $26 for veterans (with I.D.)
San Diego Air & Space Museum
If the idea of taking flight sounds exciting, then check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Originally opened in 1963 as the San Diego Aerospace Museum, the building includes vintage aircraft and spacecraft collections, film archives, and more. It’s a great spot to explore for all ages, from little aviators to lifelong aerophiles.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Price: $30 for adults; $26 for seniors, students, and retired military (with I.D.); $20 for kids (3-11), free for SDASM Members, Active Duty Military, and kids 2 and under
Timken Museum of Art
Step into the world of 19th-century American, European, and Russian art at the Timken Museum of Art. Located next to Balboa Park’s Botanical Building, the museum preserves and showcases artwork from all over the world, including iconic Old Master paintings. The cherry on top? Admission is free.
Address: 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: Free
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
It’s hard to decide what’s prettier: the Museum of Contemporary Art’s large collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography, or the views from this La Jolla museum. Celebrating contemporary artwork created after 1950, the museum includes a must-see sculpture garden and exhibits that highlight different artistic styles. Once you’re done soaking in the museum’s beauty, enjoy a bite at The Kitchen, an on-site full-service cafe and restaurant.
Address: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla
Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.-Wed.
Price: $25 for adults ($20 for San Diego and Tijuana residents); $15 for students, teachers, and adults 55 and over; Free for military (with I.D.), visitors with disabilities, and children/adults under 25
Museum of Photographic Art
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the Museum of Photographic Art at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) could fill a library with its photography, film, and video work. With permanent collections, online exhibitions, and virtual resources, the museum is a great place for artists and art enthusiasts. Additionally, the Balboa Park institute does not charge admission fees, but guests can make a voluntary monetary contribution.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.-Wed.
Price: Free; $10 donation recommended
Mingei International Museum
Opened in the late 1970’s, Balboa Park’s Mingei International Museum celebrates folk art and crafts from talented artists and builders from around the globe. Living up to its name (the Japanese word “mingei” means “art of the people”), the museum’s collection includes hand-sewn clothing, intricately engraved jewelry, and more.
Address: 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues.-Thurs., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Price: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, educators, students (with I.D.), and military (with I.D.)
California Surf Museum
There’s really no more perfect place for a surf collection than in San Diego. The California Surf Museum honors and explores the rich surfing history in Southern California. Immerse yourself in decades of surfing culture, then go shred some waves just a few blocks away.
Address: 312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors (62+), military (with I.D.), and students; free for CSM members and kids 11 and under
San Diego Museum of Art
Founded in 1926, the San Diego Museum of Art is a fine art museum in Balboa Park that features nationally renowned collections with an emphasis in Spanish and Italian art. The fine art museum is also home to South Asian manuscript illustrations and 19th and 20th century sculptures and paintings. Plus, guests can enjoy a virtual visit and check out its tours, gallery experiences, and educational art tutorials from the comfort of their homes.
Address: 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Mon.-Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays; Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $20 for adults; $15 for Seniors (65+), and free for kids 17 and under
Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
San Diego is known for its military history and presence, and the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park proudly honors those who have served in all different branches of the military. Located in the former chapel of a naval hospital, the museum respectfully presents patriotic memorabilia, artifacts, and rotating exhibits that recognize the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served.
Address: 2115 Park Blvd, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues. & Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Closed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays
Price: $5 for adults; $4 for veterans and seniors, $2 for students (with I.D.), and free for active duty military/dependents, museum members, and kids under 12
Whaley House Museum
It doesn’t need to be Halloween to get into the spooky spirit. A museum and historical landmark, the Whaley House in Old Town is often dubbed the most-haunted house in the country. If you’re looking to lean into the ghostly vibes, consider an evening guided tour or paranormal investigation.
Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, Old Town
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets start at $14 for adults and $10 for kids (4-12); free for kids under 4
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
In the Venn diagram of train buffs and model figurine fans is the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. The institute highlights Southern California’s railroading history through the collection of model trains. Make it a family day, as kids 12 and under can visit for free.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $20 for adults; $12 for seniors and military (with I.D.), $10 for students (with I.D.), and free for kids 12 and under
Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center
The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center is a true celebration of community, resilience, and unity. The space, opened in 2022, honors the history and accomplishments of local groups and organizations with historical exhibits, powerful collections, and a map of Chicano Park’s outstanding murals. Admission for visitors 18 years and under is free, with other discounts available for student teachers and those living in Barrio Logan and surrounding area.
Address: 1960 National Ave, Barrio Logan
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $8 for adults; $4 for students and educators; $3 if you’re a Barrio Logan resident; Free for kids 18 and under
Comic-Con Museum
If you’re a comic book connoisseur, chances are you’re familiar with the Comic-Con Museum. Opened in 2021, the museum features memorabilia and exhibits from a variety of comics, stories, and popular art, allowing visitors to year round capture the magic of San Diego’s famous Comic-Con convention hosted in July.
Address: 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Hours: Thurs.-Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays
Price: $30 for adults; $20 for seniors (age 65+), kids (13-17) military and students (with I.D.); $14 for kids (6-12); free for kids under 6
La Mesa Depot Museum
Museums come in all shapes and sizes. The quaint La Mesa Depot Museum is the area’s oldest building still in its original form, and is the last San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway Station around. Train buffs (and those who are fans of free admission) may especially enjoy this landmark where they can explore a steam locomotive, freight cars, and a telegrapher’s station.
Address: 4695 Nebo Dr, La Mesa
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 12 p.m.-3 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: Free
Women’s Museum of California
Girl power is strong in San Diego. Through changing exhibits, events, and lecture series, the Women’s Museum of California celebrates the important accomplishments made throughout the state by notable activists, creatives, suffragettes, San Diegans, and more. Take your learning outside of the museum’s walls and embark on their new guided tour around Balboa Park to discover more about women who have contributed to the park’s past.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Point Loma
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Price: Free; Donations recommended
Maritime Museum of San Diego
In a city rich with nautical history, the Maritime Museum of San Diego lets seafaring fans soak it all in. Guests can explore a range of sailing ships (including the waterfront standout, the Star of India), steam powered boats, and a submarine. You can even hit the high seas (well, the bay) on adventurous tours.
Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, Downtown
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Price: $24 for adults; $18 for seniors (62+), military (with I.D.), and students (13-17); $12 for kids (3-12); free for kids (2 and under)
Museum of Making Music
It’s been said that music brings people together and the Museum of Making Music puts that to the test. The music-centric museum in Carlsbad helps visitors embrace the sounds, musicians, and instruments that have contributed to the soundtracks of our lives. You can even pick up a guitar and have your own jam session.
Address: 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Price: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors (60 and up), students, and active military; free for kids (3 and under)
Fleet Science Center
A hotspot for school field trips and educational opportunities, the Fleet Science Center features over 100 exhibits that bring science directly to museum visitors. Like many Balboa Park museums, the Fleet Science Center offers free admission for residents on specific days of the month.
Address: 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $25 for adults; $23 for seniors (65 and up); $20 for children (3-12); free for kids 2 and under
New Children’s Museum
Museums don’t always have to be artifacts behind glass cases. The New Children’s Museum makes outings more fun for the whole family, with immersive art installations and colorful rooms. The space prides itself on being inclusive, with a highlight being the sensory-friendly Breathing Room that can help kids who may feel overwhelmed by the stimulating environment.
Address: 200 W Island Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Wed.-Mon 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Closed Tuesdays
Price: $24 for adults (18+); $20 for children (1 and over), seniors (65+), educators, and military (with I.D.)
