Visiting San Diego | Museums

Ranging from the eclectic to the sublime, San Diego's array of museums are filled with wonders that appeal to just about any taste for art, machinery, sports, classic cars, scientific discovery and more. Many of the area's most popular museums are clustered in Balboa Park within walking distance of each other, while others are tucked in outlying neighborhoods.

The following are highlights of San Diego County museums.

 

ART MUSEUMS

 

LUX Art Institute

1550 S El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-436-6611
http://www.luxartinstitute.org/
The Lux Art Institute hosts artists-in-residence who will create and exhibit new works inspired by Southern California's unique natural environment. With completion of its permanent facility expected in 2007, visitors to Lux will be able to experience the inspiration of working artists -- gaining a unique insight into both the creative process and the world around them.

Mingei International Museum of World Folk Art (Main site)

Balboa Park
1439 E. Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego

La Jolla
700 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037-4291
Downtown San Diego
1100 & 1001 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
858 454 3541
http://www.mcasd.org/
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego functions as an art museum preserving, presenting, and interpreting the art of our time; a cultural center - a forum for the exploration of contemporary art and ideas; and a research laboratory for artists and audiences. MCASD offers two locations, offering visitors twice the contemporary art and programs.

Museum of Photographic Arts

Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-7559
http://www.mopa.org/
The Museum of Photographic Arts is one of the only museums in the country dedicated exclusively to the photographic arts, presenting work by some of the world's most celebrated photographers and cinematographers in its spacious new galleries and state-of-the-art 228 seat theater.

Oceanside Museum of Art

704 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA, 92054
760-721-2787
http://www.oma-online.org/
The Oceanside Museum of Art is a gathering place where friends meet to share and enjoy the rich cultural experiences available in North San Diego County.

San Diego Art Institute

Balboa Park
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-0011
http://www.sandiego-art.org/
A non-profit art institute that furthers the living local artists by providing monthly exhibitions in a 10,000 sq. ft. building in the House of Charm in Balboa Park.

San Diego Museum of Art

Balboa Park
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
P.O. Box 122107
San Diego, CA 92112-2107
619-232-7931
http://www.sdmart.org/
Located in the heart of beautiful Balboa Park, the Museum's nationally renowned collections include European, American, Asian, and contemporary art, most notably Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures, and works by contemporary California artists.

Timken Museum of Art

Balboa Park
1500 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-5548
http://www.timkenmuseum.org/
The Timken Museum of Art houses the Putnam Foundation Collection of European and American old masters and Russian icons. Opened in 1965, the museum presents its permanent collection, twice-yearly special exhibitions, and education programs. Admission to the museum is always free.

 

 

 

 
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

2040 N. Santa Fe Avenue
Vista, CA 92083
760-941-1791
http://www.agsem.com/
Historic gas, steam. and horse-powered equipment used in farming, lumbering, mining and construction are actually in use on this living history site, along with a blacksmith shop, sawmill and farmhouse.

Barona Cultural Center and Museum

1095 Barona Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
619-443-7003
http://www.baronamuseum.org/
A Tribal Museum dedicated to the culture of the Barona Band of Mission Indians and other Southern California Indians. The museum has exhibits, events and educational programs to promote a better understanding of the local Indian culture and to provide a social and educational forum for the members of the culture.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-534-FISH
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
Set against a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is home to thousands of fish and more than 350 species of Pacific marine life.

Cabrillo National Monument

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106-3601
619-683-6320
http://www.nps.gov/cabr/lighthouse.html
Administered by the National Park Service, San Diego's only unit of the National Park System, this 160-acre national monument was created by President Woodrow Wilson on October 14, 1913 to commemorate the life and historic voyage of exploration of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

340 N. Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025
800-988-4253
http://www.artcenter.org/museum.htm
The Center is located on a 12-acre campus in the heart of Escondido's blossoming downtown. Featuring a 1500-seat Concert Hall, a 400-seat theater, an education and Museum complex and a Conference Center, The Center boasts a performing arts season featuring top flight artists in all disciplines.

California Surf Museum

223 N. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-721-6876
http://www.surfmuseum.org/
The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

California Missions

http://www.missionsofcalifornia.org/

Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala

10818 San Diego Mission Road
San Diego, CA 92108-2429
619-283-7319
http://www.missionsandiego.com/
First of the 21 missions and known as the Mother of the Missions, Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra. It was designated as a Minor Basilica in 1976 by Pope Paul VI. The Mission today is an active Catholic Parish in the Diocese of San Diego.

Mission San Luis, Rey de Francia

4050 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92057-6402
760-757-3651
http://www.sanluisrey.org/
King of the Missions and a jewel of San Diego County North. A National Historic Landmark, the eighteenth mission, founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of the 21 California Missions. Museum, Lavanderia, picnic gardens, gift shop and hiking trails on 56 acres.

Mission San Antonio de Pala (Asistencia)

Pala Mission Road
Pala Reservation
Pala, CA 92059 760-742-1600
http://www.missionsanantonio.org/
One of four asistencias (sub-missions or satellite missions) operated by the Alta California missions. Established by Fr. Antonio Peyri in 1815 as a branch of Mission San Luis, Rey de Francia; dedicated June 13, 1816.

Centro Cultural de la Raza

2004 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
619.235.6135
A multidisciplinary arts center in Balboa Park focusing on Native North and Central American visual, performing and literary arts presentations.

Chula Vista Nature Center

1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-409-5900
http://www.chulavistaca.gov/Attraction/nature.asp
A wetlands wildlife preserve featuring exhibits, activities and tours. Interactive exhibits at the Nature Center describe the history, geology, ecology, natural history and bio-diversity of Sweetwater Marsh and San Diego Bay.

Coronado Historical Association Museum of History and Art

1100 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-7242
http://www.coronadohistory.org/
Permanent exhibits explore Coronado's early history, Navy and Army's role in Coronado, and the Hotel del Coronado and Tent City Resort. The special exhibit gallery is host to changing exhibits related to different aspects of Coronado.

Deer Park Automotive Museum

29013 Champagne Blvd.
Escondido, CA 92026
760.749.1666
A vintage automobile collection emphasizing the 50s convertible.

Escondido History Center and Heritage Walk Museum

Grape Day Park
321 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
760-743-8207
http://www.escondido.org/glance/uniquely/history/index.html
Artifacts and photographs from Escondido's early days are displayed inside a historic Santa Fe train depot.

Fallbrook Historical Society Museum

260 Rocky Crest Road
Fallbrook, CA 92028
619-723-4125
http://www.fallbrookhistoricalsociety.com/
Photographs and antiques from Fallbrook's history are displayed in a 100 year old farmhouse.

Firehouse Museum

1572 Columbia St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.FIRE
This 1915 fire station houses antique firefighting equipment, trucks, uniforms and more.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
San Diego, CA 92121
877-FLY-USMC
http://www.flyingleathernecks.org/

George White and Anna Gunn Marston House

3525 Seventh Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619.298.3142
1905 Craftsman-style house features exhibits emphasizing the decorative arts, and the Arts and Crafts period.

Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation

410 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
http://www.gaslampquarter.org/
Through its operation of the William Heath Davis House Museum and Park, the GQHF promotes the educational, historical and cultural development of the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Heritage of the Americas Museum

12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-670-5194
http://www.cuyamaca.net/museum
The Heritage of the Americas Museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, California invites visitors of all ages to experience a journey through time. Five wings divide the building into areas of Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, and Education.

Heritage Park Village

2454 Heritage Park Row
Old Town San Diego
San Diego, CA 92110
619-291-9784
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/heritage_park.html
Historic Victorian homes were saved from demolition and moved to this site, and now feature a doll shop, antiques and a bed and breakfast.

Heritage Walk Museum

Grape Day Park
321 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92033
760.743.8207
Artifacts and photographs from Escondido's early days are displayed inside a historic Santa Fe train depot.

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-6611
http://www.hoteldel.com/about/history.cfm A gallery featuring photos and memorabilia depicts the hotel's colorful history. One hour guided tours are available Thursday through Saturday.

Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego

Balboa Park
2215 Pan American Road
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-2721
http://www.niwa.org/display/home.asp
The mission of the JFGS is to create a Japanese-style garden dedicated to the well-being of all people which provides educational programs that encourage understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.

Junipero Serra Museum

2727 Presidio Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
619-297-3258
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/serra_museum.html A San Diego landmark, now home to a 1929 Mission-style museum, with exhibits emphasizing Spanish Colonial and Mexican periods of San Diego's history.

La Jolla Historical Society

7846 Eads Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-5335
http://www.lajollahistory.org/
The La Jolla Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, collection and preservation of La Jolla's heritage. Through our collections and programs, we work with the community to discover and record La Jolla's history; to preserve its historical objects, sites and structures; and to increase appreciation of the value of preserving the heritage of the community.

La Mesa Historical Society

McKinney House
8369 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91941
619-466-0197
http://www.lamesahistoricalsociety.com/
The La Mesa Historical Society operates out of the Rev. Henry McKinney House and Museum. The McKinney House, which was built in 1908, is La Mesa's first historical landmark and is now a museum interpreting early 20th century life in La Mesa.

Lawrence Welk Museum

8860 Lawrence Welk Drive
Escondido, CA 92026
760-749-3448
http://www.welktheatresandiego.com/index.asp
Memorabilia tracing the entertainer's life and career, and the history of his long-running television show.

Light Houses

 http://www.rudyalicelighthouse.net/
Point Loma Lighthouse, 619-683-6320
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106-3601, http://www.nps.gov/cabr/lighthouse.html

MCRD Museum Historical Society

PO Box 400085
Building 26
San Diego, CA 92140
619-524-4426
http://mcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org/
The MCRD Museum Historical Society was founded in 1988. The Society is an independent, not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 public benefit corporation, incorporated by the State of California. Our mission is a passion among Marine Corps veterans and community members. Members enjoy many activities and benefits while helping to preserve the history of the Marine Corps for future generations.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-9153
http://www.sdmaritime.org/
The Maritime Museum of San Diego features the greatest collection of historic ships on the West Coast, including, the world famous 1863 barque Star of India, the luxurious 1904 steam yacht Medea, San Diego's 1914 Pilot boat, the Californian, a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter and the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley.

Marston House Museum

3525 Seventh Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
619-297-9327 or 619-298-3142
http://www.sohosandiego.org/
This 1905 Craftsman-style mansion was designed by internationally renowned architects Irving Gill and William Sterling Hebbard for philanthropist, merchant prince and civic leader, George W. Marston and his wife, Anna Gunn Marston.   Open: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm.  Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, Tours start every half hour and are 40-45 minutes in length.
Please note: The last tour of the day begins at 4:30pm.

McKinney House

8369 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941
619.466.0197
A restored 1908 home with period furnishings and special displays.

Mingei International Museum

Balboa Park
1439 E. Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0003
Downtown Escondido
155 West Grand Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
760-735-3355
http://www.mingei.org/
Incorporated in 1974, Mingei is a non-profit, public foundation dedicated to furthering understanding of art of people from all cultures of the world.

Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center

2510 Juan Street
San Diego, CA 92110
619-298-3317
http://www.mormon.org/
Historical site and visitors center from the 1847 Mormon Battalion Infantry March.

Museum of San Diego History

Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-6203
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/museum_of_san_diego_history.html
Contains displays relating to local history from 1850 to the present.

New Americans Museum

NTC Promenade, Liberty Station
2825 Dewey Road, Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92106
619-255-8908
http://www.newamericansmuseum.org/
Our museum strives to be a part of a global movement to share the stories of migration. Similar museums are being established in other countries i.e. France, Australia, Brazil, and elsewhere. We hope to share stories of migration from every hemisphere.

The New Children's Museum

200 West Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8792
http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/
The New Children's Museum is a dynamic, new destination in downtown San Diego- a contemporary art museum for kids and families.

Old Town State Historic Park

4002 Wallace Street
San Diego, CA 92110
619-220-5422
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=663
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park presents the opportunity to experience the history of early San Diego by providing a connection to the past. Learn about life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle and bustle is balanced with history and fiestas.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Campo Depot: Main facility and train rides
31123-1/2 Highway 94
Campo, CA, 91906
619-478-9937 (Weekends)
La Mesa Depot: Business Office
4695 Nebo Drive
La Mesa, CA, 91941-5259
619-465-7776 (Weekdays)
http://www.sdrm.org/
The main museum is located in Campo and features a living railway museum and 16 mile train ride. The La Mesa location features a restored 1894 depot, steam locomotive and railroad memorabilia.

Palomar Observatory

35899 Canfield Road
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
PO Box 200
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
760-742-2111
http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomarnew/
Palomar features one of America's largest telescopes, as well as astronomy related exhibits.

Quail Botanical Gardens

230 Quail Gardens Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-436-3036
http://www.qbgardens.org/
Quail Botanical Gardens is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered plants from across the globe. San Diego visitors and residents are invited to experience this spectacular collection of flora. Tours, nature walks, lectures, landscape advice and instructional programs are offered to advance public awareness of plant diversity.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Balboa Park
1875 El Prado Way
San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-1233
http://www.rhfleet.org/
With exhibits to touch, IMAX® films to watch and fun to be had, The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is an educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Balboa Park
2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-8291
http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/
San Diego boasts one of the country's best aerospace museums - visually chronicling five centuries of aviation and space flight history. Over 65 amazing air and spacecraft make up the Museum's "sky high" collection.

San Diego Archaeological Center

16666 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, 92027-7001
760-291-0370
http://www.sandiegoarchaeology.com
The San Diego Archaeological Center curates and exhibits artifacts that represent 10,000 years of history of the San Diego Region.

San Diego Automotive Museum

Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-AUTO
http://www.sdautomuseum.org
Millions of local auto enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world have visited the San Diego Automotive Museum's world-class collection. Today the museum stands as a living tribute to the automobile and what it has meant to our culture.

San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum

404 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA, 92101
619-338-9888
http://www.sdchm.org/
The San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and share Chinese and Chinese American art, culture and history in order to educate our diverse communities.

San Diego Firehouse Museum

1572 Columbia Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3473
http://thesdfirehousemuseum.org/
This 1915 fire station houses antique firefighting equipment, trucks, uniforms and more.

San Diego Hall of Champions

Balboa Park
2131 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-2544
http://www.sdhoc.com/
The scope of the Hall's exhibits cover sports from high school to college to professional. There are the traditional sports of baseball and football as well as exhibits for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Surfing Legends, Action Sports and Disabled Athletes.

San Diego Historical Society

Balboa Park
1649 El Prado Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-6203
https://www.sandiegohistory.org/
The San Diego Historical Society is dedicated to helping people of all ages learn about, and enjoy, the history of San Diego and to appreciate how our past, present and future are interrelated.

Local History Societies and Museums

http://www.sandiegohistory.org/links/societies.htm
A list of over 150 local history societies and museums throughout San Diego County.

San Diego Mineral and Gem Society

Balboa Park
1770 Village Place
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-8812
http://www.sdmg.org/
Lapidary arts are the focus, with a wide array of mineral specimens.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-696-0199
http://www.sdmrm.org/
The world's largest operating model railroad exhibit includes four scale model layouts depicting railroads of the Southwest, a toy train gallery and more.

San Diego Museum Council

P.O. Box 3836
San Diego, CA 92163
619-276-0101
http://www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/
The San Diego Museum Council is a coalition of more than30 San Diego County museums working cooperatively to increase awareness of and attendance at the diverse museums in the region. The Council provides support services to the museum industry in management, education, resource networking, advocacy, and promotional opportunities. Each February, SDMC invite entertainment seekers in San Diego County to visit more than 30 participating institutions at half price admission with a FREE Museum Month pass.

San Diego Museum of Man

Balboa Park
1350 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2001
http://www.museumofman.org/
Explore the mystery, beauty and excitement of San Diego's only anthropological museum. One of the nation's great collections of artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds is located here. We invite you to share the adventure and excitement in discovering the heritage of mankind.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Balboa Park
1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3821
http://www.sdnhm.org/
The Museum has regional displays on the natural history of Southern California and Baja California as well as traveling exhibitions.

San Marcos Museum

270 W. San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA
619.744.9025
The museum is home to farm equipment, dairy artifacts, pioneer relics and Native American crafts.

Save Our Heritage Organization/SOHO

2476 San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA 92110
619-297-9327
http://www.sohosandiego.org/
Through education, advocacy, and stewardship SOHO's mission is to preserve, promote and support preservation of the architectural, cultural and historical links and landmarks that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of our region.

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

910 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 544-9600, http://www.midway.org/
The ever so grand USS Midway Aircraft Carrier took to the ocean March 20, 1945. She brings an enormous amount of history to San Diego. The ship was opened as a museum June 7, 2004 and is ranked the #2 attraction in the nation (out of 266) on TripAdvisor.com. Get a real connection to her, as sailors who lived or worked on the ship narrate an audio tour for you. 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft on the deck for you to marvel at. She is true gem in our Naval harbor.

Tijuana Estuary Visitors Center

301 Caspian Way
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
619-575-3613
http://trnerr.org/visitors_center.html
A rich biological area where the river meets the sea, and where two countries come together, the Tijuana River Estuary is located on the U.S. side of the border. The U.S. side represents only 1/4 of the total watershed, with the remainder located in Mexico, from Tecate in the East to Tijuana in the West.

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

Balboa Park
2115 Park Boulevard
San Diego, 92101
619-239-2300
http://www.veteranmuseum.org/
The museum honors the contributions and memories of all men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Coast Guard and Wartime Merchant Marine with displays of artifacts, memorabilia, documents, photographs, and artwork.

Villa Montezuma/Jesse Shepard House

1925 K Street
San Diego, CA 92102
619-232-6203
http://www.villamontezuma.org/
The magnificent Villa Montezuma is a treasure of history, culture and ambience.  Villa Montezuma/Jesse Shepard House was built in 1887 for the mysterious musician and spiritualist Jesse Shepard .  It is the first building in San Diego to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Water Conservation Garden

12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-660-0614
http://www.thegarden.org/
The Water Conservation Garden has nearly five acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens, such as a native plant garden and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays such as mulch and irrigation exhibits. Admission is free, and the Garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour, or through one of our programs.

Whaley House

2476 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110-2730
(619) 297-7511
http://whaleyhouse.org/
Few houses in San Diego are as historically important as the Whaley House. In addition to being the Whaley Family home, it housed a granary, the County Court House, San Diego's first commercial theater, various businesses including Thomas Whaley's own general store, a ballroom, a billiard hall, school, and polling place. Significant events, such as the seizure of the court documents and records in 1871, and the suicide of Violet Whaley in 1885 profoundly affected Thomas and Anna Whaley.  These events, as well as the hangings which occurred on the property before the house was constructed, have suffused the Whaley House with an air of mystery According to the Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted, the house is the number one most haunted house in the United States.

William Heath Davis House

410 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-4692
http://www.gaslampquarter.org/
The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation invites you to visit the William Heath Davis House and Museum, the oldest remaining structure in New Town San Diego.

Women's History Museum and Educational Center

2323 Broadway, Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92102
619-233-7963
http://www.whmec.org/
The country's only facility with exhibits, library, oral histories, research archives, traveling exhibits, Women's Hall of Fame, and educational programming all devoted to women's history!

 

 

SPECIALTY MUSEUMS