San Diego Museums

(San Diego, California - CA, USA)

Given its long history as the site of the first non-native permanent settlement on the west coast of the US and Canada, San Diego is consequently home to a vast array of museums preserving and documenting local history.

Many of San Diego's museums and numerous institutions are devoted to local Spanish, Native American, natural, transportation, anthropology and religious history, while others focus on more modern developments, such as aviation and space travel. Whatever your tastes, they are bound to be satisfied at the museums in San Diego, with several good choices being located along El Prado.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California CA, 92101, USA
Tel: +1 619 232 3821
The San Diego Natural History Museum was founded in 1874 and is one of the area's oldest. Home to a wealth of exhibits, a movie theater, a large atrium with glassed-roof, numerous temporary exhibitions and many extensive permanent collections, this is certainly one attraction not to be missed.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under two free

Junipero Serra Museum

Address: 2727 Presidio Drive, San Diego, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 619 297 3258
This mission-style attraction first opened in 1929 on a hill overlooking old town San Diego, where the first non-native settlement on the west coast of the US and Canada was established. The Junipero Serra Museum documents early life here, with exhibits showcasing personal belongings, tools, cannons, furniture and paintings, as well as a large collection of local history books for sale.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students, children and military, children under six free

Maritime Museum

Address: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 619 234 9153
The Maritime Museum is home to several historic ships including the Star of India, built in 1863 and now a National Historic Landmark. It has circumnavigated the globe 21 times and is the oldest ship in the world that still goes to sea. Other ships include a rare large steam boat dating from 1904 and the steam ferry Berkley, built in 1898.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students, military personnel and children, children under six free

San Diego History Center

Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California CA, 92101, USA
Tel: +1 619 232 6203
This extensive museum documents the city's interesting past from 1850, the year California gained statehood, up to the present. Permanent collections at the San Diego History Center include series of folk art, textiles, tools and transportation, while the museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students, military personnel and children, children under 13 free

Air and Space Museum

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 619 234 8291
Formerly named the Aerospace Museum, the Air and Space Museum is understandably a popular family attraction and documents the country's rich aviation history in an enjoyable fashion. Highlights here include a number of hot-air balloons, bi-planes, military aircraft and many fascinating space-related exhibits. There is also a fun flight simulator and a 4D theater screening themed aerospace films, while the Starlight Museum Theater is close by and within walking distance, along with the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and the Old Cactus Garden.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under three and military free

Model Railroad Museum

Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 619 696 0199
Popular with children, the Model Railroad Museum really is a fun attraction suiting all ages. As you step inside you will discover no less than six permanent model railways, which have been carefully designed to incorporate California's transportation history and geography with amazing detail.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and military, children under 15 free

Museum of Man

Address: 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 619 239 2001
The San Diego Museum of Man is a fascinating anthropological attraction specializing in the peoples of North and South America. The attraction showcases life-size replicas of various Homo sapiens, as well as some Egyptian mummies and related displays.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under six free