Speciality Museums
Downtown
Admission tickets from $26.00
Top Museums in San Diego, CA
Museums in San Diego
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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Museums
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89 places sorted by traveler favorites
Speciality Museums • Ships
Admission tickets from $20.00
Art Museums • Children's Museums
Downtown
Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Miramar
•
Temporarily closed
Art Galleries
Historic Sites • Mysterious Sites
Old Town
Admission tickets from $14.00
Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
Balboa Park
Showing results 1-30 of 89
What travelers are saying
- PAJAYAuburn, PA364 contributionsWe spent 3 hours touring the ship and learned a lot about the ship and its' operation as well as some of the different battles. The gentlemen who were volunteers were very knowledgeable and we really enjoyed talking with them. Highly recommend the tour.Written September 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HockingCTrowbridge, UK118 contributionsLots of sea creatures to see and appreciate worth a visit if you have a couple of hrs free. You have to book a slot in advance but does mean it wasn't too busy so was easy to spend time at each tank and not feel hurried along. The large tanks were pretty impressive to with seat to chill and appreciate the view.Written September 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Beth SSouth Lake Tahoe, CA394 contributionsGood signage for explaining each ship. We were able to board a couple ships and the sub! There were many ship models with details about where and when it was sailed. It's next to the Midway and is a great compliment tour.Written August 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TanyaLos Angeles, CA2 contributionsLearned so much. Loved the simulators and the staff were kind and knowledgeable. Tons of information about the early years of flight. Just fascinating, highly recommend it!Written September 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GlobalGypsy_13San Diego, CA2,688 contributionsFor a dose of modern art before the La Jolla location reopens in 2021, head downtown for some cutting edge art. In a space adjacent to and across the stree from the Santa Fe train station your modern art sensibilities will be expanded. The challenge may be to find nearby parking. On a Saturday afternoon we did find metered parking about 2 blocks away; there are also paid lots in the area.Written February 29, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TULIPS4ME2Saint Louis, MO56 contributionsThis wasn't on our to do list, but saw while walking through Balboa Park. What a pleasant surprise. The model trains are awesome. The "conductors" were friendly.Written July 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- An0nyMsTucson, Arizona1,257 contributionsThere are maps, of course. But at least as interesting is the detailed story behind each map: what people thought and how they saw the world at the time the map was made. Some early maps took the point of view of the Church... for instance, one map shows the Devil walking hand-in-hand with a person.
There are comfortable armchairs and relaxing classical music playing. You might want to spend hours here, but the street parking nearby is for either one or two hours.Written June 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - karendyerLa Jolla, CA23 contributionsI recommend you sign up for a tour so you can learn the stories behind these outdoor art installations. James de Silva established the collection and enticed world renown artists to participate. Thought provoking and very interesting...something for everyone. UC San Diego is currently undergoing a major building expansion so do sign up for a guide to traverse the construction maze.Written February 11, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David C6 contributionsMy Wife and I were very impressed with the Art work, As well as the displays used to display the art work. My wife and I will order at a later date for sure.Written May 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dick LUnion City, CA24 contributionsThe Old Town Model Railroad Depot is worth your time when visiting San Diego’s Old Town. The Old Town Trolley Tour begins and ends its tours (Stop A) in Old Town so there are multiple opportunities to stop by and visit, and admission is included if you are already on the trolley tour. The train display is of trains meandering through any town USA with nostalgic references throughout the display. The diorama is divided in two sections, where one room has trains travelling through the day and the second has the same trains travelling through the night. The buildings and landscaping are constructed with great detail providing you with wonderful visual experience. The staff is friendly, informative and welcoming. It appears that the entire operation is created and managed by model train enthusiasts who want to share what they have created. The self-guided tour can be as quick or slow as you wish with steps up providing views at many levels and perspectives. Photography is allowed and a small wall of train themed items are available for purchase. The visit to the Old Town Model Railroad Depot will not take much of your time but could be one of the fun memories of your visit to San Diego’s Old Town.Written April 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vera BTucson, AZ99 contributionsThe selection of Gorman creations ranges from small tiles to sculptures to enormous canvases or ptints. Something for every budget for the fan of this Navajo artist. One of four galleries in the country showing his work.Written August 28, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simon S8 contributionsWhat a find. Old navy station converted over to a mixed use retail/ restaurant complex. The buildings retain many of the features from the original barracks and serve up a cultural plethora of food from Taiwan, Italian, Filipino to Maine Lobster and regional cuisine. Everything we sampled was delicious and reasonably priced.
Plenty of outdoor seating with breathtaking views of the immaculate grounds and downtown. Parking was convenient and plentiful at 6 p.m. on a Friday night.
Bonus. Some of the scenes from Top Gun were shot here and it is fun seeking out those sites from those movie scenes.
Easy 20 minute drive from Mission Valley.
Next time you are in San Diego, take some time to explore this unique culinary destinationWritten July 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mom747boston,ma37 contributionsWe enjoyed speaking with the ladies who were at the desk and learning more about the history of LaJOllaWritten April 3, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- An0nyMsTucson, Arizona1,257 contributionsThis isn't like a traditional sculpture garden that's a contiguous area with a collection of sculpture. The sculpture is spread around the hospital campus. The pieces farthest from the entrance are next to the building at 9850 Genesee Avenue. Most of the sculpture is around the main hospital building at 9888 Genesee. There's more next to parking garage D, which is a good central place to park to see the sculpture. Parking there is free for half an hour; up to three hours costs $4.
This is a great place to see some art if art museums are closed. To give you an idea of what's there, I'll post a number of photos.Written June 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - themurrayfamilySheffield, UK308 contributionsAn entertaining and education museum/gallery/play zone which our 4 and 2 year olds thoroughly enjoyed. We spent a good few hours here with a break for lunch. There was lots to do and some things you don't get to do everyday - like paint a car, clamber all over art installations etc. I'd recommend a visit if you have young children.Written February 27, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
- These places are best for museums in San Diego:
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in San Diego:
- USS Midway Museum
- Old Town Model Railroad Depot
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- These are the best places for couples seeking museums in San Diego:
- USS Midway Museum
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
- Spanish Village Art Center
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in San Diego:
- USS Midway Museum
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in San Diego:
- USS Midway Museum
- Old Town Model Railroad Depot
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Air & Space Museum