San Diego Museums

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture. However, one often overlooked aspect of this coastal city is its incredible array of museums. From art to science to history, San Diego has a museum for every interest. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best museums in San Diego and why they are worth a visit.

USS MIDWAY MUSEUM

There are all kinds of terrific activities to do aboard the USS Midway Museum! Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served our country and upheld the American ideals of strength, freedom, and peace. Try the flight simulators, watch music videos or short films, or climb aboard an aircraft and cockpit! Check out the interactive exhibits, “Ejection Seat Theater,” and much more.  Read more.

SAN DIEGO AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

When you visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum, you’ll learn about the hair-raising antics of the pioneers of flight, whose nerves of steel made air and space travel possible. The museum is divided into several galleries, each emphasizing the contributions San Diego has made to aviation. The galleries include the Theodore Gildred Rotunda, ABOVE AND BEYOND: The Future of Flight. SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure, World War I, Golden Age of Flight, World War II, Modern Jet & Space Age, and the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Read more.

SAN DIEGO MARITIME MUSEUM

The Maritime Museum of San Diego will spur your imagination for United States maritime history! You’ll want to add the Maritime Museum of San Diego to your must-visit list. Located on San Diego Bay, the Maritime Museum sustains one of the largest collections of notable sea vessels in the United States. You’ll see sailing ships, steam-powered boats, submarines, and more. The centerpiece of the museum’s collection is the famous 1863 Star of India. Its storied history includes collisions, mutinies, cyclones, and more than a quarter-century of hauling immigrants from England and Ireland to New Zealand to begin new lives. Read more

FLEET SCIENCE CENTER

Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. 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. For young science enthusiasts, the Fleet hosts school field trips, science workshops, and educational camps. Read more.

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

At the San Diego Natural History Museum, you’ll learn about and appreciate our natural environment. Founded in 1874, the San Diego Society of Natural History is the oldest scientific institution in Southern California. The Museum’s exhibitions focus on the unique and biodiverse Southern California region. Current exhibits include Fossil Mysteries, a highly interactive exhibition, explores big themes in science, evolution, extinction, ecology, and Earth processes. Also on exhibit is Coast to Cactus in Southern California. This is a permanent exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through this amazing place we call home. Read more 

CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM

One of the highlights of the California Surf Museum is its revolving exhibits, which change each year to offer fresh insights into the world of surfing. From vintage surfboards to iconic photographs, each display tells a unique story of the sport’s evolution over the years. As you wander through the halls of the California Surf Museum, you’ll be transported through time, tracing the evolution of surfboards from ancient Hawaiian planks to modern-day fiberglass creations. You’ll discover the pioneers who paved the way for today’s surfers and gain a deeper appreciation for the art and culture of surfing. Read more 

WHALEY HOUSE MUSEUM

The Whaley House, in Old Town San Diego, is reputed to be among the most haunted houses in the country. With such a full and colorful history stretching back over 200 years, it is little wonder that the Whaley House has a reputation for being haunted! According to the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, the house is the number one most haunted house in the United States. The alleged hauntings have been reported on numerous other television programs and have been written up in countless publications and books since the house first opened as a museum in 1960. Although it cannot be positively stated that the Whaley House is haunted, the voluminous documentation of paranormal occurrences at the site makes a compelling case.  Read more

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART

At the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California, lies a cultural gem that has been captivating visitors for over a century – the San Diego Museum of Art. This prestigious institution houses a diverse collection of masterpieces spanning over 7,000 years of art history, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. In addition to its permanent collection, the San Diego Museum of Art also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase a wide range of artistic styles and movements, offering visitors the opportunity to explore new and exciting works of art from around the world. Read more