Explore San Diego

Museums & Galleries

From masters to local artisans, come celebrate the visual arts

Photo By Doug Gates

One of America's Most Creative Cities

From the fine arts, including classical, contemporary and folk art, to science and natural history, San Diego's museum and galleries world offers an abundance of experiences. Wherever your interest may lie, you're sure to find a collection that will provide you with deeper insight, engagement and inspiration. It's no wonder USA Today has called San Diego "One of America's most creative cities."

Photo By Myles McGuinness

Balboa Park

Often referred to as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest urban park with cultural institutions in the United States. 17 museums devoted to topics as varied as anthropology, art, aviation, natural science and technology are spread throughout the pristine gardens and historic Spanish Colonial architecture in Balboa Park.

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Balboa Park Explorer Passes

The Balboa Park Explorer Passes are San Diego's best cultural value. The one-day, multi-day and annual explorer passes offer visitors the chance to experience up to 17 museums in the Park, with savings of more than 50% and the convenience of a one-time purchase. The Multi-Day Explorer/Zoo Combo includes the Balboa Park Multi-Day Explorer Pass plus a one-day admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo, all for one low price.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Considered the "birth place" of California, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park gives visitors a glimpse into San Diego's colonial period from 1821-1872. Many of the historical sites and museums in this neighborhood have free admission. Over a hundred shops and boutiques line the streets, along with plenty of restaurants. At the center of Old Town is the Whaley House Museum Complex, which consists of five historic buildings, the most famous of which is the Whaley House, the most haunted house in the country according to the Travel Channel's "America's Most Haunted."

View a rare original stagecoach at the Wells Fargo Museum, see a scale model of 19th century Old Town at the reconstructed Robinson-Rose House, and tour the Black Hawk Livery & Blacksmith, the first public schoolhouse in San Diego. Casa de Estudillo is considered one of the finest adobe haciendas in the state. Up the hill you'll discover Heritage Park, a 7.8 acre county park where seven Victorian homes have been relocated and now house shops, bed and breakfasts, and the Serra Museum, site of California's first mission and fort.

Museums for Children

While most of the museums are child-friendly, a few cater specifically to children. The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park brings science to life with hands-on experiments that are sure to engage your child's inquisitive mind. Also in Balboa Park you'll find the San Diego Model Railroad Museum with an interactive Lionel train layout for children. The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego and the Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido bring art and discovery to life with fun interactive activities, craft projects, and inventive play areas. Recent exhibits at the New Children's Museum have explored issues like recycling and food sustainability through child-focused art and craft projects. Many of these museums have toddler areas as well so the littlest ones can join in all the fun.

On the Water

The USS Midway Museum, named one of the top museums in the country by Trip Advisor, invites the public to learn about America's longest-serving aircraft carrier with 35 exhibits and tours exploring its rich 47-year history. Many of the story-telling docents are veterans who served aboard the carrier. The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship.

Click the links below to discover more wonderful museums and galleries to explore in San Diego.

ARTS DISTRICT LIberty Station

This unique gathering place within 360 waterfront acres of the former Naval Training Center features historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, vast landscaped open spaces and plenty of free parking. ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station is a destination where visitors and locals can stroll the 100 park-like acres, discover something new each time and make lasting memories. Many of the 38 historic buildings are now bursting with authenticity, heritage, creativity, and innovation. Always changing and evolving, ARTS DISTRICT is a place to create, connect, learn, shop, dine, meet, explore and buy local art.

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Show Your Badge & Save at the Maritime Museum!

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Valid: Jan 11 - ongoing

Come and explore our connection with the sea at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! Spanning 500 years of seafaring history, your visit to the Museum will give you a chance to step aboard an historic...

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7 San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences

A city rich with authentic, cultural opportunities

Embark on an immersive exploration of how Hispanic and Latinx culture help shape San Diego with vibrant, colorful art, traditional cuisine and more.

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Free Things to Do that Arts Enthusiasts Will Love

Immerse yourself in art without blowing your budget

Budget-friendly travel doesn’t have to mean giving up the finer things in life. From a 17th century masterpiece to a sci-fi hybrid of technology and art, San Diego has plenty of places to engage your mind and stretch your dollar.

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Experience San Diego Art with a Self-Guided Tour

Eight walkable itineraries rich in colors, flavors and sounds

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San Diego Farmers Markets

Find fresh produce and open-air shopping countywide!

With a year-round growing season and plenty of sunshine, San Diego produces a wealth of farm fresh goods. Area farmers markets are also a great place to find local artisan crafts and mix and mingle with the locals.

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