San Diego Museums: All Personally Reviewed


Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum is where Vintage Cars and Great Wine Await You
Winery in Escondido
Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum is where Vintage Cars and Great Wine Await You

What is unique about Deer Park Winery is that it caters to connoisseurs of both good wines and antique cars. Their collection of one-of-a-kind American convertibles includes over 100 models.
Equally as impressive as their vintage cars are their wines, which include zinfandel, Sangiovese, merlot, California champagne and petite syrah.
They also have a gourmet… (read more)

House of Pacific Relations, International Lawn Programs: Free Sunday Programs for the Family
Museum in Balboa Park
House of Pacific Relations, International Lawn Programs: Free Sunday Programs for the Family

Enjoy free Sunday programs of ethnic song and dance from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on the outdoor stage of the International Cottages. While you are there, be sure to visit The International Cottages, open noon-4 p.m. Sundays, featuring international artifacts, history and international food samples. Call (619-239-0512) or (619-234-0739).

Japanese Friendship Garden is a Great Place to Explore its Gardens & Enjoy Peace & Tranquility
Museum & Garden in Balboa Park
Japanese Friendship Garden is a Great Place to Explore its Gardens & Enjoy Peace & Tranquility

It is an idyllic retreat, radiating serenity, simplicity and beauty. View a Zen Rock Garden from a meditation room in the Exhibit House, which also features Japanese art and crafts. Relax on the moon viewing deck next to a restful koi pond and its soothing waterfall. The garden is truly a treasure you’ll want to… (read more)

Lake Elsinore Historical Society Museum
Museum in Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore Historical Society Museum

The Society was founded to collect, protect, preserve, display, and further the preservation of items and documents of historical value and significance from the Lake Elsinore Valley. The Society was conceived and organized in 1996 and the museum is located at 106 South Main Street in Lake Elsinore, California, and is open on Saturdays and… (read more)

Maritime Museum: Explore the Maritime Museum and Cruise the Bay on a Sailing Ship
Museum in Downtown
Maritime Museum: Explore the Maritime Museum and Cruise the Bay on a Sailing Ship

Board the 145-ft. long historic ship, The Californian , for daily sailing on the bay and for weekend trips to romantic Catalina Island. Deluxe admission to the Maritime Museum ($17-$30) includes admission to the museum’s historic ships, including the Star of India, the Berkeley, the Medea, and the Pilot, as well as sailing on beautiful… (read more)

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MCRD Command Museum Is More Than a Museum, It Is the History of the U.S. Marine Corps
Museum in Point Loma
MCRD Command Museum Is More Than a Museum, It Is the History of the U.S. Marine Corps

This awesome, historically significant museum is dedicated to preserving the glorious history and rich tradition of the United States Marine Corps. This historical museum is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. “A Walking Tour of the MCRD Command Museum” features fourteen galleries, which encompass dozens of exhibits featuring everything from weapons, uniforms, equipment, paintings… (read more)

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Mingei International Museum Has a Permanent Collection of 17,500 objects from 141 countries
Museum in Balboa Park
Mingei International Museum Has a Permanent Collection of 17,500 objects from 141 countries

Southern California’s largest collection of art of the people from all eras and cultures of the world. Dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design, and a popular museum store featuring handmade items from around the world.
Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed national holidays. Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 youth,… (read more)

Mingei International Museum: Located in the Cultural Heart of Escondido
Museum in San Diego
Mingei International Museum: Located in the Cultural Heart of Escondido

Southern California’s largest collection of art of the people from all eras and cultures of the world is housed at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design, and a popular museum store featuring handmade items from around the world.
Open Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4… (read more)

Mission San Luis Rey is the Majestic Jewel of Early California History
Historic Mission & Museum in Oceanside
Mission San Luis Rey is the Majestic Jewel of Early California History

Known as the King of the Missions, it is the largest of the 21 missions that ?ourished here in the 1700s and 1800s.Tucked away in a quiet north San Diego County valley, it is just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here you will find this majestic jewel of early California history called Mission… (read more)

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Mormon Battalion Historic Site: Reopening January 2010
Historic Museum in Old Town
Mormon Battalion Historic Site: Reopening January 2010

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town, at the corner of Harney and Juan Streets. Walk in the steps of The 500 men Mormon Battalion, Army of the West, as they left Winter Quarters, Iowa, and began their infantry march from Fort Leavenworth to the California Pueblo of San Diego. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., there are also guided tours and admission is free.

Relive the Impressive Marine Corps Aviation History at The Flying Leatherneck Museum on Miramar Road
Museum in Mira Mesa
Relive the Impressive Marine Corps Aviation History at The Flying Leatherneck Museum on Miramar Road

This is the only Command Museum dedicated to the history of Marine Corps aviation. The museum features more than two dozen vintage and historically important aircraft, ranging from World War II “Warbirds” to present-day jet fighters and helicopters. Inside the museum are artifacts, photos and displays that help visitors relive the stories of courage, sacrifice… (read more)

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Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The Most Fun Your Brain Can Have
Museum in Balboa Park
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The Most Fun Your Brain Can Have

This large 93,505 sq. ft. science center showcases over 100 “hands-on,” interactive exhibits and attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, they offer several fantastic films in San Diego’s only IMAX Dome Theater that surrounds visitors, creating a “you-are-there” experience.
There are seven fascinating science exhibitions, each with a different scientific and technological theme.… (read more)

San Diego Air & Space Museum Displays Famous Aviation Artifacts & Aerospace Memorabilia
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Air & Space Museum Displays Famous Aviation Artifacts & Aerospace Memorabilia

The museum displays famous aircraft, engines, spacecraft and aviation artifacts from the dawn of aviation through the space age. Within the museum is the intriguing International Aerospace Hall of Fame that honors the heroes of aviation and aerospace history in a gallery of portraits, personal mementos and records of their achievements. You’ll also see the… (read more)

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San Diego Automotive Museum: Incredible Cars, Motorcycles and Memorabilia
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Automotive Museum: Incredible Cars, Motorcycles and Memorabilia

The museum showcases an amazing permanent collection of classic & vintage cars, racers, motorcycles, and special one-of-a-kind cars like Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000 Car (distance driving record set in the 1950’s) and a rare 1948 Tucker (pictured at right). Specialty exhibits rotate throughout the year and are included in the admission price.
There is also… (read more)

San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum

The San Diego Hall of Champions (29 on the map) is also a must-see Balboa Park attraction. It features San Diego’s sports history and memorabilia. This one-of-a-kind museum honors nationally known athletes with a San Diego connection, including athletes such as Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Florence Chadwick and many more. It is is… (read more)

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San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s Largest Model Railroad Exhibit
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s Largest Model Railroad Exhibit

Located on the Prado in the Casa de Balboa building, this museum is the largest permanent operating model railroad exhibit in North America with 27,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum features interactive toy trains, “”Lionel””-style electric trains, a 20 scale mile long rail crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountain range… (read more)

San Diego Museum of Man: Experience Fascinating Exhibits on Human Evolution
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Museum of Man: Experience Fascinating Exhibits on Human Evolution

The Museum of Man features fascinating exhibits on human evolution, Egyptian artifacts, Kumeyaay culture and Mayan monuments. Little ones can also enjoy the Children’s Discovery Center, which allows them to experience living in ancient Egyptian times. With its striking architecture and historic setting, the Museum of Man is a favorite for banquets, corporate functions and… (read more)

San Diego Natural History Museum: Get Connected…Naturally
Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Natural History Museum: Get Connected…Naturally

One admission price for everything! Focused on the natural wonders of southern California and Baja California, the San Diego Natural History Museum features award-winning exhibitions, giant-screen films and a program of hundreds of excellent learning experiences. Founded in 1874, the San Diego Society of Natural History is the oldest scientific institution in southern California, and… (read more)

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The Museum of Making Music Has Over 500 Musical Instruments on Display
Museum in Carlsbad
The Museum of Making Music Has Over 500 Musical Instruments on Display

The focus of this impressive museum is to present a nostalgic walk through the past 100 years of American music and music-making. Featured are more than 500 vintage instruments. Plus, there are lots of interactive exhibits and hundreds of audio and video clips. This is an educational adventure for everyone!
General admission is ($5), seniors/students… (read more)

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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Museum Features Fun and Fascinating Interactive Exhibits
Museum in Old Town
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Museum Features Fun and Fascinating Interactive Exhibits

Admission is free, plus if you mention their ad in the SAN DIEGAN and print this review, you’ll receive a free gift. Here you’ll find the The William B. Kolender San Diego County Sheriff’s Museum and Educational Center. The best part about this museum are the interactive exhibits. You can listen to live police calls, hop on a sheriff ’s motorcycle and turn on the sirens and lights.

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The Serra Museum in Presidio Park Offers Views of Mission Valley and Mission Bay
Museum in Old Town
The Serra Museum in Presidio Park Offers Views of Mission Valley and Mission Bay

This mission-style building sits 160 feet above Old Town on Presidio Hill. Local civic leader George Marston built it in 1929 as a tribute to Father Junipero Serra, the Spanish priest who founded the 21 missions in California. The Serra Museum in Presidio Park is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. It is… (read more)

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The USS Midway Museum at the Embarcadero is the Largest Floating Aviation Museum in the World
Museums in Downtown
The USS Midway Museum at the Embarcadero is the Largest Floating Aviation Museum in the World

Experience the magic aboard the USS Midway. It’s a must-see San Diego attraction. On board you’ll enjoy a self-guided audio tour and more than 35 exhibits and displays encompassing 4.02 acres. These include the galley, berthing spaces, sick bay, flight deck, restored aircraft and more. The tour lasts 3–4 hours and is included with admission.… (read more)

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