Dedicated to the History of Marine Corps Aviation
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum - La Jolla
Located at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Miramar Road, San Diego (858-693-1723). The museum is open to the public Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. except major holidays and is FREE of charge.
The museum features over 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 and achievement in World War I & II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. They also have a great museum store. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Balboa Park's Special Place
Japanese Friendship Garden - Balboa Park
The Japanese Friendship Garden (619-232-2721) is in the heart of Balboa Park, next door to the Prado Restaurant. Open daily at 10 a.m. Admission is ($3) for adults; ($2.50) for seniors; ($2) for students and military with ID. Everyone is admitted free on the third Tuesday of each month.
It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the park and a romantic site for weddings. This beautiful garden is the expression of the bond between the people of San Diego and Yokohama. Relax on the terrace next to a restful koi pond and its soothing waterfall. They also offer classes and demonstrations where you'll learn the secrets of bonsai or origami. The garden is truly a treasure you'll want to experience.
Explore the Maritime Museum and Cruise the Bay on a Sailing Ship
Maritime Museum - Downtown
1492 North Harbor Dr., downtown at the Embacardero (619-234-9153). 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, the Star of India, the Berkeley, the Medea, and the Pilot, as well as sailing on beautiful San Diego Bay. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.
Discover the History of the U.S. Marine Corps
MCRD Command Museum - Old Town
Building 26 on the Marine Base near Old Town San Diego (619-524-4426). Open Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Entrance to the Marine base is via Gate 4, which is at the foot of Witherby Street. To get on the base you will need a valid ID, proof of insurance and current automobile registration. Once you're on the base, the museum is directly in front of you just slightly to the right. Building 26 is a two-story Spanish colonial building. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more with advanced planning (619-524-8828).
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 great help is their brochure titled "A Walking Tour of the MCRD Command Museum." Featured are fourteen galleries, which encompass dozens of exhibits featuring everything from weapons, uniforms, equipment, paintings and photographs of various wars and campaigns the Marine Corps has fought in including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This awe inspiring museum is one attraction that should not be missed. Be sure to use their discount coupon for 50 percent off historical art prints or 10 percent off your purchase of $35 or more at their extensive gift shop. Admission is free.
Visit Their Permanent Collection of 17,500 objects from 141 countries
Mingei International Museum - Balboa Park
Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed national holidays. Admission: $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 youth, students/military with ID. (619-239-0003)
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. Also visit Mingei International's museum in downtown Escondido.
Other location: 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido (760-735-3355).
A North County Major Attraction
Mission San Luis Rey - Oceanside
4050 Mission Ave. (760-757-3651). The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Prices are ($6) for adults; ($5) for seniors and military; ($4) for youth 6-18; and free for children 5 years of age and under. Admission for the whole family is only ($25). For a special treat, they offer a behind-the-scenes tour for ($10). This tour provides access to areas not usually open to visitors, offering a deeper insight into this historic landmark.
Known as the King of the Missions, it is the largest of the 21 missions that flourished 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 San Luis Rey.
The Most Fun Your Brain Can Have
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - Balboa Park
Two blocks south of the Zoo on Park Blvd., Balboa Park (619-238-1233).
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. They also present major national traveling exhibitions several times a year. Available for private functions.
Discover Aviation and Aerospace at this Museum
San Diego Air and Space Museum - Balboa Park
In the Ford Building, Balboa Park (619-234-8291). Open daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m.; extended summer hours till 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is ($15) adults; ($12) seniors 65 and older and students with valid student ID; and ($9) juniors 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Free admission on the fourth Tuesday of the month to San Diego residents. Special Birthday Party Packages, which include a tour, goody bags and activities, are available, call (619-234-8291 ext. 19).
For big savings use their discount coupon from the SAN DIEGAN (See Discount Coupons). 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 original Apollo 9 as well as the only GPS satellite on display in the world. The next major event is Women of Flight beginning May 21, 2007. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Incredible Cars, Motorcycles and Memorabilia
San Diego Automotive Museum - Balboa Park
Balboa Park (619-231-2886). Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). Admission is ($8) for adults, ($6) for seniors and active military, ($5) for students with ID, and ($4) for children ages 6-15. Children under 6 are admitted free. See the discount coupon from the SAN DIEGAN for admission discounts.
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 an interactive children's area and lots of displays of memorabilia to enjoy. The museum also offers an excellent museum store with a huge inventory of gifts and clothing for the auto lover in your life. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Visit the Liveliest Museum in Balboa Park
San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Balboa Park
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park (619-696-0199). Open Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed most Mondays. Admission is ($6) for adults, ($5) for seniors 65 and over, ($3) for students with ID, ($2.50) for active duty military with ID. Children under 15 are free. The first Tuesday of the month is free for San Diego county residents.
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 and a railroad-themed Gift Shop.
"We Teach People About People"
San Diego Museum of Man - Balboa Park
San Diego Museum of Man (619-239-2001). Open daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is ($8) for adults; ($6) for students, seniors (65+) and active military with ID; ($4) for youth ages 6-17; and residents with ID are free on the third Tuesday of every month.
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 other special events. Plus, weddings are a specialty at the historic Saint Francis Chapel, which is the only chapel in Balboa Park. Contact the museum at (619-239-2001) for more information.
Get Connected...Naturally
San Diego Natural History Museum - Balboa Park
1788 El Prado, Balboa Park (619-232-3821). Open daily 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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 hundres of excellent learning experiences.
Discover the Captivating History of the SD Sheriff's Department
San Diego Sheriff's Museum and Educational Center - Old Town
2384 San Diego Ave., Old Town (619-260-1850). Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
You can listen to live police calls, hop on a sheriff's motorcylce and point the radar gun. Captivating for all ages is the extensive collection of over 200 confiscated and made inoperable weapons including handguns, shotguns, M-16's, tommy guns, a rocket launcher, grenades and more! You can also get a free fingerprint and DNA child identification card. This enables parents to record all the crucial information they would need if their child was missing. Credit cards: MC, VISA.
Over 500 Musical Instruments on Display
The Museum of Making Music - Carlsbad
5790 Armada Dr., near LEGOLAND, Carlsbad (760-438-5996). Open Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is ($5), seniors/students ($3) and children under 3 are admitted free.
You can receive $1 off admission when you present this review. 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! Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.
Visit the World's Largest Floating Naval Aviation Museum
USS Midway Museum - Downtown
910 N. Harbor Drive alongside Navy Pier in San Diego Bay. (619-544-9600). Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; ticket booth closes at 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $17 (adults); $13 (seniors 62+, students w/ ID); $10 (retired military); $9 youth (6-17). Free for children 5 and under and active-duty personnel with ID. Admission includes self-guided audio tour. Parking on Navy Pier. Optional flight simulators plus café, gift shop. Elevator access to most exhibits.
Experience a city at sea aboard America's longest-serving aircraft carrier. San Diego's newest and must-see attraction. Self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors to 70 locations, from the engine room to the bridge. More than 25 restored aircraft on the hangar deck and 4.02-acre flight deck. Unparalleled panoramic views of San Diego. Credit cards: VISA, MC, AMEX.
SAN DIEGAN, 6370 Lusk Blvd. Ste. F-202, San Diego, CA, 92121.
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