Top 20 best museums in San Diego

The USS Midway Museum is a significant historical naval aircraft carrier museum situated in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of naval history in the heart of a bustling city.

The San Diego Zoo, nestled in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It boasts a collection of 4,000 animals from 800 different species, all residing in a 40-hectare wooded area. This vast space allows for a unique and immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the natural habitats of these animals.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, founded in 1948, is home to one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States. This collection provides a unique insight into the maritime history of the country and offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of historic ships.

The San Diego Natural History Museum, originally known as the San Diego Natural History Society, was established in 1874. This makes it one of the oldest scientific institutions in Southern California and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. The museum's rich history and longstanding commitment to scientific culture in the region make it a significant landmark for visitors interested in natural history.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum, also known as the San Diego Aerospace Museum, is a prominent aerospace museum situated in the city of San Diego, United States. It is located in Balboa Park, specifically in the historic Ford building. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in aeronautics and space exploration.

The San Diego Automotive Museum is situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location is not only home to the museum but also a hub of cultural and recreational activities. The museum's location makes it easily accessible for tourists, providing a convenient stop during a day of exploring the park's many attractions.

Visit the large San Diego community of 200 artists and their studios. See, touch and feel the arts or participate in the intriguing workshops.

The San Diego Museum of Man, an anthropology museum, is situated in the historic buildings of the California Quadrangle, in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. This location offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a renowned science museum situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX dome theater, all in one place. The museum is known for setting the standard for major science museums worldwide, being the first to combine these elements.

The Birch Aquarium is a public aquarium located in San Diego, California. It is home to more than 3000 animals, representing 380 different species. This diverse collection of marine life provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the biodiversity of our oceans.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (or MCASD ), in San Diego , California , US , is an art museum focused on the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of works of art from 1950 to the present.

The Timken Museum of Art, established in 1965, is a fine art museum located at 1500 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is conveniently situated close to the San Diego Museum of Art, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts.

The Mingei International Museum is a public institution dedicated to the collection, conservation, and exhibition of folk art, craft, and design. As a non-profit organization, the museum's mission is to preserve and showcase the 'art of the people', a concept that is deeply rooted in its name, Mingei, a term coined by Japanese scholar Dr. Sōetsu Yanagi.

The San Diego Museum of Art, located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is a fine arts museum that boasts a broad collection. The museum is particularly known for its strength in Spanish art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is located in the heart of San Diego's Balboa Park. The museum, which was first founded in 1974 and officially opened to the public in 1983, is a significant cultural institution in the city.

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is a model railroad exhibit in San Diego , California . At 27,000 sq. ft., it is the largest such indoor exhibit in North America, and one of the largest in the world. The museum is on the lower level of the Casa de Balboa Building on the Prado in Balboa Park . Th

The Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in Balboa Park, San Diego, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, promotion, and education of Chicano, Mexicano, Native American, and Latino art and culture. The center supports and encourages the creative expression of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.

A little gem, just perfect for families with kids. Learn about the history of firefightning through the museum's captivating exhibits.