Museums
in San Diego, CA

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Did you know that there are approximately 850 million visits to museums every year in America? They contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year. If you think about how marvelous museums are, these numbers make sense. Museums can transport you to old worlds, future worlds, worlds you never thought you could be a part of.

If you’re looking to add some of those unknown worlds to your day, check out our list of museums in the area. They are all within driving distance and offer a variety of topics that will enchant every member of the family.
Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Theater
Charmaine and Maurice Kaplan Theater

(619) 232-3821

1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego

(619) 234-9153

1492 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

San Diego's Maritime Museum has consistently maintained a level of excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic, vintage vessels.

You will marvel at the museum's collection of historic ships, including the world's oldest active ship named Star of India. These ships are available for daily public tours, and the knowledgeable guides will give you amazing accounts and detailed information on the individual histories of these remarkable floating structures that made discovery and commerce possible several hundred years ago.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

(858) 454-3541

1100 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego continuously strives to bring cutting edge exhibits and programs that will be as attention-getting as they are thought-provoking.

The museum's mission statement states that it is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time, specifically presenting works in all media created since 1950. Art deco-styled, iconic creations sit alongside lesser-known but no less compelling pieces, and the museum impressively features a large number of exhibit spaces. The venue also works hard to continue to present a schedule of not-to-be-missed presentations throughout the year.

Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of Photographic Arts

(619) 238-7559

1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then get ready for a novel's worth of images at San Diego's Museum of Photographic Arts. Since 1983, the MoPA, a shortened form of the museum's moniker, has been devoted to collecting, conserving and exhibiting the largest spectrum possible of various photographic mediums.

This not only includes photography, but also film and video, as well. MoPA consistently works to address the cultural, historical and social issues in their excellent exhibits and public programs. The museum is also accredited by the American Association of Museums. So visit MoPA soon for an incredible number of amazing photo-opportunities!

San Diego Air and Space Museum
San Diego Air and Space Museum

(619) 234-8291

2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The United States military's presence in San Diego is a vital, essential part of its fabric of life. To get a glimpse into the sacrifices and service that these very special men and women have made for our country, visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

The museum is packed with dramatic pieces and exhibits that detail our country's military history. This military attraction is located on the USS Midway, America's longest serving aircraft carrier, originally commissioned in 1945. When the Midway was decommissioned in 1992, it came to rest in San Diego and now continues to serve the memory of those that came before, as well as playing a vital role in the preservation and retelling of our nation's wartime history.

San Diego Museum of Man
San Diego Museum of Man

(619) 239-2001

1350 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The San Diego Museum of Man makes it completely clear that their entire focus is "all about people." From prehistoric relics through man's development into the complex creature into which he has evolved, the museum does a dramatic and highly visual journey to illustrate the many faces of the species..

Come explore mummies, the human skeleton, as well as several special, interactive presentations. And no matter what artifact or exhibit you remember, the Museum of Man holds true to its mission statement of collecting, preserving, interpreting and communicating the history of man's fascinating existence.

San Diego Natural History Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum

(619) 232-3821

1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The San Diego Natural History Museum interprets the natural world through research, education and exhibits promoting understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California inspiring a respect for nature and the environment.

Timken Museum of Art
Timken Museum of Art

(619) 239-5548

1500 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

The Timken Museum of Art can be characterized as small, but potent. While the building is not sprawling or as expansive as you would expect, what you find inside makes the size of the building unimportant.

The artwork presented is of a scope so large and encompassing, you'll be transported to a different time and place. The museum preserves the Putnam Foundation Collection of European and American art for the education and benefit of current and future generations. The Timken prides itself in continuing to nurture the creative spirit that this art stirs in all of us.

USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum

(619) 544-9600

910 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101   Directions Website

If you have never been on an aircraft carrier, the one you should set foot on should be highly memorable. Thanks to the folks at the USS Midway Museum, it will be! America's longest serving aircraft carrier flew from 1945 to 1992.

There's plenty to learn, whether you're a casual fan of history or a hard-core military buff, the guides are quite knowledgeable and will answer your questions as the tour winds down. Don't forget to check out the great items at the gift shop so you can take home a little piece of history.

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