With amazing attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, and Legoland, it’s easy to forget that San Diego also has many galleries, collections, and museums. From Balboa Park’s Science Center to the USS Midway to the ARTS center in Liberty Station, there is definitely an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in culture or history this weekend, especially if you head to Balboa Park.
Although the title “Smithsonian of the West” might sound a bit like an overstatement, it really isn’t. There are so many amazing places in Balboa Park beyond the SD Zoo. From large interactive museums like the Fleet Science Center to the smaller more unique galleries such as the Mingei, there is something for everyone in Balboa Park. Come down, grab a churro, listen to the organ concert, pick up a ParkPass, and really immerse yourself in these awe-inspiring places.
Just a note, the museums represent a very small fraction of all the amazing things you can do in Balboa Park. There are dozens of events and outdoor activities happening daily. Not to mention cool places like the Succulent Garden and the Botanical Building.
Additionally, while these categories are broad and aren’t perfect. A lot of these museums overlap as being great for families and having a great deal to say about culture or art. We recommend you do your research ahead of time, they’re all definitely worth checking out!
Learn about Culture
Centro Cultural de la Raza – Located in the old water tower, you’ve probably seen this muraled circular building as you drove down Park Boulevard and wondered, what’s that? This amazing space features curated exhibits, dance and art classes, and film screenings. It’s open to the public Fri-Sun from 12pm-4pm. They have a new exhibit opening on March 4th featuring the photography of Carlos Solorio. To check out more of their events click here.
Institute of Contemporary Art – This pay what you can art house is a beautiful exhibition space that displays local art. The Institute really aims to help break down art appreciation by meeting attendees on their level with interactive programs and educational initiatives to help art reach a broader community. This is an amazing place to check out, and you can really take it at your own pace too! The exhibit is open from Thursday to Sunday from 12-5pm. Support local artists and check out their site here.
Japanese Friendship Garden – This idyllic garden doubles as a small museum and art gallery. It’s gorgeous and well worth the $15 admission. While you’re there you can also participate in Japanese Tea classes, learn Go, Origami, or even how to make ramen. And if you’re reading this in early March, the cherry blossoms are in bloom! There’s a lot to do and see but admission ends between 3-4pm depending on the day, be sure to check their website to learn more!
Mingei Museum – This museum is… interesting. After a relaunch last year, the Mingei is back open with a wide swathe of “every day” objects. From farming equipment, to decorative statues, to cooking utensils, you can find a lot of interesting pieces at the Mingei. We highly recommend you read about them on their website before you go, just so you know what you’re getting into. It is an extremely rewarding experience that is unlike any museum I’ve been to.
Museum of Us – The Museum of Us specializes in “cultural anthropology.” This unique museum has exhibits that promote self-reflection by exploring the history of the human experience. If you haven’t been since the rebrand in 2020, or maybe just haven’t been at all, this is an amazing place to really learn about the cultures surrounding San Diego’s history. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday from 10-5pm, check out their website for more info.
Women’s Museum – The Women’s Museum is a museum without walls! They host digital exhibits online where you can explore an amazingly immersive well-researched collection. They also host in-person events and programs! You can check out their calendar of upcoming events or their digital exhibits by clicking here! I highly recommend reading their Beauty or Torture exhibit, it really reveals a lot about the history of trends in women’s fashion and how they match up with times of social unrest.
World Beat Center – This collection is located just south of the Centro Cultural de la Raza and is also in a former water tower that is painted with brilliant murals. Immerse yourself in their collections featuring pieces from Indigenous, African, and African-American cultures. Take a class on West African dances or check out their Peace Garden. This is a gorgeous stop that you surely don’t want to miss. The hours vary, so be sure to check online before heading there!
Fun for the Whole Family
The Comic-Con Museum – This brand-new museum opened last year and features tons of geeky paraphernalia and exhibits celebrating one of the largest conventions in the world. It’s kind of crazy to think how much this convention really grew and became a part of San Diego, and you can learn more about this in this fascinating museum that blends arts, culture, and history. The museum has a lot of free days for SD residents, so be sure to check their site and plan your visit!
Fleet Science Center – With interactive exhibits, tons of amazing workshops, and a full IMAX dome theater, the Fleet Science Center is perfect for everyone. While there are some sections that are definitely geared toward kids, this isn’t just a kid's museum. You’re guaranteed to learn something across their 100 interactive experiences and with events like Fleet Night Science and Two Scientists Walk into a Bar, anyone can have a great time here. They’re open all week from 10-5pm, we recommend you go early, since it is a large space, learn more here.
San Diego Natural History Museum – Branded as “The NAT,” this four-floor museum focuses on the natural history of Southern California. Since San Diego has an extremely diverse set of biomes and tons of endemic creatures, there is a lot of unique natural history to explore. The rolling exhibits change regularly and often can take up an entire wing! So, it’s definitely worth checking in to see if they have new collections. This spring they’re launching their Expedition Baja exhibit, be sure to stay tuned to their website linked here.
Interesting History
Marston House – George W. Marston is dubbed the “Father of Balboa Park,” and his house is a site to see. His house features five acres of landscaped gardens, a really unique gift shop, and is the starting place for many walking tours that check out San Diego’s historic homes. This arts and crafts style home reveals the unique history of American architecture. Check online before heading over since a lot of weddings are hosted here. It is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm.
San Diego History Center – Located within the Casa de Balboa, this beautiful building features interactive exhibits, classes, and events. There are dozens of unique collections and films that show here regularly. We highly recommend you check out their site before attending, as there are often special events happening throughout the weekend. This museum is open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Veterans Museum – The Veterans Museum is a humbling experience. This museum was initially by appointment only, but is now open to the public Thursday-Sunday from 11-4pm. It is solemn and informative. We highly recommend you check out their website before going to make sure you are aware of the content before going. This museum features plenty of events too, so be sure to check their website!
So. Much. Art!
Museum of Photographic Arts – This museum features over 9,000 images from historical and contemporary photographers. This museum is not just a gallery and features hundreds of amazing items that tell a unique story about the history of photography. There is also a theater and library within the museum, offering visitors a chance for additional personal research. The galleries are open from Friday-Sunday 11-4pm, be sure to check online for any events before going!
The San Diego Museum of Art –This art house is designed to explore masterpieces from around the world. See the work of Italian and Spanish old masters, South Asian paintings, and unique 19th and 20th century American art! This museum is open all week (10-5pm) except Wednesdays and with special hours on Sunday (12-5pm), be sure to check their website for events!
Timken Museum of Art – The Timken Museum of Art is currently closed, but is planning a reopening soon! This museum features an impressive gallery and free tours. Once it opens back up, you don’t want to miss it! Check their site for updates!
Detailed Science
San Diego Air and Space Museum – Learn the history and science behind aviation at California’s Official Air and Space Museum! This Smithsonian affiliate houses dozens of planes, replicas, and artifacts related to pilots and their crafts. This museum also features a flight simulator and a kid’s action area. There’s even a theater! The museum is open every day from 10-4:30pm, learn more at their site linked here!
San Diego Automotive Museum – Learn about cars and motorcycles from a historical, scientific, and cultural perspective at this amazing museum. Built in 1988 by San Diego car collectors, this museum features dozens of interesting vehicles and artifacts. If you’re a car enthusiast, this museum was practically made for you. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday from 10-4:30pm, learn more online!
San Diego Mineral and Gem Society – The SD Mineral and Gem Society museum is designed to help build an appreciation and understanding of geology and the “lapidary arts” aka gem cutting. This unique museum features a collection of not just minerals and gems, but also fossils! It's currently closed to the public, but they still put on their general meetings and classes! Check out their website to learn more.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum – The SD Model Railroad Museum is the largest of its kind, and is really interesting. There are five huge model railroads within the museum, along with several detailed exhibits that go over the history of the American railroad. This museum might seem like a small side trip, but it is surprisingly detailed and engrossing. They’re open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-4pm. We recommend you learn more about their classes and events on their site before heading there!
Want More?
If you’ve “been there, done that” for all of the previously listed places, then… wow! Congratulations. But that’s not all the park has to offer. There’s the zoo, hiking trails, outdoor gardens, concerts, the merry-go-round, rotating events, and so much more! Be sure to check out Balboa Park’s main site to see what’s happening, you won’t regret it!
Learn more: https://www.balboapark.org/