San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Special events are listed in the calendar section.
Adobe Chapel Museum
3963 Conde Street, San Diego, CA 92110
619.297.7511
http://whaleyhouse.org/chapel.htm
The Adobe Chapel was originally built in 1850 as a home, and was converted to a church by Don José Aguirre in 1858. After having been bulldozed for street realignment in the 1930s, it was rebuilt in 1937. Much of the interior artifacts from the original chapel have been retained, including the tabernacle, the altar, some woodwork including pews and doors, and José Aguirre’s tombstone is laid in the floor.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
2040 North Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083
760.941.1791
http://www.agsem.com/
The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s collections focus on the 1849 through the early 1960’s era with exhibits that actively demonstrate farm equipment and tools from horse drawn through modern row crop. Their collection is maintained in operating condition and used during a wide range of events held on the grounds.
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
1095 Barona Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
619-443-7003 ext. 2
http://www.baronamuseum.org/
As San Diego County’s first museum on an Indian reservation dedicated to the perpetuation and presentation of the local Kumeyaay-Diegueño Native culture, the Barona Museum offers a unique educational journey for visitors of all ages. The Museum’s collection represents thousands of years of history—some objects dating as far back as 10,000 years—and it demonstrates the artistry and skill of the hemisphere’s first inhabitants.
California Surf Museum
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
760.721.6876
http://www.surfmuseum.org/
The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
Casa del Rey Moro African Museum
2471 Congress St., San Diego, CA 92110
619.220.0022
http://www.ambers.com
The Casa del Rey Moro African Museum’s unique multimedia exhibits highlight ancient, colonial, and contemporary periods of African History, on the African continent, and throughout the African Diaspora. A special focus of the museum is the African-Spanish, African-Mexican, and African-American heritage in Old Town, San Diego, and California.
Escondido History Center
321 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
760 743-8207
http://www.escondidohistory.org
Established in 1976, the History Center includes buildings from Escondido’s early development that were relocated to Grape Day Park. Enjoy such historic buildings as working blacksmith shop, 1888 Santa Fe Depot, railroad car with model train, the 1901 Penny Barn, and a fully furnished 1890 Victorian house.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
MCAS Mirarmar, Museum gate on Miramar Rd. at Andersen Ave., San Diego, CA 92145
1.877.FLY.USMC
http://www.flyingleathernecks.org
The museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation. The museum holds the only exhibit in the United States devoted to the history of the Woman Marine, including original uniforms, history timeline and memorabilia.
Gaskill Brothers’ Stone Store Museum
31130 Highway 94, Campo, CA 92006
619.390.6017
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/campostone.html
A two story stone building features the history of Campo as well as the history of Camp Lockett, home to the U.S. Calvary and Buffalo Soldiers during World War II.
Heritage of the Americas Museum
12110 Cuyamaca College Dr., El Cajon, CA 92019
619.670.5194
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/museum/
The Heritage of the Americas Museum is an educational and cultural center featuring the prehistoric and historic art, culture, and natural history of the Americas. Each year teachers bring over 4,000 students to the Museum on field trips. The Museum also has an outreach program where volunteers take artifacts out to classrooms to give children hands-on experiences.
Knox House Museum
280 N. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
619.444.3800
http://www.elcajonhistory.org/
The Knox House Museum is the first commercial building in El Cajon, erected eleven years after the end of the Civil War. Tours offered on 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month.
La Mesa Depot Museum
4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941
619.465.7776 (weekdays)
http://www.sdrm.org/la-mesa/
The La Mesa Depot Museum is La Mesa’s oldest building in its original form and is the sole surviving San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway Station in existence. Open to the public on Saturday afternoons, visitors can inspect the steam locomotive and string of freight cars on the nearby track and pass through the ticket/waiting area and view the telegrapher’s station and a small exhibit area in the baggage room. This building and its past are a fascinating look at a bit of small-town railroading from yesteryear and its importance to the community it served.
Lux Art Institute
1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
760.436.6611
http://www.luxartinstitute.org/
At Lux, you don’t just see finished works of art; you see the artistic process firsthand, engaging with internationally recognized artists in a working studio environment.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
619.234.9153
http://www.sdmaritime.org/
The Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship the Star of India. The Museum displays permanent and temporary exhibits on maritime history, commerce and exploration, and stages public events such as “Movies Before the Mast” and family sleepovers on the Star of India.
Marston House Museum
3525 Seventh Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
619.297.9327
http://marstonhouse.org
The Marston House Museum is one of California’s finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement and was constructed in 1905 for George W. Marston and his wife, Anna Gunn Marston. Surrounded by five acres of rolling lawns, manicured formal gardens, and rustic canyon gardens, this 8,500 square-foot home became a house museum in 1987 after the Marston family gifted it to the City of San Diego for the enjoyment of the public.
Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-0003
http://www.mingei.org/
Mingei International Museum is dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of ‘art of the people’ (mingei) from all cultures of the world. This art shares a direct simplicity and reflects a joy in making, by hand, useful objects of timeless beauty that are satisfying to the human spirit. The Museum collects, conserves and exhibits these arts of daily life — by unknown craftsmen of ancient times, from traditional cultures of past and present, and by historical and contemporary designers.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
1100 & 1001 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
858.454.3541
http://www.mcasd.org/
With two locations, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time, presenting works across all media created since 1950. MCASD provides a variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs. MCASD offers a range of opportunities and events for children and adults to spend time together exploring and learning about art.
Museum of Making Music
5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-438-5996
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/
The Museum of Making Music explores the multifaceted history of the American music products industry from its beginnings in the 1890s to today. The Museum tells stories of hard work, challenge, inspiration and pioneering innovation, and reveals the profound relationship between the industry, popular music, and global culture.
Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.238.7559
http://mopa.org/
The Museum of Photographic Arts mounts eight to ten major exhibitions per year that represent the history of the medium, contemporary works, photojournalism, and varied photographic processes.
New Children’s Museum
200 West Island, San Diego, CA 92101
619.233.8792
http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/
The Museum provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families—a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs.
Oceanside Museum of Art
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
760.435.3720
http://www.oma-online.org/
The Oceanside Museum of Art offers art instruction, tours, concerts, films, lectures, and youth and family programs. Exhibitions showcase the finest art of the southern California region from landscape paintings to studio furniture, neon sculpture, art quilts, and architectural glass. OMA’s galleries feature on enlightening survey of contemporary art enriched by the cultures of the community.
Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center
131 Rea Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
619.590.3431
http://www.wieghorstmuseum.org/
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center honors Olaf Wieghorst, an accomplished artist from our community known for his portrayals of the nineteenth century American West.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Campo Depot: State Highway 94 & Forrest Gate Road, Campo, CA 91906
619. 478.9937 (weekends)
http://www.sdrm.org/
Visitors can stroll through our collections of 80+ pieces of equipment: experience steam locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses, with interior visits available for some of the trains. Train rides and activities available on select weekends.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-1233
http://www.rhfleet.org/
The Fleet’s seven exhibit galleries are centers of scientific phenomena where “hands-on” and “do touch” interactive exhibits provide a unique self-guided learning experience for all ages. Exhibits include Block Busters!, So Watt!: An Illuminating Look at Energy, Aging for All Ages, Look! Touch! Listen!, Try Science!, Origins in Space, Gallery of Illusions and Perceptions, Kid City, San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap, Exploration Bar, Do-Undo, and Earth Exposed.
San Diego Air and Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.234.8291
http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. Exhibits include Theodore Gildred Flight Rotunda, World War I first fighter “aces,” The Golden Age of Flight (1919-1939), The Pavilion of Flight, World War II, The Jet Age, the Walter M. Schirra Space Flight Gallery, and Space: A Journey to our Future.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
320 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 92025
760.233.7755
http://www.sdcdm.org/
All exhibits are interactive and include: Little Sprouts – Early Childhood, Wildlife Tree House, Light Table, Puppet Theater, Exploration Station, Craft Table, Farmer’s Market, and more.
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
404 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
619.338.9888
http://www.sdchm.org/
Since opening in 1996, the museum has presented more than 47 exhibits highlighting the rich tradition of Chinese culture and history in San Diego and the world. The Museum also features a library of books on Chinese culture and a tranquil garden with koi pond.
San Diego Hall of Champions
2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.234.2544
http://www.sdhoc.com/
The San Diego Hall of Champions is the nation’s largest multi-sport museum, boasting three levels of memorabilia and 68,000 square feet. The museum offers a state-of-the-art theatre, an interactive media center and displays on the nation’s favorite sports.
San Diego History Center
1649 El Prado, Suite 3, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.6203
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/
The museum showcases the region’s unique, colorful, and diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing life and development of the local area.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park (located lower level of Casa de Balboa), San Diego, CA 92101
619.696.0199
http://www.sdmrm.org/
At 27,000 sq. ft., the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is the largest indoor model railroad display in the world. The Museum also features a 3-rail Train Gallery with interactive elements.
San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.7931
http://www.sdmart.org/
The Museum’s nationally renowned permanent collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. In addition, the Museum regularly features major exhibitions from around the world, as well as an extensive year-round schedule of supporting cultural and educational programs for children and adults.
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.239.2001
http://www.museumofman.org/
The San Diego Museum of Man has cultural (ethnographic) collections and physical anthropology collections and features five permanent exhibitions, including Ancient Egypt; Kumeyaay: Native Californians; Footsteps Through Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution; Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth; and Discover Egypt.
San Diego Natural History Museum
1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.3821
http://www.sdnhm.org/
The San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution in California. A binational museum, its mission is to interpret the natural world through research, education, and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.
San Diego Police Museum
4710 College Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
619.726.6151
http://www.sdpolicemuseum.com/
The museum has more than several thousand artifacts and over 22,000 photos of San Diego Police history including a 1932 Ford “police paddy wagon” among their 18 vehicle fleet. Among the museum’s exhibits are “The Birth of the SDPD,” “Policewomen and Green Uniforms,” and a “Mounted Enforcement Unit Display.”
San Dieguito Heritage Museum
450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
760-632-9711
http://sdheritage.org
Founded in 1988 to collect, preserve and interpret the local history of the San Dieguito River area, including Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. The Museum’s major intent is to tell the story of the communities of the San Dieguito region to children and adults in ways that are authentic and exciting.
USS Midway Museum
910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
619.544.9600
http://www.midway.org/
Guests can explore more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 25 restored aircraft. Exhibits range from the crew’s sleeping quarters to the engine room, post office, machine shops and pilots’ ready room. Families will also enjoy three types of flight simulators, music videos, short films, climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits, and interactive exhibits. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour.
Whaley House Museum
2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110
619.297.7511
http://www.whaleyhouse.org/
The Whaley House stands today as a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture. Formally dedicated as a historic house museum on May 25, 1960 and open to the public ever since, the two-story house and store addition was designed by Thomas Whaley himself and constructed in 1857. It was the first two-story brick edifice in San Diego, and was built from bricks made in Thomas Whaley’s own brickyard.
Women’s Museum of California
2730 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 16 – Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92106
619.233.7963
http://womensmuseumca.org/
As one of only five women’s history museums in the country, the Women’s Museum of California (formerly the Women’s History Museum and Educational Center) features a variety of changing exhibits and displays on women’s history, with a long term mission to educate current and future generations about the experiences and contributions of women.
