Free Museum Days In San Diego
San Diego is home to some of the best museums in the country. But if you’re a frequent museum go-er, then you know it can be pricey, especially if you have a family. But worry no more! San Diego offers many free museum days for residents multiple days a year. Take a look at the list below and plan your next FREE day at the museum.
1. San Diego Natural History Museum
Founded in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is the second oldest scientific institution west of the Mississippi River. This is a huge museum with many exhibits. The NAT has an extensive display of fossils, dating back millions of years, chronicling the history of our planet from the beginning.
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When is it free: First Tuesday of every month (residents only).
2. Air and Space Museum
The history of aviation is incredible. It may seem unremarkable now that flying has become so common, but it didn’t always used to be that way. The San Diego Air and Space Museum takes you through the history of aviation, covering early designs and dreams, to modern-day space shuttles.
Photo credit: The San Diego Air and Space Museum
When is it free: Fourth Tuesday of every month (residents only).
3. San Diego Museum of Art
If you are an art lover, look no further than the San Diego Museum of Art. The museum houses many pieces from different era’s including old Spanish and Italian paintings, South Asian pieces and both paintings and sculptures from 19th and 20th century America. In addition to these permanent exhibits, there are many other displays that cycle throughout the year.
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When is it free: Third Tuesday of every month (residents only).
4. Museum of Contemporary Art
The museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has two locations, one in downtown San Diego and the other in La Jolla. This museum explores the world of contemporary art from the year 1950 to the present day. All forms of media are represented at the MCASD, including audio-visual pieces.
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When is it free: Third Thursday of every month 5-7 PM, ages 25 and under are always free.
5. Museum of Photographic Arts
The Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego house an impressive collection of photography and film. Many iconic photographs are housed here, making it the perfect destination for an aspiring artist or filmmaker.
Photo credit: mopa.org
When is it free: Second Tuesday of every month (residents only), ages 12 and under are always free.
6. Japanese Friendship Garden
Representing the friendship between San Diego and Yokohama, Japan, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. When you walk into the gardens, it’s almost as if you are actually in Japan. The dedication to Japanese culture in the garden is incredible and not to be missed.
Photo credit: blog.sandiego.org
When is it free: Third Tuesday of every month (residents only).
7. New Children’s Museum
If you have kids, don’t miss San Diego’s New Children’s Museum. The museum is dedicated to providing kids with an experience like no other. They encourage creativity and have many engaging, hands-on exhibits, that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
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When is it free: Second Sunday of every month.
8. Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Museum of Art is one of the smaller museums in San Diego, but don’t let that fool you. They have an extensive collection of high-art pieces from Europe, Russia and America. If you’re in Balboa park, hop into the Timken Museum of Art for an afternoon filled with culture and art.
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When is it free: Always!
9. Fleet Science Center
The Fleet Science Center is exactly what it sounds like; a museum dedicated to science! The museum has exhibits for both adults and children, making it a perfect activity for the family. Come to be inspired and educated about how science can change the world.
Photo credit: tripadvisor.com
When is it free: First Tuesday of every month (residents only).
10. Museum of Man
We can all relate to the human experience and what it means to be human. The Museum of Man explores the history of human beings, from the beginning of time to the modern day. Everything from life in old Egypt to how we domesticated animals is covered in the Museum of Man.
Photo credit: museumofman.org
When is it free: Third Tuesday of every month (residents only).