Out of the Box San Diego Museums

When it comes to finding a fun way to spend another beautiful day in San Diego, most people tend to think of the obvious. While the beach, the bars or even hitting up Downtown for a shopping spree are great ways to spend an afternoon, several popular activities are often overlooked. San Diego, home to the surf and sun, also plays host to several memorable museums that seek to influence and inspire generations of locals with its art and culture.

There are plenty of local institutions, each catering to vastly different topics and specializing in a variety of exiting exhibits. Whether you are looking to spend some extra time with the family or are simply looking for a way to spark a newfound interest in the arts, there are few better ways than visiting our wealth of local museums. As an added bonus, most museums take it pretty easy on the wallet, making for a very affordable day of amusement. And heck, you might even learn something.

Discover a few of our favorite San Diego Museums

Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad 

Established in 1998, this museum has been educating visitors on the organic and complex history of the American music industry, from its pioneering days in 1890 to today. Daughter to NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), visitors are both inspired and challenged by the hard work and innovation of music-making predecessors. The museum also wants to educate guests on the historic relationship between industry, popular music, and global culture. For more information, visit Museum of Making Music.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park 

This science center seeks to inspire lifelong learning by furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. With exhibits to touch, virtual reality to experience, films to see and fun to be had, the Fleet is an educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. With more than 100 interactive science exhibits in five galleries, as well as major traveling exhibitions that come through, visitors can create colored shadows, design images with a sand pendulum, examine the vibration of guitar strings and get their hands on a variety of intriguing scientific phenomena. For more information, visit Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

The New Children’s Museum in Downtown San Diego 

The theme at this newly renovated museum is to “think, play, create” for both kids and adults alike. Opening its doors in San Diego’s Marina District in 2008, the museum experience features innovative, provocative artworks that kids can touch, climb or move. Other features include hands-on art making, and a variety of arts-based classes and camps for kids of all ages and their accompanying adults. The museum extends to the outdoors with a park across the street where visitors can run, climb, have picnics and view passing trains and trolleys, making for a perfect choice to spend a sunny afternoon with the family. For more information, visit The New Children’s Museum.

California Surf Museum in Oceanside 

Founded in 1986 by surfer/architect Stuart Resor, this Southern California surf tribute was first based in an Encinitas restaurant. In early 2009, the museum settled into its spacious new premises in Oceanside. In the spirit of preserving the history of surfing, the museum hosts exhibitions such as “Women on Waves,” currently on display, portraying decade by decade highlights and achievements of many of the most significant female wave warriors in documented history. Become a surf buff without even stepping foot in the water. For more information, visit California Surf Museum.

San Diego Maritime Museum in Downtown San Diego 

Set sail for one of the most famous museums in San Diego. The Maritime Museum enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the world's oldest active ship, Star of India. There are a series of permanent and temporary exhibits on maritime history, commerce and exploration, and the museum even stages popular public events such as “Movies Before the Mast” and family sleepovers on the Star of India. For more information, visit San Diego Maritime Museum.

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