Free Museums in Miramar

"The USS Midway was the longest-serving naval aircraft carrier of the 20th century and played a part in both the Cold War and Vietnam War. Now a floating museum, the USS Midway is moored at downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero and attracts more than a million visitors each year. On the flight deck, you’ll find 26 aircraft ranging from fighter jets to helicopters, and more vintage aircraft on the hangar deck."

"San Diego Museum of Art is known for its collection of renowned Spanish and Italian masters, collections of Indian paintings, 19th- and 20th-century American sculptures and paintings, and new and changing exhibits from across the globe. Famous names include El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco Goya. The museum restaurant, Panama 66, is one of our favorite places to eat in Balboa Park."

"Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building."

"We recommend the Family Drop-In Day recommended for families with kids ages 6-12. As the focus changes, check the calendar for what interests you. On these days, kids usually make a craft that reflects the current theme, play games or explore art via a treasure hunt."

"The New Children’s Museum is an interactive arts-based museum that commissions contemporary artists to create pieces with tactile, physical, and participatory elements to introduce kids to art and create an opportunity for them to observe, play, and create. Getting in: New Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it’s easy to miss this fun spot for children in the heart of San Diego’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Some areas of The New Children’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to Home for ages 6+. Meanwhile, other spaces engage children across age groups."

"Another Balboa park museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, is a world-class site with an extensive collection of films, photographs, and videos. The museum was opened in 1983 and is one of the three museums which are specifically dedicated to the collection and preservation of photography in the United States. It is home to spacious galleries and state-of-the-art 228 seat theatre exhibiting work from some of the world-renowned photographers and cinematographers, including work by Yosuke Yamahata, the entire Nagasaki Journey: The Photographs of Yosuke Yamahata and an extensive collection from filmmaker Lou Stoumen’s estate."

"MOPA, one of the few museums devoted solely to photography, features works by both the famous and not so famous."

"Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, California 92101Timings: 7pm - 10pmTickets: USD 14.95 - USD 19.95. Nothing compliments nightlife in San Diego like stargazing at Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, which hosts 2 planetarium shows on the first Wednesday of each month. One of Fleet’s astronomers narrates the program and both programs in a day feature different hour-long topics like black holes, neutron stars, tidal forces, planets, gravitational waves and often the Milky Way galaxy."

"The Fleet Science Center, also known as “The Fleet,” is a science museum and planetarium located in the popular Balboa Park in San Diego. With over 100 interactive exhibits with something for all ages, a visit to The Fleet will give your kids a better understanding of science and how it impacts the world around us. Spend your time exploring space, electricity, water, and virtual reality, or play around in Kid City."

"The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is home to five galleries with interactive exhibits. The motion simulator ride is a favorite as is About Face, in which you capture your image on freeze-frame video. The museum also includes a planetarium and dome IMAX theater."

"For musicians, music lovers, and those interested in venturing off the well-worn path, the Museum of Making Music is a must-visit attraction in Carlsbad. Dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the music industry, it has been doing just that since it was founded more than two decades ago. In addition to an impressive collection of music memorabilia, the museum features lots of interactive activities that allow guests to experiment with different instruments."

"The Museum of Making Music is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the music products industry. The museum was established in 2000 and features an array of special exhibitions and it hosts innovative concerts and educational programs, features that focus on providing cultural enrichment as well as preserving musical heritage. Music is definitely one of the 15 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad with kids.5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, California, Phone: 760-438-5996"

"For little ones who love to dance, sing, or create tunes of their own, the Museum of Making Music is a one stop spot for history, culture, and hands on opportunities. The museum takes all genres of music into account and provides a direct insight into how music has transformed throughout the years. Displays of musical instruments let guests learn about the music industry and the ways through which it has touched everything from pop to jazz."

"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"Mystical isn’t just about queens and totem poles however, the amazing dinosaur exhibits are magical on their own. Winner of Best Museum in San Diego, Roynon’s Museum of Earth Science and Paleontology is a step back to our prehistoric era where we can imagine Dinosaur’s roaming the Earth. Along with Paleontology, you can also learn about Earth’s history, our changing climate and volcano’s."

"The Seeley Stable Museum is a reproduction of the Yuma to San Diego stage stop. It displays a wide collection of 19th-century transportation vehicles and equipment as well as other rare artifacts."

"When you come to this brewery, you’re not just getting a tasting room — you’re also getting an incredible beer garden that you’ll want to stay in all afternoon. Established in 1989, this beer brewing company exemplifies the Southern California lifestyle with its refreshing brews and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also credited as being one of the first breweries to kick off the craft beer scene in San Diego."

"The downtown, Sorrento Mesa, Carlsbad, and 4S Ranch locations of Karl Strauss brewpubs are open and offerer their full menus along with barre, wine,and hard seltzer for pickup (order online) or delivery through Door Dash,GrubHub,and Uber Eats."

"Their red trolley ale is my favorite and a great pick for first time visitors. Many convenient locations across San Diego (even inside airport terminal!) makes it a great option to try."

"Azucar, a bakery that also offers coffee, tea and more in Ocean Beach, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 870 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4820 Newport Ave. (between Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Cable Street) to see for yourself."

"The Blind Burro is one of the more creative and colorful places in the city. It's also one of the best places for cheap eats in San Diego. A lively spot with plenty of Mexican spec..."

"Even folks who don't consider themselves railroad buffs enjoy this museum. But, if you were a train enthusiast in your youth or have a kid who is, this museum is a must-see. The 27,000 square-foot space features four railroads of the southwestern U.S.: Cabrillo Southwestern (O-Scale), San Diego and Arizona Eastern (HO-Scale), Tehachapi Pass (HO-Scale), and Pacific Desert Lines (N-Scale)."

"All aboard to tour this model railroad museum for free on the first Tuesday of the month. Budding conductors will delight in finding local spots built into the miniature railroad landscapes near the tracks, like the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Also, there's a touch of whimsy like the kids climbing out of the trunk at the drive-in movie!"

"The Model Railroad Museum features approximately 27,000 square feet of exhibits. It is the largest display of its kind in North America. Displays include HO, N and O scale model trains."