Free Museums in Mission Bay

We've collected top 10 mentioned free museums in Mission Bay from other articles such as LaJolla.com, lyft.com, Ciao Bambino!.

Free Museums in Mission Bay

USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum
4.8 (31267 ratings)4.5 (22678 ratings)
Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.
910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Maritime museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TheTopTours
7 Popular Museums and Galleries in San Diego (2021)
"Talking about the most popular museum in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is the only fine name that is topping the chart for years. USS Midway Museum is the longest-serving aircraft carrier that is now floating at the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. The aircraft carrier has originally served between 1945 to 1992 but is now home to 29 restored aircraft, two flight simulators, over 60 war and military exhibits, a gift shop and a café proudly in name of a museum."
Mentioned by Mapcarta
Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center
"USS Midway is an aircraft carrier, formerly of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class. USS Midway is situated 2 km north of Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center. Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"After 47 years of worldwide service, the retired USS Midway began a new tour of duty on the south side of the Navy pier in 2004. Launched…"
The San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art
4.6 (1368 ratings)4 (258 ratings)
Venerable art museum with acclaimed works, plus a courtyard bar/bistro with sculpture garden views.
1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
35 San Diego Tourist Attractions: Top Spots for Fun Sightseeing
"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."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"Old Town State Park enables visitors to travel back in time and experience life during San Diego’s Mexican and early American period between 1821 and 1872. Visit restored and recreated historic buildings where you can view exhibits featuring a wide range of artifacts. Costumed interpreters relay fascinating stories and little-known facts about the rich culture of San Diego."
Mentioned by lyft.com
Top 5 Most Visited Art Museums in Balboa Park, San Diego
"The renowned permanent collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. In addition, the Museum regularly features major exhibitions from around the world."
The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum
4.6 (1971 ratings)4 (174 ratings)
From creative classes to climbable sculptures, contemporary art for kids, in a bright, modern space.
200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Children's museumMuseumsArt museum
Mentioned by Ciao Bambino!
10 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids | Kid-Friendly San Diego
"Originally in La Jolla, the New Children’s Museum opened in its current light-filled downtown space in 2008. Entering the multi-story, 50,000-square-foot space, it’s immediately evident that a lot of thought and imagination has gone into the museum’s design. Off the bat, a room lined entirely with mattresses invites kids to literally jump on the bed."
Mentioned by planetware.com
San Diego with Kids: 8 Top Things to Do | PlanetWare
"This unique museum collaborates with contemporary artists to create one-of-a-kind art installations. The exhibits include playhouses, clubhouses, and climbable towers. Kids can interact with the exhibits and engage in active play as they would at home."
Mentioned by HereIn
Art Guide
"A new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art."
Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of Photographic Arts
4.5 (426 ratings)4 (108 ratings)
More than 7,000 photos from 850 artists are showcased in a replica of a grand, ornate 1915 building.
1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Art museumMuseumsArt galleryMovie theater
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is one of a few private institutions dedicated to showcasing photography, film, and video. They also offer various workshops for photography enthusiasts (and I love stopping into the gift shop on my way out). Admission is free but based on a pay as you wish philosophy because one of their goals is to make their exhibitions accessible to all."
Fleet Science Center
Fleet Science Center
4.5 (2604 ratings)4 (300 ratings)
Educational center featuring hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, IMAX theater & interactive displays.
1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Science museumMuseumsIMAX theaterChildren's MuseumsObservatories & Planetariums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"Children of all ages are in for a real treat when visiting the Fleet Science Center. From virtual reality to interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, most folks are having too much fun to realize they’re learning!. In the IMAX Theater, see the biggest films on the planet and feel the sensation of floating in space."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
35 San Diego Tourist Attractions: Top Spots for Fun Sightseeing
"The Fleet Science Center is an interactive museum that highlights how we are connected through science. All ages tend to love the over 100 interactive exhibits that simplify and allow you to test various theories you may have learned at school. Kids under the age of 5 spend quite a bit of time in Kid City."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
24 Fun Things to Do in San Diego with Kids for 2021 (Family Friendly!)
"And maybe you and the husband would like to try out a couple of things yourself. There are weight galleries that have about 100 hands-on exhibits for children and grown ups to navigate. You can explore the concept of gravity and how it works."
Junípero Serra Museum
Junípero Serra Museum
4.4 (131 ratings)4 (33 ratings)
A Spanish Revival-style structure built to showcase the collection of the San Diego History Center.
2727 Presidio Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"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)"
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"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."
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
4.2 (101 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Open since 1996, museum celebrating Chinese-American culture & art in a restored mission building.
404 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumMuseums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Literally The Only List of San Diego Attractions You Need 2020-21
"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."
Wells Fargo Museum
Wells Fargo Museum
4.5 (96 ratings)4 (49 ratings)
2733 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
History museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Wells Fargo Museum, located inside the Colorado House, features one of the company’s original 1867 Concord stagecoaches. The recreated and historically-furnished former hotel also houses actual historic telegraph machines and a variety of other memorabilia related to the banking and transportation company. Photo Courtesy of Historic Old Town Community Foundation"
First San Diego Courthouse
First San Diego Courthouse
4.7 (7 ratings)4 (12 ratings)
2733 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Historical place museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The First San Diego Courthouse, rebuilt in 1992, was originally the town hall. Constructed by the Mormon Battalion, the first brick building in San Diego became the courthouse when the city was incorporated in 1850. It also served as a school, church and polling place."
The Map & Atlas Museum of La Jolla
The Map & Atlas Museum of La Jolla
4.8 (38 ratings)5 (41 ratings)
7825 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Art museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums

Best Rated Movie Theaters in Mission Bay

The Observatory North Park
The Observatory North Park
4.5 (2092 ratings)4.5 (19 ratings)
Restored circa-1939 theater has a red-decked cathedral hall for live music, plays, films & more.
2891 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Live music venueConcerts & ShowsConcert hallEvent venuePerforming arts theaterTheaters
Coronado Playhouse
Coronado Playhouse
4.6 (140 ratings)4.5 (25 ratings)
Local theater venue featuring classic & modern plays & musicals on a small, cabaret-style stage.
1835 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsTheaters
Balboa Theatre
Balboa Theatre
4.7 (1075 ratings)4.5 (46 ratings)
Restored 1924 movie palace presents concerts, plays & other live performances in 1,300-seat theater.
868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Performing arts theaterConcerts & ShowsTheaters

Best Breweries and Beer Places in Mission Bay

Green Flash Brewing
Green Flash Brewing
4.7 (578 ratings)4.5 (151 ratings)
Warehouselike tasting room pouring craft brews, with a beer garden & rotating food trucks outside.
6550 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
BreweryFood & DrinkBrewpub
Mentioned by Baja Winery Tours (BWT)
Top 10 Best Breweries in San Diego for Local Beer
"If you’re visiting San Diego, it’s highly recommended to take the Green Flash brewery tour. Not only is it a great tour, but it’s also $5 per person!. Green Flash Brewing is where IPA lovers have died and gone to heaven."
Pure Project Balboa Park
Pure Project Balboa Park
4.9 (162 ratings)
2865 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Brewery
Mentioned by Baja Winery Tours (BWT)
Top 10 Best Breweries in San Diego for Local Beer
"This is one of the best breweries San Diego has to offer for the most bang for your buck. Pure Project has over 300 great reviews on Yelp describing how wonderful their ales are and how cheap their tasters are. Customers love their Murkiands, La Vie en Rose, and Valle Pura Vida brews or order the tasters (5 tasters for the price of 4)!"
Mentioned by Travel + Leisure
The Best Breweries in San Diego
"Dedicated to sustainability and pure, quality ingredients, this brewery was started by a SoCal couple who traveled to Costa Rica before settling back in San Diego. Not only do they craft fine beers, but this brewery also supports local nonprofit organizations. So, you can drink your beer and do good, too."
Bolt Brewery - Little Italy
Bolt Brewery - Little Italy
4.4 (441 ratings)
Tasting room for a local brewery serving up craft beer, pizza & bar snacks in industrial digs.
1971 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
BreweryAmerican restaurantBeer hallCocktail barHamburger restaurantRestaurant

Best Cake Places in Mission Bay

7 Café
7 Café
4.5 (133 ratings)
Warm, cheery spot with outdoor seating, offering sandwiches, wraps, salads & other casual cafe fare.
1152 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Breakfast restaurantCake shopCoffee shopDessert shopPancake restaurant
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe - Scripps Ranch
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe - Scripps Ranch
4.3 (58 ratings)
10755 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131, USA
CafeBakeryBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCake shopCookie shopLunch restaurant
Mentioned by Your North County
Best Coffee Shops in San Diego North County (Master List) | YNC
"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery
4 (129 ratings)
Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.
1201 1st St Ste 220, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Ice cream shopCake shopDessert restaurantFrozen yogurt shop

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Mission Bay

4.6 (8 reviews)
BEACH COTTAGE, 2 Bedroom...steps to OCEAN!!
Guest Suite · 2 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$330 /night*
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4.8 (12 reviews)
NEW Charming Beach Style 2BR Half Block to OB Pier
Condo · 4 Guests · 2 Bedrooms
$756 /night*
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4.5 (481 reviews)
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Hotel
$299 /night
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.