Free Museums in Rancho Santa Fe

We've collected top 10 mentioned free museums in Rancho Santa Fe from other articles such as Condé Nast Traveler, y Travel Blog, TripSavvy.

Free Museums in Rancho Santa Fe

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 Condé Nast Traveler
17 Best Things to Do in San Diego
"This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing."
Mentioned by Joy of Museums Virtual Tours
San Diego Museums - Virtual Tour
"The USS Midway Museum is a historic naval aircraft carrier museum that houses an extensive collection of aircraft and military history. The USS Midway was the United States’ longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992. It was the only carrier to serve the entire length of the Cold War and beyond."
Mentioned by San Diego 3 days itinerary
3 Days in San Diego Itinerary – What to See and Do
"Maritime Museum, Star of Indian and U.S.S. Midway Once you’re high on sugar and caffeine, head to a few streets west to the Harbour (North Harbour Drive) for a day along the sea front. This is one of my favourite suggestions for your San Diego itinerary."
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 LaJolla.com
The Top Art Museums & Galleries in San Diego
"A post shared by Klinge Realty Group @ Compass (@klingerealtygroup). It’s not a large museum — in fact, it’s one of the smallest in the area — but the Timken Museum of Art is home to art created by Anne and Amy Putnam. The two sisters are well-known throughout the world for creating a variety of American and European paintings during the early 20th century."
Mentioned by Red Tricycle
Just the Ticket! Free Museum Days for Families
"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."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Timken Museum of Art, established in 1965, displays a collection of European masters, notable American artists and Russian icons. Works of fine art include paintings by Rembrandt, John Singleton Copley and Peter Paul Rubens as well as sculptures and tapestries."
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 sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"The Children’s 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. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolley going by."
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Best Museums in San Diego, From Folk Art to Military Aircraft
"The New Children's Museum in San Diego is a great museum for families with children to visit. The museum's state of the art center is focused on creating a space where children can think, play and create through hands-on exhibitions, art creation, and educational opportunities. It has something for children of every age and parents will enjoy the learning nature of it as well."
Mentioned by Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"The New Children’s Museum is an interactive art museum that strives to deliver tactile interaction with its visitors. Children and adults alike will enjoy a more hands-on museum of art. So be ready to think, play and create your way through this enchanting art museum."
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 Culture Trip
The Best Museums in San Diego, California
"© Craig Lovell / Eagle Visions Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. With a collection of more than 7,000 photographs by 850 photographers, including Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Stieglitz and Ruth Bernhard, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) devotes itself entirely to the collection and preservation of photography, film and video, including its aesthetic movements and technological advancements. In particular, MOPA’s collection features a large selection of mid-20th-century Soviet Russian photography, social documentary photography and photojournalism."
Mentioned by HereIn
Art Guide
"An independent institution devoted to photography, film, and video. Founded in 1983, MOPA consistently addresses cultural, historical, and social issues through its visual learning programs."
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 UpgradedPoints.com
The 30 Best Things To Do in San Diego [Free Activities & Family-Friendly Attractions]
"The Fleet Science Center is a fun and educational museum for visitors of all ages. Kids will love the hands-on experience of exploring atoms and molecules in the Nano exhibit, and those under 5 can ride a fire truck in Kid City. In 1973, the museum opened the first IMAX dome theater in the world, and to this day, the IMAX continues to dazzle audiences with immersive adventures through space, rainforests, and oceans."
Mentioned by sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"The Fleet is home to Southern California’s only IMAX® Dome Theater and 100+ hands-on science exhibits for all ages. Watch immersive giant-screen films and amazing planetarium shows in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theatre and experience seven galleries of fun, interactive exhibits at this popular San Diego attraction."
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."
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
4.6 (1464 ratings)4.5 (129 ratings)
340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
Art centerMuseumsArt museumBanquet hallBusiness centerConference centerLive music venuePerforming arts theaterWedding venue
Mentioned by Travel Lens
15 Best Things to Do in Escondido
"Located on a 12-acre campus near the city Hall, the California Centre for the arts was opened in 1994. The Centre was inspired by Spanish colonial heritage and designed by Charles Moore. The Centre has a seating capacity of 1500 guests and houses a concert hall, a museum exhibiting contemporary art, a beautifully designed theatre with capacity of 400 people, a few art studios, some dance studios, as well as a conference centre."
Mentioned by San Diego Travel Blog
San Diego's Hottest Neighborhoods: Escondido
"Where: 340 N Escondido Blvd.A vast array of performing and visual arts has drawn more than a million visitors to this 12-acre campus. With a 1,500-seat concert hall, a 406-seat theater, an art museum, and dance studios, the very full calendar has something for everyone."
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."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."
Old Town Model Railroad Depot
Old Town Model Railroad Depot
4.8 (342 ratings)5 (148 ratings)
2415 San Diego Ave Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Rail museumMuseumsExhibitTheme parkToy museumSpecialty Museums
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"

Top Best French Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

Parc Bistro-Brasserie
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
4.7 (493 ratings)
French specialties & seafood served in a stylish, comfortable setting with a covered sidewalk patio.
2760 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
French restaurantBistroBrasserieSeafood restaurant
BO-beau kitchen + caché
BO-beau kitchen + caché
4.6 (249 ratings)
Romantic California-French bistro serving creative fare & mussels galore in a rustic-chic setting.
1027 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
American restaurantBistroFrench restaurantRestaurant
Whisknladle Bistro & Bar
Whisknladle Bistro & Bar
4.6 (518 ratings)
Inventive & artisanal nibbles & cocktails in a cozy lounge or covered, outdoor bistro setting.
1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
BistroFrench restaurantItalian restaurantMediterranean restaurantRestaurantSpanish restaurant
Mentioned by San Diego Tours - Food, Drink & History | So Diego Tours
Best Spots For Happy Hour in La Jolla | So Diego Tours
"This farm-to-table restaurant features happy hour specials daily from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Come from work, the beach or one of many San Diego adventures and unwind with specially priced happy hour menu that includes appetizers, salads, wines, beers, and cocktails. The restaurant features open-air windows and a small outdoor patio."
Mentioned by 10Best
10 Restaurants in La Jolla That You Must Try
"With a farm-to-table approach, Whisknladle succeeds in making simple food taste extraordinary. The menu changes with the season and is void of fuss. Everything is made from scratch, including the tonics and purees for the artisanal cocktails."

Best Beach in Rancho Santa Fe

Ocean Beach Pier
Ocean Beach Pier
4.6 (7075 ratings)4.5 (34 ratings)
Long Pacific Ocean fishing pier with a café, shop known for sunset views & sea lion sightings.
1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107, USA
Fishing pierNature & ParksPublic beachBeaches
La Jolla Shores Park
La Jolla Shores Park
4.7 (5516 ratings)4.5 (2606 ratings)
2-block space steps away from the sand & waves offers grassy area & playgrounds.
8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
ParkOutdoor ActivitiesBeaches
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff State Beach
4.7 (66 ratings)4.5 (75 ratings)
Protected beach in state park system popular with surfers with a state-run campground nearby.
Encinitas, CA 92007, USA
BeachNature & Parks

Best Donuts in Rancho Santa Fe

Rose Donuts
Rose Donuts
4.6 (830 ratings)
Always-open donut shop offering sandwiches & breakfast eats, plus a small outdoor patio. Cash only.
5201 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Donut shop
Mentioned by Pacific San Diego
Holey donuts: San Diego sounds off on favorites
"This dual-location shop on Linda Vista Road nabs fourth place, with EDSD members applauding the chocolate glazed with coconut, buttermilk old fashioned, red velvet and maple bar flavors. Linda Vista: 5201 Linda Vista Rd., 619.294.8856 and 7612 Linda Vista Rd., 858.560.8452"
Lucky Donuts House
Lucky Donuts House
4.2 (85 ratings)
909 Grand Ave #8, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Donut shopBakeryDessert shop
Miss Donuts
Miss Donuts
4.1 (187 ratings)
7863 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945, USA
Donut shopBakery

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Rancho Santa Fe

4.9 (46 reviews)
Beach View Home with Spa Pe-1724
Guest Suite · 14 Guests · 6 Bedrooms
$1226 /night*
View deal
4.3 (197 reviews)
Beachwalk Villas
Villa
$166 /night
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Ocean Palms Beach Resort
Hotel
$362 /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.