Best History Museum in Mission Bay

We've collected top 10 mentioned history museums in Mission Bay from other articles such as La Jolla Mom, Sparks Gallery, TheTopTours.

Best History Museum in Mission Bay

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
4.8 (56270 ratings)4.5 (11675 ratings)
Sprawling outdoor destination is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more.
San Diego, CA, USA
ParkFun & GamesHistory museumPlaygroundsGardens
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"A sunken butterfly garden, the San Diego Zoo, museums, gardens, the California Tower – this 1,200-acre (486ha) park contains a slew of attractions. It was built in 1868 and hosted the Panama-California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, in 1915. Key museums include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Us (formerly the San Diego Museum of Man), the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Timken Art Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum."
Mentioned by Trip101
10 Best Romantic Places in San Diego, California - Updated 2021
"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."
Museum of Us
Museum of Us
4.3 (1657 ratings)4 (374 ratings)
Museum in an ornate 1915 building featuring eclectic anthropology exhibits & a panoramic tower.
1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumHistorical landmarkWedding venueHistory Museums
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Museums in San Diego, California
"As the only anthropology museum in the region, the San Diego Museum of Man offers a diverse program, including cannibalism, beer history and humans’ relationships with animals. Its mission is to inspire connections by helping to understand the human experience better, and it accomplishes this goal through its hundreds of thousands of documented ethnographic objects, archaeological items and photographic images. Constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, the museum was designed by the famous architect Bertram Goodhue – it has Plateresque, Baroque, Churrigueresque and Rococo details and a unique Spanish Colonial exterior that hints at a Gothic influence, with inspiration from Spanish churches in Mexico."
Mentioned by Attractions of America
Top 26 Tourist Attractions in San Diego
"The mission of this museum states, "Inspiring human connections by exploring the human experience." That is precisely what you'll find in this museum when you visit San Diego. There are exhibits on human history and sociology, including Ancient Egypt, BEERology, the Kumeyaay tribe, and race in America. You can also tour the California tower, where you can learn about the history of Balboa Park and catch 360 views of the city."
Mentioned by TheTopTours
7 Popular Museums and Galleries in San Diego (2021)
"For visitors who are interested in learning about early America, mummies, and the historical culture must visit the Museum of Man in San Diego. Located in Balboa Park, it is one of the top-rated museums in San Diego. Museum of Man is all about learning of all our experiences of relationships with animals, the truth about cannibalism, information about monsters, beer history and the power of secrets."
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum
4.1 (97 ratings)4 (61 ratings)
Victorian-era edifice housing offices, a museum, garden & hosting ghost tours & other events.
410 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
History museumSights & LandmarksHistorical landmarkHistoric Sites
Mentioned by sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the Gaslamp district’s oldest surviving structure, a saltbox style home shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum has been home to many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a German Spy and Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. Each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants."
Mentioned by Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."
Whaley House Museum
Whaley House Museum
4.4 (1295 ratings)4 (311 ratings)
Supposedly haunted, highlights are a spinet piano from "Gone with the Wind" & Lincoln's life mask.
2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
History museumSights & LandmarksHaunted houseHistorical landmarkMuseumNon-profit organizationHistoric SitesMysterious Sites
Mentioned by Leisure Pass Group
Top Museums in San Diego to Visit During Your Trip
"Visit the rumored 'most haunted house in America' located in Old Town San Diego and take a tour of the beautiful home. Explore the two-story Greek Revival-style mansion and see rooms that once served as a general store, San Diego's first commercial theater, a courthouse, and more. A tour of the Whaley House is a tour of San Diego's history."
Mentioned by Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"The Whaley House, rumored as one of the most haunted houses in America. In fact, Michigan houses a museum about the historic home. San Diego, however, offers tours for the beautiful two-story mansion."
Coronado Historical Association
Coronado Historical Association
4.5 (215 ratings)4 (8 ratings)
Nonprofit association with permanent & special exhibits of local history & art, plus vast archives.
1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Local history museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Moke Experience
Top 10 Things To Do on Coronado Island
"Coronado’s rich and complex history is a fascinating subject even for those that don’t consider themselves history buffs. The Historic Walking Tour sponsored by the Coronado Historical Association is a great change of pace and something your whole family will enjoy. Stroll through historic Coronado while a knowledgeable guide spills all the details behind the architecture and adventure that makes Coronado so unique."
Mentioned by Holidify
Best Museums in San Diego That Are Too Interesting to Miss
"It is a not-for-profit organization with permanent and transitory exhibitions of local art & history and vast archives. It is a landmark Historical Association building that lies right in the center of the city. Also, there is a Museum Store that offers antique items for sale and a Museum Café in the Museum building."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The Coronado Historical Museum’s collection includes art and ephemera from Coronado’s unique history. Check out a 22-minute video of Coronado that is shown every hour. *Small donation requested."
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
4.7 (516 ratings)4.5 (86 ratings)
Airplanes & artifacts honor Marine Corps fliers & ground teams, with "open cockpit" days in summer.
4203 Anderson Ave, San Diego, CA 92145, USA
MuseumHeritage museumHistory museumMilitary MuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Best Museums in San Diego, From Folk Art to Military Aircraft
"If you're a fan of the annual Miramar Air Show, then the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a good place for you to visit. What sets this museum apart from all others is the fact that it is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel. Located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"The Flying Leatherneck Museum is the only museum in the world that primarily showcases the United States Marine Corps (USMC) aviation. You’ll be able to take an up-close look at 48 historical aircraft in their gallery. Check their event calendar to see what’s on tap during your visit."
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."
House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations
House of Pacific Relations - Hall of Nations
4.6 (91 ratings)4 (22 ratings)
Hosts to outdoor concerts & food fairs, these cozy cottages share the traditions of diverse nations.
2191 Pan American Rd W, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Cultural centerMuseumsHistory MuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"
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"
San Diego History Center
San Diego History Center
4.5 (133 ratings)4 (56 ratings)
1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
MuseumHistorical landmarkHistorical societyHistory museumLearning centerLibraryNon-profit organization
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
Complete List of Free Museums and Attractions in San Diego
"The San Diego Union Museum enables visitors to see where the San Diego Union, the first newspaper in the city, got its start. Visitors can tour the recreated editor’s office and the original print room to see how they looked in 1868. The prefabricated wooden building was manufactured on the East Coast, shipped to California and reassembled in 1851."

Best Diners in Mission Bay

Harbor Breakfast
Harbor Breakfast
4.3 (910 ratings)
Breakfast specialist serving up a menu of classic favorites such as flapjacks & biscuits.
1502 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Breakfast restaurantDinerDown home cooking restaurantFamily restaurantMexican restaurantRestaurantSandwich shopSouthwestern restaurant (US)Tex-Mex restaurant
Mentioned by VacationIdea
23 Best San Diego Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots
"Whether it’s a group of friends meeting for weekend brunch, a family looking for a fortifying breakfast before embarking on their San Diego adventure, or a local looking to snag a quick cup of coffee on their way to work, Harbor Breakfast is a charming and quaint café everyone will love. Their menu options include dishes like the roasted red bell pepper omelet made with asparagus, green onion, zucchini, and herbed cream cheese or the corned beef hash with two eggs any style. The tantalizing menu and upbeat urban diner vibe make them a must-visit breakfast spot for travelers."
Mentioned by Thrillist
San Diego’s 15 Best Waterfront Restaurants
"OceansideGet here early to snag a picnic table overlooking the Oceanside Harbor. Best for brunch, this reasonably priced spot is known for fresh-baked cinnamon coffee cake, enormous pancakes, and chicken-fried steak doused with homemade country gravy."
Coffee Cup
Coffee Cup
4.6 (206 ratings)
Boisterous mainstay known for inventive takes on brunch classics amid a midcentury-inspired decor.
1109 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Brunch restaurantBreakfast restaurantCoffee shopDinerRestaurant
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
8 Must-Try Spots in La Jolla for Breakfast & Brunch
"Next to Burger Lounge, near the heart of the downtown La Jolla, sits Coffee Cup, an assuming storefront with an incredible menu. Many of their dishes are a magical fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, utilizing unique ingredients for both their breakfast and lunch entrees. Top breakfast recommendations include: the Pesto Scramble, Soy Chorizo Scramble, Breakfast Enchiladas, and Coffee Cup French Toast."
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
The Best Coffee Shops in La Jolla, CA
"The Mexican Mocha is amazing as were all other entrees we tried. Highly recommend this place for breakfast in La Jolla."
Harry's Coffee Shop
Harry's Coffee Shop
4.6 (1068 ratings)
Simple but revered breakfast menu served all day & an old-school diner decor draw eclectic crowds.
7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Coffee shopAmerican restaurantBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantDinerEspresso barRestaurant
Mentioned by Eater San Diego
Here Are The Iconic Diners of San Diego
"This La Jolla institution is renowned for their potato pancakes served with sour cream and applesauce but they've got everything from healthy egg white omelettes to throwbacks that include chipped beef on toast."

Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Mission Bay

Fiddler's Green
Fiddler's Green
4.4 (564 ratings)
Model sailboats line the walls at this steak & seafood spot aptly placed on a notable sailing port.
2760 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Seafood restaurantBarRestaurant
Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich
Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich
4.7 (940 ratings)
Comfortable spot serving East Coast–style sandwiches, including seafood & vegetarian options.
3382 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
RestaurantSandwich shopSeafood restaurant
Mentioned by LaJolla.com
Seafood in San Diego
"A post shared by North Park Main Street (@northparkmainstreet). Punchy East Coast flavors meet sunny San Diego in this casual, family-oriented eatery in North Park. Tucked in a storefront in the Lynhurst building, with outdoor seating and charming gingham checkered tables inside, even the atmosphere of Pete’s has an East Coast beachy feel."
Mentioned by Eater San Diego
Where to Eat Seafood in San Diego
"The extensive menu covers all the bases including clam chowder and lobster rolls to the whole range of fried seafoods such as fish, lobster, shrimp, oysters and even Ipswich clams. Delivery and takeout is available as well as outdoor seating."
Lobster West Coronado
Lobster West Coronado
4.4 (763 ratings)
Seafood sandwich specialist serving casual fare plus beer & wine in laid-back surrounds.
1033 B Ave #102, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Seafood restaurant
Mentioned by bringfido.com
BringFido: Dog Friendly Restaurants in Coronado, CA
"Lobster West is a dog-friendly restaurant serving fresh Maine seafood in Coronado. Visitors to Lobster West can head to one of the seven outdoor tables on its two patios to enjoy a meal alongside their furry friend. Lobster West's menu includes gluten-free dishes, soups, salads, and specialty seafood rolls such as lobster, scallop, crab, shrimp, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and Dieter's Delight."

Best Donuts in Mission Bay

Nomad Donuts
Nomad Donuts
4.5 (768 ratings)
Globally inspired donuts, wood-fired bagels & coffee served in a bright space with casual seating.
3102 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Donut shopBagel shopBakeryCoffee shop
Mentioned by Pacific San Diego
Holey donuts: San Diego sounds off on favorites
"Fans love this shop for the unique variety of flavors, including chai, ube taro coconut (which member Sarah Ordene proclaimed “are the stuff dreams are made of”) and the top-notch vegan options. In response to Henderson’s vote for Mary’s Maple Bacon Bar, fellow member Kari Helstern stated, “Find out when Nomad does their honey sesame ginger kimchi candied bacon donut!!!. I’d give BOTH kidneys for that one."
Mentioned by Jumper Media
San Diego’s 25 Most Popular Restaurants on Instagram
"Another motif you may notice as you peruse this list is the abundance of donuts. Donuts seem to be having their moment right now, but consider this a warning: nostalgic dessert trends tend to fade fast. Remember when cupcakes were big?"
T K Doughnut
T K Doughnut
4.9 (89 ratings)
3095 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117, USA
Donut shop
Yum Yum Donuts
Yum Yum Donuts
4.4 (300 ratings)
Chain retailer dedicated to donuts, offering many flavors & varieties, plus sandwiches & drinks.
6925 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
Donut shopCoffee shopDessert shopRestaurantSandwich shop

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Mission Bay

Best on the Beach I
House
$980 /night
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Cozy Cottage in the Heart of Mission Beach!
Cottage
$158 /night
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Rockaway Cottage Apts
Cottage
$198 /night
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