Best Museums in Del Mar Heights

"Step on board the Midway Aircraft Carrier that sits in the Navy Pier and get a first-hand look at the longest-serving carrier of its kind in US history. For 47 years, the Midway served the United States Navy, a career that spans from World War II through Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Now, as an interactive museum, the Midway offers visitors a chance to see where all the action took place and to gain an understanding of United States’ Military history."

"Nothing smacks of U.S. military might better than a Navy aircraft carrier. The USS. Midway, anchored at the embarcadero, is the most visited floating museum in the world. Commissioned a week after the end of World War II, the USS Midway embarked on an unprecedented 47-year odyssey that ended after Midway served as the Persian Gulf flagship in Desert Storm."

"This maritime museum is centered around the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier that was in use from 1945 to ‘92. It opened in 2004, and allows visitors to take an audio tour of the ship. Inside, you’ll find the engine room, machine shops, the sick bay and even the jail."

"Balboa Park is home to several San Diegan museums, and the Museum of Art is another magnificence you can visit here. With hosting over half a million visitors every year, this oldest and largest art museum in the region is noted as one of the best museums in San Diego. It has been in operations from the year 1926, exhibiting the most comprehensive art collection anywhere in San Diego."

"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."

"The Natural History Museum, the Museum of Man and the Museum of Art are three of the other most popular museums. (And, no, I’ve not missed San Diego Zoo – see my thoughts on the zoo and Sea World below)."

"The New Children's Museum re-opened in 2008 with a motto of think, play and create, which is exactly what kids do here. What is different about The New Children's Museum is that they specifically commission works of art with tactile features that appeal to kids rather than re-create existing art to suit a younger generation. There's hands-on art and exhibits to hold the attention of toddlers up through teen years."

"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."

"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."

"© 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."

"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."

"The Power of Photography MOPA is a center for visual learning, passionately dedicated to sharing and exploring the universal language of photography."

"Founded in 1973, it was the first museum to build a planetarium and IMAX dome on site, offering its guests a wide range of entertainment options even as it educated them on scientific subjects. Other museums quickly went “hey, that’s a good idea” and copied the design, and now, you can’t throw a rock without hitting a museum dome. The good news is that the Fleet Science Center is still just as fun as it was in the ’70s."

"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."

"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."

"Since it was founded more than nine decades ago, the Gemological Institute of America has been one of the world’s most prominent authorities on all things relating to diamonds, gems, precious stones, and pearls. The GIA’s headquarters is located on Armada Drive in Carlsbad. It features a popular museum chock-full of interesting exhibits and incredible works of craftsmanship."

"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)"

"This unique and cool museum is found in the North County San Diego city of Carlsbad. Since its opening to the public in 2000 and renovation in 2011, the Museum of Making Music has become a cultural destination with interactive and educational programs and exhibits. Founded by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) the Museum of Making Music showcases the evolution of musical instruments from the late 19th century to the present day in five galleries."

"Established in 1998, the Museum of Making Music highlights the fruits of the music industry’s rich history since 1900. The museum opened its doors to everyone in March 2000 and up until the present shares the triumph and impact of music and instrument makers to its visitors."

"San Diego has an increasing appetite for authentic cuisine of all cultures and backgrounds. Tajima stands as a pillar, a cherry blossom of Japanese cuisine, serving many different styles of flavorful ramen—a staple in Japanese culture—and feeding locals exactly what they crave. It’s fair to assume their success is an extension of their food, as they are opening up branches across the city of San Diego and even venturing a little bit north into Long Beach and a little bit south into Tijuana."

"I’ve long lost track of the number of hours I’ve spent working from here. Located in a converted home, this casual coffee shop is loved by people who have some work or studying to do. Although it can get quite crowded downstairs, you’ll normally be able to find a quiet spot upstairs."

"This frozen yogurt spot has been a local favorite for decades. I like nonfat peanut butter. I have been eating Froglander’s since I was in college except now they serve crepes and shakes, too."

"The Cravory specializes in amazingly sweet and unique cookies. They have two shops in San Diego, one in Point Loma and the other in Carlsbad but they also sell at local farmer’s markets. Just some of their cookie flavors include “Pancakes and Bacon,” “Rosemary Balsamic” and “Chocolate Truffle.” Get some to-go for the perfect take-home dessert and enjoy with your date along with some warm, liquored-up coffee or a White Russian for a sweet night cap."

"Your fam will love digging in to The Cravory's April cookie flavors from circus animal and caramel churro to chocolate velvet and oatmeal chocolate chip. Customize your order with a mix and match box for pick-up. Even more, try the Take and Bake chocolate chip cookies to make fresh at home."

"This decadent, artisanal homemade ice cream shop was founded by a mother-daughter duo and a visit here is a doubly sweet treat because your ice cream is served with a chocolate chip cookie!. All of JoJo's Creamery ice creams, cookies, waffle cones and sauces are made from scratch. Ice cream flavors include elevated versions of classics and interesting, flavorful delights such as Cayenne Sea Salt Caramel."

"Ice cream and cookies are the specialties at this mother-daughter owned Encinitas spot. Made from organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, JoJo’s creates out-of-this-world flavors such as bananas foster, cayenne sea salt, and peanut butter honeycomb. For those with allergies, JoJo’s offers several dairy-free flavors and gluten-free cookies and waffle cones."

"7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 274-1733Save Your Seat ASAP$$ | Bakery | Brunch Restaurant. This awesome spot is home to Food Network’s Chef Maeve. She won Holiday Baking Championship and has been featured on other Food Network shows."