Best Museums in Encinitas

We've collected top 10 mentioned museums in Encinitas from other articles such as Family Destinations Guide, TripHobo, The Crazy Tourist.

Best Museums in Encinitas

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 Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"With over sixty exhibits, this historic aircraft carrier also houses twenty-seven restored aircraft. The USS Midway, named after the Battle of Midway in 1942, was constructed only 17 months. While it didn’t see World War II’s action, its armored flight decks give visitors an at-sea experience without having to leave port."
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 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 Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"The San Diego Museum of Art is a fine arts museum located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. SDMA houses a wide collection of curated exhibitions that shouldn’t be missed!. Current exhibits range from the beautiful “Art of the Open Air” (excellent for those with concerns over social distancing) to the Modern and Contemporary Art gala."
Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in San Diego
"Known for its Spanish baroque and Renaissance paintings, including works by El Greco, Goya, Rubens, and van Ruisdael, San Diego's most…"
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 TheTopTours
7 Popular Museums and Galleries in San Diego (2021)
"Not huge but one of the most interactive places for younger generation, the New Children’s Museum is worth a visit if you are in San Diego with kids and family. The museum was originally built in 1983. After that, it had time and again got renovated with the mission of restoring and vitalizing creativity, imagination, and critical thinking through contemporary Art in kids and older generation."
Mentioned by TravelMamas.com
15 Best San Diego Attractions for Kids | Family Activities in San Diego
"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."
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 San Diego 2 days itinerary
48 Hours in San Diego: Highlights Itinerary for 2 Days
"Even if you’re broke, the Timken Museum of Art is always free, and if you have a Bank of America card, the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Photogenic Arts are free on certain days. If you love art, check out the Spanish village. These are historic buildings turned art galleries and stores which have a lot of their work for sale. Even just walking through this area is a fun experience."
Mentioned by Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"The Museum of Photographic Arts showcases over 9 thousand images. These visual masterpieces range from the 19th century up until the current day. The museum offers a diverse view into different cultural events, historical moments and addresses social issues throughout its galleries."
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 Holidify
Nightlife in San Diego: An Ultimate Guide To 17 Best Nightlife Spots in San Diego
"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."
Mentioned by UpgradedPoints.com
The 16 Best Things To Do in San Diego With Kids
"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."
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Making Music
4.7 (512 ratings)4.5 (323 ratings)
A museum about making music with galleries of instruments, special exhibitions & live events.
5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
MuseumsEvent venueGift shopHistory museumLive music venueSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Best Museums in San Diego, From Folk Art to Military Aircraft
"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."
Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
12 Fun Things to Do in Carlsbad with Kids (for 2021)
"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."
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."
Lux Art Institute
Lux Art Institute
4.7 (15 ratings)4 (8 ratings)
Museum & working studio with modern works in various media by internationally recognized artists.
1550 S El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Art schoolMuseumsSpecialty 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"
Escondido History Center
Escondido History Center
4 (5 ratings)5 (1 ratings)
321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
LibraryMuseumsHistory museum

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Encinitas

Bird Rock Yogurt
Bird Rock Yogurt
4.4 (14 ratings)
5604 La Jolla Blvd A, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Cafe
Mimi's Cafe
Mimi's Cafe
4.3 (1295 ratings)
Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.
5180 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
BistroBakeryBarBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCafeCatererFrench restaurantTakeout RestaurantWine bar
Starlight Bowl Balboa Park
Starlight Bowl Balboa Park
4.9 (11 ratings)
2005 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
AmphitheaterCafeEvent venueLive music venuePerforming arts theater

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Encinitas

Quiero Tacos
Quiero Tacos
4.6 (5 ratings)
879 W Harbor Dr Suite W14-E, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Taco restaurantBreakfast restaurantMexican restaurantRestaurantVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Lemonade
Lemonade
4.4 (409 ratings)
Cafeteria-style chain serving a seasonal comfort-food menu paired with many types of lemonade.
3958 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Health food restaurantCatererFast food restaurantDelivery RestaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurantSalad shopSandwich shopVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Yard House
Yard House
4.4 (2142 ratings)
High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.
1640 Camino Del Rio N Ste 157, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
New American restaurantBarBar & grillGastropubTakeout RestaurantSports barVegetarian restaurant

Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Encinitas

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
4.7 (684 ratings)4.5 (26 ratings)
Wild 700-acre canyon habitat for myriad flora & fauna, with hiking trails & guided tours.
16275 Espola Rd, Poway, CA 92064, USA
Hiking areaNature & ParksHiking Trails
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
Fletcher Cove Beach Park
4.8 (2039 ratings)4.5 (183 ratings)
Picturesque park with a viewing deck, grassy area & playground, plus tables & a basketball court.
111 S Sierra Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA
ParkNature & ParksPublic beach
Mentioned by Your North County
Best Beaches in San Diego North County (Guide) | YNC
"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
15 Best Beaches in San Diego: A Local's Guide from North to South
"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."
Powerhouse Park & Beach
Powerhouse Park & Beach
4.7 (1572 ratings)4.5 (425 ratings)
Perched above a wide sandy beach, this green space has a children's playground & picnic areas.
1658 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA
ParkNature & ParksPublic beachBeaches

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Encinitas

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad
Hotel
$239 /night
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4.5 (285 reviews)
Moonlight Beach Motel
Motel
$169 /night
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5.0 (9 reviews)
Mediterranean Villa
Guest Suite · 2 Guests · 5 Bedrooms
$835 /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.