Best Museums in La Jolla Shores

We've collected top 10 mentioned museums in La Jolla Shores from other articles such as sealtours.com, hotels.com, San Diego Union-Tribune.

Best Museums in La Jolla Shores

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 sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"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."
Mentioned by 10Best
Learn and Go Hands-On at San Diego's 10 Best Museums
"The USS Midway aircraft carrier, which served from 1945-1992, offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a giant ship. Self-guided audio tours are included with admission and are narrated by former Midway sailors. Docents, some of whom served on the ship while it was active, are on board every day to answer questions and can occasionally be persuaded to relate a funny or interesting story or two."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Must-Visit Attractions in San Diego
"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."
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 The Crazy Tourist
50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California
"An almost overwhelming medley of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque painting awaits at this museum in Balboa Park. El Greco, Murillo, Goya and Zurbarán are all here, together with Italian and Dutch Masters like Veronese, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens and Frans Hals. In the last few years, the museum was donated a raft of paintings from the Symbolist, Expressionist and New Objectivity movements, by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Robert Delaunay, Otto Dix and Alexej von Jawlensky."
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 planetware.com
14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego | PlanetWare
"Art lovers looking for a dose of culture should head to the San Diego Museum of Art. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here."
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 Go San Diego
6 Best San Diego Museums for Kids
"This award-winning children’s museum encourages children to think, play, and create with over 50,000 square feet of child-centered art installations, studios, and interactive spaces. From free play to guided workshops, this modern museum has a wide range of activities and events for creative kids. Young visitors are free to interact with working artists, design something in the Innovators LAB under the guidance local professionals, or explore the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces with their families."
Mentioned by Leisure Pass Group
Top Museums in San Diego to Visit During Your Trip
"The New Children’s Museum is an interactive arts-based museum that commissions contemporary artists to create pieces with tactile, physical, and participatory elements to introduce kids to art and create an opportunity for them to observe, play, and create. Getting in: New Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."
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 10Best
Learn and Go Hands-On at San Diego's 10 Best Museums
"This world-class museum features extensive collections of still photographs, videos and films. The history of the medium is illustrated, from the earliest Daguerreotypes and albumen prints to modern laser holograms. A variety of artists are represented, including Alfred Stieglitz, Ben Shahn, Alberto Korda, Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourke-White."
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 y Travel Blog
16 Awesome (& Free) Things to do in San Diego With Kids
"The Science Center is an interactive educational playground for the kids. These are the kind of places we look for to check off a few of our homeschooling boxes. The girls learned more about the water cycle, energy and motion, and different knots."
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."
Mingei International Museum
Mingei International Museum
4.6 (170 ratings)4.5 (113 ratings)
Museum located in a historic building showcases folk art, craft & design from all over the globe.
Balboa Park, Plaza de Panama, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Art museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Sparks Gallery
The Best San Diego Museums [2021
"Art is a powerful voice for people and helps us connect and express ourselves beyond language barriers. The Mingei International Museum showcases the “art of the people” across time and cultures. The exhibits are constantly changing to highlight new historical, contemporary folk art, crafts, and design and discover the finest examples of creative expression from underappreciated artists."
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)"
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."
Tijuana Cultural Center
Tijuana Cultural Center
4.8 (14823 ratings)4.5 (700 ratings)
Modern museum with exhibits & installations on Mexican history & culture, plus an IMAX theater.
Paseo de los Héroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, 22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Cultural centerMuseumsIMAX theaterSpecialty Museums
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."

Best History Museum in La Jolla Shores

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 sealtours.com
30+ Must See Attractions in San Diego | Top San Diego Attractions
"Whether you enjoy spotting ghosts and apparitions or have an interest in historic places, the Whaley House is a definite tourist pleaser. The lovely brick two-story structure was built in 1857 by the original owner Thomas Whaley. Its historical significance lies in the many different roles the home played for the community."
Mentioned by Holidify
Best Museums in San Diego That Are Too Interesting to Miss
"The Whaley House is a museum and California Historical Landmark, situated in the Old Town, San Diego, California. It is administered by the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). The Whaley House was the home of Thomas Whaley and his family."
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."
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 Leisure Pass Group
Top Museums in San Diego to Visit During Your Trip
"Built by William Heath Davis in 1850, many fascinating people, including Alonzo Horton, have called the William Heath Davis House 'home.' You'll get to tour the home, and its decorated rooms - each representing different eras in the life of the house and its various former (and rumored ghostly current) inhabitants. Getting in: William Heath Davis House tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."
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."

Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in La Jolla Shores

Mathewson Park
Mathewson Park
4.4 (64 ratings)
700 Pomona Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
Park
Hilton Head County Park
Hilton Head County Park
4.5 (624 ratings)
1605 Hilton Head Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA
Park
Mentioned by Red Tricycle
Soak Up the Fun at These Splash Pads & San Diego Water Parks
"Let your little one splash around this pirate-themed spray park on a hot summer day. The park has a large open space and grass, which is perfect for the crew. Even more, the large playground nearby has tons of swings."
Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
4.6 (807 ratings)
Ice cream shop featuring flavors imported from Hawaii such as Kona coffee & macadamia nut.
3077 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Ice cream shop
Mentioned by San Diego Tours - Food, Drink & History | So Diego Tours
Best Ice Cream in San Diego, CA | So Diego Tours
"These island-inspired homemade ice cream shops are owned by a local family and opened its first location in North Park but also has shops in Point Loma and Pacific Beach. This gourmet ice cream shop offers a rotating menu of over 300 flavors of Tropical Dreams super premium Hawaiian ice cream and sorbet and created an ice cream “flight” of mini ice cream cones that allows ice cream lovers to taste up to 6 flavors at a time!. Our favorite ice cream flavors are the Chocolate Coconut and Mango Cream served in one of their homemade waffle ice cream cones."
Mentioned by Thrillist
Cool Down With These 14 San Diego Ice Cream Shops
"North Park, Point LomaAt Hammond’s, you can choose from dozens of flavors of Hawaii’s Tropical Dreams premium ice creams and sorbets, including their mini-cone flights, all available for takeout. Almost as many flavors are available by the pint, along with optional mini and regular cones, sprinkles, crumbles and nuts. Note: The Pacific Beach location is permanently closed."

Popular Gardens in La Jolla Shores

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 The Crazy Tourist
50 Best Things to Do in San Diego (California
"You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows. There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition."
Botanical Building
Botanical Building
4.7 (3699 ratings)4.5 (997 ratings)
Domed building from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition & a garden with more than 2,000 plants.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Botanical gardenNature & ParksGardens
Mentioned by San Diego 5 days itinerary
5-Day Best of San Diego Itinerary
"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. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."
Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
100 FREE Things to Do in San Diego, CA: Fun Museums, Attractions, Tours & More
"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."
San Diego Zoo Terrace Lagoon
San Diego Zoo Terrace Lagoon
Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Garden

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near La Jolla Shores

4.0 (788 reviews)
Bahia Resort Hotel
Hotel
$249 /night
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4.6 (280 reviews)
California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
Hostel
$45 /night
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Seaside Dreamin'
House
$298 /night
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