List of museums in San Diego County, California facts for kids
San Diego County is a super cool place with tons of awesome museums! A museum is like a special building where people collect and take care of interesting things. These things can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Museums let everyone come and see these amazing collections and learn new stuff. In San Diego County, you can find all sorts of museums, from places with old cars to centers where you can explore science. Get ready to discover some incredible spots!
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Awesome Museums to Explore
Science and Discovery Museums
Located in Balboa Park, the Fleet Science Center is a fantastic place to learn about science through fun, hands-on exhibits. You can touch, play, and experiment to understand how things work. It's perfect for curious minds!
Also in Balboa Park, this museum is all about the natural world. You can see amazing dinosaur fossils, learn about local animals and plants, and explore the history of our planet. It's like a journey through time and nature.
- Roynon Museum of Earth Science & Paleontology
In Escondido, this museum is dedicated to earth science and paleontology. You can see fossils and learn about ancient life forms, including dinosaurs. It's a great spot for anyone who loves rocks, minerals, and prehistoric creatures.
History and Culture Museums
This monument in San Diego celebrates the first European explorer to land on the West Coast. It includes a museum where you can learn about his journey and the history of the area. You can also visit the historic Old Point Loma lighthouse nearby.
Step back in time at Old Town San Diego! This open-air park has several original old buildings and museums. You can see how people lived in the 1800s, visit a blacksmith shop, a general store, and even the first public schoolhouse in the county, the Mason Street School.
If you love ships and the ocean, you'll enjoy the Maritime Museum in San Diego. It has several real museum ships you can explore, including the famous Star of India, which is an old sailing ship from 1863.
Found in Balboa Park, this museum tells the story of San Diego. You can learn all about the city's past, from its early days to modern times. It's a great way to understand how San Diego grew into the city it is today.
- Heritage of the Americas Museum
Located at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, this museum explores the art, culture, and natural history of North and South America. It covers everything from ancient times to more recent history.
- Barona Cultural Center & Museum
In Lakeside, this museum focuses on the rich culture and history of the Native American people of San Diego County. It's a wonderful place to learn about their traditions, art, and way of life.
- San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
This museum in San Diego shares the story of the Chinese American experience. It also explores Chinese history, culture, and art, showing how Chinese immigrants helped shape the region.
Also in Balboa Park, the Museum of Us focuses on human history and culture. It has cool exhibits on the ancient history of the Americas and Native American art.
Art Museums
This major art museum in Balboa Park has a huge collection of art from all over the world. You can see paintings, sculptures, and other amazing artworks from different time periods.
Located in San Diego, this museum features modern art. It has more than 4,000 artworks created after 1950, showing many different styles and ideas.
In Balboa Park, the Mingei International Museum celebrates folk art, crafts, and design from cultures around the world. It shows how everyday objects can be beautiful works of art.
Also in Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art has a special collection of European old master paintings, sculptures, and Russian icons. It's a smaller museum but full of incredible treasures.
This museum in Oceanside focuses on contemporary art from Southern California. It's a great place to see new and exciting art created by artists from the region.
Specialty Museums
If you love planes and space, this museum in Balboa Park is a must-see! It tells the story of aviation and space travel, with many real aircraft and cool exhibits.
The USS Midway Museum in San Diego is on a real aircraft carrier! You can explore the huge ship and see many restored aircraft. It's an amazing experience to walk where sailors and pilots once worked.
- San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
Located in Escondido, this museum is designed especially for kids. It has lots of hands-on activities and exhibits that encourage learning and play.
In Downtown San Diego, this museum offers interactive art installations for children and families. It's a place where art comes alive and you can be part of the creative process.
- San Diego Automotive Museum
Also in Balboa Park, this museum is a dream for car lovers. It has a collection of cool and classic cars, showing the history of automobiles.
In Vista, this unique open-air museum features antique gas and steam engines. You can also see a blacksmith shop, a weaving house, and a farmhouse, showing how people lived and worked in the past.
Located in Carlsbad, this museum explores the history of American popular music. You can learn about how musical instruments are made and sold, and see how music has changed over time.
Historic Homes and Ranches
In Carlsbad, this historic ranch was once the home of actor Leo Carrillo. You can explore the ranch and learn about its history.
This mid-19th-century house in San Diego is known for its history and is said to be haunted! It's a fascinating look into the past.
- Rancho Buena Vista Adobe
This mid-19th-century adobe house in Vista tells the story of the Rancho Buena Vista. It's a glimpse into the early days of California.
Also in Vista, this large 20-room adobe house from the mid-19th century is a beautiful example of historic California architecture.
Defunct Museums
- The Villa Montezuma in San Diego was a beautiful old Queen Anne mansion from the late 1800s. It used to be a museum but closed in 2006.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Imperial County, California
- National Register of Historic Places listings in San Diego County, California
Images for kids
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Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum
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Cabrillo National Monument
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California Surf Museum
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Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
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Casa de Estudillo
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Casa de Machado y Stewart
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Craftsmanship Museum
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Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum
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Encinitas Historical Society Schoolhouse
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Fleet Science Center
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Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
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Gaskill Brothers' Stone Store Museum
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Maritime Museum of San Diego
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George W. Marston House
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Mason Street School
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Mission San Diego de Alcalá
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Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
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Mormon Battalion Historic Site
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Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
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Museum of Creation and Earth History
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Museum of Making Music
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Museum of Us
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Oceanside Museum of Art
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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
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Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
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San Diego Air & Space Museum
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San Diego Automotive Museum
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San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
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San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
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San Diego Model Railroad Museum
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San Diego Museum of Art
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San Diego Natural History Museum
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San Dieguito Heritage Museum
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Santee Historical Society Museum
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The New Children's Museum
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Timken Museum of Art
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USS Midway Museum
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Valley Center History Museum
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Whaley House
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WWII/Korea LVT Museum
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