Free Museums in Shelter Island

"The USS Midway was the longest-serving naval aircraft carrier of the 20th century and played a part in both the Cold War and Vietnam War. Now a floating museum, the USS Midway is moored at downtown San Diego along the Embarcadero and attracts more than a million visitors each year. On the flight deck, you’ll find 26 aircraft ranging from fighter jets to helicopters, and more vintage aircraft on the hangar deck."

"This 971-foot-long floating museum is the best way to learn about and honor San Diego's significant naval community. The decommissioned aircraft carrier is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Visitors can get a taste of navy life by visiting the plane-packed flight deck, sprawling hangar bay, mess hall, and berthing."

"Italian Renaissance, Dutch, Spanish and baroque pieces are exhibited, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures. Works by Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pisarro, van Gogh and Dufy are rotated in display on the ground floor. Shop, sculpture garden and cafe with outdoor seating."

"The renowned permanent collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, Asian paintings, and 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. In addition, the Museum regularly features major exhibitions from around the world."

"Within Balboa Park stands the intricate facade of the San Diego Museum of Art, the region’s oldest and largest art museum visited by half a million people every year."

"New Children's Museum is an interactive museum in San Diego that is a not-for-profit organization. It is a novel model of the Children's Museum that operates with a mission to pique creativity, imagination, and critical thinking in children and families via inventive and captivating experiences with modern art. The museum encourages children to think, play, and create through engrossing exhibitions, art-oriented activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities."

"This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement and physics while simultaneously being exposed to art and working out the ants in their pants. Exhibits change every 18 months or so, so there's always something new."

"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."

"An independent institution devoted to photography, film, and video. Founded in 1983, MOPA consistently addresses cultural, historical, and social issues through its visual learning programs."

"We had a great time visiting the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park and actually ended up going twice while we were in San Diego. (Our reciprocal membership made this possible.) It wasn’t the largest Science Center we have been in, but it had a great collection of hands on activities for the kids – including a Lego section. Our favorite part was the Tinker Lab where the kids eyes lit up when they saw tons of cardboard and other fun materials they could use to build whatever they wanted."

"The Fleet Science Center is a fun and educational museum for visitors of all ages. Kids will love the hands-on experience of exploring atoms and molecules in the Nano exhibit, and those under 5 can ride a fire truck in Kid City. In 1973, the museum opened the first IMAX dome theater in the world, and to this day, the IMAX continues to dazzle audiences with immersive adventures through space, rainforests, and oceans."

"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."

"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."

"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)"

"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."

"This museum presents exhibits of folk art from around the world, including Indonesia and New Guinea (multicolored masks, dolls, fertility symbols and shadow puppets) and Japan (decorative bottles, bowls and jars). Children will delight in the displays of international toys and antique carousels. Don't forget to visit the Collectors' Gallery/Museum Store for a wide selection of modern and antique arts and crafts."

"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."

"A tribute to the French neighborhood cafés that serve as the center of social and culinary life, Little Frenchie is a charming Parisian-style bistro and sidewalk cafe that locals and visitors have fallen in love with since it’s opening in May 2019. The produce is regionally sourced, and seafood is obtained from local area fishermen. Everything here is fun, fancy, and fresh."

"No need to cross the Atlantic when you can stop into this casual Parisian-style cafe on Orange Avenue. They’re known for a wide selection of delectable cheese and classic dishes like escargots, steak frites, quiche, and croque monsieur. The menu features suggested pairings from their approachable list of French and California wines."

"8751 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942Order Your Food Early Here$ | Cafe | Hole in the Wall | Hidden Gem. Lunchbox is a down-to-earth humble little shop that prides itself on providing excellent service and food. If it doesn’t then they have no problem fixing the issue."

"If you’re a San Diego local, you know there’s an abundance of delicious Mexican and Asian cuisine to experience. However, there are some eateries in San Diego that combine both cultural cuisines and offer a unique (but also familiar) Mexican-Asian fusion dish!. The Tabe BBQ Fusion truck takes elements from both popular Mexican and Korean dishes to create an amazing and tasteful meal."

"345 Sixth Avenue, East Village, San Diego, California, 92101Plan A Special Night Here$$$ | Greek Fusion. Open until the wee hours, Meze happily provides amazing Greek flavors to some classic breakfast and brunch plates. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday until 2 PM."

"Relatively new on the vegan culinary scene, Plant Power-Fast Food was opened by the founders of Hillcrest’s Evolution Fast Food and offers a broad menu of plant-based sandwiches, salads, wraps, and burgers along with super smoothies and decadent desserts. Signature dishes include the Rambler Burger with crispy onion rings, American “cheese,” BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato, the Southwest Avocado Wrap filled with a zesty black bean and “beefy” medley of chipotle “aioli,” avocado, salsa, and kale mix, and the raw Jumbo Veggie Wrap packed with spinach, avocado, cashew hummus, sprouts, and cucumber in a whole wheat tortilla. Plant Power-Fast Food is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

"Any item you would find on a typical fast food menu is proudly plant-based, non-GMO, organic and free from additives and preservatives. Get a “beefy’ patty for your burger or opt for the black bean version, on options such as the Big Zac (sound familiar?), the holy guacamole or mushroom swiss with a side of crispy fries or kale slaw. Kids can get a meal with chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, or a cheeseburger and finish it off with a milk-shake, organic soda or kombucha."

"What we found: When I was researching San Diego vegan restaurants, someone in a local Facebook group suggested visiting Plant Power vegan fast food, saying that it was so good they were thinking of taking a trip to San Diego specifically to stop by this place. Plant Power is located in a nice building on a busy intersection, and has its own parking lot and a couple drive-in terminals. It appeared to be very popular with the local vegan and veg-curious crowd."