Best Museums in Point Loma

"Talking about the most popular museum in San Diego, the USS Midway Museum is the only fine name that is topping the chart for years. USS Midway Museum is the longest-serving aircraft carrier that is now floating at the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego. The aircraft carrier has originally served between 1945 to 1992 but is now home to 29 restored aircraft, two flight simulators, over 60 war and military exhibits, a gift shop and a café proudly in name of a museum."

"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."

"The USS Midway Museum is a historic naval aircraft carrier museum that houses an extensive collection of aircraft and military history. The USS Midway was the United States’ longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, from 1945 to 1992. It was the only carrier to serve the entire length of the Cold War and beyond."

"A post shared by Klinge Realty Group @ Compass (@klingerealtygroup). It’s not a large museum — in fact, it’s one of the smallest in the area — but the Timken Museum of Art is home to art created by Anne and Amy Putnam. The two sisters are well-known throughout the world for creating a variety of American and European paintings during the early 20th century."

"Its front doors are located in a gigantic, cathedral-style facade that took a full two years to build, and they can be seen from every direction if you’re in the neighborhood."

"Known for its Spanish baroque and Renaissance paintings, including works by El Greco, Goya, Rubens, and van Ruisdael, San Diego's most…"

"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."

"This unique museum collaborates with contemporary artists to create one-of-a-kind art installations. The exhibits include playhouses, clubhouses, and climbable towers. Kids can interact with the exhibits and engage in active play as they would at home."

"A new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art."

"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."

"The Museum of Photographic Arts has a long history, as it first opened in 1983. It’s well known for being one of the first museums in the United States to exclusively exhibit photographic images. With such a rich history, you won’t be disappointed by what you see."

"Art is subjective and interpretive, and sometimes hard to decipher. Less so photographic arts, perhaps. And who doesn't like looking at amazing images of real things?"

"A planetarium and interactive science museum, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park was a trailblazer when it opened in 1973. Younger children will get the most out of the self-guided permanent exhibitions where they can explore outer space, learn the ins and outs of San Diego’s water system and discover the unseen world of nanotechnology. For toddlers the Little Learners’ Lab is a play zone with varying shapes and textures, while the Ball Wall has a little world of shoots, tracks and moving objects."

"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 always a crowd-pleaser for the crew. Get the fam in free the first Tuesday of the month. (Go early and avoid large crowds)."

"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."

"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."

"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)"

"For greasy but delicious Mexican grub after a day at the beach or hiking at Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve, grab a table on the outdoor patio at Roberto’s Very Mexican Food."