All open air museums to visit in California

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in California. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in California:

  1. Presidio of San Francisco1

    Presidio of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Presidio of San Francisco, often simply referred to as The Presidio, is a park situated at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area while also being in close proximity to the bustling city of San Francisco, California.
  2. Los Encinos State Historic Park2

    Los Encinos State Historic Park

     Los Angeles, CA
    Los Encinos State Historic Park is a significant part of California's state park system, dedicated to preserving the historic buildings of Rancho Los Encinos. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. It is an ideal destination for those interested in history, architecture, and nature.
  3. Heritage Square Museum3

    Heritage Square Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Heritage Square Museum is a unique open-air museum situated in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of California architecture from the time of the American Civil War to the early 20th century. This museum is a testament to the architectural evolution of the region and provides an immersive experience for visitors interested in history and architecture.
  4. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park4

    Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

     San Diego, CA
    The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is situated in the historic heart of San Diego, California. This area is not only a state park but also a protected national site. It offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, making it a significant location for those interested in history and culture.
  5. Yosemite History Center5

    Yosemite History Center

     Wawona, CA
    This place will enchant you with its historic feel. Spend an hour walking around the charming covered bridge and old buildings.
  6. Rancho Los Alamitos6

    Rancho Los Alamitos

     Long Beach, CA
    The early 19th century adobe ranch house at Rancho Los Alamitos is a significant attraction for visitors. The house, which still stands today, houses a museum that presents the history of the area. This offers tourists an opportunity to learn about the region's past and its evolution over the centuries.
  7. Ardenwood Historic Farm7

    Ardenwood Historic Farm

     Fremont, CA
    Ardenwood Historic Farm, located in Fremont, California, is recognized as a Regional Historic Landmark. The farm is under the management of the East Bay Regional Park District, ensuring its preservation and maintenance.
  8. History Park at Kelley Park8

    History Park at Kelley Park

     San Jose, CA
    History Park at Kelley Park in San Jose, California, is a unique indoor/outdoor museum designed to replicate a small US town from the early 1900s. This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time and explore the architecture, culture, and lifestyle of a bygone era. The park has been operational since 1971 and has been a significant attraction for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  9. Cabazon Dinosaurs9

    Cabazon Dinosaurs

     Cabazon, CA
    Cabazon Dinosaurs, previously known as Claude Bell's Dinosaurs, is a roadside attraction located in Cabazon, California. The main attractions of this site are two large, steel-and-concrete dinosaurs named Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex. These impressive structures are visible from the freeway, making them a notable landmark for travelers passing by on Southern California's Interstate 10.
  10. Will Rogers State Historic Park10

    Will Rogers State Historic Park

     Los Angeles, CA
    Will Rogers State Historic Park is a significant location as it was the former estate of the renowned American humorist, Will Rogers. The park is situated in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles, specifically in the Pacific Palisades area. This location offers a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  11. Stagecoach Inn Museum11

    Stagecoach Inn Museum

     Thousand Oaks, CA
    The Stagecoach Inn Museum, located in Newbury Park, California, has a rich history dating back to its original use as the Grand Union Hotel. This establishment served as a resting area for travelers journeying between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Today, the museum stands as a testament to this history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  12. Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum12

    Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum

     Riverside, CA
    The Jensen Alvarado Ranch, located in Jurupa Valley, California, is a historic park and museum. It is managed by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the region and the lives of its early settlers.
  13. Strathearn Historical Park and Museum13

    Strathearn Historical Park and Museum

     Simi Valley, CA
    The Simi Adobe-Strathearn House, located in Simi Valley, California, is a historic site that once served as the headquarters of Rancho Simi, a land grant given by the Spanish government. The house was built between 1892 and 1893 and remained in the Strathearn family until 1969. At that time, it was donated to the Simi Valley Recreation and Park District. This historic house is now part of the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.
  14. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park14

    Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

     Lower Lake, CA
    Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a unique blend of natural and cultural history. It serves as a nature reserve, preserving a tule marsh, archaeological sites of the Pomo people, and historic ranch structures. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in both nature and history.
  15. Fort Ross State Historic Park15

    Fort Ross State Historic Park

     Jenner, CA
    Fort Ross State Historic Park is a significant historical site located in Sonoma County, California. The park encompasses the former Russian fur trading outpost of Fort Ross, the adjacent coastline, and the native coast redwood forests that extend inland. This diverse landscape offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions.
  16. California Citrus State Historic Park16

    California Citrus State Historic Park

     Riverside, CA
    The California Citrus State Historic Park, located in Riverside, California, is an open-air museum that offers a unique insight into the history and development of the citrus industry in Southern California. As part of the state park system, it provides an interpretive landscape that tells the story of the citrus industry through the experiences of the diverse migrant and immigrant groups who contributed to its growth and success.
  17. Forest Home Farms Historic Park17

    Forest Home Farms Historic Park

     San Ramon, CA
    Forest Home Farms is a significant historic park located in San Ramon, California. The park, which spans 16 acres, was generously bequeathed to the city by Ruth Quayle Boone in 1997. The park serves as a memorial to Ruth and her husband, Travis Moore Boone, and is a testament to their contribution to the city and its history.
  18. Fresno Discovery Center18

    Fresno Discovery Center

     Fresno, CA
    Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e
  19. Carrillo Ranch Park19

    Carrillo Ranch Park

     Carlsbad, CA
    The Leo Carrillo Historic Park, formerly known as Rancho de los Quiotes, is a historic estate located near Carbslbad, California. It was originally built as a weekend retreat for the actor Leo Carrillo. The park offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle of the famous actor and his love for Spanish hacienda-style architecture.
  20. Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village20

    Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village

     Bakersfield, CA
    The Kern County Museum, situated in Bakersfield, California, is a history museum that primarily focuses on the history of Kern County. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the county's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the region's heritage.
  21. Big Bear Valley Historical Society & Museum21

    Big Bear Valley Historical Society & Museum

     Big Bear City, CA
    We are a historical museum focusing on the Big Bear Valley in Southern California. Located in Big Bear City, we cover the Valley's Native American, Mining, Logging, Filming and Recreational roots!
  22. 22

    Destination Crenshaw

     Los Angeles, CA
    Destination Crenshaw is a unique open-air museum currently under construction in Los Angeles, California. Spanning 1.3 miles along Crenshaw Boulevard, the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of African Americans. Once completed, it will offer visitors a rich and immersive experience of African American heritage.
  23. 23

    Washington Township Museum of Local History

     Fremont, CA
    The Washington Township Museum of Local History is a historical museum situated in Fremont, California. It was established by two historical organizations, the Mission Peak Heritage Foundation and the Washington Township Historical Society, with the aim of focusing on education, archival research, and preservation of the historical resources of Washington Township.
  24. 24

    Gold Bug Park

     Placerville, CA
    Part of a ghost town - explore the two abandoned mines, the museum and of course the town itself. A fun day out.