All history museums and attractions to visit in San Diego

San Diego (California) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 28 history museums in San Diego, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in San Diego? These are the ones:

  1. Maritime Museum of San Diego1

    Maritime Museum of San Diego

     San Diego, CA
    The Maritime Museum of San Diego, founded in 1948, is home to one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States. This collection provides a unique insight into the maritime history of the country and offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of historic ships.
  2. Museum of Us2

    Museum of Us

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego Museum of Man, an anthropology museum, is situated in the historic buildings of the California Quadrangle, in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. This location offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  3. USS Midway Museum3

    USS Midway Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The USS Midway has a rich history of service, having participated in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. From 1973 to 1991, it was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, serving as an advanced aircraft carrier. This period of service is well-documented in the museum, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the ship's role in these significant historical events.
  4. Cabrillo National Monument4

    Cabrillo National Monument

     San Diego, CA
    The Cabrillo National Monument is a historic district and National Monument situated in San Diego, California. It is a significant site that commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States. The monument offers visitors a glimpse into the history of exploration and discovery in the United States.
  5. Online discount!SeaWorld San Diego5

    SeaWorld San Diego

     San Diego, CA
    SeaWorld San Diego is a renowned American amusement park situated in California. It is owned and operated by the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group. The park was established in 1964 by four graduates from the University of California. Initially, the idea was to construct an underwater restaurant, but due to technical difficulties, the concept evolved into a public aquarium and zoo.
  6. La Casa de Estudillo6

    La Casa de Estudillo

     San Diego, CA
    La Casa de Estudillo, also known as Estudillo House, is a significant historical site located in the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This adobe building is a part of the rich history of San Diego, California, and offers a glimpse into the past. It was considered one of the finest houses in Upper California during its prime. The building is horseshoe-shaped, single-story with a patio, and its facade measures 34.4 meters with wings that are 29.9 meters long.
  7. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park7

    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.
  8. James Mccoy House8

    James Mccoy House

     San Diego, CA
  9. Mormon Battalion Historic Site9

    Mormon Battalion Historic Site

     San Diego, CA
    The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town, San Diego, California. It was constructed to honor the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served in the United States Army's Mormon Battalion during the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848. This site provides a glimpse into a significant period in American history and the role of the LDS Church in it.
  10. Centro Cultural De La Raza10

    Centro Cultural De La Raza

     San Diego, CA
    The Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in Balboa Park, San Diego, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, promotion, and education of Chicano, Mexicano, Native American, and Latino art and culture. The center supports and encourages the creative expression of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
  11. 11

    Firehouse Museum

     San Diego, CA
    A little gem, just perfect for families with kids. Learn about the history of firefightning through the museum's captivating exhibits.
  12. Junipero Serra Museum12

    Junipero Serra Museum

     San Diego, CA
    Presidio Park, located in San Diego, California, holds significant historical value as it is the site where the first European settlements in the Western United States were established. The San Diego Presidio and the San Diego Mission were founded here in 1769, marking the beginning of European influence in the region.
  13. Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House13

    Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House

     San Diego, CA
    Davis was the original founder of New Town San Diego, a project aimed at creating a new community closer to San Diego Bay than the original Old Town San Diego. Despite initial challenges, the area eventually developed into what is now known as Downtown San Diego, a vibrant and bustling part of the city.
  14. San Diego History Center14

    San Diego History Center

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego History Center, located in the city's Balboa Park, is a museum that showcases the rich history of San Diego. Founded in 1928, the center has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and understand the city's evolution over the years.
  15. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum15

    San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

     San Diego, CA
    As the name suggests, this is a perfect chance to explore Chinese culture. The museum also provides guided tours of the Asian district.
  16. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum16

    San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

     San Diego, CA
  17. Mason Street Schoolhouse17

    Mason Street Schoolhouse

     San Diego, CA
  18. La Casa De Machado Y Stewart18

    La Casa De Machado Y Stewart

     San Diego, CA
  19. Colorado House19

    Colorado House

     San Diego, CA
  20. Seeley Stable Museum20

    Seeley Stable Museum

     San Diego, CA
  21. Whaley House Museum21

    Whaley House Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The Whaley House, located in Old Town San Diego, California, is a museum and a California Historical Landmark. Built in 1857 in the Greek Revival style, it is the oldest brick structure in Southern California. The house is currently maintained by Historic Tours of America Inc. (HTA).
  22. Marston House22

    Marston House

     San Diego, CA
  23. The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park23

    The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park

     San Diego, CA
    The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center is situated in the historic Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum and enjoy the surrounding park, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and other cultural institutions.
  24. 24

    MCRD San Diego Command Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The MCRD San Diego Command Museum is situated in Day Hall, Building 26, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of the United States Marine Corps.
  25. 25

    San Diego Police Museum

     San Diego, CA
    An often missed museum with an extensive collection of everything police-related. Entertaining and educative.
  26. 26

    San Diego Archaeological Center

     San Diego, CA
    This hidden gem explores the past 10,000 years of settlement around San Diego. Excellent for both children and adults.
  27. 27

    Women's Museum of California

     San Diego, CA
    The Women's Museum of California (WMC) is a nonprofit institution situated in San Diego, California. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting women's history. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the significant contributions of women throughout history and their impact on society.
  28. 28

    Portuguese Historical Center

     San Diego, CA