Top 5 best museums in Santa Monica

Heal the Bay Aquarium, which was previously known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, is a unique private-public aquarium. It is situated beneath the Santa Monica Pier, right next to the Pacific Ocean. This location not only provides a stunning backdrop for the aquarium but also allows for a direct connection to the marine life it houses.

The Museum of Flying primarily focuses on the history of aviation, with a particular emphasis on Donald Douglas and the Douglas Aircraft Company. The exhibits showcase the significant contributions of these entities to the development of aviation in Southern California. Visitors can learn about the pioneering work of Donald Douglas and his company, which played a crucial role in shaping the aviation industry.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, also known as ICA LA, is a contemporary art museum located in Los Angeles, California. It was formerly known as the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA). The museum showcases the work of local, national, and international contemporary artists, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.

The museum casts a clever eye on the history of Santa Monica. There are authentic artifacts, archived photographs and hands-on exhibitions here.

Seated in a 19th century building, this museum displays interesting artifacts and photographs coming from California.