Comic-Con Weekend Museum Fun Guide
Grab your spandex and slip on your cape as Comic-Con International swings back into action July 23 to 27. Get ready for the ultimate fun weekend in San Diego from the downtown convention to amazing exhibitions at your favorite museums. Check our Museum Fun Guide for just a few of our favorite picks!
Your Comic-Con Headquarters: The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park
Start your Comic-Con weekend where the celebration never ends—at the Comic-Con Museum, where fandom lives year-round through immersive exhibits, pop culture icons, and creative showcases for every kind of fan.
🎩 Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder – Where Science Meets Fiction
Now Open
Step into the TARDIS for a hands-on journey through time, space, and science! This world-exclusive exhibit features all 17 iconic Doctor costumes together for the first time, plus original props, costumes, and interactive displays that explore how science and imagination collide in the Whoniverse.
🎀 20 Years of Kawaii & Chaos: The World of tokidoki
Now Open
Celebrate two decades of bold, playful design with tokidoki, the global phenomenon that blends Japanese-style cuteness with streetwear cool. Dive into rare collectibles, fan art, and behind-the-scenes insights from creator Simone Legno.
📚 Growing Up Luann: 40 Years of Comics by Greg Evans
Now Open
From local beginnings in San Marcos to national syndication, Luann has captured hearts for four decades. This exhibit showcases original artwork, unpublished sketches, and personal commentary from cartoonist Greg Evans himself.
💫 Special Comic-Con Weekend Bonus: “Echoes from the Galaxy” Star Wars Auction Exhibit – Sunday, July 27
For one day only, Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) bring legendary Star Wars memorabilia to the museum—including screen-used lightsabers from Obi-Wan, Darth Maul, and Luke Skywalker, a Stormtrooper helmet from A New Hope, rare concept art, and more. Learn more at https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-san-diego-comic-con-exclusives-2025
🛸 Free with museum admission | Auction begins at 12 PM
📍 Located in Balboa Park
🎟️ Buy tickets now and plan your visit »
Let the fandom adventure begin! Plan your visit and pick up your tickets here.
Feel the Force: ULF Presents the Lightsaber World Championship
Balboa Park
The lightsabers are igniting once again! San Diego’s own Underground Lightsaber Fighters (ULF) return for an epic evening of intergalactic combat at the Light Saber World Championship, taking place Saturday, July 26 at sundown in Balboa Park, just outside the San Diego Natural History Museum.
This high-energy, Star Wars-inspired event transforms Balboa Park into a glowing battleground as Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians, and other Force-wielding warriors engage in cinematic, choreographed duels. Expect thrilling simulated saber combat, cosplay flair, and plenty of surprises as ULF’s most skilled duelists face off for the championship title.
Hosted by the passionate fan collective ULF San Diego, the evening is free and family-friendly, inviting fans of all ages to celebrate the galaxy far, far away—no ticket or midichlorian count required.
Whether you’re a Padawan or a seasoned Master, come witness the clash between the light and dark side—and may the Force be with you.
🌐 More info at: www.ulfsandiego.com
Fun Fridays in the Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Friday nights come alive this summer in Balboa Park! It’s the perfect spot for date nights, family fun, art exhibitions, big-screen movies, live music, and fabulous foods. Check out our museum guide here for great ideas and details.
You can now enjoy late-night access to the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Mingei International Museum and more on Friday nights. See our picks including Panama 66, ARTIFACT at Mingei, Japanese Friendship Garden, Fleet Science Center, and the The Prado Restaurant.
Art From the Holocaust: Rare Graphic Propaganda and the Power of Image
Comic-Con 2025 Exclusive Panel – Thursday, July 24 at 1 PM | Room 4
Presented by RUTH: Remember Us, The Holocaust, this powerful session offers a rare look at propaganda art from the Holocaust era—visual media designed to manipulate, dehumanize, and control. Through the lens of chilling graphic materials collected by Norbert Podlesny, the Art from the Holocaust panel explores how art can become a weapon of hate and a tool of psychological warfare.
Curated and moderated by Sandy Scheller, daughter of local Holocaust survivor Ruth Sax z’’l and author of Try to Remember; Never Forget, this panel is a must-attend for those seeking to understand the dark intersections of history, design, and ideology. A poignant and timely reminder of why memory and truth matter more than ever.
Included with Comic-Con Badge | Arrive Early – Seating is Limited
USS Midway Museum
San Diego Bay Front
The USS Midway Museum, once the largest ship in the world and now a naval museum here in San Diego, is also an iconic movie location. Step aboard this real-life aircraft carrier and walk the same decks where movie legends—and real heroes—once stood.
Hollywood loves San Diego as a filming location, and the city has starred in fan-favorite productions including The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Transformers (2007), Green Lantern (2011), Thor (2011), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Top Gun (1986), The Scorpion King (2002), and even episodes of The X-Files (1993–2018).
Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard the USS Midway, featured in Iron Man (2008) and Top Gun, and explore a real-life backdrop of blockbuster history.
Don’t miss your chance to climb onboard the USS Midway which has been seen in many movies including Iron Man (2008). The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4 p.m. Tickets and more here.
Set Sail into Cinema and History at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
⚓ All Aboard the HMS Surprise
Step onto the HMS Surprise, the iconic tall ship featured in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. This full-size replica of an 18th-century Royal Navy frigate is permanently docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and ready to transport you straight into the Age of Sail. Whether you’re a Russell Crowe fan or just love classic adventure cinema, this is a must-see stop during your Comic-Con weekend.
🌊 Arriving Early? Dive into Summertime Sailor Days
If you’re getting into town ahead of the Comic-Con rush, don’t miss the return of Summertime Sailor Days, happening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., July 1–August 27, 2025. Included with general admission, this interactive program invites families and maritime fans aboard the legendary Star of India—the world’s oldest active sailing ship.
🚢 What to Expect
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Furl sails, haul lines, and try your hand at knot-tying
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Make your own rope like a traditional sailor
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Join a family scavenger hunt to win a prize from the ship’s treasure chest
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Explore the Museum’s full fleet of historic vessels and engaging exhibitions
🚤 Want to Hit the Bay?
Narrated 45-minute Historic Bay Tours aboard the 1914 Pilot boat are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis—just $10 with general admission.
📍 Conveniently located on the Embarcadero, within walking distance of most downtown San Diego hotels and just minutes from the San Diego Convention Center
🎟️ Plan your visit at sdmaritime.org »
Where Science Meets Sci-Fi: Fleet Science Center Joins the Comic-Con Action
The Fleet Science Center is always a hub of innovation, imagination, and interactivity in the heart of Balboa Park—but during Comic-Con weekend, it powers up with even more ways to explore the science behind your favorite stories.
🧬 Year-Round at the Fleet
Explore hands-on exhibits, immersive IMAX films, and experiences that connect science to everyday life. From space exploration and virtual reality to brain science and sustainability, the Fleet invites kids and adults alike to ignite their curiosity. Don’t miss the Survival of the Slowest exhibit.
Fleet Science Center Comic-Con Panels Explore Science in Comics and Movies
You can’t have science fiction without science! The Fleet Science Center will be back at Comic-Con with panels and events that bridge science and pop culture:
Afrofuturism Lounge – Thursday, July 24 | 6 PM
The Fleet also hosts the 8th Annual Afrofuturism Lounge, an offsite celebration of Black comics, sci-fi, art, and Astral Blackness. Meet artists, authors, and fans in a dynamic space where imagination meets identity.
🎟️ Tickets start at $20 | More Info
📍 Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park
🔗 Plan your visit »
Whether you’re into warp drives, wearable tech, or wild theories from the Foundation universe, the Fleet is your launchpad for Comic-Con weekend discovery.
All Aboard for Imagination at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
🚂 Headed to Comic-Con? Flash Your Badge for 50% Off!
From July 23–27, Comic-Con badge holders get 50% off admission to one of Balboa Park’s hidden gems: the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Tucked beneath the Casa de Balboa, this immersive space brings railroading history—and a whole lot of fun—to life through intricate model train layouts, interactive exhibits, and a touch of wonder around every curve.
🌍 What to Explore:
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Massive, detailed layouts representing historic rail lines of the American Southwest
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Hands-on activities perfect for families and curious kids
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Themed exhibits that celebrate transportation, storytelling, and engineering
Whether you’re into world-building, motion mechanics, or just love watching trains weave through miniature towns and mountains, SDMRM is a quiet but captivating stop just steps away from the Comic-Con energy.
📍 San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Balboa Park
🗓️ Discount valid July 23–27 with Comic-Con badge
🎟️ Plan your visit »
🚉 Pro tip: It’s a great mid-day escape from the Comic-Con crowds—and an ideal spot for fans of detail, design, and imagination in motion.
Holy Penguins Batman!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
La Jolla
What’s waaaay cuter than Burgess Meredith as the Penguin in the 1960s Batman TV series or Colin Farrell as the Penguin in this year’s The Batman movie? Little blue penguins, of course!
The Come face-to-face with the world’s smallest penguins as they waddle, swim and dive about their new home. Make your reservations here for the eyster Family Little Blue Penguin habitat at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.
California Surf Museum
Surfing Fun in Oceanside
The 1960s saw the popularity of surfing explode with hits by the Beach Boys, surf movies and the first appearance of Marvel’s Silver Surfer in the 1966 Fantastic Four #48.
Whether you or a surfer or just love to watch the waves, the California Surf Museum in Oceanside has something for everyone. The beautifully designed museum features amazing displays that chronicle the history of surf boards and wave riding as well as the growth of this sport from its earliest history to the modern era.
Arts District Liberty Station
Textiles, Toys & Naval History—A Creative Double Feature
If you love designing costumes, don’t miss Visions Museum of Textile Art, home to three stunning new exhibits this summer. One highlight features hand-painted, translucent fabrics by a local artist that blend tradition and innovation. By displaying historic textiles alongside tools, dyes, and materials, the exhibit traces the evolution of global textile traditions into contemporary expression—perfect inspiration for cosplayers and costume designers alike.
Nearby, GI Joe fans and history buffs alike will want to explore the Nautical History Gallery and Museum, where a large collection of 12-inch GI Joe figures is used to portray the history of the U.S. Navy—from the Revolutionary War through World War II. It’s a nostalgic and educational experience that merges pop culture with military heritage in a uniquely hands-on way.
Fun Tip: After your visit, enjoy art-inspired shopping at local galleries and studios throughout the district, then refuel with global flavors and great local bites inside Liberty Public Market—one of San Diego’s favorite food halls.
Plan your visit at: artsdistrictlibertystation.com
Escape the Crowds for a Howling Good Time in Julian
Need a break from the Comic-Con hustle? Take a scenic drive to Julian and discover wild summer magic at the California Wolf Center—just over an hour from San Diego!
Kids Tour FREE This July & August
Add a dose of adventure to your weekend:
- Meet wolves up close in their natural habitat
- Learn how these majestic creatures help keep our ecosystems in balance
- One FREE child admission (under 17) with every paid adult ticket
Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone needing a peaceful reset before heading back to the cosplay and chaos.
Book your spot now (tours fill fast): californiawolfcenter.org/tours
Fun Tip: Happening Today at 12 PM (PT): Live Webinar from the California Wolf Center; “A Brief History of Wolf Conservation & Lessons Learned”
Join Jacob Keeton, Director of Education & Engagement, for a fascinating look at how wolves once thrived across North America, what led to their decline, and how conservation efforts—from Yellowstone to modern reintroduction programs—are shaping their future.
📅 Today, Thursday, July 24 at 12 PM Pacific
🎟 FREE for CWC Members | $15 for Guests
📲 Register now: Sign Up Here
Most Haunted House in America
Whaley House Museum, Old Town San Diego
Ghostbusters should put on their ecto goggles, grab their proton packs and ghost traps and head straight to the Whaley House Museum in Old Town. Worldwide known as the Most Haunted House in America, it is recognized for its historical significance in Old Town San Diego. Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions. Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds. Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
The home has a “mysterious and chilling past,” from a series of tragic events that took place on its grounds to the town gallows that once stood in its backyard, where criminals including the infamous thief James “Yankee Jim” Robinson were hung. Visitors claim to hear or see spirits on tours of the home, and it’s been featured on all manner of “ghost hunter” shows, including appearances on the SYFY and Discovery channel. Find tickets and more here.
The Proctor Valley Monster in Bonita
Bonita Museum and Cultural Center
Perhaps the stories began back in the ’60s when rancher’s cattle began going missing and found miles away mutilated. Rumor has it that a local museum even has a huge footprint that was once found in the valley.
San Diego Air & Space Museum: High-Flying Summer + Movie Night
It’s a blockbuster summer at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where history and imagination take flight. Alongside new interactive exhibits like Moon Base San Diego and Da Vinci’s First Flight, families can enjoy exclusive seasonal deals and a special Movie Night experience.
🎬 Movie Night: The Minecraft Movie
📅 Saturday, July 26 | 6:30 PM
🎟 Included with regular museum admission
🍿 Free popcorn for every guest
🛋 Bring your own chairs, blankets, or bean bags for a cozy viewing
🍹 Grown-up crafters can enjoy themed cocktails and the bar
Fun Tip: Before the movie, check out the new family friendly Moon Base San Diego activity and education center and the fascinating Da Vinci’s First Flight.
La Jolla Historical Society: Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling
La Jolla
Now through August 31, you can experience the powerful new Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project at the La Jolla Historical Society’s Wisteria Cottage Gallery. This immersive installation invites visitors into the world of Indigenous storytelling through the lens of contemporary comics and community-driven scholarship. The project traces its origins back to San Diego Comic-Con 2019, where tribal historians and the creators of NAGPRA Comics connected over the need for Indigenous-led accounts of California’s history. Admission is free (donations welcomed!).
Fun Tip: Make it a weekend outing—visit the exhibit before Comic-Con 2025, then download the open-source graphic novels online to explore the stories even deeper.
Learn more: lajollahistory.org
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
Downtown San Diego
Just steps away from the convention center is downtown’s oldest standing structure known as the Gaslamp Museum! The home has housed many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a a WWI German spy in hiding who was later captured and even Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. It was even a hospital for around 10 years where many sick and wounded patients died. Today, each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants.
The Museum has “special edition” Comic-Con “haunted Specials” including self-guided tours, use of EMF meters, as well as “special edition” stickers of the museum in celebration of Comic-Con! Supplies are limited so hurry in!
Blue Star Museums
Now through Labor Day, active-duty military personnel and their families can enjoy free admission at dozens of museums nationwide through the Blue Star Museums program—a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
In San Diego, participating museums include the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, Coronado Historical Association, JA Cooley Museum, Museum of Making Music, Museum of Photographic Arts at SDMA, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, San Diego Archaeological Center, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Art.
It’s a great way to explore local history, art, music, and innovation—all summer long. Learn more at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Get Your Hands on the 2025 Comic-Con Library Card!
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… no, it’s this year’s out-of-this-world San Diego Public Library card!
Created in collaboration with Comic-Con International, this year’s commemorative design by Sarah Wilkinson Artlaunches Thursday, July 24—available free at all 37 SDPL locations while supplies last.
No replacement fees in July
Visiting Comic-Con? Swing by booth #5523 to grab your card
Friday at noon: Meet artist Sarah Wilkinson and get your card signed!
Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or just love a good collectible, this limited-edition card is a superpowered keepsake you won’t want to miss.
Learn more: sandiego.gov/ccel#2025design
Toucan, The Official Comic-Con Blog
San Diego
Make your trip to San Diego’s Comic-Con 2025 the BEST it can be! The Toucan has tips on everything related to Comic-Con from bringing the kids, programming schedules, and the Comic-Con App. Get the latest here.
Even if you don’t have a badge, there are plenty of offsites to experience with no badge required. Check out the list below for some of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con Offsites Calendar.
