San Diego’s premier transportation museum. Cruise into the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park for an experience that will take you on an amazing journey of design, styling, and horsepower! Rotating exhibitions plus a regular collection that includes Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000, as well as a large collection of motorcycles and memorabilia. Educational events, internships, summer camps, and private events are also highlights of this museum.
While there are cool cars and motorcycles to look at, what’s even more interesting is why they are there. It’s also fun to see the evolution of styling and horsepower over the years, but look out for these favorites.
- The museum’s robust collection of motorcycles is a pleasant surprise to most guests. Forty motorcycles sit on display, dating all the way back to the early 1900s.
- Calling all Back to the Future fans—the museum has a DeLorean DMC-12 on their show floor. Guests can even hop in the car for a picture.
- A collection of classic cars is the focal point of the San Diego Automotive Museum. Each one is complete with a short description and original price.
- Louie Mattar’s Cadillac alone is enough reason to visit the museum. We won’t spoil the story behind the car. Just know it’s worth seeing in person.
- Remaining true to southern California’s culture, the SDAM boasts a collection of vintage lowriders that are fun to peruse and learn the history behind.
Mission Statement:
San Diego Automotive Museum tells the story of the social and technological past, present, and future of the automobile through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
The San Diego Automotive Museum is a 17,000 square foot exhibit space that showcases both cars and motorcycles in distinct and sometimes thematic collections. With a mix of rotating exhibits and our permanent collection, SDAM features over 75 vehicles and motorcycles. We invite you to explore our collection and appreciate the beauty, design, style, construction, history and future – and perhaps spark a memory of your own.
The Plank Road
Picture yourself back in 1918 trying to cross the burning desert of Imperial County. You reach the treacherous Imperial Sand Dunes and face the challenge of a seamless ocean of sand. With relief and anxiety you begin to ascend the first dune on the Plank Road. The heat, swirling sand, and jarring ride across the rough planks makes you nauseous, but you are grateful since this new route offers safety and cuts many hours off the adventurous trip across the desert. Read more…
Indian Motorcycles
In the spring of 1901, the Indian motorcycle company was born. Carl Oscar Hedstrom, designer and engineer, and his partner, George Hendee, bicycle manufacturer, produced the first production motorized bicycle known then as a “motocycle”. Read more…
Louie Mattar’s Fabulous Car!
A man, a car and a dream. Soon after purchasing his 1947 Cadillac, Louie Mattar began the process that resulted in the creation of this dream car. In 1952, he and two other men established a cross-country endurance record by driving the Cadillac from San Diego to New York and back without stopping. Their trip totaled 6,320 miles and required refueling from a moving gas truck three times! More here.
All of the above and So. Much. More. Visit our website and then come in and see for yourself!
Visit San Diego Automotive Museum
Address:
2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego , CA
92101
Phone:
(619) 231-AUTO (2886)
Hours:
Open Tuesday to Sunday
10am - 4:30pm
10am-3:30 on Resident Tuesday (4th Tuesday of the month)
❄Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24
OPEN 10:00am-3:00pm
❄Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
CLOSED
❄Monday, December 30
OPEN 10:00am - 4:00pm
❄New Year's Eve: Tuesday, December 31
OPEN 10:00am-3:00pm
❄New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1
OPEN 10:00am - 4:00pm
Website:
2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA
