San Diego’s Museum Month 2026 will be BIGGER and MORE FUN with more than 70 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, aquariums and more starting February 1!
Starting February 1, you can pick up a Museum Month pass at any San Diego Public Library or download from here to your mobile device! Present your pass this February for half-price admission for up to four people at 70+ museums around San Diego County from February 1 -28, 2026. Some restrictions apply*
*No purchase necessary to receive a free San Diego Museum Month Pass. Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, or discounts including the Balboa Explorer Pass. Limit one pass per person. Not valid for groups larger than 4 people. Half-price is based on full general admission prices. May not be valid for specially ticketed exhibits, events, or films. Some restrictions apply. Please call museum(s) before visiting to inquire.
We challenge you to venture outside of your own neighborhood, to check out a new destination, investigate a new passion or interest, and re-think of what a “museum” really means. (Hint: There is more than one way to scratch that cultural itch!)
With your Museum Month printed pass (available at more than 80 public libraries), you can enjoy half-off admission for up to four guests all month long at 70+ local museums, historic sites, gardens, parks, aquariums/zoos and more. Plus, we’ve made it easier with a pass that you can download directly to your phone.
Browse what’s new and must-see at participating museums in our curated Neighborhood Guides, where you find highlights from some of San Diego’s most popular destinations as well as many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Pro Tip: In addition to those museums offering 50% savings, you will also find many museums that are completely free or pay-what-you-wish (donation based) all year long. It’s the perfect time to soak up all the culture (and fun!) San Diego County has to offer – without breaking the bank!
Printed Museum Month passes will be available at more than 80 libraries across San Diego County starting February 1.
San Diego County Library (33 locations)
San Diego Public Library (36 locations)
Chula Vista Public Library
Coronado Public Library
Escondido Public Library
National City Public Library
Carlsbad Public Library (3 locations)
Oceanside Public Library
San Diego Law Library
Geisel Library (UC San Diego)
Sally T. WongAvery Library (UC San Diego)
San Diego City College Library
Neighborhood Guides to Museum Month 2026
Balboa Park Museums
Balboa Park is known as the cultural heart of San Diego for a reason. Throughout, choose from 18 diverse museums and immersive cultural spaces for an array of interests. Here’s a look at museum experiences at the Park awaiting you during Museum Month. Make a day of it. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy one of the many great eateries found throughout the park.
To make the most of your visit, think about how you like to spend your time, and craft your itinerary around those pursuits.
* Comic-Con Museum offers half-off admission on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays. Discount is limited to 2 adults & 2 children’s tickets
*Museum of Us Museum Month admission does not include California Tower tours or the Membership On Us enrollment (which comes with a typical full-price one-day admission ticket).
*The San Diego Museum of Art Museum Month half-off museum admission is with Printed Pass only. No Museum Month Digital Passes will be accepted at the door. Offer valid February 1-28, 2026. Discount is limited to 4 tickets.
*At the San Natural History Museum, only printed Museum Month passes (no digital passes) will be accepted at the door. This coupon is for half-price admission for up to four (4) people. Online tickets may be purchased in February. The coupon cannot be used for specially ticketed events, Nat at Night, special exhibitions/exhibits, field trips or group visits.
Downtown San Diego Museums
San Diego’s vibrant downtown is home to an array of world-class museums ready for you to explore. Explore America’s largest aircraft carrier the USS Midway Museum and discover historic ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego along the bayfront.
Visit the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, and discover the rich history of Chinese Americans in San Diego at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. You can even spend the day with the kids at The New Children’s Museum.
Brain Observatory*
Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
Maritime Museum of San Diego*
New Children’s Museum*
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
USS Midway Museum
Whaley House Museum*
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
*Brain Observatory Museum Month passes must be purchased in advance online. Watch here for link.
*Maritime Museum of San Diego half-off museum admission is with Printed Pass only. No Museum Month Digital Passes will be accepted at the door. Passes are valid for self-guide general admission tickets only for up to 4 adults. Docent-led-tours, on-the-water experiences including narrated Bay tours or sailing adventures not included.
*The New Children’s Museum offer is for Monday – Thursday, 50% off for up to 4 people. Exclusions are: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 2/17. (Reminder we are closed Tuesdays) in February.
* Whaley House Museum Month passes are only good for the Daytime Self-Guided Tour, operating every day 10am-4pm and cannot be used for the Evening Guided Tours or the Paranormal Tour. Passes must be presented only at the museum door or at the Whaley House Museum Shop; they are not redeemable at any Old Town Trolley ticket booth or used for online sales.
Arts District Liberty Station Museum Month Locations
Nestled along the postcard-perfect waterfront of San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, Liberty Station is a 350-acre mixed-use development with plenty of spots to eat, shop, stay, and explore Museum Month 2025.
Once the site of the city’s Naval Training Center, this bustling community and cultural hub is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s home to a variety of art galleries, quirky shops and museums including Visions Museum of Textile Art, the Nautical History Gallery & Museum and the New Americans Museum. The former base is also adjacent to the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot, home of the MCRD Command Museum.
*Limited base access. The Marine Corp Recruit Depot Command Museum will be open only to families of graduating Marines on Family Day and Graduation, active duty/reserve military, 100% disabled, dependent, retired, retired dependent, DOD civilian employees. Please refer to the Depot’s official webpage here for base access.
San Diego’s North County Museums
North County San Diego boasts a thriving art scene that offers a diverse array of cultural experiences for both locals and visitors alike. North County is home to several museums and attractions from the California Surf Museum in Oceanside to the 37 acre San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, plus big-name attractions like LEGOLAND California.
By exploring these institutions, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history, traditions, and influences that have shaped the local art scene.
*GIA Tours must be scheduled in advance. Please call or email:760-603-4116 /museumtours@gia.edu
*Advance reservations are required at LEGOLAND® California Resort. During Museum Month visitors can get 50% off full-gate-price ticket valid for either a LEGOLAND® + SEA LIFE® Aquarium Hopper Ticket or Resort Hopper Ticket that includes LEGOLAND® + Water Park + SEA LIFE. The Water Park opens late-March through late-October. Tickets good through December 31, 2026. Book your tickets online. Museum Month discount cannot be combined with other offers, coupons. Watch for details here.
*At the San Diego Botanic Garden, walk-up admission only for up to four half priced tickets. Show your digital or physical pass at the admission window. Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons or discounts.
East County Museums
East County San Diego boasts a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene that reflects the region’s rich heritage and community spirit. The area is home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers dedicated to preserving and showcasing local history, art, and traditions. These institutions offer a range of exhibits and programs that provide insights into the area’s past and present, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s cultural landscape.
The region also hosts annual art walks and cultural events that bring together artists, residents, and visitors. These gatherings celebrate creativity and community, offering opportunities to explore local art, enjoy live performances, and participate in cultural activities. Such events play a crucial role in making the arts accessible to a broader audience and in strengthening the cultural fabric of East County.
*Barona Cultural Center Museum Month Passholders receive 20% off purchases in the Barona Museum Store (some exclusions apply) during the month of February!
*Pacific Southwest Railway’s Museum Month 50% off train rides and museum admission in February for walk-up ticket purchases at the Campo Depot only. Cannot be applied to online ticket sales. Cab rides are also excluded from the offer.
La Jolla Museums
La Jolla, a picturesque coastal community in San Diego, boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla showcases a diverse collection of contemporary works from both established and emerging artists. The area is also home to numerous galleries, with over 25 within walking distance, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers year-round.
Beyond visual arts, La Jolla offers enriching educational experiences. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps serves as the public outreach center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, featuring more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates. Additionally, the La Jolla/Riford Library houses the RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust Exhibit, providing a unique, immersive experience that sheds light on all victims of the Holocaust. These institutions contribute significantly to La Jolla’s dynamic arts and cultural scene, offering residents and visitors diverse opportunities for education and reflection.
- At the Birch Aquarium, please note advanced reservations are required for all guests. To receive the Museum Month discount, use code MuseumMonth25 in your online cart to save 50% off up to 4 full gate price general admission tickets dated February 1-28, 2026. The Museum Month discount cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, or discounts. A Museum Month pass must be presented upon entry with your reservation.
South Bay Museums
San Diego’s South Bay region is a vibrant destination that blends culture, art, and nature, offering a wide array of experiences for residents and visitors alike. The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center serves as a cornerstone of the area’s cultural identity, featuring exhibits that celebrate the rich history of the region, from its agricultural roots in the Sweetwater Valley to contemporary art and community events. Art enthusiasts will also find inspiration in the region’s public murals, galleries, and local art walks that showcase the creativity of South Bay’s diverse communities.
Nature lovers are equally captivated by South Bay’s offerings, including the Living Coast Discovery Center, located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This nonprofit zoo and aquarium provides a close-up view of native wildlife, such as sea turtles, sharks, rays, and birds of prey, while inspiring environmental stewardship through its educational programs. Complementing this is the Tijuana Estuary, a vital National Estuarine Research Reserve in Imperial Beach, where visitors can explore walking trails and learn about the importance of wetland conservation and the unique biodiversity of the region. Together, these institutions and natural landmarks make South Bay a dynamic area for cultural enrichment and environmental appreciation.
Coronado Museums
Coronado’s art scene is a delightful blend of creativity and history, reflecting the charm and elegance of this coastal community. The island is home to galleries, public art displays, and a vibrant performing arts scene, offering residents and visitors opportunities to engage with local and regional talent. Central to preserving Coronado’s rich heritage is the Coronado Historical Association, which operates a museum showcasing the island’s fascinating past, from its early development to its role as a naval hub. Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the association connects visitors to Coronado’s unique cultural narrative, making it a cornerstone of the island’s artistic and historical identity.
Coronado Historical Association
Other Neighborhoods
*Whaley House San Diego Museum Month passes are only good for the Daytime Self-Guided Tour, operating every day 10am-4pm and cannot be used for the Evening Guided Tours or the Paranormal Tour. Passes must be presented only at the museum door or at the Whaley House Museum Shop; they are not redeemable at any Old Town Trolley ticket booth or used for online sales.
*Access to the San Diego International Airport Arts Program is always free for kids and adults. Access to some parts of the airport are for ticketed passengers only. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. There is no Coupon Required for free access to the San Diego International Airport Arts Program.
Museums Without Walls
Museums without walls represent a dynamic approach to cultural engagement, bringing art, history, and science directly into public spaces for broader accessibility. These outdoor exhibits or community-integrated experiences transform parks, streets, and other open areas into interactive learning environments. By removing traditional boundaries, museums without walls encourage spontaneous discovery and connection, offering sculptures, murals, historical markers, and environmental installations that resonate with diverse audiences. This innovative model not only makes cultural content more inclusive but also enhances community spaces, fostering a deeper appreciation for art, heritage, and the environment in everyday life.
San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art*
Vanguard Culture*
We The People*
*Please explore each museum’s website for current exhibits and online offerings .
Tijuana Museums
Cultural Institutions in Tijuana will participate and offer 1/2 Price admission as Part of Museum Month 2026 this February.
Less than two miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, Tijuana’s art scene is thriving with museums, gallery spaces, performing arts stages, botanical gardens, an aquarium and more.
Tijuana’s museums and art scene highlight the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and creative spirit. The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) serves as a cornerstone for the arts, featuring the Tijuana Aquarium / Acuario Centro Cultural Tijuana, where visitors can explore marine life, and El Cubo (The Cube), which hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The Museum of the Californias / Museo de las Californias provides insight into the shared history of the Baja California region, while the Tijuana History Museum / Museo de Historia de Tijuana focuses on the city’s local development and cultural identity. Additionally, the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC) / Instituto Municipal de Arte y Cultura promotes community engagement through art, cultural events, and education. These institutions together create a dynamic cultural landscape, showcasing Tijuana as a hub of artistic expression and historical exploration.
Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT)*
Tijuana Aquarium / Acuario Centro Cultural Tijuana*
El Cubo (The Cube)*
Museum of the Californias / Museo de las Californias*
*1/2 Price for Students and Educators only.
*Cecut, Tijuana Aquarium / Acuario Centro Cultural Tijuana, El Cubo (The Cube) and Museum of the Californias / Museo de las Californias Museum Month half-off museum admission is valid for students and educators from February 1-28, 2025. D Museum Month discount does not apply to IMAX Domo.
*El Museo del Taco discount is for the Museum Only.
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Support generously provided by
This activity is supported by the San Diego Foundation, First 5 San Diego, Serra Cooperative Library System, the City and County of San Diego, and California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
