San Diego Museum Month | February 2026

1/2 Price San Diego’s Museum Month 2026 is here at more than 70 museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums, and more

YOU can now pick up a free Museum Month printed pass at any of 80+ San Diego City or County public libraries, five libraries in Imperial County, or at select educational libraries.

Starting February 1, you can download a digital pass 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, 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 are now available at more than 80 libraries across San Diego County.

Neighborhood Guides to Museum Month 2026

Balboa Park Museums

Balboa Park is known as the cultural heart of San Diego. Come experience 17 of its diverse museums and immersive cultural spaces for an array of interests. Have fun and 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 (17 & under) 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).

*Museum of Photographic Arts at 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 adult tickets.

* 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 Adult tickets.

*San Diego Natural History Museum only accepts printed Museum Month passes (no digital passes) at the door. This coupon is for half-price admission for up to four (4) people. Online tickets may be purchased in February using offer code MusMon26. The coupon cannot be used for specially ticketed events, Nat at Night, special exhibitions/exhibits, field trips or group visits. 

*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 Monday – Thursday, 50% off for up to 4 people. Exclusions are: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and President’s Day on Monday, 2/16. Reminder: NCM is closed Tuesdays. 

*MCRD: Visitors must get a pass at the MCRD Visitor Center, open M-F, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Closed Federal Holidays. Please call (619) 524-4200 for details.

*Museum Month half-price admission does not include classes or special events at San Diego Watercolor Society.

* GIA Museum Tours must be reserved 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability . To reserve a tour, please visit www.gia.edu/gia-museum

*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 here. Museum Month discount cannot be combined with other offers, coupons. 

*At the San Diego Botanic Garden, receive up to four half-priced tickets available for walk-up admission only. Please present your digital or physical pass at the admission window. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or promotions.

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!

* Ilan-Lael Foundation offers 50% off regularly scheduled docent-led tours the month of February. Tours must be booked online or over the phone. Limited availability, advance registration required. 

*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 exhibitions at the La Jolla Historical Society and 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 including the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

• At the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to receive the Museum Month discount, use code MuseumMonth26 in your online cart to save 50% off up to 4 full online-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. Please note advanced reservations are required for all guests using the Museum Month pass.

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 museum, 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.

*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. 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 Prebys 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.