February is the perfect time to discover, learn and make memories together in San Diego. From hands-on science exhibits to outdoor gardens and historic landmarks, Museum Month is a great way to spend quality time together while experiencing everything San Diego has to offer. San Diego Museum Month is an annual program that invites families to explore the region’s arts, culture, history and science at discounted rates. Throughout the entire month of February, visitors can enjoy 50% off admission at more than 70 participating museums and attractions across San Diego County. There are also select locations in Tijuana.
Visitors can pick up a free printed Museum Month pass at participating local libraries or download a digital version directly to their phone, making it easy to plan outings throughout the month. Each pass can be used for up to four 50% off admissions per visit and there is no limit on how many different museums you can visit throughout February. For all the details, visit the San Diego Museum Council website.
Five Fun Ways to Make the Most of Museum Month
Make a memory – Museum Month is a fun and affordable way to create lasting memories while experiencing the best of San Diego’s cultural scene. Pick a museum you haven’t explored yet or one of your favorites, set a date and let the memory-making begin. We love finding different photo opportunities at each museum. Whether it is a fun statue to pose with, an intriguing piece of art or a historical artifact, don’t forget to stop and strike a pose. We love looking back on the memories we have created at the museums over the years. With over 70 participating museums, including the Birch Aquarium, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the USS Midway Museum, there is truly something for everyone.
Discover a new neighborhood! Use the Neighborhood Guides to Museum Month, which highlights which museums are located in each neighborhood. You can even pair a couple together on the same day to explore. We love taking in the exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla and then enjoying the views of the ocean from the gallery. You could pair this with a visit to the Birch Aquarium, where you can dive into a world of sharks, seahorses, turtles, and more. If sealife isn’t quite your vibe, you also have the option to stop by Mt. Soledad, which offers amazing views of San Diego. Afterwards, there are a lot of great places to eat in downtown La Jolla, making it easy to turn the outing into a full day of exploring together.
Make it a date. Whether it’s a date night, meet up with friends, moms’ night out or family date, making your way through a museum can be a great way to spend time together. Locations like the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park make it easy to turn a museum visit into a shared experience, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a giant-screen film that adds an extra layer of fun. Couples and adults may also enjoy evening celebrations or special offers during Museum Month. The Natural History Museum’s Nat at Night after-hours series is an opportunity to explore exhibits after dark while enjoying drinks, food and rooftop views. These adult-friendly events add a fun and fresh way to enjoy San Diego’s cultural institutions together.
Mix up your visits with a combination of weekday and weekend visits to spread out the fun. When our schedule permits, we enjoy visiting some of the museums on a weekday. The Model Railroad Museum is a great weekday option that encourages kids to slow down and take in detailed displays while also diving deeper into creativity, design, and STEAM concepts. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park is another favorite for a quieter visit, offering a peaceful setting with walking paths, gardens and open space that feels especially calm during the week.
Make learning come to life. Whether you enjoy learning about history, exploring nature or getting creative with art and science, Museum Month offers experiences that feel educational without feeling like school. It is a fun way to introduce kids to new interests while giving parents the chance to enjoy culture and creativity together. Places like the San Diego Botanic Garden bring learning outdoors. It allows families to wander through themed gardens, explore winding trails and spend time in spaces like the Hamilton Children’s Garden. We enjoy visiting this location because it encourages hands-on discovery through play, nature and imagination.
