San Diego Natural History Museum

Located in San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection of European old masters American art, and Russian icons. <br> Artworks in the collection range from 13th-century altarpieces through 18th-century portraits to 19th-century still lifes. Represented are the works of Dutch, Flemish, French, and Italian painters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Petrus Christus, Fragonard, Jacques-Louis David, and Veronese, as well as American artists such as John Singleton Copley and Eastman Johnson. <br> Admission to the Timken Museum of Art is always free.

No carrier has the history or the crew to match the Midway. A 47-year odyssey that spanned the end of WWII and Desert Storm, an odyssey in which more than 225,000 Americans took part.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the world famous Star of India.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is a nonprofit organization. The museum was founded in 1996, by the San Diego Chinese Historical Society under the leadership of its first three presidents: Sally Wong, Tom Hom, and Dr. Alexander Chuang. Charles Tyson donated the museum's current building, originally a Chinese mission located at 645 First Avenue, and in 1991, the City of San Diego graciously provided a piece of land in the original Chinatown area where the museum now resides. <br> Since opening in 1996, the museum has presented more than 47 exhibits highlighting the rich tradition of Chinese culture and history in San Diego and the world. The Museum also features a library of books on Chinese culture and a tranquil garden with koi pond.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum celebrates aviation and space flight history through preservation of significant artifacts, presentation of dynamic exhibits, and commemoration of the men and women who forged aerospace history, educating the public about the social and historical significance of aerospace technology and its promise for the future and inspiring students to excel in technology, mathematics and the sciences, and encourage all visitors to become life-long learners in support of aerospace advancement.

Walking through these galleries during the quieter winter months, you'll find yourself stepping into stories that demand your attention and reflection. The Museum of Tolerance pulls you into conversations about humanity's past and present through hands-on installations, compelling artwork, and speaker series that cut straight to the point. Whether you're exploring solo on a crisp afternoon or bringing a group, the thoughtfully designed programs—tailored for everyone from students to seasoned learners—spark real conversations about the prejudices still woven into our communities. It's the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, nudging visitors toward deeper understanding and action.

Location & Parking<br> The main buildings at LACMA (also known as LACMA East) are located in the Miracle Mile area between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue, on Wilshire Boulevard, just east of Ogden Drive. LACMA West is two blocks west, at the northeast corner of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.

Walk through the third floor right now and find yourself surrounded by the actual garments that defined an era of music. Michael Jackson's most memorable stage pieces are on display here, from the legendary Thriller album suit to the jackets and accessories that became visual signatures of his performances. Video clips of his most electrifying GRAMMY moments play alongside the collection, letting you see these very outfits in action. During winter, the museum's climate-controlled galleries offer a perfect escape while you explore how clothing transformed a performer into an unforgettable presence on stage. The exhibit captures the meticulous attention to detail that made his image instantly recognizable—each piece tells a story about music history and the artistry behind the spectacle. Open at 11:30am for public viewing.

Visit the world’s largest collection of costumes, props, posters, photographs and other priceless memorabilia from Hollywood’s greatest films, TV shows and music acts. <br> See costumes worn by Zac Efron and the cast of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" plus the dresses worn by Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls." See items from "The Sopranos," "Harry Potter," "Star Trek," "Baywatch," "Oceans 11," "Sweeney Todd," "Gone with the Wind," "I Love Lucy." Also — Rocky’s boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe’s dresses, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Indiana Jones’ whip, Pamela Anderson’s "Baywatch" swimsuit, Cary Grant’s Rolls-Royce, the shark seen in "Jaws," the church pews from "The Exorcist," Tom Cruise’s eyeball-switcher from "Minority Report" (and the eyeballs), Nicole Kidman’s’ sexy outfits and swing from "Moulin Rouge!"

Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum’s mission is to further cultural awareness and understanding through the arts.

The California State Military Museum is located at 1119 Second Street in the Old Sacramento State Historical Park. It is only a few minutes walk from the State Capital, The California State Railroad Museum and several other fine museums, parks, and tourist attractions. The museum, opened by Governor Pete Wilson in 1991, is the official military museum and historical research center of the State of California. This was reinforced on 11 September 2002 when Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the museum a permanent museum under the California State Military Department and providing permanent funding for the museum. Finally on 13 July 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to amend the Government Code to make the museum the state's official military museum.

One of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. (You can play them!)

Dive into the rebellious heart of the Beat Generation at this vibrant cultural hub in North Beach. Browse an ever-growing collection of rare photographs, handwritten letters, and first-edition classics from Kerouac, Ginsberg, and beyond—each piece tells the story of a literary movement that changed America. The museum's collection keeps expanding thanks to passionate locals and visitors who contribute their own Beat treasures.

The Randall Museum offers a unique haven where children and adults can explore the creative aspects of art and science and make discoveries about nature and the environment by direct participation in classes, workshops, special events, and clubs.

Walking through these galleries feels different in winter—the natural light filtering through the building takes on that crisp, clear quality that San Francisco's cold months bring, making the contemporary pieces hit differently. The museum has been shaping how art institutions think about connecting with visitors through digital channels for nearly a decade, constantly reworking its approach to welcome people from all backgrounds into the conversation. Each redesign reflects a deeper commitment to figuring out what a modern art space actually means today, using online platforms to invite reflection on the institution itself rather than just showcasing what hangs on the walls.

From the first run in 1873 to the present. Learn about the inventor, technologies, builders, rapid expansion, near loss and the ongoing efforts to save and rebuild the cable cars of San Francisco. <br> Houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and gift shop run by the Friends of the Cable Car Museum - a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of cable car history.

Discover California Indian history, art, and culture told through Native voices at this remarkable community museum. Explore vibrant exhibits celebrating the resilience and ongoing renaissance of California Indian traditions, while supporting Native professionals gaining hands-on experience in museum work and cultural interpretation. Founded by the National Indian Justice Center, this institution stands as a powerful testament to Indian sovereignty and cultural pride.

Step into the world of a cartoonist who turned childhood dreams into an iconic legacy. Charles M. Schulz's journey from a Minneapolis kid who fell in love with the comics to the creator of Peanuts is a testament to following your passion—and you can explore it all right here in Santa Rosa, where his most beloved work came to life.