Most reviewed Speciality Museums in California


  1. 5.0 USS Midway Museum (25.4k reviews) from $31.00
    - Discover the Fascinating World of the USS Midway Museum
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums
    USS Midway Museum image
    Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA." See more..
  2. 5.0 The Getty Center (14.7k reviews)
    - Not to be missed!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    The Getty Center image
    The Getty Center in Los Angeles is an astounding place to spend a day marveling at world-class art and relaxing in beautifully manicured gardens. Take the tram up to this lavish postmodern complex, which houses a sprawling museum featuring masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne. You can also enjoy superb views of the city from the Cactus Garden, and savor a delicious contemporary menu at the center's restaurant. You can visit the complex for free, though there is a parking fee. To skip the lines, book a museum tour to delve deeper into the art with the help of a knowledgeable guide. – Tripadvisor See more..
  3. 4.5 Cable Car Museum (3.751 reviews)
    - Fabulous snapshot of history post and present
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    Cable Car Museum image
    A museum to San Francisco's beloved cable cars, with a subterranean walkway that lets you see the moving cable. See more..
  4. 4.5 Exploratorium (3.538 reviews) from $39.95
    - Their jiggle bug project was fun! Made kids think!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums
    Exploratorium image
    The Exploratorium is more than an iconic San Francisco museum perched by the Bay—it’s an all-ages gateway to joyful exploration of science, art, and human perception. Let your curiosity roam free through hundreds of exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. Watch, listen, notice, experiment, and play with wondrous phenomena from the world around you: from living cells to cosmic rays, from bubbles to human behavior, from optical illusions to electricity, from playful machines to rainbows, and much more. Plus observe the Exploratorium’s open shop, where our exhibits are designed, built, and tinkered with. You’ll find thoughtful safety protocols for visitors and staff, our unique museum store, excellent dining, and beautiful San Francisco Bay views. Located in the historic Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation, and there's ample parking nearby. See more..
  5. 4.5 Madame Tussauds Hollywood (3.297 reviews) from $30.76
    - A must do in Hollywood
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Madame Tussauds Hollywood image
    Discover a world of celebrity fun at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the world’s greatest wax museum! Located next to the famous Chinese Theater on the iconic Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the only place you can rub shoulders with over 125 stars from film, music and television without velvet ropes or barriers. Jump right on set with all your favorite icons like Ariana Grande, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and all the MARVEL Superheroes in our NEW 4D adventure. Welcome to the Stage. Welcome to the Spotlight. Welcome to Madame Tussauds-it’s where STARS are made! See more..
  6. 4.0 Old Sacramento (3.143 reviews)
    - Checkout Evangeline's Costume Mansion
    Speciality Museums
    Old Sacramento image
    This historic area of restored buildings, museums and novelty shops brings life to the Sacramento waterfront. See more..
  7. 5.0 Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (3.123 reviews)
    - Enjoyed our visit
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Libraries
    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum image
    The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see Southern California tourist attraction. Walk onboard Air Force One, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall, and so much more. See more..
  8. 4.0 The Queen Mary (3.044 reviews)
    - Room location make a big difference!
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    The Queen Mary image
    Old Hollywood glamour. A rich maritime history. Authentic 1930s Art Deco décor. The Queen Mary gives a unique glimpse into an era when steamships were the most regal way to travel. See more..
  9. 4.5 Musee Mecanique (2.942 reviews)
    - Fun surprise!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Musee Mecanique image
    This superb collection of mechanical games and toys will entice people of all ages. See more..
  10. 4.5 Walt Disney Family Museum (2.808 reviews) from $25.00
    - A must see for any Disney Fan
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    Walt Disney Family Museum image
    Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for entry. Located in the scenic Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the Bay Area’s most inspirational venues, welcoming visitors to an historic building that reveals 40,000 square feet of imagination. Find animation, innovation, inspiration and immerse yourself in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney—the man who raised animation to an art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world! The museum presents contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits which are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and features early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. Come experience the life story of the man behind the magic. See more..
  11. 5.0 California State Railroad Museum (2.794 reviews)
    - Something enjoyable for all ages
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    California State Railroad Museum image
    Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages. See more..
  12. 4.5 The Getty Villa (2.546 reviews)
    - Small art museum in Malibu
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    The Getty Villa image
    Special Holiday Hours: Sunday, December 25, 2016 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, December 27, 2016 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, January 1, 2017 - Getty Villa will be closed Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - Getty Villa will be open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM This museum is dedicated to the art of the ancient Greeks, Romans and other classic civilizations. See more..
  13. 4.5 Petersen Automotive Museum (2.436 reviews)
    - A great collection of rare and unique automobiles!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Petersen Automotive Museum image
    Rated the #1 Automotive museum in the world, the Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on Global life and culture. The museum features 25 galleries with more than 350 vehicles on display between the main floors and exclusive Vault. Visitors can immerse themselves in the 1000's of stories on display in the museum. See more..
  14. 4.5 de Young Museum (2.179 reviews) from $15.00
    - Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs
    Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM Speciality Museums
    de Young Museum image
    The de Young, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, is the nation’s fifth most visited art museum. It showcases American art from the seventeenth through the twenty-first centuries, international textile arts and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. See more..
  15. 4.5 Palm Springs Air Museum (2.059 reviews)
    - Surprised delight
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums
    Palm Springs Air Museum image
    Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. See more..
  16. 4.5 Maritime Museum of San Diego (1.791 reviews) from $20.00
    - Good for rainy day
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Ships
    Maritime Museum of San Diego image
    Welcome aboard our floating compilation of adventure and history! Admission to the "Maritime Museum of San Diego" grants you access to one of the world's finest collections of historic sea vessels. Once on board our museum ships, you will find that we offer something for people of all ages. You not only get to explore our ships and submarines, the museum displays permanent and temporary exhibits on art, maritime history, commerce and exploration. Historic bay cruises run daily and can be added on to the price of admission for an extra nominal fee. There is no better way to spend the day than on the bay! See more..
  17. 4.5 Mission San Juan Capistrano (1.603 reviews)
    - Stunning and relaxing
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    Mission San Juan Capistrano image
    Famous for the Annual Return of the Swallows, Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark, museum and gardens, welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Enjoy exhibits featuring historic and religious artifacts, rare paintings, and more. Experience the tradition of bell ringing daily honoring the legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, who founded the Mission in 1776. Visit the Serra Chapel, California’s only chapel still standing where Saint Serra celebrated Mass and the Eucharist has been celebrated daily. Today, it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Enhance your visit with our multi-language Audio Tour available in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. SEASONAL INFORMATION: Celebrate the holidays at Capistrano Lights on select days from December 4 through December 30 for daytime admission to the Mission and an evening of holiday programming and fun. Purchase tickets at CapistranoLights.com See more..
  18. 4.5 Trees of Mystery (1.233 reviews)
    - A fun roadside attraction
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Mysterious Sites • Forests
    Trees of Mystery image
    Family owned and operated roadside attraction, offers a hiking trail through the redwoods and a SkyTrail gondola ride through the trees. We have a large gift shop, fresh homemade fudge, and a large collection of Native American artifacts in our free museum. See more..
  19. 4.5 Charles M. Schulz Museum (1.154 reviews)
    - A trip back to childhood
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Charles M. Schulz Museum image
    View the largest collection of original Peanuts art work in the world at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Visitors can laugh at Schulz’s original comic strips, learn about the art of cartooning and Schulz’s role in its development, view a re-creation of Schulz’s art studio, watch animated Peanuts specials and documentaries in the theater, and draw cartoons in the hands-on education room. The Museum features a Peanuts tile mural (made from comic strips), a wrapped Snoopy doghouse, morphing Snoopy, Snoopy labyrinth, Kite-Eating tree, and three exhibition galleries that change every 6 months. See more..
  20. 4.0 The Tech Interactive (963 reviews)
    - bring the kids!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums
    The Tech Interactive image
    There's always something tech-tastic happening at The Tech Interactive, a science and technology center located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Voted Best Silicon Valley Museum by Metro San Jose, it's a must visit! The staff offers facilitated experiences like the BioTinkering Lab as well as hands-on experiences in genetics, earth sciences, alternative energy, virtual design, and lots more. It's also home to the largest IMAX Dome Theater west of the Mississippi, which plays a variety of educational films and the occasional Hollywood blockbusters. The Tech Interactive offers field trips, kid birthday party packages, an onsite cafe, and special event rentals. Whether you are planning a slime-filled birthday party for your 8-year-old or a sci-fi themed wedding, The Tech Interactive delivers! See more..
  21. 4.5 Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (925 reviews)
    - So cool!
    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum image
    Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, it houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America, including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt's early Islamic era. See more..
  22. 5.0 The Nethercutt Collection (847 reviews)
    - Fantastic collection of Functional Art
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    The Nethercutt Collection image
    The Grand Salon showcases cars of the 1910s to 1930s. There are also collections of furniture, dolls, timepieces and one of the world's finest collections of mechanical musical instruments. See more..
  23. 4.5 Oakland Museum of California (756 reviews)
    - You could spend a day here. Don't miss the garden.
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums
    Oakland Museum of California image
    The Oakland Museum of California provides unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California's environment, history, art and people. Museum programs are responsive, accessible and meaningful to the public, including school children, teachers, scholars, the immediate Oakland community, and an increasingly diverse California population. See more..
  24. 4.5 Battery Point Lighthouse (727 reviews)
    - Northern Coast Trip - Crescent City
    Speciality Museums • Lighthouses • History Museums
    Battery Point Lighthouse image
    Museum that houses many artifacts and documents related to local history. See more..
  25. 4.5 Mission San Luis Rey (631 reviews) from $7.63
    - Peaceful VisiT to History
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Mission San Luis Rey image
    Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the "King of the Missions," is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Facilities include a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery open to all people, Mission Gift Shop, Historic Church and interpretive Museum. See more..
  26. 4.5 The Gamble House (590 reviews)
    - A treasure of wood creativity
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    The Gamble House image
    The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is an outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture. The house and furnishings were designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. See more..
  27. 4.5 Buck Owens' Crystal Palace (559 reviews)
    - Great country hangout
    Saturday: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    Buck Owens' Crystal Palace image
    Combination, Steakhouse, theater and a museum housing memorabilia spanning Buck Owens' 40 year career in country music. See more..
  28. 4.5 USS Hornet Museum (555 reviews)
    - Very fun and interesting
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    USS Hornet Museum image
    The USS Hornet spent almost three decades traveling the world's oceans in service to our nation. The USS Hornet Museum, a State and National Historic Landmark, is berthed at Pier 3 on the former naval air station in Alameda. The ship's active duty years spanned the 1940's - 60's. The historic aircraft carrier was a key participant in WWII, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the recovery of the first two lunar landing space missions - Apollo 11 and 12. She was stored in a naval mothball fleet from 1970-1995. When the Museum opened in 1998, it was the only sea, air and space museum on the West Coast. The Museum is a great resource for local and international visitors. Open 7 days a week (only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) with a large percentage of the ship accessible for visiting. There are over a hundred restored spaces and dozens of exhibits to learn about the Hornets' career and what it was like to live and work aboard her. See more..
  29. 4.5 Museum of Western Film History (546 reviews)
    - Chock Full of Western Movie History
    Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    Museum of Western Film History image
    The Museum of Western Film History is America’s leading institution of Western Film history that pays tribute to the legendary heroes and heroines of America’s West. Founded in 2006 the museum, located in Lone Pine, Ca, collects, preserves and exhibits a broad and diverse collection of western film memorabilia associated with the American western film genre. Film programs, artifact preservation and exhibits, including interpretive projects and displays, provide narrative support for the movies, actors, directors, producers and most importantly, the landscapes that served as a canvas for their stories. In addition, the Museum supports the annual Lone Pine Film Festival on Columbus Day weekend. The Festival features screenings, panels, western authors, entertainment and guided Alabama Hills tours of movie site locations where Hollywood’s biggest western stars performed and of the landscape that has been the venue to over 700 films and 1000 television commercials. See more..
  30. 4.5 Morro Bay State Park (485 reviews)
    - SENSATIONAL PLACE TO VISIT
    Speciality Museums
    Morro Bay State Park image
    This beautiful state park campground is across the road from the beach. See more..
  31. 4.5 Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum (460 reviews)
    - Beautiful scenery
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
    Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum image
    The Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the American Pacific Coast. Sometimes brilliantly sunny, other times fog-shrouded and mysterious, always ruggedly beautiful, the Lighthouse is a place to find something different, a place where the romance is real and the experience is profound. Surrounded by water on three sides, and shouldered adjacent to the Point Arena/Stornetta Public Lands, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the premier visitor destination in Mendocino County. Climb to the top of the tallest Lighthouse on the Pacific coast, visit the Light Station Store, Indoor Museum and Outdoor Museum and celebrate our 152nd year! It is also one of the best whale watching spots on the North Coast, with the annual Gray Whale migration from late November through May, Humpbacks throughout the year, the occasional pod of transient Killer Whales and even Blue Whales. Watch for the spouts, tails and breaches from the trails and gazebo. Tower Tours daily! See more..
  32. 4.5 National Steinbeck Center (388 reviews)
    - A nice museum
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
    National Steinbeck Center image
    A celebration and exploration of the well-known author's work through multi-sensory exhibits, priceless artifacts and live theater performances. See more..
  33. 4.5 Museum of Making Music (372 reviews)
    - Hidden Gem!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Museum of Making Music image
    The Museum of Making Music celebrates the music products industry’s rich history from 1900 to today. Through unique exhibitions, vibrant and varied live music performances, and innovative educational programs, the Museum shares the accomplishments and impact of the people who make, sell, and use musical instruments and products. When you step into the galleries (and back in time) you’ll see outstanding examples of musical instruments, many of them displayed in vintage music store settings. You’ll also hear some familiar tunes in audio and video clips, have many hands-on opportunities to pick up and play a variety of instruments, and discover the innovative ways that the music industry has grown over the years. See more..
  34. 4.5 Mission Inn Museum (346 reviews)
    - Excellent Historical Resource for the Mission Inn
    Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings • Art Museums • History Museums
    Mission Inn Museum image
    Nonprofit Museum and Foundation which preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of the National Historic Landmark Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Independent organization offering free museum exhibits, guided interpretive tours, and public educational programming. See more..
  35. 4.5 The Marine Mammal Center (339 reviews)
    - highlight of the trip
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
    The Marine Mammal Center image
    The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. Visit our Sausalito hospital, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, to see animal care experts providing life-saving care to patients so they can be released back to the wild. Watch as our volunteers prepare meals in the Fish Kitchen, peek into our laboratory to learn more about our scientific research, and explore interactive exhibits that give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue hundreds of marine mammals every year. Plus, you’ll discover how you can take action to protect marine mammals and the ocean. Book your free ticket now at MarineMammalCenter.org See more..
  36. 4.5 California Automobile Museum (330 reviews)
    - Nice collection, great people, welcoming environment.
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    California Automobile Museum image
    The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm). See more..
  37. 4.0 Original McDonald's Site and Museum (309 reviews)
    - Lots of McDonald's memorabilia
    Speciality Museums
    Original McDonald's Site and Museum image
    The original building was demolished long ago, but this museum has tons of memorabilia. It was great to reminisce of all the toys you remeber from childhood. It's free qich is a plus, donations accepted. When you leave and go back home you can send him a toy from your area and they will put it in a display for others to see. Great stop kids loved it See more..
  38. 4.5 Blackhawk Museum (303 reviews)
    - Amazing pieces of art
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Blackhawk Museum image
    Since opening in August 1988, the Blackhawk Museum has displayed classic automobiles and myriad exhibitions exemplifying art, technology and history. Local students, residents and international visitors enjoy educational presentations, cultural programs and volunteer opportunities. Since the beginning it has been home to the Automotive Gallery with over 55 vintage, classic, rare and sports automobiles on display. These automobiles are regarded as works of art and range from the dawn of the motoring age through the 1960's. In 2015, a new exhibition, The Spirit of the Old West opened, telling the story of the western frontier from the perspective of both the Native Americans and the settlers before, during and after the expansion west. The exhibition features authentic artifacts from the period, a large diorama depicting key historic moments, scenes of wildlife from the frontier and other elements that bring the past to life. See more..
  39. 4.5 Reagan Ranch Center (261 reviews)
    - DEPENDS ON YOUR POLITICS
    Saturday: Speciality Museums
    Reagan Ranch Center image
    * THE REAGAN RANCH CENTER GALLERIES WILL BE CLOSED FROM MARCH 16TH - 20TH, out of concern for the health and safety of our guests, staff, and the wider community.* The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. These galleries feature original Reagan Ranch artifacts matched with state-of-the-art, interactive, multimedia exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo and the accomplishments of his presidency. Over six hours of dynamic multimedia exhibits provide access to exclusive speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations. The centerpiece of the gallery is a 28-foot-long interactive “timeline” that gives users the ability to explore the “Western White House” during the 1980s. See more..
  40. 4.0 Intel Museum (259 reviews)
    - Interactive and nice gift shop
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    Intel Museum image
    Highly interactive and family friendly but several monitors were out of order and the rest looked like they were still running Windows XP. Focus is on the two founders and tech, but somehow the museum doesn’t cover employee #3 which as CEO boosted sales by 4500% and moved Intel from a simple startup to a global player. The shop is nice, fair prices, and great staff. Worth the visit. Clearly signed to the free parking. The museum door is the one that is covered with posters to the left of the reception. See more..
  41. 4.5 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (257 reviews)
    - Visit to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
    Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image
    Located on the water's edge of the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum contains exciting & educational exhibits set inside of nearly 8,000 square feet of Museum space. The Maritime Museum also offers a wide range of educational programs including docent tours, and Tall Ship tours. Admission also includes a series of films shown daily in our large screen, high-definition Munger Theater. Fun for the whole family! See more..
  42. 4.5 Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (243 reviews)
    - Small but Informative
    Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
    Santa Cruz Surfing Museum image
    For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items. See more..
  43. 4.5 The California Route 66 Museum (237 reviews)
    - Nice Local Diversion
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
    The California Route 66 Museum image
    The California Route 66 Museum is an Interactive museum with over 4500 Sq. Ft. of floor space and photo opportunities for the visitors to share memories in such settings as a 50’s diner, our VW Love Bus complete with hippy wigs and sunglasses for that perfect shot. You can jump up onto the 1917 Model T Ford and any one of our docents would be glad to take a picture of you and your party. We have the first Santa Monica “End of the Trails” booth that is becoming quite popular with visitors. And for those with a good sense of humor, we have an “Outhouse” built just for that photo. You will find our staff to be very friendly and informative about the road and many roadside attractions. We also have a good deal of Free handouts having to do with Route 66. A library and gift shop full of Route 66 Merchandise with DVD’s and books about the road. See more..
  44. 4.5 Estrella Warbird Air Museum (235 reviews)
    - The coolest experience on the central coast
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Estrella Warbird Air Museum image
    Estrella Warbirds Museum is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia of those who flew and worked in the military aviation field. Our approach, however, is not to glorify conflict but rather to make a future generation aware of the fact our way of life does not come without sacrifice. Founded over 25 years ago by two men with two airplanes and a strong desire to see an aviation museum in Paso Robles, California, little did they realize how far and how rapidly their initial dream would carry them. Today, located on over 13 acres of land, situated on the Paso Robles Municipal Airport grounds, the Estrella Warbirds Museum is one of the fastest growing non-profit museum on the west coast. The museum has become an intregral part of the Paso Robles community attracting visitors from around the world. See more..
  45. 4.5 The Point Vicente Interpretive Center (227 reviews)
    - Wondeful Interpretive Center - plus outdoor trail walking with views!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    The Point Vicente Interpretive Center image
    We'd been told to visit this hidden gem - not disappointed! There is plenty of free parking around the Interpretive Center, nice restrooms, and picnic areas in the shade. There is also a nice trail heading back NW along the cliffs that goes in a loop - quite an easy (not difficult) walk with spectacular ocean and coastline views. We visited on a clear sunny winter day and you could easily see Catalina Island! The grounds also have the lighthouse just a few hundred yards to the south. The Interpretive Center is quite interesting though and gives a really good history of the area. It even houses the old lighthouse lens that had been made in France in the 1800's and was used for a long time. Make sure to spend some time going through all the fascinating exhibits here. A true thumbs up! See more..
  46. 4.5 Planes of Fame Air Museum (226 reviews)
    - Nice museum for aviation enthusiasts!
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    Planes of Fame Air Museum image
    The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located at the Chino Airport in Southern California. It features a collection of nearly 100 aircraft, from a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer to aircraft from World War I, the Golden Age of Aviation, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A large number of these aircraft have been restored to flight and fly regularly. An annual Airshow, special events throughout the year, and educational displays make this a great visit for any fan of history or a simple family outing. See more..
  47. 4.5 Hiller Aviation Museum (214 reviews)
    - Flying for Everybody
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums
    Hiller Aviation Museum image
    The Hiller Aviation Museum preserves the legacy of flight and provides inspiration for future generations. Over forty unique and innovative aircraft are on display. Realistic flight simulators and open aircraft cockpits (including the popular Boeing 747 exhibit) ensure that every visitor gains a pilot’s eye view of the world of aviation. In every imagination there is a spark of fascination with flight. The Hiller Aviation Museum is a place where that spark is ignited and aviation comes alive. Through our Invention and Exploration Programs, you can see and touch real aircraft, sit in an airline cockpit, hold the parts of a piston engine in your hands and experience realistic flight simulation from the pilot’s seat. See more..
  48. 4.5 Mariposa Museum and History Center (212 reviews)
    - Interesting stop in Mariposa
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Mariposa Museum and History Center image
    Way more interesting than you might suppose, this museum is a gem. The history of the area during the gold rush proves to be captured beautifully in displays. I love the old time general store as you enter stop in, well worth it. See more..
  49. 5.0 Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM) (207 reviews)
    - Something Here For Everyone
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM) image
    The museum features wood and metalworking craftsmanship at the small end of the size scale. Exhibits include running internal and external combustion engines, model ships, aircraft and autos, tools, clocks, jewelry, guns and dollhouses. Small Engines are run in our most Thursdays and Fridays at 11am and 2pm based on staff availability. Admission is FREE; donations gladly accepted. The museum is sponsored by the non-profit Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship. See more..
  50. 4.5 Castle Air Museum (195 reviews)
    - Excellent museum of air craft
    Speciality Museums
    Castle Air Museum image
    Castle Air Museum is an excellent day trip/visit! They have 71 aircraft, including Air Force 1 used by Reagan and Clinton! They offer guided tours thru this airplane on Saturday and Sunday- the cost is in addition to the entrance fee. It is TOTALLY worth it!! Our guide was Larry- a retired pilot. He was fantastic with his knowledge and thoroughness! Most of the planes are air Force used for fighting wars, supplies, or evacuation. What we found amazing was the size or speed of some of these planes, from a "super-fortress" to a black hawk which clocks at 1200 mph!! They also have an indoor museum with tons of memorabilia from service members. See more..

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