Looking for free museum days in San Diego?
You’re in luck. From art to science to history, these spots drop the admission fee on certain days — and we’ve listed them all for you. Free, fun, and full of stuff to nerd out on.
Updated for September 2025
Select Free Days
Photo: Museum of CONTEMPORARY Art La Jolla
- Free Second Sunday of every month (9/14).
Free Third Thursday of every month (9/18).
Admission is always FREE for Military, people 25 and under, visitors with disabilities, SNAP/EBT cardholders, and Members. Plus, discounts are available for San Diego County/ Tijuana Residents, Students/Teachers, and Older Adults 55+.
- Discover & Go also offers free general admission for California library cardholders.
- Free on the second Sunday of each month (9/14)
- Get $2 off general admission on paid days for seniors (65+) and groups of 10+
- Children under 12 are always free
- On the first Saturday of every month (9/6), enjoy free admission – more info here.
- First Friday events (starting at 5:00 pm) of every month are free (9/5) from 5pm-8pm
- First Sunday events of every month are free (9/7) from 11am-5pm – see upcoming events here.
- Always free for the Military, Students, and Children.
Photo: Fleet Science Center
- Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday (9/9), thanks to Balboa Park's Resident Free Day special, except for November + December.*
- Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday (9/9), thanks to Balboa Park's Resident Free Day special, except December. *(NOT VALID FOR SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS)*
- Always free admission for Active Duty Military and Children 2 and Under.
- Free for San Diego residents every fourth Tuesday (9/23) thanks to Balboa Park's Resident Free Day special.
- The Timken is the only art museum in Balboa Park with free admission!
Always Free
Photo: Visions Museum of Textile Art
- Admission is always free.
- Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.
- The museum is donation-based. You can pay as much, or as little, as you choose.
- Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
- Admission is always free | Open Thursday - Sunday from 12-5 pm
Visit San Diego attractions for FREE with the San Diego Public Library's Discover & Go program. The program offers family day passes to several of San Diego's biggest attractions, including the New Children's Museum, Museum of Us, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Children's Discovery Museum, and Skateworld! Passes can be reserved online, in person, or over the phone with a valid San Diego Public Library card.
Want more free fun in San Diego? Explore this week's Free Events, discover Free Date Ideas, or subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest freebies, local deals, and hidden gems around town.
