Free Museum Days in San Diego
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: APRIL 2026
Pro tip: Free days can get busy. Go early, double-check each museum’s hours, and note that some specials don’t include films or add-on exhibitions.
This Month’s Free Days (Quick List)
Fri 4/3
Sat 4/4
Sun 4/5
Tue 4/7
Thu 4/9
Sun 4/12
Tue 4/14
Thu 4/16
Tue 4/21
Tue 4/28
These dates correspond to recurring schedules (like “first Tuesday” or “second Sunday”). Scroll down for museum-by-museum details.
Select Free Days
Photo: Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla
Free 2nd Sunday (4/12)
Free 3rd Thursday (4/16)
- Admission is always FREE for Military, people 25 and under, visitors with disabilities, SNAP/EBT cardholders, and Members.
- Discounts for San Diego County/Tijuana Residents, Students/Teachers, and Older Adults 55+ may be available.
- Discover & Go also offers free general admission for California library cardholders.
Free 2nd Sunday (4/12)
- Get $2 off general admission on paid days for seniors (65+) and groups of 10+.
- Children under 12 are always free.
Free 1st Saturday (4/4)
Enjoy free admission on the first Saturday each month — details
here.
Free 1st Friday (4/3) • 5pm–8pm
Free 1st Sunday (4/5) • 11am–5pm
- Always free for the Military, Students, and Children.
Note: 4/5 falls on Easter Sunday, so holiday hours may vary.
Many Balboa Park museums offer free admission for San Diego residents on rotating Tuesdays.
Some exclusions may apply (films, special exhibitions, Nov/Dec exceptions).
Residents’ Free Day • 1st Tuesday (4/7)
San Diego County residents, local college students, and active-duty military get free admission to exhibit galleries.
Resident Free Day • 1st Tuesday (4/7)
- Free for San Diego residents on the first Tuesday. (Not valid for films.)
- Children under 2 are free on paid days.
- Free admission for K–12 teachers on paid days.
- NAT offers “Science is for everyone” programs (Museums for All, Resident Free Days, library partnerships, and more).
Learn more.
Resident Free Day • 1st Tuesday (4/7)
- Free for San Diego residents on the first Tuesday.
- Child (12 and under): FREE with legal adult supervision and paid admission.
Resident Free Day • 2nd Tuesday (4/14)
Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday, except November + December.*
Resident Free Day • 2nd Tuesday (4/14)
- Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday, except December.* (Not valid for special exhibitions.)
- Always free admission for Active Duty Military and Children 2 and under.
Resident Free Day • 2nd Tuesday (4/14)
- Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday.
- Always free admission for Active Duty Military + families and Children 12 and under.
Resident Free Day • 3rd Tuesday (4/21)
- Third Tuesday free day is for residents. (Not valid for special exhibitions.)
- Military and College: inquire at the admission desk for free admission.
- May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden is free.
- Free to Youth 17 and under.
Resident Free Day • 3rd Tuesday (4/21)
- Children 6 or younger are free.
Resident Free Day • 3rd Tuesday (4/21)
- Always free for Active Duty Military + Families, Children 18 and under, and EBT card holders.
- The Commons Level is free for all, always.
Resident Free Day • 4th Tuesday (4/28)
The Timken is the only art museum in Balboa Park with free admission!
Always Free
Admission is always free.
Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.
Donation-based: pay as much (or as little) as you choose.
Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
Admission is always free | Open Thursday–Sunday from 12–5pm.
Visit San Diego attractions for FREE with the San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go program.
Reserve family day passes online, in person, or over the phone with a valid San Diego Public Library card.
