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.
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.
October bonus: It is Kids Free in October across San Diego. Kids 12 and under can receive free admission with a paid adult at 70+ participating museums and cultural attractions, but offers and age limits vary by location. Get the official coupons and details here.
This Month’s Free Days (Quick List)
Select Free Days
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
- Get $2 off general admission on paid days for seniors (65+) and groups of 10+.
- Children under 12 are always free.
Oceanside Museum of Art
- Always free for Youth 17 and under, college students with ID, and active military and dependents with military ID.
- October note: OMA closes early at 3pm on Saturday 10/3 and is closed all day Saturday 10/24. The free admission dates, Friday 10/2 and Sunday 10/4, are not affected.
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
- Free self-guided museum admission for San Diego County residents on the second Thursday of each month.
- Bring a valid photo ID with a San Diego County address.
- Located at 410 Island Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter. Museum hours are Thursday–Saturday, 10am–4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm.
Balboa Park Resident Free Days
Many Balboa Park museums offer free admission for San Diego residents on rotating Tuesdays. Some exclusions may apply to films, special exhibitions, tours, and other add-ons. The October dates below were checked against the current Balboa Park rotation and individual museum pages.
Fleet Science Center
San Diego County residents, local college students, and active-duty military get free admission to exhibit galleries.
San Diego Natural History Museum
- 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.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Free for San Diego County residents, local college students, and active-duty military on the second Thursday.
- October note: The museum’s official 2026 calendar specifically lists Resident Free Thursday on 10/8.
- Children 4 and under are free with legal adult supervision and paid admission. Youth admission rates may apply for ages 5–12.
Comic-Con Museum
Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday, except November + December.*
San Diego Air & Space Museum
- 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.
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
- Free for San Diego residents every second Tuesday.
- Always free admission for Active Duty Military + families and Children 12 and under.
San Diego Museum of Art
- Third Tuesday free day is for residents. (Not valid for special exhibitions.)
- Current students and military: free admission may be available with valid ID.
- May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden is free.
- Free to Youth 17 and under.
Japanese Friendship Garden
- Children 6 or younger are free.
- October 20 note: The garden closes at 5pm with last admission at 4pm on Resident Free Tuesday.
Mingei International Museum
- Always free for Active Duty Military + Families, Children 18 and under, and EBT card holders.
- The Commons Level is free for all, always.
San Diego Automotive Museum
- Free for San Diego County residents with proof of residency.
- October is a normal Resident Free Tuesday month. The museum only skips this program in September and December.
- Individuals do not need reservations, but reservations are strongly recommended; organizations require confirmed reservations.
Museum of Us
- Free for residents of the City and County of San Diego, plus active military personnel and their dependents. Bring valid photo ID or proof of residency.
- Free admission does not include California Tower tours.
Timken Museum of Art
The Timken offers free admission, always.
Always Free
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
Admission is always free.
San Diego History Center
The History Center uses Give Forward admission: there is no fixed admission fee. A donation is suggested, but it is not required. The Women’s Museum of California has officially merged with the San Diego History Center, so it is no longer listed separately above.
Visions Museum of Textile Art
Admission is free. Donations are welcomed.
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Donation-based: pay as much (or as little) as you choose.
Nautical History Gallery & Museum
Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego
Admission to ICA San Diego exhibitions is always complimentary. Check the official visit page for current gallery hours before heading over.
Coronado Historical Association
Always free!
Discover & Go Pass
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.
Want more free fun in San Diego?
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