REUBEN H. FLEET SCIENCE CENTER—Interactive science galleries invite visitors to explore the wonders of astronomy, physics and more. Stunning giant-screen films run in the IMAX Dome Theater. Open Mon.–Thurs. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m, Sat. 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; $5.50–$15, free for kids under 3. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233. Map O17

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART The permanent collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, includes more than 3,000 works created after 1950, representing all media and genres: painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, video, film, and installation. MCASD is known for collecting works by promising emerging artists and under-recognized mid-career artists, as well as by major figures in contemporary art.700 Prospect Street La Jolla, 858 454 3541 www.mcasd.org

SAN DIEGO MARITIME MUSEUM—Visit the 1863 barque Star of India (world’s oldest active ship), the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea, a Soviet-era submarine and the HMS Surprise, the 18th century Royal Navy frigate featured in Master and Commander. Exhibits range from piracy to pleasure boating. Open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m. $8-$12, free for children under 5. The schooner Californian also offers half-day sailing trips ($35). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.234.9153. Map P14

CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT—With a spectacular coastal view, this monument features exhibits on “The Age of Exploration” and whale migration. Also boasts the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse, tidepools and bayside trails. Open daily 9 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Prices vary. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, 619.557.5450. Map L8

CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS MUSEUM—Works by SoCal-based American and Mexican artists are on display in three galleries and an outdoor sculpture yard. Open Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m.; $3-$5, free for children under 12. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 760.839.4120. Map B3

CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM—Collection of surfing artifacts and memorabilia, plus exhibits featuring famed surfing legends. Rare surfing collectibles in museum gift shop. Open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. 223 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Oceanside, 760.721.6876. Map S22

CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA RAZA—A center for Mexican, Chicano and indigenous art and culture. Featuring vibrant murals, art exhibits and performances celebrating these heritages. Gallery open Tues.– Sun., noon–4 p.m., $2. Performance times and prices vary. 2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, 619.235.6135. Map P17

CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER—The majestic birds and sea-life of California’s endangered coastal wetlands find shelter in center’s aviaries and aquaria. Walking trails, gardens and art displays. Open Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $3-$6; free for kids under 6. 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, 619.409.5900. Map E3

CORONADO MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART—Celebrating Coronado’s history, galleries of historical memorabilia offer a glimpse into a rich past. Hours vary. Suggested donation $2–$4. 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.7242. Map L10

FIREHOUSE MUSEUM—Hand-drawn and steam-powered fire engines, extinguishers, helmets and other memorabilia. Dedicated to firefighters around the world. Weds.–Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $2–$3. Free for children under 12. 1572 Columbia St., Little Italy, 619.232.3473. Map P15

FLYING LEATHERNECK MUSEUM—Outdoor aircraft displays feature the World War II fighters, modern jets and support helicopters of Marine Corps aviation history. Open Tues.–Sun. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free, donations accepted. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Mira Mesa, 858.693.1723. Map G11

GEORGE W. AND ANNA GUNN MARSTON HOUSE—Craftsman-style house designed by renowned architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill in 1905. Period furnishings, pottery and an Indian basketry collection. Open for tours Fri.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $2-$5. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park, 619.298.3142. Map O16

JUNÍPERO SERRA MUSEUM—Exhibitions on the Spanish Colonial period with artifacts from the Spanish, Mexican and Kumeyaay people who first settled in San Diego. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $2–$5, free for children under 5. 2727 Presidio Drive, Presidio Park, 619.297.3258. Map M14

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT COMMAND MUSEUM—Collection of uniforms, equipment and other memorabilia, as well as paintings, sculptures and photography commemorating Marine Corps history. Open Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Thurs. open until 4:30 p.m.). Free. 1600 Henderson Ave., Suite 212, San Diego, 619.524.6038. Map J10

MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM—Presents changing exhibits that celebrate folk art. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3–$6. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0003. Map O17; Tues.–Sat. 1–4 p.m. $3-$6. 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.735.3355. Map B3

MISSION SAN ANTONIO DE PALA—Built in 1815 and housing a small museum of artifacts, it is still used by the local Native American community. Open Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $1–$2. Pala Mission Rd. off Hwy. 76, Pala. 760.742.1600. Map B3

MISSION SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA—The first of 21 missions stretching northward along the California coast. Established by Father Junípero Serra in 1769 on Presidio Hill and moved to its present site in 1774. Daily mass in the chapel and tools and artifacts on display. Open daily 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m. $1–$3. 10818 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley, 619.281.8449. Map I12

MISSION SAN LUIS REY—The 18th and largest of the California missions. Houses the largest collection of Spanish vestments in the U.S. With gardens and hiking trails. Open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3–$5, $20 for families, free for children under 5. 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, 760.757.3651. Map B1

MISSION SANTA YSABEL—This mission was founded in the early 19th century as a sub-mission to the Mission San Diego de Alcala and features small museum with artifacts. Open daily 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 23013 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, 760.765.0810. Map C5

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO—Highly regarded for its vast collection of works and thought-provoking exhibits, this museum features art that spans several genres and media of post-1950s art. Fri.–Tues. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. $2–$6, free for children under 12, free monthly on third Tues. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.3541. Map W19; MCA Downtown is free and open daily except Weds., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 1001 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 619.234.1001. Map Q15

MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC—Displays of vintage instruments, interactive audio and visual exhibits. Offers dynamic look into the history of American popular music. Open Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$5, free for children under 3. 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 760.438.5996. Map U23

MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS—This is one of the country’s few museums dedicated solely to the photographic arts; collection includes contemporary photography, social documentary and photojournalism. Film screenings, too. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. $4–$6, free for children under 12, free admittance monthly on second Tues. Film prices vary. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559. Map O17

OCEANSIDE MUSEUM OF ART—Showcasing regional and international artists, the OMA presents five exhibits each year, ranging from landscape painting to studio furniture, neon sculpture, art quilts and architectural glass. Open Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.–4 p.m. $3–$5. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.721.2787. Map S22

SAN DIEGO AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM—From the first hot-air balloon to modern jets, this museum houses historic aircraft from around the world. Open daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $5–$10, free for kids under 6 and active-duty military, free monthly on the fourth Tues. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. Map P17

SAN DIEGO AIRCRAFT CARRIER MUSEUM—The decommissioned USS Midway is the world’s largest floating naval-aviation museum. Explore the massive ship, from the top of the bridge to the depths of the superstructure. Interactive exhibits are inside, and restored airplanes line the flight deck. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $8–$15, free for active military wearing uniform and children under 6. 910 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.544.9600. Map Q14

SAN DIEGO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER—Exhibits, workshops and programs are dedicated to the care and use of archaeological artifacts. Open Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road (State Route 78) Escondido, 760.291.0370. Map B3

SAN DIEGO AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM—Dedicated to the historical legacy of automobiles and the driving enthusiast, featuring an impressive collection of classic and exotic cars and motorcycles. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$8, free for children under 6. 2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.231.2886. Map P17

SAN DIEGO CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM—Preserving the rich history of Chinese Americans. Offers library, cultural exhibits, a koi pond and garden. Open Tues.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m. $2, free for members and children under 12. 404 Third Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.338.9888. Map Q16

SAN DIEGO HALL OF CHAMPIONS SPORTS MUSEUM—Three levels and 68,000 square feet of sports exhibits and interactive displays form the country’s largest multi-sports museum. Open daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$6, free for children under 7. Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.2544. Map O17

SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY & RESEARCH ARCHIVES—Discover San Diego’s fascinating history depicted by permanent and changing exhibits, as well as research archives. Museum: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Archives: Thurs.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $2–$5, children under 6 free. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.6203. Map O17

SAN DIEGO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM—The world’s largest indoor model railroad exhibit can be found at this museum, dedicated to the rich heritage of the California railroad. Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $2.50–$6, Free for children under 15 monthly on the first Tues. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.696.0199. Map O17

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART—Explore the museum’s diverse collection of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque works, 19th–20th century American and European paintings and sculptures, and a vast Asian collection. Tues.–Weds., Fri–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. $4–$10, Free for children under 5 and free monthly on third Tues. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. Map O17

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF MAN—Go on a journey of the human experience highlighting our physical and cultural development through permanent and changing exhibits. Open daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$6, free for children under 6. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001. Map O17

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM—Exploring the world through the lens of the natural sciences. Offers interactive displays, education programs and giant-screen films. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $7–$11, free for children under 2. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. Map O17

STUART COLLECTION OF SCULPTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO—Scattered throughout the 1,200 acres of the UCSD campus, this collection of outdoor art includes talking and singing trees, a stone bear, Sun God and more. Free. Parking $3–$6 or metered. Gilman and La Jolla Village drives, La Jolla, 858.534.2230. Map T20

TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART—Home to the Putnam Foundation Collection of European old masters, Russian icons, American pieces and works from a range of artistic eras and styles. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30–4:30 p.m. Free. Closed in September. 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.5548. Map O17

WILLIAM HEATH DAVIS HOUSE—The cornerstone of the Gaslamp Quarter and oldest wooden house in San Diego. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; $4–$5. Walking tours of the Gaslamp, 11 a.m. on Saturdays; $8–$10. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.4692. Map Q16