San Diego Automotive Museum
A captivating journey through automotive history, showcasing classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles in Balboa Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
San Diego Automotive Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating journey through automotive history, showcasing classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles in Balboa Park.
"Amazing little museum. Super collection of historic vehicles. Staff are extremely happy and knowledgeable."
🚗 Balboa Park Hub
The museum is in Balboa Park, so combine your visit with other attractions!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many cars are perfect for photos, and staff might even help you capture the moment!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Supercars
Main Exhibition Hall
Admire legendary supercars from the 80s and 90s, a true testament to automotive evolution.

Classic & Vintage Vehicles
Rotating Exhibits
Marvel at meticulously maintained classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles that look factory-new.

Hot Wheels Bone Shaker
Special Exhibition Area
Experience the thrill of seeing a life-size Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, a dream for kids and adults alike.
Formula 1 Car
Special Exhibition Area
Get up close to a Checo Pérez Red Bull F1 car, a powerful display of motorsport engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Balboa Park Location
Ticket & Time Management
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Balboa Park Hub
The museum is in Balboa Park, so combine your visit with other attractions!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many cars are perfect for photos, and staff might even help you capture the moment!
⏳ Quick Visit
Most visitors spend about 45 mins to an hour here.
📚 Automotive Library
Explore the Berg Family Trust Library for deep dives into car history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Balboa Park Hub
The museum is in Balboa Park, so combine your visit with other attractions!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many cars are perfect for photos, and staff might even help you capture the moment!
⏳ Quick Visit
Most visitors spend about 45 mins to an hour here.
📚 Automotive Library
Explore the Berg Family Trust Library for deep dives into car history.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive kids' area and cool cars make it great for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Diego Automotive Museum as an amazing, clean, and well-maintained gem. The collection of historic vehicles is impressive, with many looking like they just rolled off the factory floor. Staff are frequently noted as being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience for all ages.
"Amazing little museum. Super collection of historic vehicles. Staff are extremely happy and knowledgeable. I highly recommend a trip through with or without kids. You won’t be disappointed. We have annually passes that include this museum. There’s also a bike section I didn’t capture."
Brandon Vanbeek
"super clean and easy to walk around. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s a nice mix of old and new cars to check out. Everything’s well set up, and there are clean bathrooms, which is always a plus. Just a chill, fun stop for anyone who likes cars. Parking was easy even though it seemed busy.We bought tickets online but you don’t have to."
Lisset Lopez
"The San Diego automotive museum is A very impressive and well-maintained museum, the vehicles are in excellent condition, some of them look like they just left the factory. I really enjoyed the tour, it was interesting and pleasant to tour the museum. Thank you"
Yossi Gabay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 2080 Pan American Plaza in San Diego, CA, within Balboa Park.
It's easily accessible by car, and there's a free parking lot right next to the building. Public transportation options are also available to reach Balboa Park.Yes, there is a free parking lot conveniently located next to the museum, making it easy to access even when it seems busy.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the San Diego Automotive Museum, dropping you off close to the entrance.
The museum is on a single floor, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs. Visitors have noted it's clean and easy to walk around.
The museum is situated in Balboa Park, home to numerous other museums, gardens, and attractions like the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open year-round, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating times before your visit.
Admission is typically around $17.50 per adult, though prices can change. You can often purchase tickets online in advance, but it's not always necessary, especially on weekdays.
While buying tickets online is an option, it's not always required. On a Wednesday morning, for example, there weren't many people, suggesting walk-ins are fine.
However, for special events or busy weekends, advance purchase might be advisable.Some visitors mention having annual passes that include the museum.
It's worth checking the museum's website or local tourism sites for potential discounts for seniors, military, or children.Re-entry policies can vary. It's best to confirm with the museum staff at the entrance if you plan to leave and return on the same day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection including classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, luxury vehicles, and even special exhibits like F1 cars and Hot Wheels.
You'll find everything from vintage models to modern marvels.Most visitors find that 45 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's single floor and gift shop.
However, car enthusiasts might want to linger longer, especially if there's a special exhibition.Yes, the museum has a dedicated kids' area and interactive activities that children enjoy.
Seeing life-size versions of Hot Wheels is also a big hit.Absolutely! The museum offers great photo opportunities with many of the vehicles. Some exhibits even allow you to sit in a car for a picture, and staff have been known to assist with photos.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can find automotive-themed souvenirs, including vintage Hot Wheels cars.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a restaurant. However, Balboa Park has numerous dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museums to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them in designated outdoor areas of Balboa Park.
Within Balboa Park, you can find options like the Prado at Balboa Park for a more upscale experience, or various cafes and snack bars. The surrounding San Diego area also offers a vast array of dining choices.
While not explicitly mentioned as a cafe, the museum does have a gift shop.
For refreshments, you'll likely need to explore other venues within Balboa Park.Yes, Balboa Park has several beautiful areas perfect for picnics. You can enjoy your meal amidst the park's gardens and architecture before or after your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, and many visitors capture photos of the impressive car collection.
However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas.The entire museum offers fantastic photo opportunities with its diverse range of vehicles. Special exhibits, like the F1 car or the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, are particularly popular for pictures.
Some exhibits allow visitors to sit in cars for photos, and staff have been helpful in taking pictures for guests.
Always be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors when taking photos.For professional shoots or extensive filming, it's advisable to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits.
You can find many San Diego Automotive Museum photos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram by searching relevant hashtags,
and also on review sites and the museum's own website.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Automotive History
The museum's single-floor layout makes it easy to navigate, with exhibits thoughtfully arranged to tell a story. Beyond the permanent collection, the museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, bringing in unique vehicles like Formula 1 race cars, iconic supercars from the 80s and 90s, and even life-size Hot Wheels. These special displays ensure there's always something new and exciting to discover, making repeat visits worthwhile for dedicated enthusiasts.
For those seeking a deeper dive, the Berg Family Trust Library within the museum provides an extensive collection of automotive books, magazines, and repair manuals dating back to 1901. This resource is invaluable for researchers, students, or anyone wanting to immerse themselves further in automotive history. The combination of engaging exhibits and rich historical resources makes the San Diego Automotive Museum a must-visit for car lovers and history buffs alike.
Family Fun and Interactive Experiences
One of the highlights for younger visitors is the dedicated kids' area, designed to spark curiosity and provide hands-on fun. Furthermore, the museum often features special attractions like a life-size Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, which is a guaranteed hit and offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Some exhibits even allow visitors to sit in select cars, providing a unique, up-close experience that brings the history of automotive design to life.
Beyond the interactive elements, the museum's friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a positive family experience. They are often happy to assist with photos or share interesting facts about the vehicles. The museum's location within Balboa Park also means that a visit can easily be combined with other family-friendly activities in the park, making for a full day of exploration and enjoyment.
The Berg Family Trust Library: A Bibliophile's Dream
The library offers a quiet and contemplative space within the museum, allowing visitors to delve into the intricate details of automotive engineering, design, and culture. Whether you're looking for information on a specific make and model, the history of a particular racing circuit, or the evolution of automotive technology, the library's comprehensive archives are likely to hold the answers. The windows overlooking the museum's exhibitions also provide a unique ambiance, blending the tactile experience of reading with the visual spectacle of the cars themselves.
Access to the Berg Family Trust Library enhances the overall educational value of the San Diego Automotive Museum. It transforms a visit from a simple viewing of exhibits into an opportunity for in-depth learning and discovery. It's a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the automotive world, appealing to a wide range of interests beyond just the visual appreciation of cars.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit