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San Diego Automotive Museum: A Journey Through Automotive History

Explore automotive history and culture at San Diego's premier transportation museum in beautiful Balboa Park. A must-see for car enthusiasts!

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The San Diego Automotive Museum, located in Balboa Park, showcases a fascinating collection of cars and motorcycles, illustrating the evolution of automotive design, technology, and culture. With rotating exhibits and a permanent collection, the museum offers something for every auto enthusiast.

A brief summary to San Diego Automotive Museum

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's calendar for special events, including car meets and Cars and Coffee events.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available throughout Balboa Park.
  • Consider purchasing a Balboa Park Explorer Pass for access to multiple museums.
  • Active duty military personnel and their families receive free admission through the Blue Star Museums program.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Balboa Park, the San Diego Automotive Museum is located in the Pan American Plaza. Walk south past the Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center. The museum will be on your left, adjacent to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several MTS bus routes serve Balboa Park, including routes 3, 7, 120, and Rapid 215. These routes connect with various trolley lines and bus routes throughout San Diego. From downtown San Diego, the Rapid 215 is a convenient option from Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot. Exit at Park Blvd & Village Pl, a short walk to the museum. A one-way fare costs $2.50 and is valid for unlimited transfers within two hours.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach the San Diego Automotive Museum. Request a drop-off at the central traffic circle by the Pan American Plaza. From downtown San Diego, a typical ride to the museum costs between $9 and $12.

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Discover more about San Diego Automotive Museum

Step back in time at the San Diego Automotive Museum, a tribute to the automobile and its impact on society. Housed in the historic former California State Building in Balboa Park, constructed for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition, the museum boasts a diverse collection of vehicles and memorabilia. Founded by a group of car collectors, including renowned automobile collector and racer Briggs Cunningham, the museum opened in December 1988. Since then, it has captivated millions of visitors with its world-class collection and engaging exhibits. Explore exhibits featuring Brass Era cars, vintage classics, motorcycles, and lowriders. Don't miss Louie Mattar's Fabulous $75,000 Car, a 1947 Cadillac that set an endurance record in 1952 by driving from San Diego to New York and back without stopping. The museum also features a DeLorean DMC-12, where guests can take photos inside the vehicle. The San Diego Automotive Museum's mission is to tell the story of the social and technological past, present, and future of motorized vehicles through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. With a focus on the people and events that shaped San Diego, the museum offers a unique perspective on automotive history.

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