San Diego’s best indoor adventures: 2 days of discovery

It was started by renowned car collector, Briggs Cunningham, back in 1988 and has since become a must-visit attraction for millions of automotive buffs.Here you'll find 90 incredible vehicles on display, including a $75,000 Cadillac complete with a toilet, a fridge, and self-inflating tires. There are also plenty of exhibits detailing the history of the American automotive industry and how cars contribute to American culture.Kids will also enjoy sitting in a real racecar and climbing onto a full-sized motorcycle, too.

Fifteen minutes north of downtown San Diego, Birch Aquarium nestles among the cliffs of La Jolla. Serving as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium offers hands-on exhibits that spotlight cutting-edge ocean research and introduce guests to an incredible cast of ocean creatures.Discover the wonders of the ocean in Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, get hands-on with tide animals at the Tide Pool Plaza, and learn so much more about the magic of the aquatic world at this immersive aquarium in San Diego.You'll see everything from sharks and lobsters to turtles while learning all about ocean science and the marine environment. There are daily feedings and sea life interactions to watch, and if you want to get hands-on, you can head to the touch pool and pet sea stars and crabs.Birch Aquarium interprets the research and discoveries of Scripps Institution of Oceanography – a world leader in marine science – so you'll be learning straight from the source.

You'll journey through the history of flight and explore beautifully-restored aircraft and hands-on exhibits. There's a model of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon of 1783, a Spitfire Mk XVI and a 4D theatre where you can take to the skies.Learn all about the history of aviation, space flight, and get a sense of the danger and excitement involved in air combat.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at San Diego’s oldest museum! A staple in stunning Balboa Park, The Nat features regional, natural history and biodiversity of Southern and Baja California over a whopping five floors of exhibition space and more.Enjoy permanent exhibitions, exciting films in the giant-screen theater, a robust calendar of events and activities and the opportunity to see scientists at work. Discover fascinating stories about our natural world when you pay a visit to The Nat! 

From cannibals and beer history to learning about the power of secrets to our relationships with animals and the truth about cannibalism – there’s something for everyone at the San Diego Museum of Us.The Museum of Us is a cultural anthropology museum that explores the human experience from multicultural perspectives to spark dialogue, self-reflection, and human connections. Nestled in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Us brings together history, anthropology, art, and cultural resources from ancient and contemporary cultures underneath its grand Rotunda, educating visitors of all ages.

This must-see maritime museum is home to the oldest active ship in existence and the world’s deepest diving submarine, the USS Dolphin.Step into the captivating world of seafaring at the Maritime Museum San Diego. This nautical wonderland showcases a diverse collection of historic vessels and fascinating exhibits, unveiling the rich maritime heritage of the region.You'll have access to one of the finest collections of historic ships in the US, which are all faithfully restored and maintained by the museum.Many ships, including Star of India, are National Historic Landmarks and listed in the US Register of Historic Places. Other vessels you’ll experience include the San Salvador, the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1914 Pilot, and the Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift boat. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly, immersive exhibits detailing ancient voyages, the San Diego Navy, commercial fishing, and a complete history of Western maritime travel.

Take a self-guided tour around 60 exhibits including the sleeping quarters, engine room, galley, and ship jail.Learn all about the ship’s decades of service and the 225,000 sailors that served on board the craft. Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum’s exhibits, multimedia displays, interactive experiences, and more. The audio tour is narrated by Midway sailors who bring the Midway’s history to life with stories of their first-hand experiences living on the ship while at sea for months at a time.Take a step back in time and be amazed at the sheer size and beauty of the scale of the ship. With passes from Go City, you can enjoy this museum + many other local San Diego attractions for one low cost!