BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS Explore one of the largest oceanographic museums in the country, and enjoy a -spectacular view from the tidepool plaza.
Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $7.50–$11, -children under 3 free. Three-hour courtesy parking. 2300 -Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. Map U20 aquarium.ucsd.edu

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. Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Prices vary. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, 619.557.5450. Map L8

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

CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA RAZA Celebrating Mexican, Chicano and indigenous art and culture with vibrant murals, art exhibits and performances. Gallery open Tues.–Sun., noon–4 p.m., $2. 2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, 619.235.6135. Map P17

CORONADO MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART Galleries of historical memorabilia reveal a rich past. Hours vary. Suggested donation $2–$4. 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.7242. Map L10

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. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $2-$5. Children under 6 free. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park, 619.298.3142. Map O16

JUNIPERO SERRA MUSEUM Exhibitions on the Spanish -Colonial period with artifacts from S.D.'s early Spanish, Mexican and Kumeyaay settlers. Open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $2–$5, kids under 5 free. 2727 Presidio Drive, Presidio Park, 619.297.3258. Map M14

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 Royal Navy frigate featured in the film Master and Commander. Daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m. $8-$14, children under 5 free. The schooner Californian also offers half-day sailing trips ($31-$42). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.234.9153. Map P14 www.sdmaritime.com 

MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM Changing exhibits celebrate folk art. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $4–$9. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0003. Map O17; Tues-Sat. 1–4 p.m. $3-$5. 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.735.3355. Free monthly on third Tues. and open until 6 p.m. ap 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. Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $1–$3. 10818 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley, 619.281.8449. Map I12

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO Renowned for its vast collection and thought-provoking exhibits, this museum features post-1950s art spanning genres and media. Fri.–Tues. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, Map W19; MCASD Downtown open Fri.-Mon. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1001 and 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown. Both locations $5-$10, 25 and under free, free Thurs. 5-7 p.m. 858.454.3541. Map Q15 www.mcasd.org

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

MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS 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 Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $4–$6, children under 12 free. Free 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. $5–$8. 12 and under free. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.721.2787. Map S22

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. Call for prices, kids under 3 free. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233. Map O17 www.rhfleet.org

SAN DIEGO AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM From the first hot-air balloon to modern jets, this museum houses historic aircraft from around the world. Daily 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Admission is $12-$15, kids under 6 and active-duty military free. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. 
Map P17 www.aerospacemuseum.org

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. Daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $4–$8, kids under 7 free. Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.2544. Map O17

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART Diverse collection includes Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque works, 19th–20th century American and -European paintings and sculptures and a vast Asian collection. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $4–$10, kids under 5 free. Free monthly on third Tues. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. Map O17 www.sdmart.org

SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF MAN Go on a journey of the human experience highlighting our physical and cultural development through permanent and changing exhibits. Daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $4–$8, children under 6 free. Free monthly on third Tues. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001. 
Map O17

SAN DIEGO NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM A Day in Pompeii on display through June 15.; also: interactive displays and giant-screen films. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $4–$9, children under 2 free. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. Map O17

STUART COLLECTION OF SCULPTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO Scattered across the UCSD campus, outdoor art collection includes talking and singing trees, Sun God and more. Free. Gilman and La Jolla Village drives, La Jolla, 858.534.2230. Map T20

TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART Home to the Putnam Collection of European Old Masters, Russian icons, American pieces and more. Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30–4:30 p.m. Free. 1500 El -Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.5548. Map O17

VETERANS MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL CENTER Military history, uniforms and memorial gardens. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free monthly on second Tues. 2115 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, 619.239.2300. Map O17

WILLIAM HEATH DAVIS HOUSE The 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 Saturdays at 11 a.m.; $8–$10. Audio museum tours available. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.4692. Map Q16