Before getting into the actual review of the visit, the first State immense gratitude and things to…read moreall who served aboard this ship and to all the volunteers and donors who have worked to preserve it. Sometimes the so-called "must - the "attractions don't really come through, but this one certainly does as I was certainly expecting to see a lot of interesting parts of the ship and it's history, but the work of the staff and volunteers in setting up the various exhibits and instructional talks and activities shows a level of dedication to a museum that I don't think I have ever seen. And what is great about this is it's not just about wealthy people paying money to put the museum in operation as helpful as that is in many museums, but just all the regular people particularly the veterans, making it work. If you're really interested in getting into the history in the details, I think you would be best to get a membership because realistically there's no way even if you were to spend the full day here that you're gonna see and learn everything that is here. Also, there is a lot of walking up and downstairs and into close spaces and you may not even want try doing the whole ship at once. Go for a couple hours just to get the "lay the land" and learn how the ship and the exhibits are set up. For me seeing where the sailors worked and lived and how sophisticated the ship's equipment was for its time was very educational and again inspired gratitude for the work done aboard by all who served.

Navy/Top Gun fan or not, this is a must see when in San Diego…read more Its an easy walk from Gaslamp and along the harbor. Tickets are reasonably priced. Its a self guided tour with a mechanism you get when you walk in that allows you more information at each spot. There's a 15 minute movie option. I do suggest you start with that then head up to the flight deck before it gets too hot. Tons of picture options, including an iconic Maverick & Goose shot. From there they'll lead you to a part of the tour you can only see with a guide, the rest is on your own. There will be several spots where you'll be like hmmm this was in Top Gun. Definitely don't skip this tour.

The Japanese Friendship Garden was a stunning place to get married. We got married on the koi pond…read moredeck this past Saturday. The location felt very private and serene with the way Marina sections off garden paths. Plenty of beautiful photo opportunities throughout the garden. Marina, as venue manager, was professional, communicative, and very warm and friendly. She made us feel comfortable and confident that we would have a beautiful wedding, and we did.

Dropped in during a Tuesday which had donation based admission for SD residents (aka it was busy!)…read more Had a great time walking the different paths and taking in the beautiful scenery. You can really see the intention behind the art and arrangements. I think if you are looking for a more quiet and peaceful experience, avoid the 3rd Tuesday of the month so you can take your time. Love that this is another gem tucked into Balboa Park. Worth checking out if you appreciate nature and art. Will be back!

A Funday Sunday Adventure! It takes a lot to get me downtown on a weekend if it's not for a great…read moremeal or a baseball game. Usually super busy, crowded and some areas very smelly, I'd rather kiss a pig than be there. The WNDR museum caught my eye. Saw some ads and had nothing planned. Checked tickets and availability was wide open for that day. Easy entering the lobby as well as starting our tour whenever we preferred. There were exhibits upstairs and down. Many were pretty cool with mirrors and lights which made for some WOW moments. Other guests generally moved at about the same pace as us. Some stayed in certain areas for extended time, which, at times caused some backlog of movement. Restrooms located adjacent to the snack bar which is just beyond the entrance/ lobby. Easily a great visit for the young and young at heart! I believe the WNDR museum is scheduled to close at the end of August '25.

Really cool museum, small but plenty of exhibits! My kiddo was fascinated! Must buy tickets online,…read morestreet parking or park in the parking structure near by. They have a little cafe, small little store to purchase souvenirs, clean bathrooms. Would definitely recommend!

What a wonder family experience here at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Through the years,…read morethe museum curators have designed a great collection of exhibits that capture our attention to the history of our planet. There are many different types of exhibits that highlight the history of this museum. Access to the different exhibits is easy to maneuver. There's also a great cafe located on the First Floor. I enjoyed the Amazement in the Basement exhibit highlighting the efforts of the staff in the preservation of artifacts for the future. Paid parking is readily available. Definitely a return visit call for the family!!!

I'm not reviewing the museum itself--I'm reviewing the Friday Night at The Nat experience, and it's…read moredefinitely worth checking out during the summer! On Friday evenings, the rooftop is open, offering beautiful panoramic views of Balboa Park and an amazing spot to watch the sunset. The atmosphere is relaxed, with drinks, food, music, and a great place to unwind after work or start your weekend. As an added bonus, museum admission is 50% off on Friday evenings, so you can also explore the exhibits if you'd like. If you're looking for a different Friday night activity in San Diego, I highly recommend giving this summer event a try.

The SD museums of art is at the balboa park amongst other museums and beautiful outdoor flowers,…read moresceneries, etc. there were many tourists out that day including school field trips, groups, etc. I used the gocity pass to check in at the front desk and then I was able to enjoy the museum. It is two stories big offering stairs and elevators. They have security on each art room/ theme area. I was able to observe many paintings that were diverse and unique. Some are antiques kept there for everyone to admire. They have clean restrooms available as well. Bring comfortable shoes because there is pretty to walk around. Staff were very nice and checking went smoothly as well. The sticker you are given can be used all day long to come back to the same Museum. Most museums open at 10AM but plenty of people arrive earlier. I took public transportation to get up there and that was easy.

It had been a minute since I was here last. There were some new exhibits I thoroughly enjoyed:…read more Cafes and Cabarets: the spectacular Art of Toulouse-Lautrec known for his beguiling portraits of Paris nightlife and immortalizing the cabaret culture of Belle Époque Paris. Chanell Stone: Undulation of a Rupture during a journey through the Mississippi Delta. Black and white photographs invite reflection on the Mississippi River as both a natural force and a historical passageway. The museum created an atmosphere of this exhibit with a deeply emotional connection and experience. Graciela Iturbide, arguably Latin America's best-known living photographer from Mexico. This exhibition surveys her most iconic photographs, primarily captured in Mexico, but also worldwide. Also, Dutch Paintings on loan from Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I came during the Great Exchange and it was free if you have membership with a participating museum. It's also free for San Diego residents on the third Tuesday of the month. Two things that surprised me: The first being half of upstairs was closed to prepare for new exhibits. Secondly, several Gallery Attendants behaved very strangely and were definitely not friendly or welcoming. There were two different exhibits where I was viewing the museum app on my phone and witnessed the attendants walking around in circles quickly. It was distracting and odd. I got the impression they didn't want me to linger but I ignored them and they finally stopped. I asked a question to another attendant and he seemed annoyed like I was disturbing him. The friendly women security guards were absolutely wonderful! Lastly, free parking was available for several hours as long as you previously registered with the city. Check out the map online for the different locations.

For the price you pay ($27 for adults and $20 with student discounts), there are not too many…read morethings to see here- only 13. It is very unique in the exhibits there are though and for that, I recommend a visit. Some of my favorites were the Experiment 2.C which gives you the same illusion you get when are on an airplane, looking outside the window. The color is very fascinating and the exhibit overall is very thought provoking. It ended up being the favorite for two of the people I was with. Other ones I really liked was the We Are All Made of Light where lights reflect off you and you see your shadow on the screen. There were other exhibits that were really emotional such as Confessions and Where Thoughts Go which I found interesting but at the same time weird as they both were so different compared to other exhibits that I wasn't sure what this place is trying to attract or messages it sends. Each exhibit had enough workers that were willing to give you background about the art and I really appreciated that. As for the parking, we ended up parking in a private lot adjacent to this place which cost $20.

Second year (2019) I've been to Wonderspaces and I had a blast with my best friend but I enjoyed…read morelast year's more. Adult admission this year was $27, which I think increased from last year. If you have a school ID, I strongly recommend to use it! It becomes $20/person +$1 fee when ordered online. It was extremely packed in this area on a Saturday, so plan accordingly. We paid $10 for parking at the lot that's about a less than 5 min walk away. This might be the Millennial in me talking... but there weren't as many photos ops, in my opinion, compared to the other years. There were a few exhibits that I would have liked to see and we signed up for the wait list on the tablets, but it said there were over 100 people waiting, we never got a text back, and then ended up leaving. It seemed like there were a lot of people just waiting around the common areas and I'm assuming it's for those exhibits. On the plus side, it was indeed fun. They serve red and white wine (right under $9), which we ordered and made the trip a blast ;) The exhibits that we did see, especially with the lights and colored yarn, were awesome. I just didn't favor the one in the dark room where you hear a bunch of cars crashing over and over...it got me paranoid... but hey it's art. The confession wall was interesting and sometimes even funny. Overall, it was a fun experience and have no regrets in going! Every employee was super friendly and willing to answer any questions

A beautiful conservatory that houses over 2,000 plants. It's humid and feels like you have just…read morestepped into a mini jungle. It's very photogenic and the best part is that it's free to everyone. Weekday mornings are the best time to visit because this place is popular and gets very crowded. I always leave wanting to purchase more plants for my home.

What do you mean no lilies in the lily pond?…read more Zero. Also, pay parking is awful. I can forgive the no lilies, but the parking situation - abhorrent.

GIRRRRRRRRRL. Took my lady here for a surprise date, "surprise" because I gave away so many hints I…read morefinally just told her. The oceans at night event is to die for - thankfully not literally. We got to make shark tooth necklaces, neon tattoos (paint), see penguins keeping cool in their bed area, tons of cool species of fish and sea creatures, they had DJ's and cocktails with a gummy shark and boat building out of recycled materials. 10/10/10/10/10/10 all OF THAT STAFF was phenomenal in their shark hats and over the top costumes. You felt that energy queeeeeen. Felt like life paused and strangers just came to explore together. 10/10 on a regular day also. I've grown up coming here since middle school field trips and was so excited to experience this. I haven't been since I last went when my dad passed away. Sitting at the kept Forrest was our favorite. Now go get your ticket.... K bye

I really enjoyed visiting Birch Aquarium . They have a…read moreunique variety of fishes, sea animals, and shows. My favorite was the sea nettle tank. Shows: I watched the penguin exhibit, where I got to learn about the different penguins they have at the aquarium. Gift shop: They have a cool gift store at the aquarium, where they sell various shirts, refrigerator magnets, and other souvenirs. Employees: The employees here are all very friendly.