Pictures don't do this place justice. It's so unassuming from the outside, but they have one of the best old car collections in the US. They even have two of the original Mercedes-Benz cars. They also have an incredible collection of cameras, gramophones, other miscellaneous items, and model railroad. $10 for adults $2 for children you will absolutely get your money's worth here. read more

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Fantastic. A one of a kind experience. It's a small (looks like from the outside), but it's BIG in terms of beautiful old cars and astonishing collections of cameras, typewriters, record players and so much more. It's not your usual pristinely organized museum for many of their collections, but so good. Their car collection is well displayed and wonderful. They have a wonderful player piano that still works and a working band organ--with lights and all --spectacular! The owner was there and gave some great background on the museum. So different but so much fun. Highly recommend. read more

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Fascinating stuff! I really enjoyed my visit, and the entrance fee is pretty reasonable. Definitely recommend checking it out if you have an hour or two. Just make sure you bring cash to pay read more

What a marvel! As a native San Diegan in my ahem, middle age, I can't believe I had never heard about this gem of a museum until today. Chun P. and I were catching a show at the Diversionary Theater and I asked him to see if there were any museums nearby we could check out beforehand. (We have been making good headway with our 50% off February Museum Month coupon procured from the S.D. Library system.) Chun P. found the J.A. Cooley listed on the website, and we decided to visit before our show. We both love cars, and it was incredible to see so many treasures, many of which are the LAST ones of their kind left. I loved the 1912 Carter Car - made out of a type of paper mache! The last one of its kind, and it features a really adorable duck hood ornament. They have a lot of the earliest car models here, and it is so unique to get the chance to see the evolution of vehicles from the late 1800s on up. If classic cars aren't your thing, there's plenty more in store. Typewriters, cameras, trains, gramophones, telephones, player pianos, and the evolution of many appliances like clothes irons! Definitely drop by and pay the J.A. Cooley a visit. Mrs. Cooley will kindly greet you at the door. read more

J. A. Cooley Museum - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

We were fortunate to have a private tour of the JA Cooley Museum yesterday What "Hidden Gem" in San Diego! Highly recommend for all ages! Thank You read more

J. A. Cooley Museum - SDHS Class of 1966 "Lunch Bunch" toured the Museum. LOVED - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

I came here for the second time with my husband and stepson. It is truly a unique and special place. It is located in a strip mall area where you would never expect to find a museum of this size. There is a collection of very old cars and other antiques. I highly recommend coming here. We were lucky enough to meet the owner while we were there. She was a very sweet lady who took some time to explain the history of some of the items. read more

When you take a walk-through time, you can see the many creations of what history has to offer when you read about the creations of the first cars and the photographic and the Zylo phone machines yes they had so many y different machines for the playing of music and the talking of the first telephone. The many centuries have offered the greatest would have to be the first creations of the automobiles and the many antiques that were seen around the many cities with the ladies in the poofy dresses and the gentlemen in the brown derbies. The Cooley Museum was one place that had caught from meeting the curator and the manager of the museum of the museum that I was thinking seeing the Grand Old Cars there has to be a museum here in San Diego. I took the afternoon and went up the University heights area taking the bus and the trolley took me up the past the Zoo and the Bal Boa Park that dropped me over near the historic El Cajon Blvd. This was one area that you can come to and be able to walk amongst the many older areas on the way to Adams Avenue. The day was one of the best to go to a car museum they have so many things the historical and the many cars that were famous in older movies and the yesteryears when San Diego was just coming to life and the many buildings that were just taking on the many job areas. The tour I had taken with Carmen Cooley Graham she was so knowledgeable of the many cars and the over 5 thousand cameras as far as the cold war the Spy Cameras the Soviets had used at the time. The Older cars ranging from 1905 to first trucks that had hauled the many things you could never know when the engine broke is that you would have to get gas and to make sure starter and the clutch works. One of the greatest displays was the many trains that were from the old style and the classics that were collected it's like one dream you can work with all the many trains to the many dreams when you were a young boy. The JA Cooley Museum is one place that has such great history to walk through and visit the Museum you can also see DeLorean from Back to the Future. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer, the many historical memories and the great cars of the past generations the many cars you can see what so many people drove and the many fancy cars that the Statesman and the rich that drove about the cities from the first cars to the coming of the Buick and the Delorean. This day was one great Educational and one of the best walks through time the cars the many trains, and the many first recording devices you have seen in old movies all at the JA Cooley Museum read more

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Small museum but what they have is pretty special. Many rare cats ands interesting artifacts. Note: Cash only

Great little museum with a LOT of fun things to see. So worth the visit, we spent a couple of hours looking over everything and chatting with the founder's son in law. read more

There is a lot going on in this place, which will happily take a few hours of your time. Lots of cars, and some very rare ones at that but also plenty of other period stuff. I would highly recommend. The Train store attached is neat as well. read more

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Such an amazing place! There's so much to see and it's family owned by long time San Diegans. The patriarchs daughter and family still run the place and you'll be well served to get her talking about some of the stories of her dad and his collection. She knows more history and details than you can imagine. Some of these cars are seriously one of a kind. You won't find these anywhere else in the world! Add to that the diverse collection of everything else from a time forgotten and you'll have a walk down memory lane discovering things you never knew and jogging a memory or two of things you remember from childhood. I highly recommend a visit and the admission price is only $5. I would've gladly paid 4 times a much, so I left more than they asked for plus I bought a few items from the train store. Support Local! read more

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It's a small shop. There's an older person at the front taking payment. . The person told me that admission was $10 and they didn't accept credit card. It's a small business so 5 stars even though, I wasn't able to pay for admission. I guess it's a know before you go things. Maybe I'll try to go when I return for another trip to SD. The unfortunate thing is that there is no ATM or bank nearby, just construction. read more

I may not have the standard interests. But, this place is among my favorite museums (aka - private collections) ever. Plus, if the owner is there, TALK TO HIM. He's .... lived. A life. And knows his stuff. The Wurlitzer is one of only 5 (of that type/age) that still exist. In the world. And, if you're polite, he will play it for you. read more

Came here on a Saturday and Carmen was so nice and welcoming as she showed us her family's impressive collection of cars, model trains and other amazing memorabilia that fill the museum. She also gave us a history lesson and had a lot of great stories about her father, the neighborhood and San Diego in general. The admission is only $5 and it's well worth it. Stop in and see her and her husband, George. You'll be glad you did! Thanks again Carmen. Josh & Nancy read more

A real treasure and a must see! Wonderful collection of very early automobiles including a Hunt automobile...the only one in existence and it was manufactured in San Diego! Don't miss the 1885 Benz or the 2 Brush cars.There are also hundreds of cameras, spittoons, very early phonographs with beautiful morning glory horns, and other memorable & relics from a time gone by. Everything is in superb condition and the owners are more than happy to tell you about their wonderful collection.Highly recommended! read more

Best Place in the neighborhood. It always is a wonderful exploration into the forgotten era of our grandfathers and grandmothers. Glad to have this nearby, thank you to the curators. read more

So worth a trip ! Only $5 entrance fee. Amazing collection of cars, Player pianos , Wurlitzers, model railroad cars, typewriters... The cars are in exceptional condition. Nice folks, ask and they'll fire up the music machines. Really fun to come here with older relatives , brought back so many good memories and stories for them. read more

J. A. Cooley Museum - Just one of a couple dozen fab cars - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

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My wife and I had intended to visit for 1/2 hour but stayed for 2 hours. Carmine Cooley, J.A. Cooley's daughter, warmly greeted us when we came in and gave us a personal tour and very interesting background information on the unique cars and other items in this. We were very impressed with her evident pride and love for the museum and desire to share it with us. I would easily recommend this museum to anyone and plan to visit again with a few friends. read more

A Collection of Trains in the Museum side . Great trains to take home for Lionel , LGB , Bachmann , Athearn, American Flyer , from N to G Gauge . read more

J. A. Cooley Museum - Museums Near Me - San Diego, California

The J.A.Cooley Museum is a family owned treasure which is truly a labor of love. Today, I brought my two 13 year old grandchildren (boys) who were actually impressed! As a parent, grandparent, and teacher of customer service, I could not have been more pleased with the time taken to explain the many antique cars and their histories. This museum has so much, we will definitely have to return. There are working phonographs, old typewriters, coffee grinders, cameras, bicycles, furniture, and an old working telephone booth!! Some of the cars are one-of-a-kind, and many have interesting San Diego histories. Very much worth a visit!! Thank you again for a wonderful day. read more

I have lived in the San Diego area for nearly 33 years. I can't understand how it is I've never heard of this museum, but there it is. My Mom is visiting and over the years, we have hit all the so-called tourists "musts" (a few of which aren't actually necessary at all.) But I digress. J.A. Cooley Museum is interesting, unique and entertaining. Lots of antique cars in pristine condition. (Did you know that it costs about $1000 in special insurance to take an antique car out on the road for a day? Neither did I. I am happy to have contributed to your body of knowledge. You can thank Mr. Cooley, who contributed to mine.) There are literally hundreds of cameras, so photography buffs should also make a point of visiting here. Your hobbies run a bit less traditional, you say? You've always wanted to view a larger collection of spitoons in all sizes and colors? Well, that is indeed a bit unusual, but no worries. This museum has you covered! Beaded purses from the 19th century? Yep! Wurlitzer piano? Yep! Victrolas and old-time record players (I never knew that records once came in a roll.) typewriters, oil cans, cuckoo clocks, baby buggies (for human babies, not dolls) and some things I couldn't identify? Those too! The award for most perplexing display has to be the one that included just the head of a doll. Dunno what to say about that. Model trains, trains and more trains? Heavens, yes! The accompanying retail store, which sells primarily replacement parts for those trains, may contribute to the upkeep of this place. We were told that collectors and clubs from all over the world visit here. The $5 admission sure can't be helping the cause a whole lot. (There is a box for donations, too.) Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are great hosts. They will leave you to your wandering if you like, but are at the ready to answer any questions. I meant to ask what on earth was with that guillotine-like device, but alas my convo with them veered off in another direction and I got distracted. I do that sometimes. I could google it, but I have a feeling the answer might disappoint by being mundane. As Penny once told the Big Bang Theory geniuses "not knowing is part of the fun." Given the advanced age of the Cooleys and the ever increasing value of real estate in this city, one has to wonder how much longer this gem will be around. If I were you, I'd skedaddle on down before you miss it! read more

Like the other reviewer, I discovered this place when I did my laundry nearby. Curiosity got the best of me so I decided to drop in. But anytime I tell people and fellow "Hillcresters" about this museum, nobody seems to know it exists. It's not very visible or eye catching from the street. I am not much of a history, train or car buff. But even so, this place is interesting to me. Admission was only $5. I took my dad along and paid $10 for both of us. It's hard to find anything that cheap to do in San Diego. He also had a good time. It seems much larger inside than I expected and packed full of 1900's cars, horse wagons, trains, and other old memorabilia. It is a trip back in time and history lesson all in one. Sadly, I never see any customers going in and out. I think people simply do not realize this place exists. So I told the older couple working there that I was "going to Yelp them" to help drum up some business. They didn't seem to know what I was talking about or that there are people online writing reviews about their museum. I doubt they're "web surfers" if you know what I mean. :-) This place is truly one of a kind. There is nothing like it in Hillcrest and probably not the rest of San Diego for that matter. I suggest going. Even if you don't like it, it's only $5. It's a lot cheaper than a movie ticket these days. I wouldn't suggest bringing out of control children here - there is a lot of old, expensive, and rare stuff. It's more relaxing, quiet, and educational type of fun than wild excitement. But if that is something you might like, I would give it a try and support their efforts to keep a piece of history alive. read more

Stopped by today but it was closed before 4pm. There was this barricade device on the door. I tried peering through the window, but to no avail. My knocks had echoed throughout the museum but alas, had fallen upon deaf ears. read more

This is a crazy cool museum. Over 30 automobiles on display from a 19th century Benz to a 2000 Buick "smart" car. An old Wurlitzer (one of five left which work), dozens of Edison phonographs, and model trains.The photographs of Old San Diego and the old propaganda posters were my absolute favorite, though. Mr. and Mrs Cooley have assembled one of the finest private museums I've seen. For a mere 5 bucks, you can spend hours looking at the economic miracles which a free country produced. read more

Possibly my favorite museum in San Diego. Mr. Cooley's collection is wonderfully eclectic and he is such a gracious gentlemen. This museum is a must-do in San Diego! read more

Quick!!!! Go to this out of the way hole in the wall museum before it disappears! Run by an elderly couple who will sit quietly and let you look, or talk about items they have collected over the years. LOVE the cars and the Wurlitzer!! The camera collection is excellent too. Steady stream of traffic purely from Yelp and word of mouth. read more

Cool, VERY small musume. Kind of hard to find. It's not in a stand alone building it's tucked away between a few stores. Very easy to miss. In side could use a bit more lighting. It was kind of dark. But it was really cool because JA Cooley was actually there. He was siting by the entrance and he seems like the type of guy if you want he will tell you about every piece in his collection. It was really kind of neat to chat with him and just listen to his stories. Although if you are not a fan of just chatting with older people don't get him started he can defiantly go on for a while. The only negative thing I have to say is there are alot of items in there without any type of information on them. So it neat to look at but if you don't know what you are looking at it kind of loses a little something in my opinion. read more

Go go go you will not be disappointed. My eyes beheld so much cool stuff! Antique cars, record players, etc. Plan to spend a couple hours just LOOKING at all the wonders here. read more

Such a wonderful day here with my family! It makes you feel right in the moment of the era of those days ~ history right on Park! The owner even played the old time phongraph for us! read more

Fabulous museum of classic old cars, a 3000 + camera collection, vintage typewriters, old phonographs, and so much more. In a small space, this museum is a treasure for San Diego. Highly recommend a visit!! Also, featured a couple of times on Ken Kramer's KPBS show About San Diego! read more

Great little museum. Not too climate controlled though so I wouldn't go on the very hottest days.

Best museum you'll find in all of San Diego. Very informative, friendly and a treasure beyond what anyone would expect to find! Make sure you check this jewel out today!!!! read more

Our San Diego Continuing Education class visited the JA Cooley Museum and were treated to a wonderful tour by Jim Cooley's daughter, Carmen. She did an amazing job by telling us the history of the automobiles and many other of the antiques in the museum. We appreciated the experience and highly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum. read more

If you appreciate seeing really special old, that is very old, cars, this will be about the best $5 experience you will ever have. Unusual vehicles that are beautifully presented in a cluttered small museum which is just loaded with antiques. read more

I've stopped by for the fourth time to this museum. Please do not judge it by it's curb appeal. It has none. I know you have driven by it a thousand times before, so did I. A recent write-up by the Uptown News and since I just started doing my laundry two doors away, I figured why not see what 's in Mr Cooley's Museum. I counted 24 cars for 1895 to the 2000 Buick (which seems out of place but probably one of a kind). Two carriages from 1890-1900 are tucked in the back. Wall to wall vintage items, from clocks to cast-iron banks to spittoons to tacks and racks of old trains. An absolute must for kids young and old and a recent 90 yr old just had his party there. Take your your kids and grand kids $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids under twelve. San Diego is lucky to have this. read more

I've lived in the county for 28 years and this is my first time to the J.A. Cooley Museum having heard about it by chance. With its simple store front face, it's easy to miss, but behind that humble facade is an unbelievable collection of antique automobiles, gramophones, radios, model trains, etc. etc. etc. You'll make multiple visits to the parking meters in front because there's no way you can really take it all in in just an hour. The quality of the collection is outstanding. I'll be returning for sure and want to thank Mr. Cooley for sharing his wonderful collection. read more

Do not miss this great tech history (before TV and computers) gem of a museum just a bit north of Balboa Park and near great Hillcrest restaurants, too. read more

This is an extraordinary museum. Little known treasure fo San Diego history. Highly recommended.

This is one of the most amazing museums I have ever seen. It deserves to be one of the most famous places in San Diego - right up there with the Zoo and the natural history museum! The cars are the main attractions, but there is so much more to see.If you have any interest in history of the region, you will be overwhelmed. I could not leave the cars, but stumbled over an extremely complete collection of the various efforts to create barbed wire. I challenge you to find it. read more

This is a phenomenal museum!!! As the website states, it is a hidden treasure, and this is absolutely correct. I love the new TV shows, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars. Anyone who has remote interest in American History may go nuts over the amazing items in this museum, including the most wonderful and mint-condition cars, train engines... OLD CAMERAS! I love photography and what I wouldn't do to get my hands on a really old camera like the ones this museum has stored away in the back, on display. It is like stepping in to a time warp, and going back 50 plus years. The owner and his wife are always there, and they are really old, and they have such wonderful stories to tell and to share. Almost every item that has been collected has a great story behind it. Bring your kid, bring your spouse, bring someone to enjoy and marvel at the odd experience of stepping in to the 1920's and earlier for just a couple hours. Just as many people who live in the neighbourhood, we have driven past this place countless times upon our way to Parkhouse Eatery, and finally stopped by. It is amazing. Oh yeah, and $5 bucks per person to get in to the museum. What a steal. They also sell old model trains and parts. My husband and I are really in to this stuff! read more