Hours, Directions & Address

OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY
Closed Most Mondays:    

We will be closing at 2:30 on Wed. Nov 27 and closed all day on Thanksgiving Day. 

Tue-Sun 10:00am - 4:30pm
Resident Free Tuesday, 4th Tuesday:10am- 3:30pm.                     (No free Tuesday in Sept. or Dec.) 

Buy tickets here!

For more information: Resident Free Days - Balboa Park

All organizations, must make a reservation here, this includes resident Tuesday.

For questions regarding our hours, call 619-398-0306.

View our Calendar for special occasions and early closures.

Check Calendar

The San Diego Automotive Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Museum also closes early the days before these holidays and has varying hours before and during December Nights. See Calendar for details.

San Diego Automotive Museum House

Group Reservations

In an effort to ensure the best guest experience possible, all organizations must schedule their visit a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance.

Groups that come to the museum without an appointment, including on "Residents Free Tuesdays," will be turned away.

Make Reservations

Resident Free Tuesday

Residents Free Tuesday is the fourth Tuesday of each month (except in September and December). We offer free admission to San Diego County residents with proof of residency.

Resident Free Tuesday Hours:
10:00am - 4:00pm; Last admission at 3:30pm

ALL ORGANIZATIONS MUST HAVE A CONFIRMED RESERVATION.

Sorry-NO FOOD, DRINKS OR STROLLERS.

KIDS CORNER IS CLOSED.

Annual Pass

Pay one price and visit all year with a Museum Membership! Single, family and premium membership options are available.

By joining us today, we help continue our mission to tell the many stories of the cars and motorcycles in our collection. We hope to see you soon!

Buy Membership

Our Museum

2080 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101

In beautiful Balboa Park

Get directions

Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, the San Diego Automotive Museum can be accessed from most major freeways.

Getting to the Museum by Car, Taxi, or Rideshare

The San Diego Automotive Museum is located at 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. Parking can be found in the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot, and adjacent lots. Parking is free in Balboa Park.

Southbound from I-5

Take the 10th Avenue Exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" Street and left again on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.

Northbound from I-5

Take the Pershing Drive/B Street exit off I-5 to Pershing Drive. Take Pershing and then turn left on Florida Drive. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn right on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.

Southbound from Hwy 163

Take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.

Getting to the Museum using Public Transportation

Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.

  • Visit the MTS website or dial 511. Select transit routes that are the fastest, have the fewest transfers,; or have the least amount of walking.
  • Review the times for Route 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215. These are the main bus routes through Balboa Park.