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

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.

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 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.

Beginning January 5, 2026, parking will no longer be free in Balboa Park. Parking prices will vary depending on lot, duration and residency.  Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Passes are also available. Please visit the City of San Diego for more information.

Balboa Park's free tram stops just in front of the Museum in Pan American Plaza.

We are free to San Diego County Residents on the 4th Tuesday of most months and last entry is at 3:30. Sorry-no entry after 3:30. No free Tuesday in September or December. Those purchasing tickets or have a reservation will have priority entry. All organizations must have a confirmed reservation: reservation form. Reservations are not required for individuals, but are strongly recommended.

Proof of residency is required for anyone 18 and up. Acceptable proofs of residency are:

• Driver's License or State Id
• School Id
• Military Id
• Bank statement or utility bill with all names printed plus picture ids.

• While we understand your enthusiasm, there is absolutely no touching of exhibits.
• Do not cross the barriers; remain on the main walkways within the Museum.
• Guests 15 and younger must be accompanied and fully supervised by an adult.
• No running within the Museum.
• Guests seen not displaying proper behavior will be escorted out.

• No food or drinks are allowed inside the Museum.
• There are multiple shaded tables in the plaza just outside the Museum for dining, and several food options are located within Balboa Park. 
• Our gift shop does sell cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks for you to enjoy on the plaza. 

• The one-story floor plan of the San Diego Automotive Museum easily accommodates a smooth experience for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If needed, wheelchairs are available for Museum guests to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
• ADA recognized service animals only.
• Restrooms are equipped with handicapped stalls and baby-changing stations. Sorry, our bathrooms are not available to the public; tickets must be purchased to use our bathrooms.

• Strollers are permitted in the Museum during normal days.
• Strollers are not permitted in the Museum on Resident Free Tuesday, Trunk or Treat and December Nights.

• We encourage you to take photos for personal use, except where prohibited as marked.
• Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.
• For press and other special photography, including film and video projects, please contact us for special arrangements.