A Guide to the San Diego Automotive Museum's Highlights, Tips, & Tickets

It is a must visit whether you're a local or just visiting for the weekend and looking for fun things to do in San Diego. Whatever your interest in cars, there's plenty here to spark your interest.

 

Through exhibits and exhibits on the past, present, and future of automotive technology, the museum celebrates the contributions of the automobile to our culture. It does this by exhibiting a variety of exhibits, from historical barn cars to international motorcycles.

 

Additionally, the San Diego Automotive Museum has a collection of vintage cars that's worth checking out. The collection is a car enthusiast's dream come true and you should see it for yourself.

 

Highlights

I find it interesting that there are cars and motorcycles to look at, but the reason they are there is even more interesting. The evolution of styling and horsepower over the years has been fascinating, but these favorites stand out.

 

The museum's extensive collection of motorcycles surprises many visitors. In the museum, forty motorcycles dating back to the early 1900s are on display.

For Back to the Future fans, the museum has a DeLorean DMC-12. There is even an opportunity to take pictures in the car.

Its main attraction is a collection of classic cars. We provide a short description for each item, as well as the original price.

There is enough reason to visit the museum just for Louie Mattar's Cadillac. We won't tell you the car's story. Don't miss it if you ever have the chance.

As part of the museum's commitment to southern California culture, the SDAM offers a collection of classic lowriders that can be viewed and learned about.

Here is a video not only showing the cars and motorcycles inside the museum, but describing how they're restored and maintained.

 

There are five things you need to know about the San Diego Automotive Museum

Getting around the San Diego Automotive Museum is easy, but we'll provide you with a couple of extra tips.

 

 

ADMISSION TIPS

San Diego residents can visit for free every fourth Tuesday. You only need to bring your ID.

 

You can buy your tickets online if you are not a resident but plan to visit. Nevertheless, they expire within a week of purchase. Prices include:

 

Adults (18-64): $1450

Seniors (65+): $10

Military (With ID): $10

Student (With ID): $10

Youth (5-17): $850

Ages 0-4: FREE

TWO SIGHTSEEING PASS CHOICES

Combine your admission to SDMRM with other attractions throughout San Diego or just in Balboa Park.

 

Go San Diego Pass

With either sightseeing pass, the All-Inclusive or Explorer includes access to the SDMRM as well as over 50 other attractions in San Diego.

 

To save 10% until December 31, 2022, use promo code lajollamom.

 

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Balboa Park Explorer Pass

It includes 16 museums within Balboa Park.

 

There are three options for passes, including a seven-day Parkwide Pass, an annual pass (best for residents), or a one-day Limited Pass which includes four participating venues.

 

BUY NOW

 

 

If you have friends or family planning to visit San Diego soon, you can also buy them a gift certificate for the museum.

 

Prior to your visit, make sure you check the museum's calendar for hours of operation, as it sometimes closes due to exhibit changes or special events.

 

LOCATION

Located in Balboa Park's Pan American Plaza, the museum is just five minutes from downtown San Diego. From the I-5 and Highway 163, it is easy to access.

 

 

 

From your car, you can easily walk to the museum from the Pan American Plaza parking lot (you can't miss it). If there is no parking available in the lot, you can park on the street for free.

 

You'll be in luck at SDAM because it is located next door to the San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Comic-Con Museum. The other popular museums in Balboa Park are just a short walk away.

 

CAR SHOWS

Interested in seeing the cars of the San Diego Automotive Museum but unable to attend? Make sure you check out external opportunities to see them.

 

A classic cruise car show takes place just twenty minutes west of Balboa Park in Downtown El Cajon, where the museum participates. Every Wednesday, the show features different types of cars. Discover what day resonates with you on their calendar. If you or your children have any questions, SDAM staff will be available to help.

 

CARS AND COFFEE

The San Diego Automotive Museum is well-known for its interaction with the community. Cars and coffee are other ways they do this. Residents or visitors are welcome to bring their classic cars to the museum every third Sunday of the month and chat with the staff.

 

As part of this event, the museum will open early at 8 a.m. with discounted tickets until 10 a.m.

 

Those who cannot attend the cars and coffee event can view the cars at similar events, where museum staff will be present. The details are below:

 

It's cars, coffee, and doughnuts on the 24th of every month at 7 a.m. at 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd Suite 128, San Diego, California 92121.

Each second Sunday of the month, 5:30am, at 5675 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA, 92123.

 

 

ROTATING EXHIBITS

By rotating exhibits, the SDAM showcases a regular collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.

 

Their past spotlight exhibitions included Evel Knievel's motorcycle, steampunk creations, and cars with characters-an exhibit featuring automobiles from popular movies, such as Cars and Scooby Doo.