Fuel your engines and course through an automobile enthusiast’s dream destination at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
Established in December 1988 as the San Diego Premier Transportation Museum, it is a tribute to the automobile industry and its culture, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
The museum aims to highlight the automobile industry’s evolution and countless milestones achieved over the years.
Housed at Balboa Park, a melting point for different cultures, San Diego Automotive Museum attracts all kinds of history buffs, car lovers, and visitors.
This article shares everything you must know before booking San Diego Automotive Museum tickets.
Top San Diego Automotive Museum Tickets
# San Diego Automotive Museum
# San Diego Automotive Museum + GoCar tickets
Table of contents
- What to expect at San Diego Automotive Museum
- Where to buy San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
- How online ticket works
- Cost of San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
- San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
- San Diego Automotive Museum + GoCar tickets
- How to reach San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum timings
- How long does San Diego Automotive Museum take
- Best time to visit San Diego Automotive Museum
- FAQs about San Diego Automotive Museum
What to expect at San Diego Automotive Museum
See the Automotive Museum San Diego’s expansive collection of beautifully restored classic cars and rare vehicles dating back to 1905.
Shift through rare and iconic Indian and Harley motorcycles, American muscle cars, Italian supercars, and exquisite automobiles from every conceivable era.
Discover exhibits that portray the evolution of automobiles and learn how cars have impacted society, culture, and design.
Rev your engines at the museum boasting a unique collection and exciting exhibitions and educational programs.
For uber-passionate enthusiasts, a vast library houses a large collection of vintage car magazines, books, and manuals.
Visit the San Diego Automotive Museum Gift Shop and browse various automotive books, clothing, gifts, and toys suitable for auto enthusiasts of all ages.
Where to buy San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
The San Diego Automotive Museum tickets are available at the attraction or online in advance.
We recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid the hassle of queuing up at the counter and wasting time.
Not only can you save time, but you can also get exclusive discounts and offers by booking online.
Booking beforehand can prevent any last-minute disappointment or delays.
How online ticket works
Go to the San Diego Automotive Museum booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
You can walk into the museum by showing the ticket (on your mobile) at the gate on the day of your visit.
Cost of San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
The San Diego Automotive Museum tickets are priced at $15 for adults aged between 18 to 64.
The tickets for children between 4 to 17 years are priced at US$10.
Students with valid IDs can get tickets for US$12.
Senior Citizens above 65 years of age can get tickets for US$12.
If you are a serving member of the military or have served in the past, you can get in for US$12 as well.
Infants up to 3 years of age can enter for free.
San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
Gear up and prepare for an unforgettable journey through time, exploring the fascinating history of moving vehicles with a collection featuring the legendary trend-setting DeLorean and motorcycles from around the world.
Look at Louie Mattar’s impressive US$75,000 car, which is the only vehicle to complete a round-trip journey across the United States without making any stops.
Rare memorabilia and videos offering a cultural perspective on the evolution of automobiles are sure to fascinate all visitors.
This Automotive Museum ticket also lets you explore the incredible library and shop at the store for amazing souvenirs.
Expect a delightful and informative experience from the well-informed staff and remarkable Automotive Museum San Diego displays.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18 to 64 years): US$15
Child Ticket (4 to 17 years): US$10
Student, Military, and Senior Tickets: US$12
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free
San Diego Automotive Museum + GoCar tickets
While planning a visit to the beautiful city of San Diego, be sure to include a ride on the world’s first GPS-guided tour car, which includes an in-built tour guide.
Pair your visit to the Automotive Museum San Diego with an on-wheel tour through the city.
Explore San Diego at your leisure, renting a custom GoCar for 1, 2, or 4 hours or even the whole day.
Hop on with a passenger and ride through San Diego’s greatest downtown sights or grab a bite at the famous Hillcrest.
Choose between options taking you to different parts of the city, including Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and more.
Get the best deal on booking this combo tour below.
Ticket Cost: US$75
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How to reach San Diego Automotive Museum
The San Diego Automotive Museum is located in Balboa Park.
Address: 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, United States. Get Directions
You can reach the San Diego Automotive Museum by public transport or car.
By Bus
Get down at the San Diego (Balboa Park) Bus Stop to visit the San Diego Automotive Museum.
You can reach the stop by boarding the FlixBus.
By Subway
The nearest light rail stop to the Automotive Museum San Diego is 5th Avenue Station, which can be reached by the blue, orange, or silver line.
By Car
If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!
You can park for free outside the museum at the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
San Diego Automotive Museum timings
The Automotive Museum in San Diego opens at 10 am and closes at 4.30 pm throughout the week.
The popular attraction stays closed on most Mondays.
How long does San Diego Automotive Museum take
While visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum, plan for about an hour to walk through.
It can take longer if you’re a car enthusiast and wish to soak in all the glorious exhibits.
Best time to visit San Diego Automotive Museum
The best time to visit San Diego Automotive Museum is as soon as they open at 10 am because you get to spend time with the exhibits before the crowd starts coming in.
If you are a local, we suggest the third Sunday of every month.
Every third Sunday of the month, the museum welcomes San Diego residents and visitors to showcase their classic cars and enjoy coffee while chatting with the staff.
The event starts at 7.30 am, and the museum opens early at 8 am with a discounted ticket price until 10 am.
San Diego residents can enjoy free admission every fourth Tuesday of the month simply by presenting their ID at the venue.
FAQs about San Diego Automotive Museum
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is dedicated to the history of automobiles and their impact on society.
The museum features an expansive collection of automobiles from different eras, starting from 1905 to modern vehicles.
Park for free at the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot outside the Museum.
Guided tours can be booked in advance for groups of 10 or more people.
The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout the building.
Pets are not allowed inside the museum apart from service animals.
Yes, photography is allowed at the automotive museum.
The San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Comic-Con Museum are neighbors to the SDAM.
Many other popular Balboa Park museums are a short walk away.
Popular attractions in San Diego