San Diego Automotive Museum – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

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 the countless milestones achieved over the years. 

Housed at Balboa Park, a melting point for different cultures, the 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’s Automotive Museum tickets.

Top Tickets

# San Diego Automotive Museum tickets
# Automotive Museum + GoCar tickets
# San Diego City Pass

Book your San Diego Automotive Museum tickets early to skip the queues and guarantee your spot on this unforgettable experience.

What’s ahead

Where to buy Automotive Museum tickets

The San Diego Automotive Museum tickets are available online in advance or at the attraction ticket window.

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. 

Because the attraction sells a limited number of tickets, it may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email. 

You can walk into the museum by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone at the gate on the day of your visit.

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.

Louie Mattar’s impressive $75,000 car is the only vehicle to complete a round-trip journey across the United States without stopping.

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): $20
Student, Military, and Senior Tickets: $17
Youth (3 to 15 years): $15
Infant Ticket (up to 3 years): Free

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.

Hop on with a passenger, 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.

Note: A fully refundable $500 deposit will be charged to your credit card when you pick up the car.

Buy a San Diego City Pass and get access to 55+ San Diego activities, tours, cruises, and attractions. Visit SeaWorld, Belmont Park, Hollywood Museum, and many more famous sites, or go for a whale-watching cruise or hiking tour. 

Opening hours of the Automotive Museum

The Automotive Museum in San Diego is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

The popular attraction stays closed on most Mondays.

The museum remains closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and closes early before these holidays.

How long does the Automotive Museum take

While visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum, plan to walk through the exhibits for about an hour.

It can take longer if you are a car enthusiast and wish to soak in all the antique cars on display.

Best time to visit the Automotive Museum

The best time to visit the San Diego Automotive Museum is when it opens 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.

What to expect at the 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, which boasts a unique collection, 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.

FAQs about San Diego Automotive Museum

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum.