The Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum showcases the best close support flyers in the world, on board MCAS Miramar; this museum is open to civilians, and is free for all. This Marine museum features several retired aircraft, aviation items and equipment, and several fun and educational events, including model aircraft competitions.

The MCRD San Diego Command Museum is on board the depot (Building 26), and has a collection of artifacts and exhibits for Marines in general and drill and training Marines in particular. The museum is intended to inspire Marines and preserve material and equipment from the drill and combat experience of past Marines since World War II.

There are several Balboa Park museums - The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, in Balboa Park is a science museum with planetarium and IMAX theater, suitable for children and with some family material. The San Diego Air & Space Museum, in Balboa Park, has a large collection of airplanes from the dawn of flight through the modern era, including a World War One gallery, World War Two gallery, and jet age gallery. SDASM also offers educational programs, including summer camps. The San Diego Museum of Art has a broad art collection, with a larger collection of Spanish art; SDMA also features educational programs, including the Teen Art Cafe, summer camps, lectures, and other art opportunities. The San Diego Natural History Museum ("the Nat") displays many examples of nature, especially prehistoric animals (usually including something on dinosaurs). The San Diego Museum of Man focuses on people, including many global cultures through history; the Museum of Man also has summer camps and occasional special events.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego specializes in art in all media produced since 1950, and has a education program for kids, teens, adults, and educators. This museum is in La Jolla, about 20 east of station.

The San Diego Maritime Museum is a museum of ships, including the USS Dolphin submarine; replicas of ships from the 18th and 16th Century; the Star of India, an actual 19th Century iron sailing bark; and other ships and maritime artifacts. The Museum also draws ships for the Festival of Sail, in late August/early September.

The USS Midway Museum is just down the docks from the Maritime Museum, and consists of the USS Midway herself and several aircraft. The Midway was the longest serving aircraft carrier (1945-1992). Guided and self-guided tours are available.

The California Surf Museum, started in 1986, shows off the history of surfing with a timeline of surfboards from the 1900s to today and memorabilia such as photos, magazines, surfing equipment, and art related to the sport. The museum also hosts events like the Surf Film Festival, book signings, concerts, and more.

The Oceanside Museum of Art provides the community with modern and contemporary works of art by regional, national, and international artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum offers permanent and rotating exhibitions as well as films, concerts, culinary events, and more.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the largest of all 21 missions in California. It was founded in 1798 and named for the 13th century King of France, St. Louis IX. It is now the home of several Franciscan Friars, a cemetery, a Retreat Center, historic church, and museum. The museum contains artifacts from the Luiseno Indians, early Spanish missionaries, and tells the history of the mission, including a brief occupation by U.S. military from 1847-57.

San Diego is one of the largest cities in the US, and has a large cultural base, including the world class San Diego Symphony, San Diego Ballet, and San Diego Opera, and an active San Diego live theater community.