Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Enter the world of sharks, living coral reefs, seahorses and more.  View a stunning variety of colorful Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats.  Touch tide-pool animals.  And interact with cutting-edge exhibits.  Open daily 9am – 5pm.  2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla.  858-534-FISH.  aquarium.ucsd.edu.

California Surf Museum
Discover the heritage and culture of the surf lifestyle through art and education. 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760-721-6876 ext. 103. surfmuseum.org.

Midway Museum
Live the adventure and honor the legend aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier in US Navy history – the USS Midway.  Open daily 10am – 5pm.  910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego.  619-544-9600.  midway.org.

Oceanside Museum of Art
This cultural jewel presents provocative, contemporary exhibitions from the region and around the world. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760-435-3720. oma-oline.org.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Check out the first IMAX dome theatre and awesome exhibition galleries demonstrating the laws of physical science.  1875 El Prado, Balboa Park.  619-238-1233.  balboapark.org.

San Diego Air & Space Museum
Your journey through the history of fight begins here.  From a model of the Montgolfier brothers' 1783 hot air balloon to a mint-condition Spitfire Mk. XVI, a Navy F6F Hellcat and an A-4 Skyhawk jet - the museum's display of space age technology, like man's desire to journey to the stars, may never be finished.  2001 Pan America Plaza, Balboa Park.  619-234-8291.  balboapark.org.

San Diego Natural History Museum
The second oldest scientific institution in SoCal, this museum is dedicated to interpreting the natural world through research and education, offering local and international exhibitions and promoting understanding of the evolution and diversity of the SoCal-Baja region.  1788 El Prado, Balboa Park.  619-232-3821.  sdnhm.org.

San Diego Museum of Art
Don’t miss the opportunity to view old masters alongside American modern art and Asian art treasures.  1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.  619-232-7931.  balboapark.org.