Dramatic coastlines and sunny weather are Southern California’s main attractions. It charms beach lovers and adventure seekers from all over the country and the world. Besides being an awesome summer destination, this region has landmarks that make it a lovely holiday paradise all year round. Exquisite dining spots and luxurious shopping districts are scattered everywhere. If you are a history buff, there are a lot of places you should not miss, such as Union Station Los Angeles, Heritage Square Los Angeles, Fort Tejon State Historic Park, and Mission San Juan Capistrano. Airbnb tiny houses and beachfront rentals in Southern California are also available for your accommodation needs. To make your holiday on this side of the country worthwhile, browse through this list of the top museums in Southern California, USA.
1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Southern California is home to many fascinating museums, and one of them is Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Informally referred to as LACMA, this iconic museum has been featured in many Hollywood movies because of its visually pleasing aesthetics. Did you spot it in No Strings Attached (2011)? Los Angeles County Museum of Art was founded in 1961, and since then, it has been continuously showcasing diverse artworks collected throughout history. Also, it has temporary exhibits on its roster. The most recent ones are Sam Francis and Japan: Emptiness Overflowing and Cauleen Smith: Give It Or Leave It. Film screenings and concerts are held in LACMA on special occasions as well.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Website: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
2. Maritime Museum of San Diego (from USD 24.0)
Maritime Museum of San Diego is the ultimate venue for tourists who have a deep appreciation for everything nautical. Located on the San Diego Bay, this fascinating museum has breathtaking surroundings. It has been in operation since 1948, and it boasts the biggest collection of marine vessels that are relevant to American history. Included in its displays are the iconic Star of India, a 19th-century iron bark, USS Dolphin, a research submarine, and some ships. Also, Maritime Museum of San Diego features hands-on exhibits for kids.
Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
3. Palm Springs Air Museum
Palm Springs Air Museum is located in Palm Springs. It is a museum that centers on the relevance of air power during World War ll and how it resulted in the liberty that the United States citizens get to enjoy at present time. At this museum, you will see old planes that were used during the wars in Vietnam and Korea. Some of these aircrafts are in good condition and still flyable. Also, Palm Springs Air Museum has a gallery of pilots, dead and alive, who participated in World War II.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Address: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Website: Palm Springs Air Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 16 USD
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4. Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena
What was once called Pasadena Art Institute is now Norton Simon Museum. It is an art museum that plays with visitors’ creative minds through its wide collection of stunning sculptures. If you have an interest in foreign arts, you will be thrilled to see the European and Asian art pieces at Norton Simon Museum. Some of its most recent exhibitions include Paul Gauguin’s ‘The Swineherd,’ 1888, Beyond the World We Know: Abstraction in Photography, and By Day & by Night: Paris in the Belle Époque. Expect more exhibits coming this year, such as Unseen Picasso, The Expressive Body: Memory, Devotion, Desire (1400 - 1750), and Alternate Realities: Altoon, Diebenkorn, Lobdell, Woelffer.
Norton Simon Museum
Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
Website: Norton Simon Museum
Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Thu: 12pm - 5pm; Fri, Sat & Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 15 USD
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
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5. Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad
If music is your passion, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Museum of Making Music on your Southern California holiday. It is a bright and fun-filled museum for music enthusiasts and families. It might showcase contemporary furnishings, but its exhibits follow a timeline that includes the past. It has old and new instruments, photographs, and memorabilia. You can see how instruments were made, used, and even marketed. Live shows and events are held in Museum of Making Music occasionally, so check out its website before you plan your visit.
Museum of Making Music
Address: 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Website: Museum of Making Music
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7 USD onwards
6. Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Located in Orange County in Santa Ana, Bowers Museum is a Mission Revival-style museum with a wide collection of global art in diverse forms. Over 100,000 fascinating pieces are housed in this museum. It features Native American art and pre-Columbian Mesoamerica art. You can also find Asian, African, and Oceanian masterpieces at Bowers Museum. Since its opening in 1936, it continuously teaches its visitors not only about art but of culture and history as well. Some of Bowers Museum’s notable exhibits include AFRICAN TWILIGHT: Vanishing Rituals & Ceremonies, American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times, Mummies Of The World, and many more.
Bowers Museum
Address: 2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, United States
Website: Bowers Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD onwards
7. San Diego Natural History Museum
Located in Balboa Park, San Diego Natural History Museum is a family-friendly destination for tourists who are into science and history. Open since 1874, this museum is the oldest scientific institution in Southern California. It has exhibits about Baja and Southern California. Fossils, dinosaurs, and everything about earth science is tackled at San Diego Natural History Museum, making it one of the best places to visit in Southern California. It also has a giant screen theatre that features informative films.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: San Diego Natural History Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 11-20 USD
8. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (from USD 18.0)
If you are planning to visit Los Angeles County on your upcoming Southern California escapade, be sure to swing by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. It is a fascinating museum that all members of the family will surely enjoy. 35 million specimens and historical artifacts are housed in this museum, and some of these items date back to billions of years ago. Exhibits of dinosaurs, rare gems, and fossils are some of the main attractions at Natural Museum of Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles Natural History Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
9. Battleship USS Iowa Museum, Los Angeles (from USD 30.0)
Travel back in time and get to see the lifestyle of the marines during World War ll when you visit Battleship USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles. Nestled at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, this maritime museum is home to the famous USS Iowa, a battleship that was used during the war. Inside, you’ll see a collection of weaponry, missiles, and the crews’ living quarters. This museum is not only for adults. Kids will surely enjoy children’s tour programs that take them to the captain’s cabins and the deck with stunning sea views.
Battleship USS Iowa Museum Admission
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
10. Guinness World Records Museum, Los Angeles (from USD 25.0)
Are you curious about the trivial facts of the world? Do you want to know who the tallest man in the world is? How about the shortest? If things like this arouse your curiosity, be sure to quench your thirsty mind at Guinness World Records Museum. Located a short walk away from Hollywood and Highland Center, this attraction is a good stop after exploring the city of Los Angeles. It displays documents that name record-breaking people in the world and in which field. Besides this, Guinness World Records Museum has fun arcade games, iconic life-size statues, and interesting objects on display.
Guinness World Records Museum Admission Ticket in Hollywood
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Have a memorable holiday in Southern California
Whatever type of tourist you are, there is something in Southern California for you. The beautiful beaches, warm climate, and natural wonders in Southern California attract all kinds of travelers. It also has excellent dining spots and luxurious boutiques for foodies and shopaholics. Moreover, if you are into history, Southern California will overwhelm you with its historic landmarks and museums. Book a stay at a modern cabin rental in the area and use this list of some of the best museums in Southern California when you’re planning your travel itinerary in the state.
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