The next time your family is looking for a cultural fix, pick one of these museums for an afternoon of fun.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a perfect spot for young children to play and socialize in an organized setting. Exhibits include an art studio, air maze, theatre, and more. Non-member reservations available, but spaces are limited.
- 180 Woz Way, San Jose, 95110
- Open Wednesday-Friday from 9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M., Saturday & Sunday from 9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. and 1:30 P.M.–4:30 P.M.
- 408-298-5437
- CDM.org
COLTON HALL
Free admission. Built to serve as a public school and town meeting hall, Colton Hall offers visitors a re-creation of the meeting room where California’s first Constitution was drafted in October 1849. Colton Hall is small but perfect for history buffs as well as children in the elementary ages.
- 570 Pacific St., Monterey, 93940 •
- Open Thursday through Sunday 10 A.M.–4 P.M
- 831-646-5648
MHAA SALVADOR DALI EXHIBITION
Reduced admission for active military
The Monterey History & Arts Association (MHAA) Salvador Dali Exhibition is a crown jewel of Monterey’s museum offerings. Located in the heart of Monterey on the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, it is home to a collection of over 560 Dali pieces, including lithographs, etchings, photographs, sculptures and tapestries. Named a “Must-See Exhibit” by USA Today.
- 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, 93940
- Open daily 11 A.M.–8 P.M.
- 831-372-2608
- www.MHAADALI.com
MONTEREY COUNTY YOUTH MUSEUM
The 8,500 square-foot museum was developed in 1997 to provide an environment where children and adults learn together through experience. A variety of special classes and activities are offered including MY ImagiTree, MY Creation Station, MY Healthy Farm, and more.
- 425 Washington St., Monterey, 93940
- Open Wednesday through Friday 10 A.M.–3 P.M., Saturday-Sunday 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
- 831-649-6444
- www.mymuseum.org
MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART
The Monterey Museum of Art features permanent and rotating exhibits of work in a variety of media, including painting, photography and contemporary art. Several special events are offered over the course of the summer.
- 559 Pacific St., Monterey, 93940
- Open Thursday-Sunday 11 A.M.–5 P.M.
- 831-372-5477
- www.Monterey.org
- Free admission with active military ID
NATIONAL STEINBECK CENTER
Dedicated to acclaimed writer and Salinas native, the National Steinbeck Center is home to film clips, books, plays, information and artifacts from Steinbeck’s personal archives. Information on special events at the museum as well as educational resources for parents and educators is available on the Center website.
- 1 Main St., Salinas, 93901
- Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
- 831-775-4721
- www.Steinbeck.org
- Discounted admission for active duty military and families
PACIFIC GROVE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The museum opened in 1883 making it one of the oldest natural history museums in the country. The museum showcases the wildlife, plants, and geology of the Central Coast region. A perfect place for kids, the museum offers a variety of self-directed activities and programs to keep little ones engaged during their visit. Local children are welcome to join the Junior Naturalists Club with special monthly programming. Free admission is offered on the last Saturday and the first Friday evening of each month.
- 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950
- Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 A.M.–4 P.M.
- 831-648-5716
- PGmuseum.org
- Discounted admission for acxtive duty military and families
PACIFIC HOUSE MUSEUM
The Pacific House was built in 1847 during the US occupation of California and now offers a snapshot into Monterey life over 150 years ago. The Holman Collection features artifacts from Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultures.
- 10 Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey
- Open Tuesday-Sunday
- 10 A.M.–4 P.M.
- 831-649-2907
- Free admission
PRESIDIO MUSEUM OF MONTEREY
The Presidio of Monterey Museum chronicles the various stages of military development in Monterey history. The majority of the museum is dedicated to the use of the Presidio as a training base.
- Corporal Ewing Road, Building 113, Monterey, 93940
- Open Saturday & Sunday 10 A.M.–4 P.M.
- 831-646-3456
- Free admission
SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
Discounted admission for active duty military and families. An eclectic museum with everything from historical pieces to the work of Hunter S. Thompson. Perfect for older elementary students to adults.
- 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 95060
- Open Thursday-Sunday 12–6 P.M.
- 831-429-1964
- SantaCruzMAH.org
SEYMOUR MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER
Operated by the University of California, Santa Cruz, the center features indoor and outdoor exhibits on octopus, eels, sharks, and other deep sea creatures. Home to one of the largest blue whale skeletons in the world!
- 100McCalister Way, Santa Cruz, 95060
- Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 A.M.–4 P.M.
- 831-459-3800
ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
With over 4,000 artifacts, this museum is one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian history in the county. Exhibit themes include tomb, daily life and the afterlife. Other Rosicrucian Park attractions are close by, including the Alchemy Museum and Planetarium.
- 1660 Park Ave, San Jose, 95126
- Open Friday 10 A.M.–5 P.M., Saturday & Sunday 11 A.M.–6 P.M.
- 408-947-3635
- Egyptianmuseum.org
- Discounted admission for military & families