Get Tickets | San Diego Automotive Museum
Source: https://sdautomuseum.org/get-tickets
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
Get Tickets | San Diego Automotive Museum
Get Tickets
To San Diego’s Premier Transportation Museum
Single day tickets
MEMBERSHIPS
enhanced memberships
group reservations
Press & Media tickets
Single Day Tickets
Please verify
museum hours
before purchasing your ticket. Tickets are valid for 7 days from date of purchase. All ticket sales are final. Discount tickets are handled at the admission's desk. Kids under 3 receive free admission.
Adult
Age 18–64
$19.50
ADD TO CART
Youth
Age 3-15
$15
ADD TO CART
Senior
Age 65+
$17
ADD TO CART
Student
Must have ID
$17
ADD TO CART
Military
Must have ID
$17
ADD TO CART
Balboa Park Parkwide Pass
Discover an affordable and inclusive way to enjoy San Diego’s historic Balboa Park Cultural District.
LEARN MORE
Basic Annual Membership
Becoming a member guarantees unlimited admission for one year, discounts on party rentals, seasonal reciprocal program with other San Diego County Museums, access to the library, a 10% discount to the museum store, and more!
Individual
1 member + 1 youth only (under 17)
$60/year
PURCHASE
Family
2 adults (same household) and 4 youth (under 17) + 2 guest passes.
$100/year
PURCHASE
Seniors
1 member only (65+)
$45/year
PURCHASE
Wheelhouse Credit Union
Thank you for joining Wheelhouse Credit Union!
PURCHASE
Corporate Partnerships
A fun way to reward your team or yourself and encourage creativity in the workplace.
PURCHASE
Enhanced Membership
Enhance your membership by becoming a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Life Member. Enjoy all of the benefits of a Family Membership, plus additional museum rewards. Enhanced levels are tax deductible, minus the fair market value.
Bronze
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
4 additional guest passes (6 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
$250/year
PURCHASE
Silver
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
6 additional guest passes (8 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
Private tour with the CEO*
$500/year
PURCHASE
Gold
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
8 additional guest passes (10 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
Private tour with the CEO*
Complimentary family membership to gift to person of your choosing
$750/year
PURCHASE
The Podium Club
Our premier membership for passionate auto enthusiasts and collectors. Members enjoy exclusive access to private car collections, special travel experiences and events.
Plus, Podium Club members receive:
15 guest passes per year
50% off additional guest passes (at admissions desk only)
20% off private event bookings
20% off at the Museum Store (on site only)
Parking pass for the Museum's back lot
$1,200/year
PURCHASE
LEARN MORE
Are you a resident of San Diego?
Join us on
Resident Free Day
We offer free admission to San Diego County residents with proof of residency. Those unable to provide proof of residency, must still purchase a ticket.
Residents Free Tuesday is the fourth Tuesday of each month (except in September and December) from 10:00am – 3:30pm.
Group Reservations
Organizations include and are not limited to schools, churches, camps, scout troops, medical or social care facilities, tours, clubs, or any other organized group.
LEARN MORE
Press & Media Tickets
If you’re a member of the press, an influencer, or a content creator who’d like to help share the joy of the museum, we’d love to collaborate with you! Reach out to our team to arrange your admission and promotional coverage.
LEARN MORE
San Diego Automotive Museum
Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 398-0306
Open Daily | 10am–5pm
Last Entry at 4:30pm
Resident Free Tuesday | Last Entry at 3:30pm
FAQ
Our museum is a 17,000 square-foot exhibit hall that showcases automobiles and motorcycles organized into several compelling exhibits. The exhibit floor includes a mix of our permanent collection, loaned vehicles, and thematic exhibits. Expect to spend about an hour seeing the entire space. However, avid fans have been known to spend up to three hours enjoying the car collection!
Explore Answers to Common Questions
Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, the San Diego Automotive Museum can be accessed from most major freeways.
Getting to the Museum by Car, Taxi, or Rideshare
The San Diego Automotive Museum is located at 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. Parking can be found in the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot, and adjacent lots.
Southbound from I-5
Take the 10th Avenue Exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" Street and left again on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Northbound from I-5
Take the Pershing Drive/B Street exit off I-5 to Pershing Drive. Take Pershing and then turn left on Florida Drive. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn right on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Southbound from Hwy 163
Take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Getting to the Museum using Public Transportation
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.
Visit the MTS website or dial 511. Select transit routes that are the fastest, have the fewest transfers,; or have the least amount of walking.
Review the times for Route 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215. These are the main bus routes through Balboa Park.
Beginning January 5, 2026, parking will no longer be free in Balboa Park. Parking prices will vary depending on lot, duration and residency. Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Passes are also available. Please visit the
City of San Diego
for more information.
Balboa Park's free tram stops just in front of the Museum in Pan American Plaza.
We are free to San Diego County Residents on the 4th Tuesday of most months and last entry is at 3:30. Sorry-no entry after 3:30. No free Tuesday in September or December. Those purchasing tickets or have a reservation will have priority entry. All organizations must have a confirmed reservation:
reservation form
. Reservations are not required for individuals, but are strongly recommended.
Proof of residency is required for anyone 18 and up. Acceptable proofs of residency are:
Driver's License or State Id
School Id
Military Id
Bank statement or utility bill with all names printed plus picture ids.
Non-residents and those unable to provide proof of residency must still purchase admission tickets.
Sorry, no food, drinks, water bottles, pets or strollers are permitted. The Kids Corner is closed on Free Tuesdays. ADA recognized service animals only.
For the rotating schedule:
Resident Free Days - Balboa Park
While we understand your enthusiasm, there is absolutely no touching of exhibits.
Do not cross the barriers; remain on the main walkways within the Museum.
Guests 15 and younger must be accompanied and fully supervised by an adult.
No running within the Museum.
Guests seen not displaying proper behavior will be escorted out.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the Museum.
There are multiple shaded tables in the plaza just outside the Museum for dining, and several food options are located within Balboa Park.
Our gift shop does sell cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks for you to enjoy on the plaza.
The one-story floor plan of the San Diego Automotive Museum easily accommodates a smooth experience for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If needed, wheelchairs are available for Museum guests to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
ADA recognized service animals only.
Restrooms are equipped with handicapped stalls and baby-changing stations. Sorry, our bathrooms are not available to the public; tickets must be purchased to use our bathrooms.
Strollers are permitted in the Museum during normal days.
Strollers are not permitted in the Museum on Resident Free Tuesday, Trunk or Treat and December Nights.
We encourage you to take photos for personal use, except where prohibited as marked.
Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.
For press and other special photography, including film and video projects, please contact us for special arrangements.
California State law prohibits smoking in Balboa Park. No tobacco, including smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices are allowed in the Museum or in the park.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is a weapons-free facility. Firearms, weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited.
Exhibits
Explore rare collections, rotating exhibits, and hands-on experiences that bring automotive history to life.
LEARN MORE
Events
See what events, car meets, and other happenings are coming up soon.
LEARN MORE
About Us
Learn the story of the San Diego Automotive Museum.
LEARN MORE
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS
Get Tickets
To San Diego’s Premier Transportation Museum
Single day tickets
MEMBERSHIPS
enhanced memberships
group reservations
Press & Media tickets
Single Day Tickets
Please verify
museum hours
before purchasing your ticket. Tickets are valid for 7 days from date of purchase. All ticket sales are final. Discount tickets are handled at the admission's desk. Kids under 3 receive free admission.
Adult
Age 18–64
$19.50
ADD TO CART
Youth
Age 3-15
$15
ADD TO CART
Senior
Age 65+
$17
ADD TO CART
Student
Must have ID
$17
ADD TO CART
Military
Must have ID
$17
ADD TO CART
Balboa Park Parkwide Pass
Discover an affordable and inclusive way to enjoy San Diego’s historic Balboa Park Cultural District.
LEARN MORE
Basic Annual Membership
Becoming a member guarantees unlimited admission for one year, discounts on party rentals, seasonal reciprocal program with other San Diego County Museums, access to the library, a 10% discount to the museum store, and more!
Individual
1 member + 1 youth only (under 17)
$60/year
PURCHASE
Family
2 adults (same household) and 4 youth (under 17) + 2 guest passes.
$100/year
PURCHASE
Seniors
1 member only (65+)
$45/year
PURCHASE
Wheelhouse Credit Union
Thank you for joining Wheelhouse Credit Union!
PURCHASE
Corporate Partnerships
A fun way to reward your team or yourself and encourage creativity in the workplace.
PURCHASE
Enhanced Membership
Enhance your membership by becoming a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Life Member. Enjoy all of the benefits of a Family Membership, plus additional museum rewards. Enhanced levels are tax deductible, minus the fair market value.
Bronze
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
4 additional guest passes (6 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
$250/year
PURCHASE
Silver
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
6 additional guest passes (8 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
Private tour with the CEO*
$500/year
PURCHASE
Gold
All the benefits of a family membership, plus:
8 additional guest passes (10 total)
Invited to exclusive museum events
Discounts to special museum events
Free registration to the Museum’s car rally
Gift shop discount of 20%
Reciprocal admission to museums belonging to NARM, ROAM, AMG, and NAAM
Private tour with the CEO*
Complimentary family membership to gift to person of your choosing
$750/year
PURCHASE
The Podium Club
Our premier membership for passionate auto enthusiasts and collectors. Members enjoy exclusive access to private car collections, special travel experiences and events.
Plus, Podium Club members receive:
15 guest passes per year
50% off additional guest passes (at admissions desk only)
20% off private event bookings
20% off at the Museum Store (on site only)
Parking pass for the Museum's back lot
$1,200/year
PURCHASE
LEARN MORE
Are you a resident of San Diego?
Join us on
Resident Free Day
We offer free admission to San Diego County residents with proof of residency. Those unable to provide proof of residency, must still purchase a ticket.
Residents Free Tuesday is the fourth Tuesday of each month (except in September and December) from 10:00am – 3:30pm.
Group Reservations
Organizations include and are not limited to schools, churches, camps, scout troops, medical or social care facilities, tours, clubs, or any other organized group.
LEARN MORE
Press & Media Tickets
If you’re a member of the press, an influencer, or a content creator who’d like to help share the joy of the museum, we’d love to collaborate with you! Reach out to our team to arrange your admission and promotional coverage.
LEARN MORE
San Diego Automotive Museum
Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 398-0306
Open Daily | 10am–5pm
Last Entry at 4:30pm
Resident Free Tuesday | Last Entry at 3:30pm
FAQ
Our museum is a 17,000 square-foot exhibit hall that showcases automobiles and motorcycles organized into several compelling exhibits. The exhibit floor includes a mix of our permanent collection, loaned vehicles, and thematic exhibits. Expect to spend about an hour seeing the entire space. However, avid fans have been known to spend up to three hours enjoying the car collection!
Explore Answers to Common Questions
Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, the San Diego Automotive Museum can be accessed from most major freeways.
Getting to the Museum by Car, Taxi, or Rideshare
The San Diego Automotive Museum is located at 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. Parking can be found in the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot, and adjacent lots.
Southbound from I-5
Take the 10th Avenue Exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" Street and left again on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Northbound from I-5
Take the Pershing Drive/B Street exit off I-5 to Pershing Drive. Take Pershing and then turn left on Florida Drive. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn right on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Southbound from Hwy 163
Take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd. Turn left on Presidents Way and continue straight through the intersection with Pan American Rd E to enter the Pan American Plaza Parking Lot.
Getting to the Museum using Public Transportation
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.
Visit the MTS website or dial 511. Select transit routes that are the fastest, have the fewest transfers,; or have the least amount of walking.
Review the times for Route 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215. These are the main bus routes through Balboa Park.
Beginning January 5, 2026, parking will no longer be free in Balboa Park. Parking prices will vary depending on lot, duration and residency. Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Passes are also available. Please visit the
City of San Diego
for more information.
Balboa Park's free tram stops just in front of the Museum in Pan American Plaza.
We are free to San Diego County Residents on the 4th Tuesday of most months and last entry is at 3:30. Sorry-no entry after 3:30. No free Tuesday in September or December. Those purchasing tickets or have a reservation will have priority entry. All organizations must have a confirmed reservation:
reservation form
. Reservations are not required for individuals, but are strongly recommended.
Proof of residency is required for anyone 18 and up. Acceptable proofs of residency are:
Driver's License or State Id
School Id
Military Id
Bank statement or utility bill with all names printed plus picture ids.
Non-residents and those unable to provide proof of residency must still purchase admission tickets.
Sorry, no food, drinks, water bottles, pets or strollers are permitted. The Kids Corner is closed on Free Tuesdays. ADA recognized service animals only.
For the rotating schedule:
Resident Free Days - Balboa Park
While we understand your enthusiasm, there is absolutely no touching of exhibits.
Do not cross the barriers; remain on the main walkways within the Museum.
Guests 15 and younger must be accompanied and fully supervised by an adult.
No running within the Museum.
Guests seen not displaying proper behavior will be escorted out.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the Museum.
There are multiple shaded tables in the plaza just outside the Museum for dining, and several food options are located within Balboa Park.
Our gift shop does sell cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks for you to enjoy on the plaza.
The one-story floor plan of the San Diego Automotive Museum easily accommodates a smooth experience for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If needed, wheelchairs are available for Museum guests to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
ADA recognized service animals only.
Restrooms are equipped with handicapped stalls and baby-changing stations. Sorry, our bathrooms are not available to the public; tickets must be purchased to use our bathrooms.
Strollers are permitted in the Museum during normal days.
Strollers are not permitted in the Museum on Resident Free Tuesday, Trunk or Treat and December Nights.
We encourage you to take photos for personal use, except where prohibited as marked.
Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.
For press and other special photography, including film and video projects, please contact us for special arrangements.
California State law prohibits smoking in Balboa Park. No tobacco, including smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices are allowed in the Museum or in the park.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is a weapons-free facility. Firearms, weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited.
Exhibits
Explore rare collections, rotating exhibits, and hands-on experiences that bring automotive history to life.
LEARN MORE
Events
See what events, car meets, and other happenings are coming up soon.
LEARN MORE
About Us
Learn the story of the San Diego Automotive Museum.
LEARN MORE
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS
Visit
Explore
← Back
Exhibits
Collections
Galleries
Experiences
Events
← Back
Calendar
Cruis’n Fore Drivers Golf Tournament
The Party in the Park
Venue Rental
Education
← Back
School Programs
Camps
IGNITE Academy
Donate
Store
GET TICKETS