/ Resident Free Days
Several Balboa Park Cultural District museums offer free general admission on a rotating basis throughout each month to residents of the City and County of San Diego, and to active military personnel and their dependents.
Some museums may offer complimentary admission to their permanent collections only and charge admission to special exhibitions, attractions, films, showings, and events.
Due to large crowds and visitor safety, access for organized groups and strollers may be restricted. Tour groups/organized groups should refer to individual organization websites for scheduling information and supervisor/chaperone ratios required.
Please be prepared to present a photographic ID with your address.
First Tuesday
Second Tuesday
San Diego Air & Space Museum (Not valid for special exhibitions) – Excluding December due to December Nights and January due to the museum being closed to the public.
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Comic-Con Museum – Excluding December
Third Tuesday
San Diego Museum of Art (Not valid for special exhibitions)
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum – Excluding March, which will occur on the first Tuesday, and December. Resident Free Day will resume in January.
Mingei International Museum – Entry Level is open to the public every day.
The Old Globe – Free one-hour Behind-the-Scenes Tours are available most months. Access to spaces is subject to availability based on year-round production schedules. In order to participate, please register here. If the link is not working, that means the Behind-the-Scenes Tours are full. Walk-ups are accepted on a first come, first served basis after signing up on the standby list starting at 10am. Tours begin promptly at 10:30 AM to ensure a timely finish at 11:30 AM. Ages 8+ only. For groups of 5 or more, please fill out this form to schedule a separate tour, or visit The Old Globe’s main page for more info or additional tour dates.
Fourth Tuesday
San Diego Automotive Museum – Excluding September and December
Museum of Us – Excluding December. Free admission does not include California Tower tours or annual membership to the Museum. California Tower tours are available on Residents Free Days for $10 per person and can be booked online or in-person.
Fifth Tuesday
Regular admission prices are in effect
Second Thursday
San Diego Model Railroad Museum – Excluding December
Some museums may offer complimentary admission to their permanent collections only and charge for admission to special exhibitions, showings, and events. Please call individual museums for information.
Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at most museums, but some museums have different minimum ages that require an adult. Please verify the minimum age for the museums you wish to visit.
Dates and operating hours are subject to change WITHOUT NOTICE. Please check with individual venues if you have any questions.