The Junípero Serra Museum is located in Presidio Park. Built in 1928 by philanthropist George Marston, the Serra is a regional landmark that sits on one of the most significant historical sites on the West Coast -- the first permanent European settlement in what is now California. Inside the museum, explore the earliest history of San Diego and see what the area looked like in 1790. Hear the stories of the people that lived along the river’s edge since time immemorial as well as those that came to settle the area. Learn how they used and changed the river in order to adapt to the region's arid climate. Take in stunning views of the coastline from the Serra's iconic tower. 

The San Diego History Center is located in the historic Casa de Balboa building in the heart of Balboa Park. Known for the dynamic exhibitions highlighting the interesting and diverse history of San Diego, guests will find a wide variety of mediums used in the galleries to tell those stories -- art, photographs, videos, oral histories, documents, historic clothing, and regional objects. Enjoy our award-winning 30-minute documentary Balboa Park: The Jewel of San Diego. On the weekends, adults 21+ can enjoy a beer tasting experience with local brewery Little Miss Brewing in Taste San Diego: Craft Culture Community. 

Instead of a fixed admission fee at our museums, we look to your generosity to help make history accessible to all in our community, removing barriers for those who would otherwise not be able to experience our region's history, art, and culture. Suggested minimum donation is $10.