Top Museums in California

8.8
location icon 1005 Objects
California Region | USA - Rated 8.8

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1

USS Midway Museum rating icon 9.7

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 116 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 53 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 726 of 28532
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Samuel October 20, 2024

If you're on a budget, look for combo tickets with other attractions nearby. I saved some cash that way. Totally worth it!

2

The Getty rating icon 9.3

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 204 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 94 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 1494 of 28532
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Ryan December 13, 2024

I found the audio guides super helpful, but you can also just download the app and save some cash. Way easier than carrying a device around!

3

Los Angeles County Museum of Art rating icon 8.8

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 473 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 214 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 3201 of 28532
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Barbara October 15, 2024

If you're planning to visit multiple museums in LA, consider getting the Museum Pass. It can save you some money and offers access to a bunch of places, including LACMA.

4

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art rating icon 8.6

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 541 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 244 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 3767 of 28532
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Jane January 10, 2025

I suggest downloading the SFMOMA app before you go. It gives you good info about the pieces and helps you find your way around. Plus, it works offline!

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Jack December 9, 2024

Definitely check out the free first Tuesdays of the month! I had a great time exploring more without breaking the bank. Just be ready for a bigger crowd, though!

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Mary November 5, 2024

If you want to avoid long lines, try to visit after 3 PM on weekdays. I went around that time and it was much less hectic, giving me more time to enjoy each piece!

5

The Broad rating icon 8.4

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 696 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 304 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 4554 of 28532
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6

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum rating icon 8.2

5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 762 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 339 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 5301 of 28532
Museums
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Patricia January 15, 2025

I suggest bringing snacks or a picnic. The cafe inside is kinda pricey and I didn’t find the food that great. I wish I had packed my own food!

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Nathan December 10, 2024

Plan to spend about 3-4 hours there to really see everything. I thought a couple of hours would be enough, but I was so wrong!

7

Winchester Mystery House rating icon 8

525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 863 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 369 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 5582 of 28532
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Charles January 8, 2025

I recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines at the ticket booth. It saved me so much time!

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Anthony November 21, 2024

Plan to take the Grand Estate Tour if you can; it covers more of the house and its history. I feel like I got the full spooky experience this way!

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Christopher November 16, 2024

Take a sweater! Even in summer, some areas of the house can be a bit chilly, and you want to be comfortable while experiencing all the mystery.

8

Exploratorium rating icon 7.8

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 955 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 437 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 6259 of 28532
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Jennifer December 28, 2024

One thing I wish I’d known was to plan your exhibits ahead of time. Some stuff was closed during my visit, so check their website the day before to make sure you see what you want!

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Ronald October 19, 2024

If you're visiting with kids, here's a tip: there are family packs available at a discount that can save you some cash. We got one and it made a big difference!

9

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) rating icon 7.7

900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 953 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 425 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 6367 of 28532
Museums
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Thomas October 20, 2024

Don't forget to explore the basement. I thought the best exhibits were all upstairs, but there are some cool surprises down below.

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Tyler October 12, 2024

If you're a student or teacher, bring your ID! I saved a good amount on tickets with a student discount, which was unexpected.

10

Petersen Automotive Museum rating icon 7.4

6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1061 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 484 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 6967 of 28532
Museums
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Jill November 22, 2024

I think the museum has a café, but I found food options a bit pricey. So, if you wanna save some cash, grab a bite before you come or pack a snack for the road!

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John November 7, 2024

I recommend starting your visit at 10 AM, just when they open. It gets packed later, and you can enjoy the exhibits without having to navigate through crowds.

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Daniel October 28, 2024

If you're a car buff, take some time to read the info plaques. Some of the stories behind the cars are super interesting, and it adds to the experience as you go through the museum!

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