San Diego Archaeological Center

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San Diego Archaeological Center Learn the story of how people have lived in San Diego County for the past 12,000 years

The San Diego Archaeological Center is a museum where visitors can learn the story of how people have lived in San Diego County for the past 10,000 years. In addition to its role as a museum, the Center serves as an education and research facility and is the only local organization dedicated to the collection, study, curation and exhibition of San Diego County's archaeological artifacts.

10/14/2026

Archaeology Fall Camp for ages 7- 12 during Thanksgiving week! Whether your child is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, they will learn all about the science of archaeology. You can choose individual days or the full session (Monday-Wednesday).

Dates: November 23 – 25, 2026
Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM
Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 9 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee.

Pricing:
Full Session: $300; SDAC Members $260
Daily Rate: $100/day
Extended Care Hours: $20 per camper per day

See link in bio to register.

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, the San Diego Archaeological Center honors the sovereign Tribal Nations and Na...
10/12/2026

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, the San Diego Archaeological Center honors the sovereign Tribal Nations and Native peoples whose cultures and knowledge have been intertwined with this land since time immemorial. We recognize their resilience despite generations of violence and respect their continued leadership in protecting their cultures, languages, sacred places, and natural resources.

Today, we encourage everyone to amplify Indigenous voices by learning more about the living cultures and traditions of our local Tribal Nations and supporting Native organizations and businesses. If you’re looking for ways to do so, we invite you to engage with these resources:

Kumeyaay Community College
Barona Cultural Center & Museum
Great Oak Press
Tipey Joa Native Warriors
Eyaay Ahuun Foundation
Native Like Water
California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA)
‘Ataaxum Pomkwaan: https://www.ataaxum.org/
Tribal Print Source: https://tribalprintsource.com/
Indigenous Regeneration: https://www.indigenousregeneration.org/
Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy: https://www.kdlc.org/
Links for local Tribes' websites: https://sctca.net/

Do you like animals? Are you curious about archaeology? This Halloween, explore where these interests meet in a delightf...
10/07/2026

Do you like animals? Are you curious about archaeology? This Halloween, explore where these interests meet in a delightfully macabre fashion at our Zooarchaeology Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop. Discover the ecology of local owls and learn how archaeologists use animal remains to better understand human lifeways.

This event is ages 21+. Your ticket will include two owl pellets and two drinks per person.

🎫: https://sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/zooarchaeology-owl-pellet-dissection-workshop/

Missed out on making your very own pinch pot masterpiece? 🪴 In celebration of Kids Free Month, you’ll receive a free pot...
10/06/2026

Missed out on making your very own pinch pot masterpiece? 🪴
 
In celebration of Kids Free Month, you’ll receive a free pottery kit to take home when you show us your Kids Free coupon. You can download the coupon through the San Diego Museum Council’s website for free admission to over 70 regional museums throughout the month of October!
 
We also have our Kids Fall Day Camp coming up in late November for future archaeologists ages 7-12! More information (and registration) for the event can be found at the link in our bio.

Join us Saturday for a FREE family-friendly pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of pottery to take home...
10/01/2026

Join us Saturday for a FREE family-friendly pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of pottery to take home with you. No registration required - drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm.

Not able to attend our workshop? Starting today, show your Kids Free coupon all month long to receive a free pottery kit to take home.

Download your coupon from the San Diego Museum Council for free admission at more than 70 San Diego and Tijuana regional museums this month: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/kids-free-museum-pass/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Indigenous Artisan Market last weekend. It was a wonderful day of art, cultu...
09/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Indigenous Artisan Market last weekend. It was a wonderful day of art, culture, and connection as we gathered to celebrate the creativity and living traditions of Native artists.

To all our talented vendors, thank you for sharing your work, knowledge, and time with us. We are honored that so many incredible artists participated in our first market:

Of Many
Dream Indigenous
Tipey Joa Native Warriors
Angel Sapawechia
Wen Sak Designs
Sacred Creations
Eugenia Meza
Aurelia Ojeda
Daria Mariscal
D’s Things 619



We also extend our sincere thanks to Jimbo’s for generously providing breakfast for our vendors and event volunteers. Your support helped make the day a welcoming experience for everyone involved.

To everyone who attended and shopped with our vendors, thank you for supporting Native-owned businesses. We are grateful to have shared this special day with you.

In recognition of California Native American Day, we honor the sovereign Tribal Nations and Native peoples whose culture...
09/25/2026

In recognition of California Native American Day, we honor the sovereign Tribal Nations and Native peoples whose cultures and knowledge have been intertwined with this land since time immemorial. We acknowledge their enduring strength and survival despite generations of violence, displacement, forced labor, and assimilation. Today, these Tribal communities continue to lead - protecting their cultures, languages, sacred places, and natural resources while shaping California’s present and future.

We are grateful to our Tribal partners who share knowledge and hold us accountable as we work to ensure that their voices remain part of the conversations that shape our organization. We call upon all people and institutions to respect Tribal sovereignty, uphold Native peoples’ inherent rights, and follow Tribal leadership in caring for these lands.

09/24/2026

We’re still reflecting on the wonderful day we shared with everyone last Saturday at our Indigenous Artisan Market. Thank you to all the vendors and museum guests who joined us to celebrate and support the creativity and living traditions of Indigenous artists!

Get creative this October! Join us for a family-friendly pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of pottery...
09/24/2026

Get creative this October! Join us for a family-friendly pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of pottery to take home with you.

Museum admission and pottery workshop are free for kids 12 and under. Adult museum admission: Pay what you wish (suggested $10/person). No registration required – drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm.

Not able to attend our workshop? Pick up a pottery kit (free with Kids Free San Diego coupon) and make your own at home.

Address

16666 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA
92027

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+17602910370

Website

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