12/26/2022
May this Kwanzaa be a significant one for your whole beautiful family.
San Diego Automotive Museum
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San Diego’s premier transportation museum. The San Diego Automotive Museum located in beautiful Ba
Operating as usual
12/26/2022
Chevy the Bear is so excited that we are open today - he wants to show off his new holiday gift! Kids, if you find our stuffed bear hiding in the Museum, let the front desk staff know to win a new customized prize.
12/25/2022
Merry Christmas! 🎄 Feliz Navidad! 🎁 Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is closed today as our staff enjoys the day with their family. See you tomorrow!
12/22/2022
Give the gift of a membership to the San Diego Automotive Museum. 🎁 We offer single, family and several premium options. Your family and friends can enjoy this present all year long!
Memberships: http://ow.ly/y8Lt50M7Buh
12/19/2022
Our staff, board members, and volunteers wish your family peace and light this holiday season. Happy Hanukkah!
12/19/2022
The San Diego Automotive Museum is open today! Our special holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring the family to see San Diego's premier transportation museum.
12/17/2022
We have just launched our gift shop online for last-minute holiday gift shopping. Shop apparel, drinkware, hats, books, toys and more.
Shop here: http://ow.ly/KHvH50M6pal
12/14/2022
Mark your calendars: This month's Cars and Coffee is this Sunday! Stop by for free coffee, yummy donuts, and some of the finest cars in San Diego. We're also offering early admission to the museum (at a discount even)!
DECK THE CARS: Decorate your car for a chance to win a prize from Santa!
12/13/2022
Do you have unwanted LEGO bricks lying around and you don't know what to do with them? Donate them to the Automotive Museum for our Kids Corner. Kids can build their own car to race on our new speedway.
12/11/2022
With only three ever built, the West Coast Customs Carroll Shelby Ford Mustang combines two of the most powerful brands together. Power and style -- now on display at the Museum.
12/10/2022
What’s cooler than getting Hot Wheels for Christmas? Seeing a life-size version at the San Diego Automotive Museum! Come in and see the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker, here for a limited time. It’s every kid’s (and a lot of adults’) holiday dream come true.
12/09/2022
A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air has just cruised into our lowrider exhibit. The beauty of this car’s exterior is only surpassed by the leather craftsmanship of its interior. It’s here for a limited time.
12/03/2022
We're open for FREE from 5 to 9 p.m. today!
The Museum is closed during the day and opens later for the second evening of Balboa Park's annual December Nights celebration.
🎄 ⛄ ✡ 🎉 Come to the park to welcome the holiday season with us -- and all of San Diego!
12/02/2022
The Museum is closed during the day today, opening for Balboa Park's annual December Nights celebration. We're open for FREE from 5 to 9 p.m. Come to the park to welcome the holiday season with us -- and all of San Diego!
11/29/2022
It's Giving Tuesday! Consider donating to the San Diego Automotive Museum today.
DONATE: http://ow.ly/Xk5b50LQ7TK
Your donation means we can continue meaningful projects, from vehicle restoration to facility improvement, as well as funding summer camp scholarships, internships, and the Vocational Education Academy.
GivingTuesday
11/27/2022
It's Museum Store Sunday! 🎁
Like this post and come into our Museum Store and shop! Show this post at checkout to receive 20% off your entire purchase.
(Today only! Excludes already discounted merchandise.)
11/25/2022
Looking for something special for the car enthusiast on your holiday shopping list? Stop by the San Diego Automotive Museum Shop for some unique gift ideas!
11/24/2022
Thank you to our guests, members, donors and volunteers. We hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Our Museum is closed today, so our staff can enjoy the holiday with their families. See you tomorrow.
11/23/2022
The Museum has an extensive collection of motorcycles in addition to our cars. Our Indian Motorcycle exhibit showcases several styles, including this popular 1914 C-3 Big Twin. See the entire collection during your next visit to the Museum.
11/22/2022
It's Free Tuesday! San Diego residents (with ID) can enjoy our museum today at no cost. We're open 10am-4pm.
Details: http://ow.ly/2Ysw50LIW6O
We're still offering free admission to veterans, regardless of where you live, as part of our Veterans Month. (See admissions for details.)
11/21/2022
We’re closed today, but our staff is still hard at work decorating for the holiday season. The Museum will be a bit more festive next time you visit.
11/20/2022
The turnout for this morning's Cars and Coffee was absolutely amazing. We hosted more than 100 stunning cars and passed out even more donuts!
Mark your calendar for Dec. 18 for a festive Cars and Coffee.
11/19/2022
This next week's schedule is full of holiday-themed happenings at the San Diego Automotive Museum. 🦃 Mark your calendar with your favorite event.
We hope to see you this week! 🥧
11/18/2022
Sunset at the museum today. 🌞
11/17/2022
Mark your calendars: This month's Cars and Coffee is this Sunday! Stop by for free coffee, yummy donuts, and some of the finest cars in San Diego. We're also offering early admission to the museum (at a discount even)!
Start your holiday week with a day in beautiful Balboa Park.
11/16/2022
New at the museum is a 1962 Chevrolet C10 Custom lowrider. Owner Roberto Carillo's customizations make his C10 a special piece of lowrider art that still pays tribute to its roots as a mid-century workhorse.
11/15/2022
Sitting among the Lamborghinis in our Elusive Luxuries exhibit is a 1966 Bizzarrini P538. The Bizzarrini fits in well since a Lamborghini V-12 engine powers it. Learn other similarities between these cars the next time you visit the Museum.
11/14/2022
We are closed today, but Chevy the Bear is celebrating National American Teddy Bear Day. Kids, if you find him on a day we're open, let the front desk staff know to win an “unbearably” fantastic prize.
11/13/2022
Our 1909 International Harvester Model A, one of our more popular vehicles, is back on exhibit in the museum. This Auto Wagon is interactive: you can climb in and see what it was like to drive more than a hundred years ago.
11/12/2022
We’ve added an award-winning 1956 Ford F100 truck to our lowrider exhibit. Owner Rene Dumas has restored and customized this beauty, and it has been a local mainstay for almost four decades and an essential piece of the Genuine Car Club.
11/11/2022
Honoring all who served. ⭐ Not just today but for the entire month of November, we offer free admission to all veterans plus four family members.
Proof of service is required, and the veteran must be present.
11/10/2022
Cars and motorcycles come in all colors, and our collection has a rainbow on exhibit. What is your favorite color?
If you haven't decided yet, then visit the museum for inspiration.
11/04/2022
The San Diego Automotive Museum was proud to participate in today’s Southwestern College Foundation’s Jaguar Awards Luncheon. This year’s event honored Ray Brock. We were honored to have our 1952 Jaguar displayed at the event's entrance.
11/04/2022
A popular gift shop item is our die-cast cars. Pick a make, model, color, or style, pull them back and let them roll! The doors even open on them. Start your holiday shopping early at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
11/03/2022
We have a new World Record-setting motorcycle at the museum: a 1983 Kawasaki KX500 owned by Gary Wells, aka El Gr**go Loco. 🏍️ He jumped a record-breaking 155' 10" in 1971 and beat that in 1980 with 176' 4".
Gary’s bike is on exhibit in our Star Rides section, along with motorcycles from Evel Knievel, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman.
11/02/2022
See the action. Feel the speed. Hear the thunder. Go for a drive on our new professional racing simulator. Tickets are $10 for guests, $7.50 for regular members, and free for premium members (Bronze and above). We change the track and car you drive daily, so it’s always a unique experience.
11/01/2022
We are honoring all who served. November is Veterans Month. Veterans plus four family members will receive free admission. Thanks for your service!
Proof of service is required, and the veteran must be present.
10/31/2022
Memories of Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance. Our team is now back in San Diego, and our 1913 Cadillac is on exhibit at the museum.
10/29/2022
Thanks to everyone that stopped by our Trunk or Treat celebration. 🎃 A special thanks to the San Diego Miata Club, Early Ford V-8 Club, Movie Cars and our title sponsor Top Flight Automotive - Ford 👻 Stay safe this weekend!
Address
2080 Pan American Plz
San Diego, CA
92101
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 5pm |
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WE WON! Our modern replica of a 1946 Delahaye Woody Shooting Brake was awarded Cool Custom at the Goodguys 1st So-Cal Nationals this past weekend. 😎 Hurrah! Goodguys Rod & Custom Association #goodguys22 #goodguyscarshow #carmuseum #delahaye #woodycar #classiccars #hodrods
Today is National Name Your Car Day! Twenty-five percent of people have a name for their car, and "Baby" is the most popular name. Have you ever named your car? If so, what do you call your ride? #NameYourCarDay #carmuseums #SDAM
On Oct. 1, 1908, the first Model T car rolled out of the Ford factory in Detroit, Michigan. Ford would sell 15 million Model T cars over the next 19 years. The San Diego Automotive Museum has a 1914 edition. #carmuseums #modelt #fordmodelt #balboapark #SDAM
We're still closed today as we finalize our Exhibit Change, but we're bringing our cars to you. See our Delahaye Woody at the Goodguys 1st So-Cal Nationals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. Info: http://ow.ly/pLGi50KYoHR
We said goodbye to the Cars With Character collection yesterday, to make way for something new. We have different cars arriving starting today for a next exhibit. Stay tuned! Reminder: We are still closed today for this Exhibit Change -- so no Free Tuesday this month! #carmuseums #balboapark #SDAM #sandiegotourism
Cars With Character exhibit has driven into the sunset. We will be closed this week and re-open on Saturday, Oct. 1 with something new. #BalboaPark #SDAM #CarMuseums #SanDiegoTourism
Where are you? Better get to the museum today before Cars With Character mysteriously disappears. The exhibit closes today! This is your last chance to take a drive through cinematic moments. #BalboaPark #SDAM #carmuseums #mystermachine #mysterymachine #scoobydoo
Scientists have discovered our Cars With Character exhibit is closing tomorrow! This is your last chance to drive through cinematic moments. Hurry before these vehicles become extinct. #jurrasicpark #jurassicworld #balboapark #sdam #carmuseums
It's time to Giter Dun! This is your last week to see Tow Mater and the rest of our Cars With Character collection. This drive through cinematic moments closes this Sunday, Sept. 25. #towmater #disneycars #radiatorsprings #pixarmovies #balboapark #sdam
Another collection from yesterday's Cars and Coffee at the museum, showing the personality of our auto family. Gotta drive in style! #vanityplates #carplates #personalizedlicenseplate #coolplates #customplates #carsandcoffee #BalboaPark #SDAM
Pow! Celebrate BATMAN DAY with us! Our Cars with Character exhibit features the 1966 Yamaha YDS-3 Batcycle - one of the few Dark Knight cycles that includes a sidecar for Robin. Villains beware! #BatmanDay #BalboaPark #SDAM #TheDarkKnight #DCComics #batmanfan
The San Diego Automotive Museum is offering free admission to First Responders and their families this month. Just show your ID at the Admissions Desk. Thanks for keeping us safe! #BalboaPark #firstresponders #police #firefighter #paramedic #sheriff #rescue #heroes Photo: Gamewell Public Emergency Telephone, circa 1960s, on display in the museum
Introducing our latest addition to the museum: a modern replica of a 1946 Delahaye Woody Shooting Brake. You need to come in and see this award-winning beauty. #delahaye #woodycar #classiccars #hodrods #balboapark #SDAM
Our cars have character. Take a drive through cinematic moments and see wheels from Batman, Jurassic Park, Cars, Scooby Doo, Speed Racer and so much more. #batman #jurassicpark #carsmovie #toematter #speedracer #mysterymachinescoobydoo #balboapark #sdam
We are open today. Admission hours are 10am-4:30pm. We look forward to seeing you. #BalboaPark #LaborDay #SDAM
A tremendous thank you to the San Diego Museum Council for making this video of our Cars with Character exhibit! Come join the fun and visit our museum this weekend! #carswithcharacter #sdam #sdautomuseum #balboapark #sandiego #comiconweekend #comicon #comics @SanDiegoMuseumCouncil
You've powered through - reward yourself by visiting the San Diego Automotive Museum. Open every day but Monday! Visit our site to plan your visit today: https://www.sdautomuseum.org/visit/hours-directions-address
SDAM was the official starting grid for the Fuel Run San Diego to Palm Springs 2022. The line up was impressive with head turning vehicles of all makes and models. A huge thank you to the FuelRun for allowing the San Diego Automotive Museum to partake in such an awesome event!
Come check out SDAM’s Cars & Coffee this Sunday from 7:30AM to 9:30AM.
🎇 Happy New Year! 🎇 We hope you had an amazing 2021! We sure did, thanks to all of your support over the past year. Here’s to an equally great 2022!
📢 NEW HOURS OF OPERATION 📢 Tuesday - Sunday 10:00AM to 5:00PM Monday - Closed
Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. #flashbackfriday 🎥: Detroit News
Update: The military needed their rides back, but you can still come in and check out our WWII era motorcycle and Jeep. Thank you Veterans. Temporary exhibit on display until Sunday, November 14th. Museum Hours 11AM-5PM The City of San Diego has nearly a 100-year history with our brave military, and the San Diego Automotive Museum would like to recognize the sacrifices they have made over this period. In Celebration of Veteran’s Day 2021, all Veteran’s plus 3 guests will be our guests to the Museum. Just visit between Nov 9-14. Veteran must be present and must show ID.
And the winner is… 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Special thank you to GOSCH Ford of Escondido.
2020 Ford GT Newest addition to the San Diego Automotive Museum.
WIN A 2021 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE OR $30,000 IN CASH!* ONE TICKET WILL BE GIVEN PER $100 DONATION. A LIMIT OF 850 TICKETS WILL BE ENTERED. DRAWING ENDS OCTOBER 16TH, 2021. TO ENTER VISIT: WWW.SDAUTOMUSEUM.ORG/MUSTANG Features of Prize Vehicle 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible Premium Exterior - Shadow Black Interior - Ebony Interior - ActiveX Seating Material Equipment Group 200 18" Mach. Aluminum High Gloss Black Wheels 2.3L EcoBoost 310HP 10-Speed Automatic Transmission P235/50R18 BSW All-Season Tires
Come see how the San Diego Automotive Museum has changed. We now have an ever evolving collection of unique cars and motorcycles with something for everyone. #Throwbackthursday
Sneak Peak The newest arrival at the San Diego Automotive Museum: 1938 Mercedes Benz 540K Roadster
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About Us
Mission Statement:
The Mission of the San Diego Automotive Museum is to tell the story of the social and technological past, present, and future of motorized vehicles throughout its collections, exhibitions, educational programs.
The original idea of creating an automotive museum in Balboa Park came from Briggs Cunningham, a renowned automobile collector and racer. The idea circulated for many years until an inspired group of local automotive enthusiasts propelled the idea forward. In 1979, the San Diego City Council first considered the issue and in 1980 they gave unanimous approval to the museum and granted a long term lease for one of the historic buildings in the jewel of San Diego - Balboa Park.
After spending approximately $1 million renovating and upgrading the building, the San Diego Automotive Museum opened in December of 1988. Since then millions of local auto enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world have visited our world-class collection. Today the museum stands as a living tribute to the automobile and what it has meant to our culture.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is a non-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3).
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Comments
A special thank you to Dave Stall and K**I for having SDAM on this morning. Don’t forgot to enter the 2021 Mustang Ecoboost Premium Convertible Raffle at www.sdautomuseum.org/mustang
Do you have a ton of hot wheels and toy cars at your house? Here is a fun and creative way to turn them into a chores chart for your kids! As your child completes each chore, they can move their car around the track. All you need is a chalkboard, chalk, toy cars, and Velcro. Share your creation with us by tagging our account.
SDAM was the official starting grid for the Fuel Run San Diego to Palm Springs 2022. The line up was impressive with head turning vehicles of all makes and models. A huge thank you to the FuelRun for allowing the San Diego Automotive Museum to partake in such an awesome event!
CEO of SDAM and local race car drivers Paul D**e, Sunny Trent, Ellie Brucker, Stephen Brucker, and family supporting the good cause of blood donation. The blood mobile will be at SDAM until 4PM.
Happening now. Come on down to SDAM and support a good cause. Walk-ins welcome!
SHIFTING GEARS SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022.
Registration now open.
https://www.sdautomuseum.org/event/shifting-gears-road-rally
Registration now open.
https://www.sdautomuseum.org/event/shifting-gears-road-rally
SDAM Cars & Coffee will be cancelled in April for the holiday.
We can't wait to resume Sunday May 15th.
We can't wait to resume Sunday May 15th.
Las Patronas
Thank You, Las Patronas, for awarding us a grant to purchase a truck with heavy tow capabilities! The new truck will help us transport unique and fragile cars for education experiences and community impacts.
Thank You, Las Patronas, for awarding us a grant to purchase a truck with heavy tow capabilities! The new truck will help us transport unique and fragile cars for education experiences and community impacts.
Blood Drive at SDAM...
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPOINTMENTS
www.mysdbb.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72735 (619)400-8251
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
https://www.sdautomuseum.org/event/blood-drive-pan-american-plaza
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPOINTMENTS
www.mysdbb.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72735 (619)400-8251
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
https://www.sdautomuseum.org/event/blood-drive-pan-american-plaza
Get your gears moving with Brain Balance San Diego (BBSD) and The San Diego Automotive Museum (SDAM) by engineering your very own race vehicle in celebration of Remake Learning Days. Register for a complimentary S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) kit to design, build and compete on how far your vehicle can go.
Ignite your child’s creativity, imagination, and planning skills, which are critical for fostering brain development and connectivity, and cultivate important 21st-century skills like teamwork and attention!
Ignite your child’s creativity, imagination, and planning skills, which are critical for fostering brain development and connectivity, and cultivate important 21st-century skills like teamwork and attention!
Special thank you to San Diego’s Finest, the SDPD.
The SDAM is thankful for their quick response and thorough sweep of the museum. Thank you to the men and women in blue who are willing to face danger and protect their community.
SDPD Mayor Todd Gloria
The SDAM is thankful for their quick response and thorough sweep of the museum. Thank you to the men and women in blue who are willing to face danger and protect their community.
SDPD Mayor Todd Gloria