Plan Your Visit
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Museum Hours and Admission
Museum Hours
Wednesday – Friday 10 AM to 4 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM
Sunday – Tuesday Closed
CLOSED 2/4/2025 – 2/7/2025
During extreme weather advisories, please call 760-291-0370 to ensure the museum is open when you wish to visit.
Pay What You Wish Admission
Suggested minimum admission: $5/person
The amount you pay for admission is up to you. We look to your generosity to help support the museum in sharing our archaeological history with the community.
Directions
From I-15 North or South
Exit I-15 at Via Rancho Parkway and go EAST. Continue around the shopping center.
Turn RIGHT onto San Pasqual Road – 1 mile
Turn RIGHT onto San Pasqual Valley Road (78). Continue past past the Wild Animal Park – 6.4 mi.
The San Diego Archaeological Center will be on your left. Accessible parking is available next to the building by going up the short ramp on the left (west) side of the parking lot.
Exhibits
Current Exhibits
Archaeology 101: Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. Archaeology is important because by knowing our past, we can understand where we came from. It widens our understanding of human culture, technology, and lifestyle beyond what is written in the history books. What is an artifact? How do archaeologists know where to dig? How are stone tools made? In this exhibit, learn the basics about archaeology through hands-on activities for children and adults.
Lives and Lifestyles on Block 112: The Untold Story of San Diego’s Working Class: This exhibit explores the socioeconomic lives of people who lived in Downtown San Diego in the 1880s.
By Land & Sea: New information is challenging our worldview and causing us to rethink what we know about ancient peoples. Over the last 50 years, archaeologists thought they knew how the first humans arrived in the New World and spread out to different areas of the Americas. Recent finding have begun to dispute previously accepted theories and have sparked a surge of interest in New World archaeology. Who were the first people to come to the Americas? Where did they come from and how did they get here? What happened after their arrival?In this exhibit, explore these theories about who, when, and how these early peoples came into the New World.
Upcoming Exhibits
Hallmarks of the Holocene: This interactive exhibit highlights archaeological sites around the world.
Fact or Fiction: Hollywood, Hoaxes, and Hearsay: This exhibit investigates the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) for commonly held archaeological beliefs. Visitors can discover the facts behind aliens, crystal skulls, and more.
Museum Activities for Kids
Field Lab – Calling all Junior Archaeologists! Use your excavation skills to uncover the past. Then examine and record your findings in our new field lab – just like a real archaeologist!
Underwater Archaeology – Did you know that archaeologists not only work on land, but underwater as well? Learn how archaeologists study underwater sites in this exhibit.
Archaeology Quest – Journey through the museum searching for clues to find out all about local archaeology.
Promotions
Museums for All – Year-round free general admission for EBT card holders.
Gift Shop
The Center has many items for sale that will further your knowledge and interest in the field of archaeology. Proceeds support Center Operations, Educational Programs, Research and Community Outreach. Drop by our gift shop and take home a souvenir or special gift.
Hotel Accommodations
Visit HotelsCombined to search and compare accommodations in the area.