Maximize San Diego Museum Month with our 2026 culture dossier. Discover how to get your 50% off pass and explore the top exhibits and galleries in La Jolla.
The San Diego Museum Council hosts San Diego Museum Month annually, and this February, more than 70 museums, historic sites, gardens and aquariums are participating, including several La Jolla locations.
Pick up your free Museum Month printed pass at any of the 80-plus San Diego City or County public libraries. Starting Feb 1, you can download a digital pass to your mobile device.
Simply present your pass for half-price admission for up to four people at any of the San Diego County locations through Saturday, Feb 28.
Try the La Jolla/Riford Library for your pass; it’s within walking distance of a few of the La Jolla participants, allowing you to grab a pass and start touring immediately.
The anchor institutions: Must-visit locations
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
Image via mcasd.org
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is a flagship La Jolla institution, with a long legacy steeped in La Jolla history and positioned on the cutting edge of artistic exhibition. You’ll always find intriguing exhibits like the current “A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962 to 1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection” on display, curated for maximum thought provocation and appreciation. Discover a new connection to art within the expansive campus, the former home of renowned La Jolla benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps. The sculpture garden and extensive ocean views mean art and culture spread beyond the MCASD walls.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Image courtesy of Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a must-visit attraction (check out our visitor’s itinerary) for ocean lovers, families and visitors of all ages, offering educational and immersive experiences against the gorgeous, dramatic ocean views La Jolla is known for. To receive the Museum Month discount, use code MuseumMonth26 in your online cart on up to four general admission tickets dated February 1-28, 2026. A Museum Month pass must be presented upon entry.
La Jolla Historical Society
The La Jolla Historical Society, housed in an original La Jolla cottage, is rooted in La Jolla’s beginnings but continues to evolve, preserving La Jolla’s history while highlighting the new and now. From cultural events to architectural spotlights, the exhibits and programming offered at the Historical Society will leave you with a deeper appreciation of La Jolla’s cultural contributions.
Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial
Standing high above La Jolla, the Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial offers a unique blend of history and breathtaking scenery. This iconic site honors veterans from all branches of the military, bearing about 6,700 black granite plaques that share names, faces and personal stories. At its center, a towering cross serves as a striking landmark, adding to the memorial’s significance and presence.
More cultural gems in The Village
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
Head to this staple of La Jolla history for a wide array of artifacts. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, one of the last remaining of its kind nationwide, is a haven for music and arts enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled collection of resources and hosting more than 200 programs and cultural events annually.
RUTH: Remember Us the Holocaust
Upstairs at the La Jolla/Riford Library is “RUTH: Remember Us the Holocaust,” a stunning exhibit highlighting Holocaust survivors in San Diego County alongside Holocaust artifacts and memorabilia. A RUTH team member is available for information Tuesdays from noon to 2:30 pm.
La Jolla’s art galleries
The Village is home to dozens of art galleries within walking distance of each other. These wonder walls are bursting with creativity from hundreds of innovative artists showcasing pieces that will prompt delight or encourage you to consider different points of view.
Murals of La Jolla
As you head in and out of these cultural marvels, take time to look up and around, as the Murals of La Jolla program displays several murals, commissioned for public spaces in La Jolla, to uplift civic character.
Read our additional guidebook to art in La Jolla for more ways to experience culture in the community.
