San Diego and Tijuana’s 37th Museum Month returns in February with half-price admission across institutions

A regional arts-access program expands across San Diego County and includes cross-border cultural stops

The 37th annual Museum Month returns February 1–28, 2026, offering discounted admission at more than 70 participating museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums, and cultural organizations across San Diego County. The month-long program is built around a single pass that can be presented at participating venues for half-price general admission for up to four people per use, with limits and venue-specific restrictions.

Printed passes begin distribution January 28 through more than 80 public libraries in San Diego City and County. The 2026 program also adds participating public library pickup locations in Imperial County, broadening access beyond the county line. Digital passes become available beginning February 1 through the San Diego Museum Council’s Museum Month portal, expanding options for residents and visitors who prefer mobile entry.

How the pass works—and where rules can vary

The pass is free and is designed to be used repeatedly throughout February at as many participating locations as visitors choose. However, institutions can apply additional conditions. Some venues accept printed passes only, while others allow online ticketing with a discount code tied to the digital pass. In many cases, the discount applies only to general admission and may exclude specially ticketed exhibitions, events, films, tours, or premium experiences.

Visitors are advised to confirm admission policies before traveling, particularly for sites that require advance reservations or limit redemption to in-person ticket windows.

Participating institutions span waterfront, Balboa Park, North County, and campus partners

Museum Month participation typically covers major visitor destinations alongside smaller, neighborhood-focused institutions. Large venues taking part in 2026 include the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat), each of which publishes its own redemption steps and limitations for Museum Month admissions.

Pick-up locations for passes also include select educational libraries. UC San Diego Library is again serving as a distribution partner in 2026, offering pass pickup at campus library service points during open hours.

Cross-border context: Tijuana remains part of the Museum Month footprint

The program’s cross-border dimension continues to draw attention because it encourages cultural itineraries that can include institutions in Tijuana alongside San Diego County visits. While each venue controls its own admission and redemption rules, the broader framework is intended to lower cost barriers and promote exploration across a wide range of arts, history, science, and community-based collections.

Key details at a glance

• Dates: February 1–28, 2026

• Offer: Half-price general admission at 70+ participating institutions

• Pass availability: Printed passes starting January 28 at participating libraries; digital passes available starting February 1

• Limits: Discount generally applies to up to four admissions per use; restrictions vary by venue

With February’s compressed calendar and venue-specific rules, planning ahead—especially for timed-entry destinations—can determine whether Museum Month savings translate into a smooth visit.