Encinitas, Oceanside, & Carlsbad Museums

You don’t have to travel to San Diego to find fantastic Southern California museums. Stay with Beachfront Only Oceanside Vacation Rentals and discover fascinating North County museums near your vacation home. Whether you are interested in fine art, local history, music, or surfing, there is something to pique everyone’s interest at our Oceanside, Encinitas, and Carlsbad museums!

Oceanside Museums 

Oceanside Museum of Art

The Oceanside Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum housed in a beautiful Modernist building. Every year the museum features 15 art exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, and glass installations. They also regularly host concerts, films, and culinary events for the public. 

California Surf Museum 

The California Surf Museum is a unique Oceanside museum home to one of the world’s largest surf history collections. Stroll through exhibits highlighting the history of surfboards, wave riding, surf icons, and more. 

Mission San Luis Rey

Known as the “King of the Missions,” Mission San Luis Rey is the largest California mission and a National Historic Landmark. Explore the interpretive museum, active archaeological site, historic church, and retreat center.

Carlsbad Museums

Museum of Making Music

Visit the Museum of Making Music and learn all about the history of music production through interactive exhibits. The museum galleries include exhibits on who makes instruments, how we gain access to them, and what they sound like.

Craftsmanship Museum

The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum is a free Carlsbad museum featuring exhibits honoring craftsmanship projects. Exhibits feature over 200 miniature engines, ships, autos, cranes, clocks, tools, and more. 

GIA Museum

If you’ve ever been interested in the world of gems and jewelry, then the GIA Museum is a must-visit! From tourmaline carvings to mineral collections and Victorian-Era jewelry, their collection is sure to amaze. 

Encinitas Museums

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

Discover the history of the San Dieguito River area at the Heritage Museum in Encinitas. The main museum features displays on Native American tools, Mission history, pioneers, growth of towns, WWII, surfing, and more. In addition to the museum, you can explore historic sites and models of landmarks on the property.

Lux Art Institute

The Lux Art Institute offers a unique museum experience where visitors can witness art being crafted live by the artists in residence. There is also a permanent collection of art to explore while you’re here. 

Learn Something New at North County Museums

Stay with Beachfront Only Oceanside Vacation Rentals and learn something new at our Encinitas, Oceanside, and Carlsbad museums. Whether you are looking for a one-bedroom beach bungalow or a twelve-bedroom oceanfront mansion, we are sure to have the place for you. Discover our vacation rentals in Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas, and find the perfect property for your Southern California getaway!