A brand new and much-needed family-friendly attraction has opened in the Gaslamp Quarter! The Museum of Illusions San Diego features more than 80 interactive exhibits.
I was fortunate enough to get an invite to the VIP grand opening, and while I couldn’t make it to the event, I did get down to the Gaslamp Quarter the following week to check it out. Honestly, I was glad to have the opportunity to experience it like any other visitor. Sometimes what’s presented to the media is not always what the average person gets to see, but in this case, the museum was fun, the exhibits mind-bending, and the staff was every bit as helpful as you would expect at a VIP event (without the food, unfortunately)!
Interested in checking it out the Museum of Illusions? Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
What to Expect at the Museum of Illusions San Diego
Located in the heart of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the Museum of Illusions – their first California location and the 22nd in the U.S. – is a 10,000-square-foot museum is designed for all ages, blending entertainment with a touch of science and art. The more than 80 exhibits spread over two floors that challenge the senses and spark creativity.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect and some of the must-see installations we loved:
- Interactive “Illusion Rooms” that distort perception.
- Optical illusions and 3D holograms that make for eye-popping photos.
- Exhibits inspired by San Diego’s surf culture and coastal beauty, including a surf-themed reverse room and installations featuring iconic local landmarks like Old Town’s Colorado House.
- Vortex Tunnel – Step into a spinning tunnel that tricks your body into feeling like the ground is shifting beneath you.
- Infinity Room – Mirrors and lights create a dazzling “endless” effect that makes you feel like you’re floating in space.
- Ames Room – A distorted room that plays with perspective, making one person look giant and another tiny – just by switching sides.
- Colorado House Walk – “Walk” along the façade of Old Town’s iconic landmark, defying gravity for the perfect snapshot.
- Anti-Gravity Rooms – Play with balance in rooms that seem to tilt reality.
- Mirror Cards Illusion – A clever display where a deck of cards appears to multiply endlessly in a wall of mirrors, blurring the line between reflection and reality.
Visiting the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is located at 665 5th Avenue, on the corner of G Street and 5th Avenue. There is plenty of parking nearby, or you can use San Diego public transportation – particularly the San Diego Trolley – to easily access the Gaslamp Quarter. It is also about a 15-minute walk here from the Seaport Village San Diego and the Convention Center.
Museum hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with final admission one hour before closing. If you are visiting with kids, I recommend you visit during the day or early evening when the atmosphere is more family-oriented.
Although you can walk in anytime, online reservations are recommended and will snag you a discount. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for children ages 5-12, and $32 for military and seniors. Kids 4 and younger are free! Teachers and educators also receive free walk-in admission, and group tickets receive a 15% discount.
► Looking for more cool ideas for things to do in San Diego? Check out these other Interactive Museums in San Diego Kids Will Love.
Final Thoughts: Museum of Illusions in the Gaslamp Quarter
In an area that has traditionally been more adult-oriented (think bars, restaurants, and even ghost tours) the Museum of Illusions brings a kid-friendly breath of fresh air to the Gaslamp Quarter. It is even located right next door to the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, where kids and parents can both indulge in decadent sundaes or gourmet hot chocolate after you visit the museum.
The Museum of Illusions San Diego is more than just a selfie spot. It’s an engaging, hands-on experience that invites you to see the world from a new perspective. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or looking for a fun night out, this attraction is a memorable way to spend a couple of hours downtown.
- 665 5th Avenue, San Diego
- moisandiego.com
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