DANCE
“Ten Tiny Dances”—- The Segerstrom Center’sOff Center Festival presents an inventive dance performance wherechoreographers and dancers explore dance on a 4-by-4-foot stage;7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 and 21; Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center forthe Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $20; scfta.org or714-556-2121.
Malashock/Raw2: Stripped”—- Malashock Dancepresents an intimate evening of gritty, provocative modern dancechoreographed by John Malashock, Michael Mizerany, Henry Torres andAngel Arambula; 8 p.m. Jan. 21 and 7 p.m. Jan. 22; Malashock DanceStudio #200, Dance Place San Diego, 2650 Truxtun Road, San Diego;malashockdance.org .
Viennese Nights—- San Diego Vintage DanceSociety hosts its eighth annual traditional 19th-century formalwinter ball, celebrating the music of the Strauss family and theircontemporaries, with live waltz, polka, quadrille and Scottischesmusic by the Grand Pacific Waltz Orchestra; 7 p.m. Jan. 28; BalboaPark Club, 2150 Pan American Road West, San Diego; $25-$40;858-414-6516.
“J.S. Bach: The Art of the Fugue”—-IMAGOmoves dance company and the Bach Collegium San Diego present adance and music collaboration featuring new choreography for fivedancers by Yolande Snaith of UC San Diego’s dance faculty set topieces of baroque music, including Bach’s Art of Fugue and cantataarias; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 4 (pre-show talk and reception at 6:45p.m.); Wagner Dance Building, UCSD, La Jolla; $25-$40 ($10 studentrush tickets at door, if available); bachcollegiumsd.org .
Eveoke Dance Theatre: “Reflections”—- Eveokeand Art Produce present the premiere of this feast of movement andvisual art about six women who’ve affected history in profoundways; opens Jan. 27 and runs through Feb. 12; 8 p.m. Fridays andSaturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Art Produce, 3139 University Ave., SanDiego; $24, general; $18, students and seniors; eveoke.org or619-238-1153.
San Diego Ballet: “Romance”—- The companypresents a program of romantic works choreographed by JavierVelasco in honor of Valentine’s Day; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”and other works, 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11; “Romeo et Juliet,” 2:30p.m. Feb. 12; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $35-$45;lyceumevents.org or 619-544-1000.
Nations of San Diego International DanceFestival—- The 18th annual festival will feature morethan 150 dancers and musicians representing dance traditions from15 cultures, including China, Mexico, the Middle East, Brazil,Ireland, India, the Philippines, Spain and more; 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and11; 2 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12; Coronado School of the Arts, 650 D Ave.,Coronado; $30, reserved; $25, general; $20, military, seniors; $15,children or students; www.nationsdancefestival.com or619-504-3052.
Lux Boreal: “Lamb”—- The Tijuana-basedcontemporary dance company presents its latest work inspired byAustralian choreographer Phillip Adams; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21; Arts111, Cal State San Marcos, 3333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, SanMarcos; free; for mature audiences only; www.csusm.edu/al or760-750-8889.
Cloud Gate 2—- The second company of thisTaiwanese dance company blends traditional Asian gesture, martialarts-inspired leaps and modern dance vocabulary; 8 p.m. Feb. 22;Mandeville Auditorium, Mandeville Lane, UC San Diego, La Jolla;$25-$40; artpower.ucsd.edu or 858-534-8497.
Malashock Dance—- California Center for theArts, Escondido’s WOW First Wednesdays concert series features theSan Diego modern dance troupe; 4 and 7 p.m. April 4; CaliforniaCenter for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $7,reserved; general seating is free but limited; artcenter.org or800-988-4253.
Ballet Folklorico Tierre Caliente—-California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s WOW First Wednesdaysconcert series features Jose Jaimes’ Mexican dance troupe; 4 and 7p.m. May 2; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N.Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $7, reserved; general seating is freebut limited; artcenter.org or 800-988-4253.
GALLERIES
Editor’s note:Because gallery exhibits andlocations change regularly, listings will be removed if a gallerydoes not send in a new exhibit listing at least every twomonths.
Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery—World-renownedphotographer Aaron Chang and internationally acclaimed artist WadeKoniakowsky co-own this gallery in the Cedros Design District;hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays;415 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; 858-345-1880.
Alexander Salazar Fine Art Gallery—“Ultimate Elvis Birthday Celebration,” an exhibit of paintings byStephen Fishwick inspired by the late rock ‘n’ roll icon, is now ondisplay; c8996.all for exhibit hours; 1040 Seventh Ave., San Diego;alexandersalazarfineart.com or 619-531-
The Art Foundry at New Village Arts Theatre—- This gallery features 18 on-site artist studios; call forhours; 2787 State St., Carlsbad; free; 760-434-4501 ornewvillagearts.org.
ArtHatch Gallery—- “Black Magic Method,”paintings by Gabe Leonard, runs Feb. 11-March 3; reception, 6-10p.m. Feb. 11; hours, noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays or byappointment; 317 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; 760-781-5779.
Art in the Heart of Rancho Bernardo—- Thegallery presented by Sharon Ford and Virginia Kuwahara of UBSFinancial Service Inc. hosts an exhibit by Alicia Sotherland, JanetPerkin and Christine R. Stenstrom; 17140 Bernardo Center Drive,Suite 350, Rancho Bernardo; 858-521-7008.
Artists Gallery—- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”runs through Feb. 4; hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays;121 W. Grand Ave., Escondido; 760-489-0338, 760-741-3117 orescondidoartists.org.
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library—-“Cascading Memorials: Urbanization and Climate Change in San DiegoCounty,” an exhibit of photography by Ruth Wallen, runs throughFeb. 11; also on display through Feb. 11, “Iris Gill: ReflectedSelf”; hours, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, and until8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1008 Wall St., La Jolla; 858-454-5872.
Belmont Village Cardiff Gallery—- Thissenior-living complex presents an exhibit of images and stories byThomas Sanders that celebrates the long marriages of couplesresiding at Belmont Village; 3535 Manchester Ave., Cardiff;760-436-8900.
Boehm Gallery—- Gallery at Palomar Collegeshowcases work by faculty, students and local artists; hours, 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays andThursdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; PalomarCollege, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos; 760-744-1150, ext.2304.
Brandon Gallery—- The Fallbrook ArtAssociation hosts a member exhibit through Jan. 31; reception, 4 to7 p.m. Jan. 21; the cooperative gallery features the work of 225 to300 member artists; hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 4p.m. Sundays; 105 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook; 760-723-1330.
California Watercolor Gallery—- This newgallery showcases the work of American Scene art by early Americanmasters and contemporary painters, including Millard Sheets, EmilKosa Jr., Dong Kingman, Hardie Gramatky, Phil Dike, Ken Potter andmore; hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 560C IndustrialWay, Fallbrook; 760-723-9270.
Cannon Art Gallery—- The 2012 Cannon ArtGallery Invitational, featuring work by Robert Ecker, Becky Guttin,Roy Jenuine, Robert Nelson and Sasha Koozel Reibstein, runs Jan. 22through March 11; hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays throughSaturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; Carlsbad City Library, 1775 DoveLane, Carlsbad; 760-602-2021.
Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League—- A newexhibit of painting, photography, digital art and sculpture runsthrough Jan. 29; hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays andSundays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 300 CarlsbadVillage Drive, Suite 101, Carlsbad; coalartgallery.com or760-434-8497.
Carlsbad Sculpture Garden—- “The Shape ofMusic,” an exhibit of eight sculptures by Vista artist Elon Ebanksthat play with the concept of rhythm and proportion, runs through2012; hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 2955 Elmwood Ave.,Carlsbad; 760-602-2021.
Cosmopolitan Fine Arts Gallery— “Objects ofDesire” runs through Jan. 31; gallery hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sundays-Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7932Girard Ave., La Jolla; 858-456-9506.
Cruise the Art Scene—- From 5 to 8 p.m. Jan.26, galleries in the Carlsbad Village Faire Center will holdspecial receptions with new work on display, wine and refreshments;participants are Oceanside Art Gallery & Studio, COAL Galleryand Phantom Gallery; 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad;760-845-0644 or 760-845-9017.
Dance PlaceGallery—-Photographer Raymond Elstad is exhibiting “Seduced by Dance,” hisphotographs of dancers with Jean Isaacs; San Diego Dance Theater,Malashock Dance and San Diego Ballet through Feb. 29; 2650 TruxtunRoad, Liberty Station, Point Loma; 619-573-9260.
Double Break Gallery—- A solo exhibition ofmore than 70 early portrait drawings and recent works by RubenOrtiz-Torres runs through Feb. 12; Double Break hosts revolving artexhibitions, film screenings, author events and more; 1821 FifthAve., San Diego; doublebreakstore.com or 619-238-2325.
Encinitas Civic Center Art Gallery—-“Talking Art: Animal Communication on Canvas,” a solo exhibit byartist and animal communicator Debra Saum, runs through Feb. 28;the Daily Painter’s Project presents select pieces from its “EightArtists, One Year” painting project, through Feb. 28; hours, 7 a.m.to 6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and every other Friday; 505 S. VulcanSt., Encinitas; 760-633-2600.
Encinitas Library Gallery—- “Canvas in theRound,” an exhibit of gourd art by Grace Swanson, runs through Feb.26; “rawvision: episode 42.75 mundus imaginulis,” an exhibit by RAW(Ronald Allen Wickersham), runs through Feb. 27; “Lost Heritage:The Dorymen of Cardiff” photo essay by Robert Wald runs through2013; hours, 9:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. to 5p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 540 Cornish Drive,Encinitas; 760-753-7376.
Escondido Municipal Gallery—- “Wood, aFurniture Show III,” featuring 25 pieces by top Southern Californiafurniture makers and woodworkers, is on display through Feb. 4;”Art in Craft Media: Locally Made” is on display in Gallery 262;hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays,Fridays and Saturdays (extended hours to 8 p.m. on the secondSaturday of each month); Escondido Municipal Gallery, 262 E. GrandAve., Escondido; 760-480-4101.
Fallbrook Art Center—- “Voices of the NextGeneration” runs through Jan. 22; “World of Watercolor,” featuringthe third annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition and thetraveling exhibitions of the National and American Watercolorsocieties, runs Feb. 5 through March 18, hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mondays-Saturdays; noon to 3 p.m. Sundays; 103 S. Main St.,Fallbrook; $5 (free for members, active military and youth under18); 760-728-1414 or fallbrookartcenter.org.
Fallbrook Library—- “Artful Stitching …Contemporary Quilts 4 the Wall,” an exhibit of art quilts curatedby Karen Cunigan, is on display; museum opens at 9:30 a.m.Mondays-Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; 124 S. Mission Road,Fallbrook; fallbrooklibraryfriends.org .
Gallery 204—- An exhibit of landscapes bylocal artists is now on display; local artists exhibit and sellhand-painted silk scarves, clothing, glass works, jewelry,photography, mixed-media works and more in this gallery operated bythe Vista Art Association; gallery hours, noon-6 p.m.Wednesdays-Sundays; 204 Main St., Vista; 760-305-8278.
HomeLife Village Realtors & Art Gallery—- Seven artists exhibit their work at this business/gallery inCarlsbad, including Carol Korfin, the “Glass Giraffe”; 500 GrandAve., Carlsbad; 858-793-5482.
“Igor!” exhibit—- A solo exhibition ofrecent paintings and graphic works by artist Igor Koutsenko opensFriay and runs through March 4; reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 20;Fallbrook library, 124 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook;fallbrooklibraryfriends.org or 760-731-4650.
jdc Fine Art—- Jennifer DeCarlo has openedthis gallery specializing in contemporary photography; on display:”Days of Plenty”; hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2400Kettner Blvd., #208, San Diego; jdcfineart.com or 619-985-2322.
Joseph Bellows Gallery—- The fine artphotography gallery hosts “Classic Photographs: Los Angeles” fromthe Helms Daylight Studio and “George Brown’s Bar,” an exhibit ofclassic photos from 1970 and 1971 by John Banasiak, are on display;7661 Girard Ave., La Jolla; josephbellows.com or 858-456-5620.
Kruglak Gallery—- “What People Do WhenDinner Is Cleared Away: A Surprising History of Table Games,” anexhibit of 105 table games, runs through Jan. 31; hours, 2:30-7:30p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays andThursdays; Student Center, Building 3400, 1 Barnard Drive,Oceanside; 760-795-6657.
Meyer Fine Art—- “Pacific San Diego Time”runs through Feb. 25; 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 104, San Diego;plmeyerfineart.com or 619-358-9512.
98 Bottles—- An exhibit ofabstractpaintings by Daniel Ketelhut runs through March 7;hours, 4 p.m. tomidnight Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 110, SanDiego; 541-908-0139.
North Coast Repertory Theatre Cafe &Gallery—-An exhibit of art by the theater’s residentscenic artist, John Finkbiner, is on display in the cafe; 987DLomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; call for hours;858-481-2155.
North County Society of Fine Arts exhibitions— Society members will exhibit through February at the followinglocations: Sharon Ford at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road;Kathryn Peterson and Janet Perkin at Bernardo Heights CommunityCenter, 16051 Bernardo Heights Parkway; Vita Sorrentino at Luc’sBistro, 12642 Poway Road; ncsfa.org .
Oceanside Art Gallery—- The galleryshowcases paintings by Joe Villela and B.A. Stuber, ceramics byMary Villela and San Francyk and sculpture by Paul Weber; hours,noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; Carlsbad Village Faire, Suite103, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad; 760-845-9017.
OMA Artist Alliance Members Exhibit—- TheOceanside Museum of Art’s artists collective is exhibiting at theEl Corazon Senior Center; hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Mondays-Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays; 3302 Senior CenterDrive, Oceanside; 760-435-5302.
Poway Center for the Performing Arts—-“Around the World in 80 Paintings,”a solo exhibit by CherrySweig, runs through Jan. 31; hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; 15498 Espola Road,Poway; 858-456-9549.
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle—- Outdoorsculpture garden created by artist Niki de St. Phalle; open 8:30a.m. to dusk Tuesdays-Sundays; Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear ValleyParkway, Escondido; free; for docent tours, call 760-839-4331.
Quint Contemporary Art—- “DissectingNature,” a group show, runs through Feb. 24; hours, 10 a.m. to 5:30p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 7547 Girard Ave., La Jolla; 858-454-3421or quintgallery.com.
Rancho Buena Vista Adobe Gallery—- A newexhibit of oils, stained glass, sculpture, graphic art, crochet,lithography and basket art by members of the Friends of the RanchoBuena Vista Adobe and the RBV chapter of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution is on display; hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Wednesdays-Saturdays; 640 Alta Vista Drive, Vista; free;760-639-6164.
Re-Gallery—- An exhibit of assemblages andshadow boxes by Karla Leopold runs through March 11; 348 S. CedrosAve., Suite H, Solana Beach; regallery.org or 858-259-2001.
Salazar – Contemporary Art Exhibits —Thisnew La Jolla gallery is hosting its inaugural exhibition; 1162Prospect St., La Jolla; alexandersalazarfineart.com or858-551-8453.
Scott White Contemporary Art—- “StrangerThan Paradise,” a retrospective of photographs by StefanieSchneider, runs through Feb. 25; call for hours; 7655 Girard Ave.,Suite A, La Jolla; 619-501-5689.
Second Saturday—- Downtown Escondido artgalleries and museums host special receptions and extended hours onthe second Saturday of each month; Grand Avenue, Escondido; free;760-745-8877.
Southwestern Artists’ Association—- Work byLoey Crane and Marilyn Chang is on exhibit through Jan. 31; andhours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Gallery 23, Spanish Village ArtCenter, Balboa Park, 1770 Village Place, San Diego; 619-232-3522 orswartists.com.
Space 4 Art—- “Hydrodynamica: Remember theFuture,” an exhibit that examines the evolution of surfboard designin San Diego from 1949 to 1970, runs Jan. 28 through March 9;reception, 4 to 10 p.m. Jan. 28; 325 15th St., San Diego;619-269-7230.
Susan Street Fine Art—- An exhibit of newabstract works by Jay McCafferty and Miguel Osuna runs throughMarch 22; “Canvas and co*cktails” is on display; 200 N. Cedros Ave.,Solana Beach; 858-793-4442.
Talmadge Art Show—- The annual exhibition offine arts and crafts by local artisans runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Feb. 5; NCT Promenade, 2875 Dewey Road at Truxtun, San Diego;619-559-9082.
TEMARE Exhibition—- Artists Terry Andersonand Marlene Levitt, who exhibit collectively as TEMARE, are showingabstract work at Cafe Lily, 4045 Midland Road, Poway;858-673-7791.
UCSD Arts Library Gallery—- “The Lost Art ofLetters,” an exhibit of books on the topic of penmanship andcursive writing, with a do-it-yourself stationery area, is ondisplay through Jan. 27; at 3 p.m. Jan. 24, penmanship expertSylvia Rubin will give a free handwriting seminar; Arts Library,lower level, west wing, Geisel Library, UC San Diego, 9500 GilmanDrive, La Jolla; artslib.ucsd.edu or 858-822-5758.
University Art Gallery, San Diego StateUniversity—- Wendy Maruyama’s “The Tag Project” opensFeb. 10 and runs through May 5; the exhibit features 120,000re-created paper identification tags, each representing anindividual of Japanese descent who was imprisoned in 10 internmentcamps throughout the U.S. during World War II; sdsu.edu .
University Art Gallery, UC San Diego—-“Arrhythmias of Counter-Production: Engaged Art in Argentina,1995-2011,” an exhibit of Argentinean political art, runs throughJan. 20; UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla;858-822-7755.
Z Cafe—- An exhibit of new work by BobAbbot, Neill Ketchum and H. Esades-Lacy is on display; RiverVillage center, 5256 S. Mission Road, Bonsall; 760-940-1751.
MUSEUMS
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center—-Includes information on the Indian peoples who lived here beforeEuropean settlers arrived, and on the native wildlife and plantsaround the center; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon to 4p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad; free;760-804-1969 or aguahedionda.org.
Air Group One, Commemorative Air Force, San DiegoWing—- Dedicated to preserving World War II aircraftand educating the public about them. On display is an SNJ two-seatNavy trainer, and an L-5 Sentinel is being restored; 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Saturdays; Hangar No. 6, Gillespie Field, 1905 N. Marshall, ElCajon; 619-259-5541 or cafairgroup1.org.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum—- Morethan 50 acres displaying exhibits on early California life andequipment, including a farmhouse, barns, engines, tractors andtrucks; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista; $5,general; $4, seniors; $3, children (6-12); 760-941-1791 oragsem.com.
Bancroft Ranch House Museum—- Historical1863 home includes exhibits on American settlers to San DiegoCounty, and the Indians who were here before; 1 to 4 p.m.Fridays-Sundays; 9050 Memory Lane, Spring Valley; free;619-469-1480.
Barona Cultural Center & Museum—-Dedicated to preserving the history, artifacts and language of theKumeyaay/Diegueno people, and the Barona Band of Mission Indians inparticular; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Saturdays; 1095 Barona Road, Lakeside; free; 619-443-7003,ext. 2, or baronamuseum.org.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps—- ScrippsInstitution of Oceanography operates this educational venue withexhibits that illustrate more than 60 marine environments; 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. daily; 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla; $14, general; $12,military with ID; $10, seniors (60+) and students with ID; $9.50,children 3 to 17; free, children 2 and under; through September,San Diego County residents get in for half-price on the 20th ofeach month; free three-hour parking; 858-534-3474 oraquarium.ucsd.edu.
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center—- Themuseum collects and displays artifacts related to the history ofsouthern San Diego County; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays;4355 Bonita Road, Bonita; 619-267-5141 or bonitamuseum.org.
Cabrillo National Monument—- U.S. nationalpark includes historical lighthouse, visitors center,whale-watching outlooks, tide pools, military history exhibit,bookstore and cliffside trail; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; $5 percarload; $3 for walk-ins/cyclists; western foot of CatalinaBoulevard, Point Loma; www.nps.gov/cabr.
California Flight Museum—- A half-dozenhistorical aircraft, from a World War II trainer through Cold Warmilitary aircraft up through of Dick Rutan’s experimental Long Eze,are on display; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays—- but call ahead just in case; 1424 Continental St., Hangar #8(at Brown Field in South San Diego); 619-661-2516 orcaliforniaflightmuseum.org.
California Surf Museum—- “Hansen Surfboards—- A 50-Year Retrospective,” tracing the company and itsfounders’ history through vintage boards, photos, advertisem*ntsand more, is on display; “Transitional Thinking: A Short Story1966-1972” is on display; permanent exhibits illustrate the historyof surfing and the culture that grew up around the sport; 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. daily (until 8 p.m. Thursdays); 312 Pier View Way,Oceanside; $3, general; $1, seniors, students, military; free,children 12 and under; Tuesdays free for all visitors; 760-721-6876or surfmuseum.org.
Carlsbad Historical Society Museum—-Interpretive historical displays, artifacts and self-guided toursof Shipley-Magee House and Barn; private tours with tea byreservation only; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays;Magee Park, 258 Beech St., Carlsbad; $2 donation; 760-434-9189 orcarlsbadhistoricalsociety.com.
Chula Vista Nature Center—- Plants andanimals native to San Diego Bay and the Otay River are on display,with exhibits offering information on them; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily; 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista; $11, general; $8,seniors, students with ID and youths 12-17; $6, children ages 4-11;free, children under 4; 619-409-5900 orchulavistanaturecenter.org.
Classic Rotors: The Rare & Vintage RotorcraftMuseum—- More than 35 historical helicopters androtorcraft; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Ramona Airport,2898 Montecito Road, Hangar “G” (please dial 760-650-9257 at thegate for access); 760-650-9257 or rotors.org.
Coronado Museum of Art and History—- Anexhibit of recent paints of Coronado scenes by San Diego Countyartists is now on display; of Museum exhibits photographs andartifacts detailing the history of the peninsula community; 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. daily; 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado; $4, general; $3,seniors and active military; $2, children; free, children 9 andunder; 619-437-8788 or coronadohistory.org.
Encinitas Historical Society—- City’soriginal 1883 schoolhouse, the oldest building in Encinitas, housesexhibits, pictorial displays and archives describing the city’spast, people and events; noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 390W. F St., Encinitas; free; 760-942-9066 orencinitashistoricalsociety.com.
Escondido History Center—- Historicalexhibits, archives and buildings, including a vintage railroad carand a blacksmith shop; 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; Grape DayPark, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido; $3, adults; $1, children;760-743-8207 or escondidohistory.org.
Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society Museum—-Collection of gems, fossils, minerals and fluorescent minerals; 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 123 W. Alvarado St.,Suite B, Fallbrook; free; 760-728-1130 or fgms.org.
Fallbrook Historical Museum—- Museumdocuments and preserves Fallbrook history, including thecentury-old Pittenger House, home of William Pittenger, Civil Warhero and Medal of Honor winner; historical displays and researchmaterials; 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; South Hill Street atRocky Crest Road, Fallbrook; free; 760-723-4125 orfallbrookhistoricalsociety.com.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum—- Thenation’s only museum dedicated to Marine Corps aviation historyfeatures more than two dozen vintage and historically importantplanes, jet fighters and helicopters used by Marine pilots incombat from World Wars I and II through the ongoing war on terror,along with artifacts, photos and displays; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Tuesdays-Sundays, except major holidays; Miramar Marine Corps AirStation, Miramar Road, 1.3 miles west of I-15, San Diego; free;858-693-1723 or flyingleathernecks.org.
Gemological Institute of America Museum—-Admission to GIA’s museum and gemological exhibits is throughreserved tours only (24 hours’ notice required); contact GIA foravailable dates; photo identification required for entrance; 5345Armada Drive, Carlsbad; free; 760-603-4000, ext. 4116, orguestservices@gia.edu.
Heritage of the Americas Museum—- The museumtraces the prehistoric and historical art, culture and naturalhistory of the Americas, with wings devoted to natural history,archaeology, anthropology, art and education; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesdays-Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays; Cuyamaca College, 12110Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon; $3, general; $2, seniors;free, 17 and under; 619-670-5194 or cuyamaca.edu/museum.
Japanese Friendship Garden—- The gardenfeatures a plaza, viewing deck, koi pond and tea pavilion; winterhours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (close the fifthMonday of each month); Balboa Park, 2215 Pan American Road, SanDiego; $4, general; $3, seniors, students and military with ID;free, children under 6; 619-232-2721 or niwa.org.
Julian Pioneer Museum—- The museum offersdisplays of artifacts from the Kumeyaay Indian, pioneer and Juliangold-rush eras; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; $2,adults; $1, children 8-18; 2811 Washington St., Julian;760-765-0227.
The Knox House Museum—- Historical structurehas exhibits tracing life in San Diego County from the end of theCivil War through the early 20th century, with a focus on settlersin El Cajon; 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. the first Saturday, and 11 a.m. to1:15 p.m. the third Saturday; 280 N. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon;free; 619-444-3800 or elcajonhistory.org.
Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center at Pauwai—- This 5-acre archaeological site operated by Poway, Friends ofthe Kumeyaay and San Pasqual Band of Indians includes an Indianinterpretive center with exhibits, a re-creation of a Kumeyaay hut(“ewaa”), native gardens and archaeological ruins; tours areoffered during park hours, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays; 13104 IpaiWaaypuk Trail (formerly Silverlake Drive), Poway; free;858-668-1292 or poway.org/kiic.
The La Jolla Map and Atlas Museum—-Comprehensive collection of maps from the 1400s to the mid-20thcentury; call for hours; 7825 Fay Ave., Suite LL-A, La Jolla; free;mamlj.org.
The La Mesa Depot—- The only surviving depotfrom the San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway, the 1894 building isoperated as a museum by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum;exhibits include a 1923 steam switcher; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 4695Nebo Drive, La Mesa; free; 619-478-9937 or sdrm.org/la-mesa.
Leo Carrillo Ranch—- Authentic Western-stylerancho, barn and gardens filled with film memorabilia, antiques andOld West/Americana items once owned by Carrillo, who starred in aseries of Western serials and films before his death in 1961; theranch is registered as a California Historic Landmark; 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; tours offered11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays; noon and 2 p.m. Sundays; 6200 FlyingLC Lane, Carlsbad; free; 760-476-1042 or carrillo-ranch.org.
* Lux Art Institute—- Showcases the work ofartists in residence, arts education and site-specificinstallations; now on display through Feb. 4, whimsical furnitureby South Korean furniture sculptor Lila Jang, and local furnituredesigner Paul Henry, who will be working on new pieces onsite; alsofeatured is furniture artist Kim MacConnel on Thursday only andJennifer Anderson Jan. 26-28; Jang’s work will remain on displaythrough March 3; hours, 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas; $5 adultsover 21, good for two visits during same residency; free to 20 andunder; 760-436-6611 or luxartinstitute.org.
The Marine Corps Mechanized Command Museum—-Devoted to preserving and exhibiting combat and support vehiclesused by the Marines from World War II to the present; toursavailable by reservation only —- send requests to CommandingOfficer, history museums, HQ SPT BN, Box 555031, Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, CA 92055-5031 or fax to 760-725-5727, Attn: History& Museums.
Maritime Museum of San Diego—- “Cook,Melville, Gaugin,” a nautical art exhibit available by specialticket from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, has been extended through July31; “Whale Magic” photography now on display; Permanent exhibitsinclude the historical 19th-century tall ship the Star of India;the turn-of-the-century ferry Berkeley; a Cold War-era SovietFoxtrot-class attack submarine; and the 1968 U.S. researchsubmarine the USS Dolphin, which holds the record for the deepestsubmarine dive; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; 1492 N. Harbor Drive, SanDiego; $14, general; $11, juniors (13-17), seniors and activemilitary; $8, children (6-12); free, children 5 and under;619-234-9153 or sdmaritime.org.
The Marston House Museum & Gardens—-This classic 1906 Arts and Crafts house was designed by renownedlocal architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill. It sits on 5acres with a formal English Romantic-style garden, periodfurnishings, pottery and an American Indian basketry collection;museum also hosts a gift shop hosted by Save Our HeritageOrganization; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays-Mondays; Balboa Park, 3525Seventh Ave., San Diego; $10, general; $7, seniors (55 and over);$4, children ages 6 to 12, free, children 5 and under; guided toursavailable at additional cost; 619-297-9327 or marstonhouse.org.
McKinney House and Museum—- Illustratesearly 20th-century life in San Diego County, with exhibits housedin a 1908 home; 1 to 4 p.m. first and third Saturdays of eachmonth; 8369 University Ave., La Mesa; free; 619-466-0197 orlamesahistoricalsociety.com.
MCRD Command Museum—- Exhibits trace thehistory of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Marines inthe San Diego region; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, andFridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays; 1600Henderson Ave., Marine Corps Recruit Depot (enter Gate 5), SanDiego; free; photo ID and proof of insurance are required to enterthe base and vehicles are subject to search; 619-524-8431 ormcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org.
Mingei International Museum—- “San Diego’sCraft Revolution: From Post-War Modern to California Design” isopen; “Maneki Neko: Japan’s Beckoning Cats” runs through Jan. 15;”Bold Expressions: African American Quilts From the Collection ofCorrine Riley” is open; Mingei is an international folk art andtextiles museum; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; Balboa Park,1439 El Prado, San Diego; $8, general; $5, seniors, military,college students with ID and children 6 to 17; free, children 5 andunder; 619-239-0003 or mingei.org.
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum—-The museum honors the work of some of the world’s finest craftsmenin miniature. Over 300 displays include running model steam, gas,Stirling and other types of engines, miniature tools and guns,model aircraft, trains, cars and construction equipment, clocks andcollections of vintage model airplane engines and tabletop machinetools. A working machine shop offers demonstrations on how metal iscut to make precision projects; huors, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays,Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; closed holidays; 3190 LionsheadAve., Carlsbad; free; 760-727-9492 or craftsmanshipmuseum.com.
Mission San Diego de Alcala—- The first ofthe California missions features self-guided tours and historicalexhibits; docent-led tours by reservation only; 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.daily; 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego; $3, general; $2,seniors and students; $1, children 12 and under; 619-281-8449 ormissionsandiego.com.
Mission San Luis Rey—- The largest of theCalifornia missions features self-guided tours, displays andeducational programs; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; 4050 Mission Ave.,Oceanside; $6, adults; $5, active duty military and seniors (65 andolder); $4, students, $25, family rate; free, children 5 and under;760-757-3651, ext. 115, or sanluisrey.org.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Downtown—- “Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface,” an in-depthlook at 13 artists working in L.A. in the 1960s and ’70s, runsthrough Jan. 22; “Isaac Julien: Ten Thousand Waves” runs Feb.25-Dec. 1; “Iconic I: The Collection of MCASD” runs March 22-Dec.31; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Tuesdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. everythird Thursday; 1001 and 1100 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $10, adults26 and over; $5, seniors; free, active-duty military and immediatefamilies, and 25 and under; free admission after 5 p.m. on thethird Thursday; 858-454-3541 or mcasd.org.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla—- “Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface,” an in-depthlook at 13 artists working in L.A. in the 1960s and ’70s, runsthrough Jan. 22; “Spencer Finch: Rome (Pantheon, Noon, June 14,2011)” runs through May 30; “John Baldessari: A Print RetrospectiveFrom the Collections of Jordon D. Schnitzer and His FamilyFoundation” runs Feb. 4 through May 13; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursdays-Tuesdays; closed Wednesdays; extended hours until 7 p.m.every third Thursday; 700 Prospect St., La Jolla; $10 adults 26 andover; $5, seniors; free, active-duty military and immediatefamilies, and 25 and under; free admission after 5 p.m. on thethird Thursday of each month; 858-454-3541 or mcasd.org.
Museum of Making Music—- The museumcelebrates the innovations that changed the face of Americanpopular music and music-making from the 1890s to the present andfeatures 500 vintage instruments, hundreds of audio and videoexamples and an interactive stage; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesdays-Sundays; 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad; $8, general; $5,students, seniors and active military; free, children 5 and under;760-438-5996 or museumofmakingmusic.org.
Museum of Photographic Arts—- “Human RightsWatch Film Festival” runs Jan. 20 through Jan. 23; “Imagine That!Photographing an Invisible World” runs through Jan. 29; permanentcollection takes in all forms of photography; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesdays-Sundays; Casa de Balboa Building, Balboa Park, 1649 ElPrado, San Diego; $8, general; $6, seniors, retired military anddependents (with ID); $5, students (with ID); free, children under12 with an adult; 619-238-7559 or mopa.org.
National City Depot—- Historical depot builtin 1882 for the California Southern Railway has been restored andhouses exhibits on early rail in San Diego County; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursdays-Sundays; 922 West 23rd St., National City; free;619-474-4400 or sdera.org/depot.shtml.
The New Children’s Museum—- “Trash,” aneducational exhibit featuring recycled artworks by 12 internationalartists, is open; the museum provides dynamic, playful and hands-onexhibits and studios, along with art classes and other funactivities for children and families; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays,Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; noonto 4 p.m. Sundays; $10, adults and children; $5, seniors andactive-duty military with ID; free, children under 1; freeadmission for all second Sunday of each month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;200 W. Island Ave., San Diego; 619-233-8792 andthinkplaycreate.org.
Oceanside Heritage Village Park and Museum—-Historical Oceanside buildings and grounds on display, includingthe original Blade newspaper office; free; 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays; 220Peyri Drive, Oceanside; 760-433-8297.
Oceanside Historical Society—- Historicalexhibits and archives; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 305N. Nevada St., Oceanside; free; 760-722-4786 oroceansidehistoricalsociety.org.
Oceanside Museum of Art—- “Signs andSymbols: African American Quilts from the Collection of Dr. MaudeSouthwell Wahlman” runs through March 18; artist’s lecture, 11 a.m.Feb. 4; “The Point of View: William Glen Crooks” runs through April22; “We Can Work It Out: Becky Guttin,” through Jan. 5; “It’s NotMy Fault: The Art of Everett Peck,” through Jan. 29; “A Matter ofSpace: Cathy Breslaw,” through Feb. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays; 704 Pier View Way,Oceanside; $8, general; $5, seniors; free, students and military(and dependents) with ID; museum is free to all on Tuesdays;760-435-3720 or oma-online.org.
Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western HeritageCenter—- Celebrates the works of Western artist OlafWieghorst; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 131 Rea Ave., ElCajon; free; 619-590-3431 or wieghorstmuseum.org.
Old Poway Park—- Exhibits include theHeritage Museum, the early 20th-century Nelson House, and astill-operating 1907 Baldwin steam engine; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays (closed second Sunday ofevery month); 14134 Midland Road, Poway; free entrance, small feefor riding rail exhibits; poway.org/Index.aspx?page=110 or858-668-4577.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park—- SanDiego’s original downtown square from the late 1800s; exhibitsinclude La Casa de Estudillo (a mansion built around a gardencourtyard), La Casa de Machado y Stewart, the Mason Street School(California’s first public schoolhouse), La Casa de Machado ySilvas, the San Diego Union Printing Office, the Seeley StablesMuseum, a working blacksmith shop (limited hours) and the firstbrick courthouse; 4002 Wallace St., San Diego; free; 619-220-5422or parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum—- Dedicatedto the preservation and interpretation of railroads in the PacificSouthwest; rides on antique trains offered select weekends —-check schedule on the website; State Highway 94 and Forrest GateRoad, Campo; 619-478-9937 or sdrm.org.
The Parsonage Museum—- 1897 home preservesartifacts from American settlers of the Lemon Grove area; 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 3200 Main St., Lemon Grove; $2, adults; $1,children; 619-460-4353 or lemongrovehistoricalsociety.com.
Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Museum—-Housed in the Bernardo Winery, the museum preserves artifacts andother items detailing the community’s history; 9 a.m. to noonTuesdays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays; noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays andSundays; Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, RanchoBernardo; 858-775-5788 or rbhistoricalsociety.org.
Rancho Buena Vista Adobe—- This 11-room19th-century adobe ranch house features turn-of-the-centuryantiques, landscaped gardens, art gallery and gift store; 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; docent-led tours 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m.Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. Saturdays; 640 Alta Vista Drive,Vista; $4, adults; $1, students; 50 cents, children;760-639-6164.
Rancho Guajome Adobe—- Restored historical22-room adobe ranch house and its gardens; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays; docent-led tours 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2p.m. Saturdays and Sundays unless raining; 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave.,Vista; $3; 760-724-4082.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center—- The IMAXSpace Theater is showing “Born to be Wild,” “IMAX Under the Sea,””RESCUE,” “The Human Body” and “Yellowstone”; new exhibits are”Geometry Playground,” an interactive exhibit that makes math fun;family-friendly activities at the Exploration Bar from 1 to 4 p.m.Saturdays; opens at 10 a.m. daily; closing hours vary; Balboa Park,1875 El Prado, San Diego; $11.75, general; $9.75, seniors andchildren 3-12; admission plus one IMAX film: $15.75, adults;$12.75, seniors and children 3 to 12; admission plus two IMAXfilms: $21.75, adults; $18.75, seniors and children 3 to 12;rhfleet.org or 619-238-1233.
San Diego Air & Space Museum—- Exhibitsinclude many historical aircraft and reproductions, from the WrightBrothers through the manned lunar missions to the present;admission includes admission to the 3-D/4-D Zable Theater; 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. daily; Balboa Park, 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego;$17.50, general; $14.50, seniors, students and retired militarywith ID; $7, children 3-11; free, children 2 and under and activemilitary with ID; simulator rides are extra; behind-the-scenesrestoration tours are available for additional fee; 619-234-8291 orsandiegoairandspace.org.
San Diego Archaeological Center—- Exhibitsdetail the last 10,000 years of the region’s past through use oflocal artifacts; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Saturdays; 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, San Pasqual Valley;free; 760-291-0370 or sandiegoarchaeology.org.
San Diego Automotive Museum—- Museum tracesthe history of the automobile; a Volkswagen exhibit runs throughJan. 29; “Woodies” runs Feb. 3-May 27; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily;Balboa Park, 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego; $8, general; $6,seniors and military; $5, students with ID; $4, children 6 to 15;free, children under 6; 619-231-2886 or sdautomuseum.org.
San Diego Botanic Garden—- The lush 37-acregarden contains plants and trees from around the world, includingthe largest bamboo collection in the United States; 9 a.m. to 5p.m. daily; 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas; $12, general; $8,seniors, students and active-duty military; $6, children 3-12;free, children 2 and under; 760-436-3036 or sdbgarden.org.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum—- Theformer Escondido Children’s Museum features, now in a new location,has numerous hands-on exhibits to help children learn aboutscience, local history and the arts; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tuesdays-Sundays (until 7 p.m. Wednesdays); 320 N. Broadway,Escondido; $6, adults and children; free, infants 1 and under;760-233-7755 or sdcdm.org.
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum—- “Speakof Good Things: Nianhua and Chinese Folk Tradition,” a travelingexhibit of Asian folk art, opens Jan. 22 with a reception from 2 to4 p.m.; The museum collects, preserves and shares theChinese-American experience and Chinese history, culture and art;10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays;group tours available upon request; 404 Third Ave., San Diego; $2,adults; free, children 12 and under; 619-338-9888 or sdchm.org.
San Diego Hall of Champions—- The museumdocuments the teams and individuals who have shaped San Diego’ssports landscape, from prep stars to the numerous professionalclubs that have called the area home; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily;Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego; $8, general; $6,seniors, military and students; $4, children 7-17; free, children 6and under; 619-234-2544 or sdhoc.com.
San Diego History Center—- The museumexhibits artifacts from the region’s past; upcoming, “Tuna!Celebrating San Diego’s fishing industry, runs April 21-Dec. 31; 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; Casa de Balboa Building, BalboaPark, 1649 El Prado, San Diego; $6, general; $4, seniors andmilitary; $2, students; free, children under 6; 619-232-6203 orsandiegohistory.org.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum—- Themuseum’s 27,000-square-foot layout is the largest indoor modelrailroad display in North America; permanent exhibits include fiveworking model railroads, including HO-scale, N-scale, and Lioneland O-gauge trains; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m. to5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, SanDiego; $7, general; $6, seniors; $3, students with ID; $2.50,active-duty military with ID; free, children under 15 with paidadult; 619-696-0199 or sdmodelrailroadm.com.
San Diego Museum of Art—- “Vochol: HuicholArt on Wheels” runs Jan. 21 through March 10; “Echoes of the Past:The Buddhist Caves of Xiangtangshan” runs Feb. 18-May 27; “DyeingElegance: Asian Modernism and the Art of Kuboku and Hisako Takaku”runs Feb. 18-May 27; The museum’s permanent holdings include acollection of Italian Renaissance, Dutch and Spanish Old Masters;Asian art, South Asian paintings, as well as comprehensive examplesof American art, 19th-century European paintings and 20th-centurypaintings and sculpture; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noonto 5 p.m. Sundays; Balboa Park, 1450 El Prado, San Diego; $12,general; $9, seniors and active-duty military; $8, students withID; $4.50, children 7 to 17; free, children 6 and under;619-232-7931 or sdmart.org.
San Diego Museum of Man—- “Modern Day Mummy:The Art & Science of Mummification” runs through March 4;anthropology and archaeology museum, with an emphasis on San DiegoCounty and Southern California, plus ancient Egypt; the Children’sDiscovery Center includes a 1,350-square-foot interactive gallerythat depicts life in ancient Egypt; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily;California Building, Balboa Park, 1350 El Prado, San Diego; $12.50,general; $10, seniors and active-duty military with ID; $8, youth(ages 13-17) and students with ID; $5, children ages 3 to 12; free,children 2 and under; 619-239-2001 or museumofman.org.
San Diego Natural History Museum—- “Best ofNature” photography show runs through May 31; opening reception, 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 21; “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,”featuring 200 items from the ship’s wreckage in the North Atlantic,runs Feb. 10-Sept. 9 (special ticket required); “Skulls,” a newpermanent exhibition of more than 200 animals skulls from tinysnakes to a giraffe and rhinoceros, is open; “Ends of the Earth:From Polar Bears to Penguins” runs through Jan. 9; “Working on ThinIce: 25 Years of Research in Antarctica” runs through Sept. 30;”All that Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals”run through April 8; playing on large-format screen: “The Downing3D Experience,” “SeaRex: Journey to a Prehistoric World 3D,””Sharks 3D,” “Ocean Oasis”; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (open until 8p.m. Thursdays, except holidays); hours vary weekly, call toconfirm; Balboa Park, 1788 El Prado, San Diego; $17, general; $15,seniors; $12, military, youths (13-17) and students with ID; $11,children ages 3 to 12; free, children 2 and under (ticket priceincludes giant-screen films); sdnat.org or 619-232-3821.
San Dieguito Heritage Museum—- The new”Families Make History” program offers free hands-on activitiesfrom 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through June; for January,learn how pioneers made braided rugs; a new exhibit re-creates a1920s-1940s-style barber shop; permanent exhibits on local history,from American Indians through early settlers to modern surfingculture; hours, noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; 450 Quail GardensDrive, Encinitas; $4, general; $2 seniors and students, free foryoung children, active military and members, 760-632-9711 orsdheritage.org.
San Marcos Historical Society Museum—-Hours, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturdays (closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day) and 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Jan. 9; San Marcos Historical Society Museum, Walnut GrovePark, 1952 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos; 760-744-9025.
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park—- Commemorates the soldiers on both sides of the 1846 battleduring the Mexican-American War; exhibits include uniforms, weaponsand equipment; 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido; 10 a.m.-5p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 760-737-2201 orwww.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=655.
Santa Margarita y Las Flores Ranch HouseComplex—- Located on Camp Pendleton, this complexincludes the Ranch House (1827), the home of Pio Pico, last Mexicangovernor of Alta California, as well as the Ranch House Chapel(1810) and the Bunkhouse Museum; tours available by reservationonly, from September through May —- call 760-725-3146.
Serra Museum—- The Serra Museum sits on thesite of the original San Diego mission set up by the Spanishpriests before they moved to the current Mission Valley location,and documents the early history of European settlement in San DiegoCounty; operated by the San Diego Historical Society; 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Presidio Park, 2727 Presidio Drive, OldTown San Diego; $5, general; $4, seniors and active-duty militaryand students with ID; $2, children 6 to 17; free, children under 6;619-297-3258 or sandiegohistory.org.
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead—- Preservesartifacts of the lives of those who settled in the county shortlyafter statehood; summer hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays; winterhours (after Labor Day); 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays andSaturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays; 12655 Sunset Drive,Escondido; $3; 760-432-8318 or www.sdrp.org/projects/sikes.htm.
Timken Museum of Art—- The permanentcollection is primarily Dutch, Flemish, French and Italianpainters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Petrus Christus, Fragonard,Jacques-Louis David and Veronese, as well as American artists suchas John Singleton Copley and Eastman Johnson; and Russian icons; 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.Sundays; Balboa Park, 1500 El Prado, San Diego; free; 619-239-5548or timkenmuseum.org.
USS Midway Museum—- Floating aircraftcarrier museum educates the public on the history of these”floating cities,” with tours of the flight, hangar and mess decks;pilot house; navigation bridge; and much more; Navy jet simulatorrides available for additional charge; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily;aboard the USS Midway, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego; $18,general; $15, seniors 62 and up, college students with ID; $10,retired military with ID and children 6 to 17; free, active-dutymilitary and reservists with ID and children under 6; 619-544-9600or midway.org.
Valley Center History Museum—- A new exhibitmarking the Sequicentennial (150th anniversary of Valley Center) isnow open; Town history, American Indian artifacts, historicaldocuments, tributes to the original American settlers, visitingcelebrities and more are on exhibit; the museum’s centerpiece is astuffed 8-foot, 1,200-pound California grizzly bear, recalling thedays when the village was known as Bear Valley; 1 to 4 p.m.Tuesdays-Saturdays; 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center; free;760-749-2993 or valleycenterhistory.org.
Veterans Museum & Memorial—- The museumhonors the service and sacrifice of San Diego County militaryveterans with exhibits, service programs and outreach; 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; 2115 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, San Diego; $5,general; $4, veterans and seniors; $2, students with ID; free,children under 12 and active-duty military and dependents with ID;619-239-2300 or veteranmuseum.org.
Vista Historical Society Museum—– Themuseum, housed in the 1934 two-story Rancho Minerva, exhibits earlyVista memorabilia, artworks and photographs of the historical home;10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and the first twoSaturdays of each month; 2317 Old Foothill Drive, Vista;760-630-0444 or vhsm.org.
The Water Conservation Garden—- Botanicalpark illustrates how native and other plants are able to thrive ononly small amounts of water; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; CuyamacaCollege, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon; free;619-660-0614 or thegarden.org.
Whaley House Museum—- The Whaley House wasbuilt by San Diego pioneer Thomas Whaley in 1857 for his family andgeneral store, and is operated by the Save Our HeritageOrganization; the museum is widely rumored to be haunted; 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Sundays-Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.Thursdays-Saturdays; 2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town San Diego;before 5 p.m. admission: $6, general; $5, seniors; $4, children3-12, free, children 2 and under; admission after 5 p.m. is $10;619-297-7511 or whaleyhouse.org.
Women’s Museum of California—- An exhibit ofphotographs by American Indian women artists is on display throughDec. 15; The museum features archives and exhibits on importantwomen in world history; noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2323Broadway, Suite 107, San Diego; $5, general; $3, seniors andstudents; 619-233-7963 or whmec.org.
Guy B. Woodward Museum—- The museum focuseson early Western history, specifically that of the Ramona area —-exhibits include turn-of-the-century furniture, a collection ofwomen’s clothing and accessories, a cowboy bunkhouse and the CaseyTibbs Memorial exhibit; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sundays; 645 MainSt., Ramona; $3, adults; 50 cents, children; 760-789-7644 orwoodwardmuseum.org.
The World War II and Korea LVT Exhibit—-Vintage amphibious tracked vehicles, related artifacts andinformational displays on landing craft used by the Marines inthose two wars; located on Camp Pendleton —- tours available byreservation only; call 760-725-2195.
