There’s nothing like a San Diego summer! From hazy mornings to sunny afternoons, the endless mix of trails and beach walks, bustling nightlife, cozy coffee shops, and everything in-between, June through August are my favorite months to experience new things and explore my city like a tourist.

So, when I heard about the Museum of Illusions San Diego, I was thrilled to not only check it out but bring my stepson along, too!

MOI is filled with mind-bending exhibits, creative rooms to explore, visual experiments to try, and so much more. My son, Austin, and I were able to join the exclusive ‘Pre-Opening’ Event and got to experience everything first-hand!

So, since we’ve been there (and loved it!) here’s the inside scoop, pointers about commuting and pricing, and reasons why you definitely need to add the Museum of Illusions to your San Diego Summer Bucket List!

What Is the Museum Of Illusions San Diego?

An ‘illusion’ is a trick of the mind—when reality and perception are disconnected—mostly because of visual or sensory misinterpretation of what we’re experiencing.

More specifically, our minds are hardwired to help us understand and process the world in realistic terms. For example, when we’re spinning around, our brain finds the ‘horizon’ (or a means of stability between sky and ground) and helps us find balance and feel steady.

With illusions—physical, visual, sensory, or otherwise—our mind is ‘tricked’ by what is real (or not real) because we interpret things a certain way. And that’s what makes it fun! We don’t quite know what’s real or not (at least for the moment).

The Museum of Illusions San Diego is filled with these ‘mind tricks’ and other visual or physical elements that challenge our perceptions and make us question whether we can rely on what we see or experience! So, whether you’re ninety or three years old, you’re bound to have a great time!

Exhibits, Installations & Images at the MOI

While the MOI is just one of the amazing galleries and museums in San Diego, it’s located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, making it accessible and in the mix of all the hustle and bustle of downtown.

There is also so much to do and see—rooms, installations, and images alike!

A few of our favorites were sensory-based exhibits (also called ‘illusion rooms‘), for example, trying to balance in a leaning room, pushing your body on a sensory wall, or walking through a vortex tunnel that challenges your understanding of gravity.

The majority are visual exhibits, where you do anything from looking through a human kaleidoscope to trying to see art in two different ways.

My absolute favorite was the installation that gave mirrored views of you and the person standing across from you—it was absolutely hilarious seeing half of me and half of Austin mirrored back!

There are also areas that are highly interactive! For example, on the lower level, they have a section where you can manipulate blocks (Tangram and others) and try your hand at fitting different pieces together.

Austin loved these puzzles, and we actually spent about 30 minutes in this area just because he wanted to figure it out before we left!

Honestly, with so much to do, explore, experiment, and see, there’s engagement for everyone! I loved our experience and loved that it was something we could do together. Whether you’re headed to the Museum of Illusions San Diego with your family, on a date night, or even for a solo trip, you won’t be disappointed!

MOI Cost & Logistics

LOCATION: 📍665 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

HOURS: Sun-Thurs 10AM-10PM | Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM

PLANNING YOUR VISIT: There are two levels of exhibits and galleries, so it’s best to plan at least 1.5-2 hours for your visit, especially if you want to make the most out of your experience!

All ages are welcome, and I’d suggest keeping your little ones close so they don’t get lost in any of the exhibits or interrupt others’ experiences.

ACCESSIBILITY: There is an elevator in the building. It was out of order during the pre-opening, but looks in working order! Strollers may be challenging to maneuver through the exhibits, so be mindful of that.

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PARKING & VALET: Parking is very limited in this area, so if you’re planning on driving, I’d highly suggest using the valet (if available).

If not, here are parking locations nearby:

Ace Parking – Located 2 blocks from the museum! [ℹ️ Details here]📍 Location: 614 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 — 2 blocks away!
📍 Location: 702 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 — 3 min walk!

Seaport Village — Main Lot (West Kettner Blvd), Secondary Lot (East Kettner)
📍 Location: 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

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TICKETS: You can purchase tickets for (a) a specific date, (b) flexible dates, or (c) family passes, which include 2 Adult + 2 Child with 20% off on child tickets.

Or, if you have a big group and/or are looking to book a field trip opportunity, you can get 15% off if you purchase 12+ tickets!

• Adult: $35 per person
• Child: $30 per person (age 5+)*
• Military/Senior: $32 per person

*Note: Children age 4 and younger are free, but you have to reserve a ticket spot for them! Visit the MOI San Diego to learn more!