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Free Thursday at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Posted November 11, 2026

NeighborhoodBalboa Park

Expires2026-11-12

VerifiedNovember 11, 2026

If you have tomorrow free, this is the one to use. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum, downstairs in the Casa de Balboa in Balboa Park, waives admission on the second Thursday of each month for San Diego County residents, local college students, and active-duty military.

That day is Thursday, November 12, 2026. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring an ID with a local address, a school ID, or an active-duty military ID. Regular adult admission is $20, so this is a genuine free day, not a small coupon.

One important catch: December is excluded. After Thursday, the next free Residents Day is in January. The museum is also closed Thanksgiving Day, though it will be open Black Friday.

Local tip: the museum sits in the same building as several other Balboa Park stops, with an elevator in the west side of the Casa de Balboa lobby. If you are a City of San Diego resident, register your license plate ahead of time for free parking in the park’s general lots; paid parking is enforced 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on city holidays. Always check the museum’s visit page before you go.

See the official offer ↗

Check the source for terms. Offers are set by the business and can change or end early, so confirm the details on the official page before you go. Diego Deals isn't paid for this post.

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Free Thursday at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

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