Top rated Local history museums in California to elevate your visit (Updated November, 2023)

Tour operator

👍👍 Highly recommend this, Jennifer is extremely knowledgeable about the city. Father is an extreme history buff and usually ends up becoming the tour guide on these things. He was mostly a spectator and enjoyed the tour which says a lot about Jennifer. The ride is robust in scale but very easy on the...

5.00 (53 reviews)

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Maritime museum

Storied Navy warship offering kid-friendly tours (from the decks to the Captain’s Cabin) & exhibits.

4.80 (7.4K reviews)

Martial Arts History Museum

Museum

Family-friendly museum featuring exhibits on martial arts & their relationship to Asian cultures.

4.80 (152 reviews)

The Mountain History Museum - Rim of the World Historical Society

Local history museum

👍👍 Great history and things in the museum! Loved the tour and also the Movie section with the theater room

4.80 (78 reviews)

Wakamatsu Farm

Farm

👍👍 Very nice place for a picnic they only open couple times a month from spring to autumn, historic site about Japanese people in America, if you read the book about Okei-san the girl from wakamatsu you will had a better idea about the place and the history. Bring water and a hat to walk around the lak...

4.80 (48 reviews)

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Museum

Museum preserving the maritime history of the local coast through exhibits, artifacts & events.

4.70 (394 reviews)

Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum

Local history museum

Local history museum featuring exhibits for adults & kids along with a fish hatchery outside.

4.70 (324 reviews)

History Park (operated by History San Jose)

Local history museum

👍👍 My toddler loves History Park. It's a cute walkable area where my son can run around without worrying about bothering or disrupting anyone. It's free most days, but there are occasional paid events so check the calendar. Staff are so knowledgeable about the history and traditions of the park and bui...

4.70 (302 reviews)

Rubel Castle

Castle

This historic, off-beat structure made with recycled materials offers tours by appointment.

4.70 (175 reviews)

Sharpsteen Museum

Local history museum

Local history museum with a stagecoach, simulated barn, working model train & other attractions.

4.70 (114 reviews)

Chico History Museum

Museum

Small museum featuring ever-changing exhibits on Chico, ranging from its history to its agriculture.

4.70 (64 reviews)

Grave of Lou Costello

Memorial park

😠 This landmark placement interferes with viewing other graves on the Find a Grave website it should not be a permanent landmark. It can be view from The Find a Grave website.

4.70 (43 reviews)