DESERT ATTRACTIONS

HI-DESERT NATURE MUSEUM - Yucca Valley, CA

The Hi-Desert Nature Museum is a family-oriented facility with collections and exhibits related to the desert’s unique natural and historical elements. The museum features educational opportunities for visitors of all ages, including natural history dioramas displaying wildlife in the desert, an interactive “Kids Korner” with plenty of hands-on activities, a mini-zoo with live desert creatures, a gem and mineral collection, a Native American artifacts exhibit and a fossil collection. Six rotating exhibits related to the local natural and historical theme are scheduled each year.
58116 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA 92284 • 760-369-7212 • www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org

MOJAVE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM - Barstow, CA

The Museum houses a series of displays and exhibits that portray the history of the Mojave River Valley from the arrival of Father Garces in 1776 on through pathfinders, pioneers, miners, railroads and the present space program.
270 Virginia Way. Located at the intersection of Barstow Road and Virginia Way. Exit I-15 at Barstow Road and go north two blocks, turn left. • www.mojaverivervalleymuseum.org

OASIS OF MURALS - 29 Palms, CA

In late 1994, Action Council for 29 Palms, Inc. began a project to paint the community's rich history on business walls to boost civic pride and make the City of Twentynine Palms more inviting to visitors. Nestled in the shadow of the Joshua Tree National Park, "Oasis of Murals" now displays the heritage of Twentynine Palms through 20 murals.
6476 Adobe Rd., P.O. Box 306, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 • (760)367-1963 or email: action29@cci-29palms.com • http://action29palmsmurals.com/murals.html

ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD MUSEUM - Barstow, CA

The Museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert Communities. Displays include development of the United States Route 66 from early pioneer trails, railroads, automotive history, businesses and sites.
681 N. First Avenue, Barstow, CA. 92311 • 760-255-1890 • www.route66museum.org

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ATTRACTIONS

BIG BEAR HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Big Bear, CA

Big Bear Historical Museum, open weekends May through October, offers a walk through the colorful and romantic history of Big Bear. Located just east of the airport in the Big Bear City Park on Greenway Drive.
(909) 585-8100 • www.bigbearinfo.com

BUENA VISTA AUDUBON NATURE CENTER - Oceanside, CA

The Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center was built in 1988 by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. The vegetation next to the nature center is all native. Inside, the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center has displays and exhibits showcasing local animals in their natural settings. These displays are very realistic, using taxidermy animals and actual plants.
2202 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA • 760-439-BIRD • www.bvaudubon.org

CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM - Oceanside, CA

Special exhibits celebrating surfing. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
23 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 • (760) 721-6876 • www.surfmuseum.org

THE GETTY CENTER - Los Angeles, CA

The Getty Center presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. View European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs; a selection from the special collections of the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute; and modern architecture and gardens. Admission to museum is free. Parking is $15 ($10 after 3 pm).
1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90049 • (310) 440-7300 • www.getty.edu

THE GETTY VILLA - Malibu, CA

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. What you’ll see: Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos; the Theater, and Stories of the Trojan War; Roman-inspired architecture and gardens. Admission to museum is free, though an advance timed ticket is required. Parking is $15 ($10 after 3 pm). Check website for ticket availability or call 310-440-7300.
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California 90272 • www.getty.edu

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY - Los Angeles, CA

Visitors may drive directly to Griffith Observatory and park in its parking lot or on the adjacent roads. As always, there is no admission charge to enter the Observatory building and no reservation is required to visit, however there is a charge of $3 to $7 (depending on age) to attend the live planetarium program, Centered in the Universe, in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Centered in the Universe takes visitors on a journey of cosmic exploration and discovery. Starting this summer, a new program, Water Is Life, leads viewers on a search for water - and possibly life - beyond Earth. Live presentations of these programs are scheduled every 60 - 90 minutes each day the Observatory is open.
213-473-0800 • www.griffithobs.org

MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART - Ontario, CA

The purpose of the Museum of History and Art, Ontario is to promote knowledge and understanding of the history, art, and cultural traditions of the greater Ontario area in a broad context. See website for schedule of exhibits.
225 South Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA • 909-983-3198 • www.ontarioca.gov/museum

OLAF WIEGHORST MUSEUM - El Cajon, CA

This museum honors the accomplishments of Olaf Wieghorst, known for his magnificent portrayals of the nineteenth century American West, exhibiting a remarkable affinity for the cowboys, the Native American Indians, and the settlers who helped shape this country's Western landscape. During his career, Wieghorst sketched and painted hundreds of pieces of work, 92 of which were issued as limited edition prints. His work hangs in a number of museums including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City and the Whitney Gallery of Western art in Cody, Wyoming. Private owners have included local residents, Hollywood celebrities, arts patrons, industrialists, investors, and four United States presidents.
131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, CA. 92020 • 619 590-3431 • www.wieghorstmuseum.org

RIVERSIDE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM - Riverside, CA

The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is a center for learning and a community museum that collects, exhibits, and interprets cultural and natural history. In a rapidly changing community, the museum provides an understanding and appreciation of our region’s legacy. Originally the Cornelius Earle Rumsey Indian Collection, the Museum opened in the basement of old City Hall in 1924, when the widow of NABISCO magnate Cornelius Earle Rumsey donated her late husband’s collection of Native American artifacts to the City of Riverside. In 1948, the Museum was relocated to its current facility, a former U.S. Post Office built in 1912. Located on the corner of Orange Street & Mission Inn Avenue. Check website for current exhibits.
www.riversideca.gov

TIMKIN MUSEUM - San Diego, CA

Located in San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection of European old masters American art, and Russian icons. Artworks in the collection range from 13th-century altarpieces through 18th-century portraits to 19th-century still lifes.
1500 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 239-5548 • www.timkenmuseum.org

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM - Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, CA

On display are original Concord Coaches, Wells Fargo’s Banking and Express documents, artifacts, early photos, gold coins, mining tools, ore, balance scales, working telegraphs, and western fine art. Each museum also showcases Wells Fargo’s role in regional history. www.wellsfargohistory.com