Quick facts: Size: Small Price: $5 (Adults) Est. Time in Museum: 30 - 45 minutes Recommended for: History Buffs, Adults Exhibits focus primarily on individual stories of veterans by showcasing stories and artifacts of their time in service rather than an overall history lesson of certain wars or battles. When I went in October 2018 they had a special Korean War exhibit recreating a typical foxhole and some actual war artifacts from the Chinese army. There was a section dedicated to women in the military in the back and a section discussing the military history of balboa park during World War 1. Although exhibits do change throughout the year.The rest of the museum focuses on stories of individual veterans of wars from World War 1 to the present. There are some unique and unusual artifacts that even those interested in military history have probably never seen or heard of before. Only recommended for those with a strong interest in military history otherwise the casual museum patron might not find it particularly interesting. But since the entrance fee is only $5, I would still recommend it for a visit

Had the most amazing time here and was lucky enough to receive a wonderful tour. The price to get in is affordable. The artifacts are great! If you live in the San Diego area, are visiting, or are stationed here while in the service...please consider visiting this beautiful museum!

Anything Veteran related is a good thing and this building and museum are no exception. Go check it out for yourself.Good Stuff...

Very interesting museum/church that holds a treasure trove of artifacts and original art. It's easy to lose yourself in all the WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War items and information. We visited the venue for a fun Sunday evening swing dance event with a full orchestra and two singers; nice hardwood floor for dancing. Bathrooms and drinking fountain on the premises.

As a first time visitor it was wonderful to see the many things they has on display. If military history is an interest or even nifty it is not this is a must see.

Veterans were available to speak to my children and share stories. They offered a scavenger hunt my kids enjoyed.

Went to a shipmates retirement ceremony here, the best retirement ceremony venue I’ve ever been to.

This is a small museum 5 rooms that is packed with a lot of content and items to read and see. It does a nice job honoring vets. There are some items that are very unique, such as the communication device used during Vietnam to talk to amateur radio operators to get messages from individual troops to loved ones What really made the visit special was the commentary provided by the president of the museum. His insights and personal story added a heightened dimension to the museum! It's a hidden gem in San Diego.

Thank you all veterans super clean inside Amazing stuff inside

Wow! What a lovely place! I would recommend everyone go! To learn more about our nation’s military history. The building is a former chapel of the former Veteran’s hospital with beautiful stained glass windows. When we arrived, Jack Hawkins gave us some history privately for about 20 minutes! It was wonderful. He is so knowledgeable! We then toured the building. There is so much military history there. It’s amazing. And very moving. To know that these men and women served our country. For us. For our freedom.

Awesome place to visit very memorable

Check this place out when your in the area. History and so much more

Lots of history there, good artifacts. Friendly people there and beautiful walls.

Great museum and a fitting tribute to veterans.

Nice park, relax place...

Good bit of history and a beautiful chapel. We had a great ceremony.

Very interesting!

Its a nice place to take your kids so they can learn about things that happened and who helped and fought for our freedoom

Very well done, covering many many wars, veterans groups. Take more time than you expect to, here!

Liked it. Very nice staff.

A wonderful look back in history of those who have fought for our freedom.

Loved the museum. We met Jack who gave a brief tour. He has a lot of knowledge and loves to talk about the items inside the museum. If you asked a question ,he had the answer. Check before you go, the hours of operation are limited to weekends.

I cannot wait to go back! My husband and I stopped at the museum during our honeymoon. We got a tour from Henry and learned so much not only about the military but also San Diego. It's definitely a stop everyone should make.

This place is a nice little place to go. Def brings up feels if you've ever served.

Nice exhibit. Greeter was friendly and helpful

It's worth every minute of time. The stained glass windows, the stories, awesome photos.

Great small museum that has so much history in it, the stained glass windows are amazing.

Excellent place to learn about the history of our veterans

Super fanominal place to visit. Was very impressed with the docent on duty there. Want to go back again. Low cost admission and free parking.

Where my son retirement ceremony was

Great museum. No one shouldn't HAWK WHEN VIBITING THE MUSEUM, ESPecially the Vietnam display.

It was a nice place. I learned many things about different wars and the people involved. It's not very big, but there a lot of information!

The dedication and hard work of the veterans working at the museum in Balboa Park shows itself everywhere. Veteran volunteers give their hearts and souls to remind us the reason why our country is so great and to help us never forget the price we continue to pay for our freedom. A definite must visit with the kids.

All things ww2. Nice gift shop. Great speakers.

Very nice!

Excellent place to dance when you can. At other times, worth a single visit if you have boys in the family.

I've only been here for commissionings but this looks like it is small but still packs alot of history.

It's good place to take your children to learn about military history.

Lots of military history. Old facility but very clean. Lots of parking

Nice museum!

I came here for the first time for a photoshoot and it was amazing. A beautiful garden area all around and great lighting for photos.

Free admissions. Interesting display

Excellent venue for historical events for military buffs, veterans and students. Used to be a religious setting but all the mosaics have been kept. Different military uniforms, memorabilia and weapons can be viewed.

It is a small museum but it's full of history and most importantly great stories and items from our veterans. I learned a lot of things and even learned of military events that I hadn't even heard of in history books.

Beautifully presentation the awareness of the contributions made by U.S. veterans.

Nice little museum, covers mostly the ww1 thru the current conflicts.

Lots of military history

Very interesting experience. Thank you.

You need to see what have been sacrificed..humbled

Great women in military display

Wow! What a Great tribute to all of our veterans. Thanks for such a great experience. We will be back soon

Very interesting to see all that is there.

Its awesome

Memories of Soldiers

I really enjoyed my visit

Appropriate place for veterans

A historical treasure providing Rich information about the sacrifices individuals made for our precious freedom

A hidden gem full of hidden gems. The Veteran's Museum is one of San Diego's best-kept secrets. The museum itself is housed in a former Navy chapel. The stunning stained glass windows still remain and each one has a story to tell. Although the Navy paid for the building, it wouldn't pay for artwork. The money for each window was raised by groups of small donors from across the country. See if you can guess who sponsored each window (and check you answers on the bronze plaque beside the entrance). Inside, you'll find exhibits on the military and Balboa Park, women in the U.S. military, Americans in the Vietnam War, the military service of U.S. presidents, U.S. POWs in WWII, and various relics from San Diegans who served in wars from WWII to Iraq. The museum's exhibits are clearly a labor of love. The displays can be dense and a bit cluttered in places, but there are some real gems if you know what to look for. Take the time to look through each case and you'll be rewarded for your curiosity. Check out the MARS radio in the Vietnam exhibit and listen to recordings of troops in Vietnam talking to their loved ones back home over the radio (Track #4 is a bit of a tear-jerker, be warned). There's a book of artwork and poetry made by a downed flier in a German POW camp. There's a Flying Tigers "blood chit" and a bullet-scarred helicopter's pilot from Vietnam. Many thanks to Jack Harkins, the Museum's president, for showing us around! We got a great rundown the the museum's building and its key exhibits.