San Diego is a haven for immersive experiences that ignite the imagination, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to engage with art and entertainment in interactive ways. Venues like the WNDR Museum and Wonderspaces provide awe-inspiring installations where guests can be part of the art, while the Fleet Science Center challenges perceptions with mind-bending illusions. Unique performances and themed adventures, such as the Ghost Light Masquerade and the Lockdown Escape Rooms, further expand the city’s offerings, making it an ideal destination for immersive exploration.
As San Diego continues to redefine what it means to connect with art and culture, when Sessions Lounge opens, it will be a truly immersive cannabis experience. Sessions by the Bay is designed as a cannabis-friendly venue where guests can unwind, socialize, and recharge. Its laid-back, stylish environment provides the perfect setting to reflect on a day of exploration, adding an extra dimension to San Diego’s immersive scene. Together, these destinations make for an exceptional outing, with each stop adding depth to the vibrant, artistic pulse of the city.
Top San Diego Immersive Experiences (Open Now!)
Our team has researched and compiled the following information to help you decide what is the best fit for your San Diego adventure. We hope to see you soon, when Sessions by the Bay opens.
Please let us know in the comments, any we missed or should update on this list.
1. WNDR Museum
- Location: 422 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates Open: Ongoing
- Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday 11 AM – 10 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM
- Cost: Adults $32, Children (3-12) $22, VIP tickets $50
- Theme of Design: Interactive art museum with technology-driven exhibits
- Website URL: wndrmuseum.com
WNDR Museum Description:
The WNDR Museum is a must-see immersive experience in San Diego, designed to spark curiosity and creativity. This ever-evolving museum offers over 20 exhibits, including light floors, AI-generated art, and a 360° immersive theater. The exhibits are interactive, meaning visitors aren’t just looking at art—they are becoming part of it. One of the standout experiences is the “Quantum Mirror,” where light and sound combine to create a fully immersive sensory experience.
Best Feature:
The museum’s “INSIDEOUT” exhibit, where visitors experience a 360° video projection inspired by childhood memories of storms, transports you to another world with lights, sounds, and environmental effects.
Target Audience:
Art lovers, tech enthusiasts, and families looking for a creative and interactive experience.
2. Wonderspaces
- Location: 1140 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates Open: Ongoing
- Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM daily
- Cost: $15 – $27
- Theme of Design: Immersive art exhibits with a focus on empathy and connection
- Website URL: wonderspaces.com
Wonderspaces Description:
Wonderspaces is an immersive art exhibition that features a rotating selection of interactive installations from artists around the world. The current exhibition, In Common, explores themes of empathy and connection through large-scale installations that involve light, sound, and interactivity. This is a great option if you’re looking for an experience that combines technology with thought-provoking art.
Best Feature:
Wonderspaces excels in creating an immersive environment where you can engage with every exhibit. The blend of technology and art makes it an unforgettable experience, especially for group outings or family visits.
Target Audience:
Art lovers, tourists, and those interested in tech-driven interactive experiences.
3. The Fleet Science Center: “Illusions”
- Location: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
- Dates Open: Ongoing
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
- Cost: $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children (3-12), free for members
- Theme of Design: Interactive exhibits exploring visual and psychological illusions
- Website URL: fleetscience.org
Fleet Science Center Description:
The “Illusions” exhibit at the Fleet Science Center delves into the science of perception. With over 15 interactive installations, this exhibit is designed to trick the mind and stimulate the senses. Visitors can explore visual tricks, puzzling installations, and optical illusions that demonstrate how our brain interprets reality. Whether you’re curious about how the brain works or just looking for a mind-bending experience, “Illusions” will leave you questioning what you see.
Best Feature:
The exhibit’s hands-on approach allows you to experience each illusion for yourself, making it both educational and fun.
Target Audience:
Families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the workings of the human mind.
4. Lockdown: Escape Room Adventures
- Location: 1037 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
- Dates Open: Ongoing
- Hours: Monday–Sunday 10 AM – 11 PM
- Cost: $34.95 per person
- Theme of Design: Science-fiction escape rooms with a twist of adventure
- Website URL: lockdownrooms.com
Lockdown Description:
Lockdown offers immersive escape room experiences with a sci-fi twist. Each room is themed around various thrilling stories, like the “Science Escape Room” or the “Medieval Escape Room,” where participants have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and crack codes to escape. Every room is a fully immersive adventure, designed to make you feel like you’re part of a movie. The experience is filled with intricate puzzles and challenging gameplay, making it perfect for groups looking for a bit of a mental workout.
Best Feature:
The detailed design of each room transports participants into different worlds, making it feel like a real-life video game.
Target Audience:
Thrill-seekers, puzzle lovers, and groups looking for a team-building challenge.
5. Sunset Cliffs: Full Moon Night Walks
- Location: Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
- Dates Open: Full moon nights throughout the year
- Hours: Evenings, exact times vary by season
- Cost: Free
- Theme of Design: Outdoor immersive experience in nature under the full moon
- Website URL: sandiego.gov
Full Moon Night Walks Description:
For those who prefer a natural immersive experience, the Sunset Cliffs Full Moon Walk offers a serene, moonlit adventure along one of San Diego’s most scenic coastal areas. Under the glow of the full moon, participants can explore the cliffs, enjoy the sound of crashing waves, and take in the breathtaking views. This experience is perfect for anyone seeking peace and reflection, as the night setting adds an ethereal atmosphere to this already beautiful location.
Best Feature:
The stunning views of the Pacific Ocean under the full moon, creating a peaceful and mystical ambiance.
Target Audience:
Nature lovers, couples seeking a romantic outing, and anyone looking for a peaceful, free outdoor experience.
Immerse Yourself in All San Diego Offers
San Diego’s immersive experiences provide a unique blend of art, technology, and hands-on adventure, inviting people of all interests to dive into something extraordinary.
Whether exploring science illusions, navigating a themed escape room, or engaging with interactive art, each venue offers a memorable way to see the world from a new perspective. These experiences push boundaries, creating spaces where curiosity is rewarded and creativity comes to life. So if you’re looking to escape the ordinary and discover something unforgettable, San Diego’s immersive experiences are well worth the visit. Each one promises not just a day out but a journey into a world where imagination takes center stage.