San Diego, CA ­­– The Fleet Science Center

San Diego Magazine recently named the Fleet Science Center Best Museum in its annual “Best of San Diego” Awards. These awards honor standout businesses, organizations, and individuals across San Diego County, as voted by readers and critics. This year’s voting drew record-breaking participation, with participants limited to one vote per category—making the Fleet’s top placement among nine nominees in the Best Museum category an even greater achievement.

The Fleet team is honored to receive this recognition and is deeply grateful to the San Diego community for its unwavering support. This award reflects the enthusiasm of the visitors, community partners, and all those who have supported the organization over the years. It is because of this support that the Fleet is able to continue upholding their mission to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science.

The Fleet Science Center has inspired a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the hearts of generations of San Diegans, having welcomed more than 26 million guests since opening in 1973. Today, the Fleet is home to over 100 interactive exhibits and Southern California’s only IMAX® dome theater, offering endless opportunities to ignite curiosity. 

While its home base is in Balboa Park, the Fleet’s impact stretches far beyond its walls. Programs like BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering), which engages girls in STEM learning and professional mentorship, and Fleet on the Go, which brings interactive exhibits to public libraries throughout the county, are examples of how the organization brings science into the community.

“The Fleet has grown to become a county-wide organization, and it all started with our flagship experience in Balboa Park,” said Chief Executive Officer and President Steve Snyder. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication the Fleet team has put into making science accessible at the science center and in all corners of the San Diego community.”

Looking ahead, the Fleet will begin renovations this fall—kicking off the next phase of its Science Starts Here capital campaign—to enhance the visitor experience and expand its capacity for hands-on STEM learning. “We are so proud of the work we’ve done so far and are excited for what’s still to come,” Snyder continued. The Fleet will remain open throughout the renovations and invites guests to experience the transformation as it happens.