The smoke from the North Bay fires is lingering in the air and it is best to stay indoors. Why don’t we visit a local museum this weekend? It’s a great way to get out of the house, and not clog the highways with unnecessary traffic.

Here is a list of some great museums. It is easy to forget there is so much offered in our community.

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (Berkeley)
Even though the galleries are closed as they prepare for their move, you can still see exhibits in off-site locations. And the ongoing film series is one of the best.

Chabot Space and Science Center (Oakland)
Learn and be inspired about the Universe and Planet Earth with permanent exhibits, Planetarium, and After Dark series.

Essig Museum of Entomology (U.C. Berkeley)
Only open to the public two days of the year, Darwin Day is coming up on Thursday, February 12th. Make certain to reserve you spot on a tour.

Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley)
Science exhibits, live demonstrations, Planetarium, and special events.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum (Walnut Creek)
Explore the natural world and learn about wildlife care through interactive exhibits.

Mission San José (Freemont)
The fourteenth of the 21 Spanish Missions in Alta California. There are also occasional concerts scheduled.

MOCHA: Museum of Children’s Art (Oakland)
Interactive spaces where children and their families create art.

Oakland Asian Cultural Center (Oakland)
exhibits range from traditional to contemporary Pan-Asian art and culture. Year of the Sheep New Year Celebration February 28th.

Oakland Aviation Museum (Oakland)
West Coast aviation history and aircraft at the Oakland Airport

Oakland Museum of California (Oakland)
Specializing in the natural science, history and art of the Golden State. Currently featuring a major exhibit entitled: Fertile Ground: Art and Community in California.

Pardee Home Museum (Oakland)
A remarkable look at the life of the Pardee family within these walls from 1869 through

Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park (Richmond)
An unusual urban national park located on the waterfront in Richmond, telling stories of the WWII home front efforts across the United States.

Takara Sake Museum (Berkeley)
historical sake-making process, sake artifacts and implements, and a tasting room

USS Hornet Museum (Alameda)
United States Navy aircraft carrier that served in World War II, the Vietnam War, and also played a part in the Apollo program.

USS Potomac (Oakland)
The “Floating White House” was President Franklin Roosevelt’s presidential yacht