Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum

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Location: Fallbrook (53 Miles / 55 Minutes Northeast of Downtown San Diego)

Cost: Free

Hours: 11AM-3PM (Thursday – Saturdays)

Features: Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Museum; Specimens from around the World, including California Tourmaline; History of San Diego Mining; Fluorescent Mineral Display; Gift Shop

gem-museumFallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum Highlights: The nearby Pala area of San Diego County has been home to one of the largest tourmaline gem stone deposits ever found in the world. The local mines were very active during the 20th century, producing tourmaline and other rare gem stones. Some of those mines are still active and are open to tourists who want to explore the mines or sift for gems. (Select the ‘Pan for Gold & Gems’ theme below for more information.)

For those who want to see specimens collected from local mines that have been featured on the Travel Channel and from other mines around the world, visit the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Museum.

The Museum provides a window into the gem mining operations in San Diego. The most interesting part is the fluorescent mineral displays in a room illuminated with ultraviolet light.  There are six cases of glowing gems and minerals to catch your eye. Visitors will also be treated to ancient fossils including those of ammonites and mammoths.

The Gem & Mineral Museum is a small facility where most visitors will spend less than an hour, depending on their level of interest in studying the details and reading the descriptions. You will also find a gift shop with mineral rocks, jewelry, and other souvenirs. The Museum is operated by the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society.

Food – There are a number of restaurants within a couple blocks of the Museum in the quaint village of Fallbrook.

Information on Visiting the Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Museum

Directions from Google Maps to 123 W Alvarado St in Fallbrook, CA 92028. You will find free parking across the street.

gem-museum-fossilTraffic – Traffic should be relatively light throughout the area during normal museum hours. (Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)

Transit – Buses do serve the Fallbrook Towne Center, which is less than a mile south of the Gem & Mineral Museum. There is a bus that goes from the Coaster Station in Oceanside (via a military base so I.D. is required) and a bus that goes from the Sprinter Station in Vista. (See San Diego Transit Information for information on the Coaster and Sprinter Trains, Bus Routes, and information for the online Transit Planner. Use Fallbrook Towne Center as your destination in the Transit Planner.)

Nearby Attractions – Visitors may also find an interest in visiting a gem store called The Collector, which is just three miles east of the Museum. Here visitors can buy San Diego Tourmaline and other gems as well as look at a recreated mine and gem pocket within the store.

Find More Attractions with Similar Themes or Location: Gems / Jewelry, North County Inland, Pan for Gold & Gems, Souvenirs |

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