A house says a lot about its owner, as evidenced by Galileo’s solar-system bed sheets and Lincoln’s vast collection of presidential action figures. Take a peek inside the minds of historic figures with today’s Groupon: for $8, you get two admissions to the Marston House Museum & Gardens (up to a $16 value). Tucked in the tree-dappled grounds of northern Balboa Park, the Marston House's brick-lined walls encase the lush vision of local philanthropists George White and Anna Gunn Marston. Guided tours lead guests through ornate corridors to learn how the house highlights elegant motifs of arts-and-crafts architecture without resorting to popsicle-stick furniture or macaroni wallpaper. Meanwhile, the surrounding greenery showcases colorful geraniums and the roiling verdant cascades of the Marston House's traditional English garden provide pensive respite for foot-weary wayfarers.

Reviews

10Best named the Marston House Museum & Gardens an Editors' Pick. Yelpers give it an average rating of 4.5 stars:

• This place exudes a vibrant past that you can actually feel as you walk between it's walls. Marvelous architecture, well informed, educated docents and great timeless furniture make this experience a romantic, emotional memorable one for sure. – del r., Yelp
• There is just nothing like being in a classic old home, rich in history, that stands as a testament to building ingenuity. That's something everyone can appreciate. – Julie P., Yelp