Art Museums in San Diego
San Diego definitely holds its own among major art hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city houses everything from classic European masterworks to cutting-edge contemporary galleries. Here are three must-visit museums to pack into your arts-fueled itinerary!
San Diego Museum of Art
Don’t skip San Diego’s oldest and largest art museum in the heart of Balboa Park. The San Diego Museum of Art’s collection includes over 20,000 pieces spanning 7,000 years. Stroll through mind-blowing exhibitions like the GenAportraiture Show, featuring contemporary takes on traditional portraiture styles. This museum is a true gem, just like the 45-carat Towne Family Gallery gemstone collection. With its striking facade, striking Spanish colonial architecture, and remarkable permanent collection, you could easily spend an entire day exploring this iconic institution.
Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-232-7931
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Contemporary art lovers, here’s one for you. The MCASD has three innovative galleries located in La Jolla and Downtown SD. The La Jolla location, once renovated by architect Robert Venturi, hosts bold rotating exhibits focused on boundary-pushing works from 1950 onward. Downtown, you’ll find massive installations in the eye-catching Jacobs Building as well as the charming X Space gallery, which features up-and-coming artists. With locations spread across America’s Finest City, MCASD lets you experience multiple realms of modern and contemporary artistic expression all in one trip.
Address: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-454-3541
Mingei International Museum
For art that transcends borders and cultures, don’t miss the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Translated from Japanese, mingei means “art of the people,” and this museum celebrates that concept wholeheartedly. You’ll be mesmerized by vibrant folk art, textiles, and handcrafted pieces from all around the globe. The museum’s playful toy collection alone is a must-see, featuring handmade playthings dating back centuries. Be sure to check out the hands-on craft demonstrations during your visit to truly appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship on display!
Address: 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-239-0003
Performing Arts in San Diego
Once your group has soaked up San Diego’s incredible art museums, get ready for an evening filled with live entertainment! The city boasts acclaimed venues for plays, musicals, dance performances, and concerts of all genres. From edgy independent shows to nationally-touring acts, San Diego’s performing arts scene offers an incredible variety of experiences. Buy your tickets ahead of time and sit back on the Party Bus San Diego ride over.
Old Globe Theatre
This Tony Award-winning theatre in Balboa Park dates back to 1935. Old Globe’s three unique stages welcome everything from classic plays and Shakespearean productions to world premieres and crowd-pleasing musicals. The flagship Old Globe stage hosts major touring productions, while the intimate Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre is the spot for bold indie works. Look out for outdoor summer shows at the gorgeous Lowell Davies Festival Theatre too. With recent favorites like “A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill,” the Old Globe never disappoints.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-234-5623
San Diego Civic Theatre
Ready for big Broadway tours to hit your San Diego stage? Look no further than the stunning San Diego Civic Theatre in the Gaslamp Quarter. This grand 2,967-seat venue provides an elegant setting for unforgettable musicals, plays, and dance performances from across the globe. Recent shows have included hit musicals like “Dear Evan Hansen” as well as ballet companies like the Mikhailovsky from St. Petersburg. The gorgeous Spanish Renaissance architecture makes the Civic Theatre an attraction in itself.
Address: 1100 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-570-1100
The Casbah
For live music in a more intimate setting, make your way to The Casbah in Little Italy. This iconic all-ages club has hosted both up-and-coming bands and major touring acts across genres like indie, punk, and alternative rock since 1989. Whether you’re into underground sensations like Sontalk and Electric Six or mainstream heavy-hitters like Death Cab for Cutie and Black Flag, you’ll find artists you love at The Casbah. Basically, if you’re looking for San Diego’s latest underground music obsession, you’ll find it at this beloved hole-in-the-wall venue.
Address: 2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-232-4355
Enjoy Your Time in San Diego with Party Bus San Diego
Don’t let parking problems or limiting public transit ruin your group’s arts and culture experience in San Diego. Save yourself the hassle and book a spacious party bus with Party Bus San Diego at 213-354-7161. We’ll get you around comfortably while you discover everything that makes America’s Finest City shine bright! Let our professional team worry about navigating from Balboa Park to Little Italy while your group sits back and enjoys the artistic sights, sounds, and exhibitions that await.