Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in San Diego

A trip to San Diego cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in San Diego will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in San Diego would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know San Diego better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for San Diego and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in San Diego:

  1. Pacific Beach

    Beach, Neighborhoods

    This guide is meant to serve as a neighborhood guide. Individual attractions in the Old Town may be covered in other attraction listings on TripHobo. This neighborhood, though still comparatively young among other places in San Diego, is slowly becoming affluent. Right now it's one of the best places to party in the city, with a plethora of bars, eateries, and boutiques. There is a thriving cra...Read more
  2. Little Italy

    Walking Area, Food And Drinks, Neighborhoods

    This hilly neighborhood has evolved from a Genovese and Sicilian fishing neighborhood to one of the more eventful areas in the city. It is a very walkable area, filled with cute places to hangout, various plaza and terrific eateries of many cuisines. You will also find some great craft beer. On your stroll, here are some of the areas you should check out: Amici Park: A cute park with ball cour...Read more
  3. Old Town San Diego

    Architecture , Neighborhoods , Old Town

    The Old Town of San Diego is very popular. Locals love to visit it regularly and tourists also enjoy its old-worldly charm. The old buildings and the mix of architecture are certainly quite interesting to see. The old town has retained a lot of its amazing history through its buildings and its culture. The place has been preserved that way precisely due to its touristic value so travellers are ...Read more
  4. Las Americas Premium Outlets

    Mall, Shopping Center, Sculpture

    Bargain hunters and shopholics will love the  560,000 square feet or retail space here. There are about 125 stores altogether, including factory outlets for New Balance, Nike, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Brooks Brothers. It's almost guaranteed that you'll find a 20-60% discount on everything. Shoe and jewellery shopping is especially popular. Plus, the mall is a lovely place to hang ou...Read more
  5. Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala

    Church, Religious Site

    This Franciscan Mission, founded in 1754, is said to have been the first in California. It is also said to be the site of the first burial in San Diego. The Church youl see here today is the 3rd church on the site. The Pope has designated the church as a minor basilica. Check out the baptismal font. Fourth graders from all around the state frequently visit the church as part of their history co...Read more
  6. University Of California

    4.4 (114 Votes)
    University Of California

    Art Gallery, Aquarium, Educational Site, Theatre

    Even if you're not a student looking to join there is a lot to see in their beautiful and prestigious college campus. The strange architectural meld of the main buildings, leading to a title as one of the ugliest campuses in the country. Not everyone agrees though, especially the visitors and the students. A quick walking tour should take you through:  Geisel Library: The most striking bu...Read more
  7. Westfield Horton Plaza

    3.6 (78 Votes)
    Westfield Horton Plaza

    Entertainment, Theatre, Mall, Shopping Center

    This is a five story outdoor shopping mall with some rather bizarre architecture and layout. The colors of the various levels don't match either, there are random long ramps, and the kookiest corners. That said, there are over a hundred stores here, covering well known outlets such as Nordstrom and Macy's and local stores. There are a number of eateries, including a food court. There is a movie...Read more
  8. San Diego Public Library Central Library

    Library

    This gigantic modernist building with postmodernism touches, completed in 2013, is a delight to everyone. Photographers cannot get enough of it. Booklovers fairly swoon at spotting all the cute little reading corners. Baseball lovers will find the world's second largest collection of baseball memorabilia. And it's also the only public library in the USA to house a charter school, which you'll f...Read more
  9. Gaslamp Quarter

    Food And Drinks, Entertainment, Performance, Shopping Center

    The Gaslamp Quarter is a district in San Diego where you will find everything from restaurants, shopping centres to other entertainment options. With a wide variety of things on display, shopping in this extremely cool district is a real treat. The crowd favourites are gems, clothing, clothes, footwear, wine, spirits and tobacco. There are also several exhibitions that keep taking place in this...Read more
  10. Mcrd Museum Historical Society

    Museum, History Museum, Architecture , Exhibition

    Focusing on the history of the Marine Corp in the 20th and 21st centuries the museum has several related galleries and exhibits, covering conflicts such as Desert Storm and Vietnam War. The building's architecture is Spanish Colonial Revival. It was built in 1921. The museum was opened in 1987 and has since gradually expanded its collections of historical artefacts. Check out the gift shop.
  11. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

    Church, Religious Site

    This church in Old Town San Diego has been in operation since 1917. It's notable for having one of the two bells of the San Diego Mission. The sermons are as pretty as the church building. Note the lovely stained glass windows. It's not exactly touristy. The atmosphere is tranquil. The ceiling walls are of dark wood.
  12. La Casa De Estudillo

    4.6 (15 Votes)
    La Casa De Estudillo

    Museum, History Museum, Architecture

    This historic adobe house was built in 1827, and is one of the oldest examples of Spanish architecture in the state. It has served many roles. Built as a residence for José María Estudillo and his son José Antonio Estudillo, it has also been a town house and a chapel. Now, it is a museum. The house captured popular imagination thanks to the popularity of the 1884 book by He...Read more
  13. Our Lady Of The Rosary Church

    Church, Religious Site, Statue, Specialty Shop

    This 1925 church in Little Italy is known for its lovely religious murals. They were painted by an Italian who came over from Europe specifically to paint them. It is a pretty little building, not at all ostentatious. See the two statues of the Blessed Mother outside the church. Inside, the ambience is warm and welcoming. There is a small gift shop which offers books, prayer cards and medals. T...Read more
  14. Mt. Soledad Cross

    4.8 (935 Votes)
    Mt. Soledad Cross

    Religious Site, Memorial

    A giant cross stands as the Soledad Cross in remembrance of the War Veterans of the USA. The memorial consists of veteran plaques which honour each person who has participated in the war on behalf of the US. It also acts as a registry of all the people who have fought in the war. Their names and backgrounds have been proudly displayed at this place. Interestingly, the Mount Soledad cross has be...Read more
  15. Heritage Park Victorian Village Image
    ©

    Village, Architecture , Picnic Spot, Neighborhoods

    Old Town and Heritage Park Victorian Village is an impressive area that includes six squares. The old timey-charm of the place has been well-preserved over time for the tourists. The Victorian buildings are extremely pretty and just a stroll around the park is sure to delight you. It is a very peaceful place where you can find acres and acres of park area. There is also a stunning synagogue bui...Read more