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Discover San Diego's

Arts & Culture Scene

Creativity Around Every Corner

Photo By Eric Scire
Celebrate the Arts

Known as the Smithsonian of the West, Balboa Park hosts an incredible concentration of arts and culture offerings including 17 museums and performing arts venues. San Diego is also home to two Tony® Award-winning theaters, historic sites, public art, music venues, dance performances, film festivals, galleries, missions and much more to explore.

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

From Balboa Park to Chicano Park to Oceanside, San Diego is home to three state-designated cultural districts that embody the very best of the region.

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 7, 2024

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 7, 2024 against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of world renown sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay.

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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San Diego Spotlight: A Night of Community Events

Mar 30, 2024

Artists from performing arts organizations across San Diego will bring their talents to Balboa Theatre’s stage in the finale event of our 100th Anniversary celebration. Our legacy nonprofit community partners, along with an exciting group of newcomers to our stage, will be uplifted in this special celebration. Experience musicians, singers, and dancers from around San Diego, as performers show the unique diversity of America’s Finest City!

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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What's On

View More Events

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 7, 2024
Discover

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
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San Diego Spotlight: A Night of Community Events

Mar 30, 2024
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Deals just for you

Accommodation

Glorietta Bay Inn Hotel Room Package

Discover Coronado
Valid: Mar 13 - May 11, 2024

DIAMOND VIP ROOM PACKAGE INCLUDES:   -TWO-NIGHT STAY at one of four stunning island resort hotels checking in Friday, May 10th through Sunday, May 12th. -TWO INVITATIONS to a private VIP...

Tours & Sightseeing

Family Friendly- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Enjoy an Amazing Race type adventure with your family and Save 20% when you use Promo Code SDFUN. Only $39.20 for a Team of 2-5 people. Have fun and do something unique! Covid Friendly outdoor...

Galleries & Museums

Save up to $3 on admission to The Nat

San Diego Natural History Museum
Valid: Dec 4, 2023 - ongoing

Save $3 on Adult Admission and $2 off other admission categories at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Admission includes access to 3D films. 

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