North Park: The new urban village

North Park is a prime example of the transformative power of architectural restoration, culinary creativity and a grassroots arts community. An eclectic array of farm-to-table restaurants, independent coffee shops, boutiques, galleries and street art can be found in the blocks around University Avenue and 30^th Street. Visit the historic Observatory North Park, a 1929 theater transformed into a concert and nightlife venue. A popular event is “Ray at Night,” held on the second Saturday of each month. Local artists display their work, bands set up on the sidewalk and people dance in the streets.

Embarcadero to Little Italy: Nautical heritage

Begin at the harbor, with the ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The 1898 steam ferry Berkeley houses a variety of art exhibits on two decks and is an artwork in itself, with exquisite Victorian style in the stained-glass windows and lustrous wood benches. Floating nearby is the San Salvador, a replica of the 16^th century galleon captained by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach the West Coast. Other highlights include a Soviet submarine, the Star of India and the H.M.S. Surprise.

If you’re ready to burn off some calories, turn inland and head for Waterfront Park, stopping to admire three sculptures by internationally-acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Then crank up the energy for a trek to Little Italy, once home to thousands of workers in San Diego’s tuna trade. It’s a little over a half-mile but there’s a noticeable elevation gain. End your jaunt with a gelato at one of the sidewalk cafes, then browse funky furniture shops, boutiques and art galleries.

Balboa Park: Acres of art

Balboa Park is an international destination for arts, science and culture. With 17 museums and more than 10 performance spaces, you can plan a route or just let serendipity guide you. The San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum, Mingei Museum, San Diego Art Institute and Museum of Photographic Arts will be at the top of anyone’s list, but lesser-known gems can be found at the San Diego History Center, which has an extensive collection of early 20th century plein air painters; at the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the Inamori Pavilion shows contemporary art inspired by Japanese culture; and at the San Diego Natural History Museum, which recently unveiled their collection of A.R. Valentien’s “plant portraits,” meticulous illustrations of California wildflowers.

La Jolla: A lesson in art & architecture

The University of California, San Diego, is world-renowned for its scientific and engineering achievements, but innovation is everywhere. On the campus you’ll find the La Jolla Playhouse, a Tony Award-winning theater; the Stuart Collection of site-specific sculptures; and ArtPower, producer of cutting-edge music, film and dance. A notable landmark is the futuristic Geisel Library, designed by William Pereira, and a short walk away is the Salk Institute, Louis Kahn's serene architectural masterpiece.