It may surprise you to know that there are 248 museums throughout San Diego County, and that only one of them is dedicated to surfing. Here's just a brief look at why this city by the beach is earning a reputation as a vibrant, culturally rich and culture-loving destination.

With 17 museums and 10 theaters and performing arts centers, Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural heart. "The Smithsonian of the West," this beautiful park houses its treasures among green expanses, cultivated gardens and Spanish Colonial Architecture, making it a magical place to spend the day. Wonder at the incredible displays in the San Diego Natural History Museum. See old masters from Rembrandt to Rubens in the intimate Timken Museum of Art. Or visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum to marvel at the actual Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft. Theatre lovers would be amiss not to try to catch the latest show at The Old Globe, one of the most esteemed regional theaters in the country. In and of itself, Balboa Park holds enough wonderful sights and experiences to fill an entire vacation.

Next, head up the coast to the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla. As if the surrounding ocean views weren't inspiring enough, the permanent collection at MCASD includes more than 4,000 works created after 1950. Working to stay on the cutting edge of the art world, the museum has a reputation for collecting works from the most promising emerging artists, as well as major figures in contemporary art. Painting, sculpture, photography, video, film and installation art are all represented. Don't miss Nancy Rubins' site-specific installation, "Pleasure Point," a colorful accumulation of rowboats, canoes, jet skis and surfboards that practically burst off the west side of the building.

Please Note: MCASD La Jolla is closed for renovations and an expansion. Estimated reopen is for late 2018.

One of the latest editions to San Diego's art scene is the wonderful New Children's Museum in downtown. A visual feast for the eyes and the imagination, this award-winning, environmentally-friendly building houses three stories brimming with hands-on exhibits and activities, and works by established and emerging artists designed to engage both children and adults alike. One visit may just change how you experience the world.

The Art of Hospitality: Hotels with Inspired Collections

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

This 23-story luxury hotel features a number of commissioned public art throughout the hotel and grounds, including seven sculptures by Ned Kahn throughout the property and a suspended sculpture by John Portman in the lobby. The hotel's promenade level includes the Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery, featuring works by the award winning, internationally acclaimed artist whose work has been published all over the world in hundreds of books and magazines.

Hotel Palomar

A new gem in San Diego's skyline, this 23-story luxury hotel is a unique experience in art and function. Among the black ebony columns, Nepali carpets, silk chandelier and floating staircase, you'll find inspired and imaginative installations from artists Ken Gangbar, Ball-Nogues, Jennifer Prichard and Joseph Conforti.

The US GRANT

Built in 1910, renovated in 2016 and boasting 13 presidential stays, this Edwardian masterpiece was the first hotel ever to commission exclusive, original works by living artists. Sleep next to pieces by internationally acclaimed Yves Clement and American artist Gene Locklear.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

An authentic reflection of the California Craftsman style of architecture, this incredible hotel proudly displays one of the largest collections of 20th Century impressionist and San Diego artist, Albert Robert Valentien.

Performing Arts

San Diego's flourishing arts and culture scene offers performing arts in every imaginable medium. Here are just a few of the performing arts companies and venues that bring art to life around the county.

The La Jolla Playhouse, a Tony® Award-winning theatre, presents bold and innovative productions from May through November on the UCSD campus.

One of the oldest LGBT theatres in the country, Diversionary Theatre produces edgy dramatic productions and playful musicals with gay, lesbian and bisexual themes, located in University Heights.

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra presents world-class orchestral works year-round, including a popular outdoor Summer Pops series; the symphony performs in Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego.

The San Diego Opera, Southern California's longest established opera company, presents the world's finest talent in lavish productions at the San Diego Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego.