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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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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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2024 Historic Home Tour

May 12, 2024

Join us in celebrating the Coronado Historical Association's Annual Mother's Day Historic Home Tour! Explore the historic homes of charming Coronado Island while supporting community history. We invite you to support the community you love, its history, and the Coronado Historical Association with someone special this Mother's Day.

Walk through the doors of these exclusive private homes open to ticket holders one day only on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. 

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Daniel Tiger Family Day

May 3, 2024

Get ready for the start of Summer at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum with Daniel Tiger Family Day on Friday, May 3rd from 10am-12pm.  
 
Join KPBS Kids and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum for a costume character meet-and-greet, hands-on workshops, themed crafts, storytime, and more! Daniel Tiger Family Day is included in museum admission.  
 
https://www.sdmrm.org/daniel-tiger

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What's Hot

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

Discover

Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Discover

What's On

View More Events

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
Discover

2024 Historic Home Tour

May 12, 2024
Discover

Daniel Tiger Family Day

May 3, 2024
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Deals just for you

Activity

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $24***

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Jan 11 - ongoing

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

Museums

SD Model Railroad Museum: Show your Badge & Save

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2023 - ongoing

Show your badge and receive $2 off admission and 10% off in the gift shop at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Offer must be redeemed in person. Spanning over 27,000 square feet of trains,...

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

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

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

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