arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

San Diego’s arts and culture scene reaches lofty heights

Don’t miss these spectacular venues and happenings

San Diego’s arts and culture scene is basking in the national spotlight and benefiting from record-breaking philanthropic investment — check out the buzz around The Rady Shell, The Conrad, the re-envisioned Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and much more!

San Diego has long been a city that pulsed with artistic energy, but a welcome wave of both new and reimagined spaces and places has brought fresh excitement to the region's arts and culture scene. These developments — and the capital committed to them — are a clear sign that the arts are thriving here. From launching Broadway hits to hosting the globe's top entertainers to boasting a world-class symphony in its own gorgeous waterfront venue, San Diego offers year-round artistic wonders in a stunning setting. Here's a look at some of the most buzz-worthy additions to San Diego's arts and culture offerings.

Top Tier Shell

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Combining visual pizzazz with acoustic perfection, The Rady Shell is the majestic jewel of the San Diego waterfront. The outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony rises from the Embarcadero just steps from the bay, and is a supremely inviting place to take in a concert, watch summer fireworks or just enjoy a picnic on its broad swath of lawn (the entire venue doubles as a public park when events are not going on). Built for some $85 million and opened in summer 2021, The Shell has been called San Diego's answer to the Hollywood Bowl, and already has become a signature of the Downtown cityscape.

Top Tier Conrad Prebys

The Conrad

Officially the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, this elegant collection of performance spaces is the permanent home of the La Jolla Music Society, which hosts the world-renowned SummerFest chamber-music festival annually as well as a vibrant variety of concerts and other events throughout the year. The centerpiece of the $76 million center is the 481-seat Baker-Baum Concert Hall, whose curved seating area draws inspiration from European opera houses. Acoustics for all four of The Conrad’s spaces were designed by the same master acoustician commissioned for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. 

Top Tier MCASD

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

A revered contemporary-art institution with an 80-year history in San Diego, MCASD has re-envisioned its flagship La Jolla campus through a five-year, $105 million renovation that has doubled the museum’s previous exhibit space. The expansion serves not only to showcase the museum's 4,700-piece collection, but also its stunning setting on the edge of the Pacific, with natural light pouring through windows that frame exquisite views of waves and water. 

Top Tier Mingei

Mingei International Museum

Balboa Park’s beloved Mingei — dedicated to folk art and more — boasts additional exhibit space, a new courtyard and outdoor terraces and a flexible theater space, thanks to a three-year, $55 million transformation. The museum also offers two new dining options, both presided over by the accomplished Urban Kitchen Group: the sleek ARTIFACT, inspired by ancient methods and ingredients and taking its cues from the museum's exhibitions; and the more casual Craft Café, with a range of made-to-order and grab ‘n' go items. (Insider tip: Plan a late Sunday lunch on ARTIFACT’s outdoor courtyard and enjoy music from the nearby Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s 2 p.m. public concerts.) 

Timken Museum of Art exterior in Balboa Park

Timken Museum of Art

The Timken, opened in 1965, has long been a Balboa Park favorite for its impressive Putnam Collection of European old masters, American art and more, as well as its policy of always-free admission. A two-year, $3 million renovation has updated the museum’s midcentury-modern “jewel box” of a building, improving it as a showcase for masterpieces from around the world — including the only Rembrandt painting on public display in San Diego. 

Crowd enjoying a concert at the Magnolia in East County San Diego

The Magnolia

A $7 million renovation has transformed the former East County Performing Arts Center into a sleek, 1,200-seat performance space hosting everything from top pop acts to comedy and beyond. State-of-the-art sound and visuals lend performances at The Magnolia plenty of dazzle, and the El Cajon venue's plaza and other outdoor spaces add an extra dimension of entertainment, hosting movie nights, beer festivals, street fairs and more.

Aerial view of the Arts District at Liberty Station in Point Loma San Diego

Arts District Liberty Station

What was once a military outpost where generations of Navy recruits were trained is now a thriving hub of culture and community that hosts some 120 galleries, museums, artist studios and flexible spaces. Arts District Liberty Station is both an events destination and a place for people of all ages to engage in their own acts of creation, thanks to everything from pottery studios to dance and theater courses. The district’s offerings are showcased monthly at a First Friday celebration, and summer also brings an outdoor music series. And all of it is housed within the larger Liberty Station, a former Navy base transformed via an $850 million redevelopment project into a sprawling center for retail, dining, recreation and much more. 

Rendering of Diversionary Theatre extrior in University Heights San Diego

Diversionary Theatre

University Heights’ Diversionary, founded in 1986, takes pride in its distinction as the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ theater in the country. A $2.5 million renovation has expanded the theater’s lobby and stage and brought improved seating, upgraded sound and lighting to the venue, as well as a new cabaret space. Diversionary, which has hosted several key premieres, is a vibrant and active part of San Diego’s fertile theater scene, along with such companies as the nationally prominent La Jolla Playhouse and Old Globe. 

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Deals just for you

Activity

Kids Free October

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Learn about our Pacific Maritime Heritage! Visit Maritime Museum of San Diego at Star of India wharf in downtown San Diego and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure as your explore the fleet of...

Galleries & Museums

Kids Free at the San Diego Automotive Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

The offer allows up to two children 12 & under to get in FREE with one full-price paid adult, on the same receipt. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit. To redeem the ...

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...

Related Articles and Features

Events to check out

Event

ENVZN24 Urban Art Takeover

Sep 14, 2024

A short film fest in a cross-fit gym, live theatre in a shoe factory, contemporary dance on loading docks, immersive art in a screen printing shop, live music set to silent film, a virtual reality...

Event

Julian StarFest

Aug 2 - Aug 4, 2024

The Julian StarFest will once again grace the dark skies of the Menghini Winery in Julian. The JSF Committee is working hard to ensure the festival includes many of the same activities as in the...

Event

Midweek Masterworks: Notes on a Scandal

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
Aug 14, 2024

A musical exploration of passion—and the madness, jealousy, and ecstasy it can inspire. From Gesualdo’s murderous heart, to Debussy’s sordid affair, to Franck’s torrid...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish