San Diego Public Art and Murals

Follow a trail through San Diego's colorful street art, where muralists and other artists playfully defy expectations. They toy with scale, making familiar objects giant. They slip in visual puns and sly references, simultaneously secret and bold as a howl. They create monuments to people and moments. From hidden alleys to busy streets, they highlight San Diego's unique landscape and show off the city's creativity. Follow a trail through San Diego's colorful street art to get a glimpse into the city's diverse neighborhoods.

They're on doughnut shops and apartment blocks, in beach neighborhoods and urban business districts, bursting with imagery from waves to wildlife. San Diego's murals are a vivid window into the heart and soul of the city, and a showcase for the city’s dazzling range of artistic talent.

With nearly perfect weather year-round, most visitors to San Diego want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Fortunately for art lovers, San Diego’s great outdoors also happen to be home to vibrant public artworks by internationally renowned artists. Make a day (or two) of hunting for these famous sculptures around San Diego, from La Jolla to Downtown.

Explore these eight walkable itineraries rich in the colors, flavors and sounds of San Diego's energetic art scene. With a diverse range of influences, from Spanish and Mexican roots, to a long tradition of seafaring and modern strides in science and technology, you can fill an afternoon or an entire day touring the creativity in these artistic zones.