Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Granite Hills

"The San Diego Museum of Art houses a broad art collection with particular strength in Spanish art. The Museum first opened as The Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego in 1926 and changed its name to its current form in 1978. The museum building was designed in a plateresque style to harmonize with existing structures, in Balboa Park, from the Panama–California Exposition of 1915."

"Italian Renaissance, Dutch, Spanish and baroque pieces are exhibited, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures. Works by Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pisarro, van Gogh and Dufy are rotated in display on the ground floor. Shop, sculpture garden and cafe with outdoor seating."

"One of the best museums in San Diego to visit in 2019 is, without a doubt, the San Diego Museum of Art. Founded in 1926, this museum is located in Balboa Park. It has the reputation of being the oldest and largest art museum in the region."

"The New Children's Museum re-opened in 2008 with a motto of think, play and create, which is exactly what kids do here. What is different about The New Children's Museum is that they specifically commission works of art with tactile features that appeal to kids rather than re-create existing art to suit a younger generation. There's hands-on art and exhibits to hold the attention of toddlers up through teen years."

"This unique museum collaborates with contemporary artists to create one-of-a-kind art installations. The exhibits include playhouses, clubhouses, and climbable towers. Kids can interact with the exhibits and engage in active play as they would at home."

"A new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art."

"Art is subjective and interpretive, and sometimes hard to decipher. Less so photographic arts, perhaps. And who doesn't like looking at amazing images of real things?"

"Art speaks powerfully of the similarities and distinctions of individuals and cultures at this international museum for the "art of the people" (mingei). The museum has an 18,000-piece collection representing 140 countries around the world. Constantly changing exhibits enhanced by lectures, films, demonstrations, and other events make this a dynamic place for artistic enlightenment."

"Established in 1978, Mingei International Museum is a non-profit public institution that was established in 1978. Located in Balboa Park, the museum houses a variety of art forms from cultures all around the world, both past, and present. It includes nearly 20,000 artistic objects and artifacts from over 140 countries and focuses on folk art, craft, and design."

"It’s a rare phenomenon for such a sunny place, but it does happen, and it doesn’t have to be a vacation ruiner. Just visit somewhere like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). MCASD houses many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, scrolls and 3D art installations that jut out from the walls and dangle from invisible strings."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is spread out over two venues, one downtown and one in La Jolla. The museum is dedicated to serving their diverse audience through exhibits of art created since 1950. The downtown location features site-specific...[Learn more]"

"This museum has a few different exhibits rotating throughout the year and they make plenty of appearances on instagram. These exhibits have already left, but see the ones they have now here."

"Even if you’re broke, the Timken Museum of Art is always free, and if you have a Bank of America card, the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Photogenic Arts are free on certain days. If you love art, check out the Spanish village. These are historic buildings turned art galleries and stores which have a lot of their work for sale. Even just walking through this area is a fun experience."

"When founded in 1941, the San Diego Art Institute was called the San Diego Business Men’s Art Club, only permitting male members. By the 1950s, women were allowed in and the name had been changed. The cultural institution now showcases experimental art from a diverse array of artists from the Southern California/Baja Norte region."

"A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through outreach, education, and exhibition."

"In 2011, Joshua Pavlick decided to turn a part of his home into an art exhibition space. And while that sounds like a wild idea, it’s paid off big time for Pavlick, local artists, and the community as a whole. Helmuth Projects was designed with the idea of helping lesser-known artists display their work to the masses."

"Chang's serves a variety of Asian-inspired dishes and Chinese food favorites, including hand-rolled sushi, traditional Chinese dim sum, Ramen, family-style noodles and fried rice. Originally known for its P.F..."

"Rooftop STK is Andaz San Diego's newly refreshed and rebranded poolside lounge that offers incredibly picturesque views of the Downtown San Diego skyline. It is a sexy, swanky and scenic spot to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and delicious dishes from a menu specially created by Executive Chef J.C. Colón. By day, The Rooftop by STK will sweep you away with stunning views and creative regional cuisine for breakfast and lunch."

"If you fancy yourself part of the hip, nightlife scene in San Diego, then you’ve probably heard of The Rooftop by STK. This rooftop restaurant and bar caters to a young, vibrant crowd. Complete with a swimming pool, cabanas, and live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, The Rooftop by STK has everything you’ll need for a lavish, exciting night out on the town."

"The twinkling stars, cool breeze, live music, city view and you. What more could you ask for?. The rooftop by STK serves innovative Americano dishes with a touch of Southern California flavors."

"Soda and Swine is part of a dual-concept by Consortium Holdings that also includes Polite Provisions. The brings a renewed spirit of community to a bustling street corner of one of San Diego's most eclectic, burgeoning neighborhoods, Normal Heights. Soda and Swine features a straightforward menu consisting of two classic staples: meatballs and apple pie, keeping in line with the simplicity of Main Street America."

"Soda & Swine has two locations, Liberty Station and North Park. Although from their name you wouldn’t guess, they have some over-the-top desserts that will definitely sweeten up your date, from over-indulgent milkshakes to good ol’ fashioned apple pie a la mode."

"Casual dining with an order at the counter approach, this humble and cozy joint offers incredible build-your-own sliders. If you are looking for a casual night with really good food and a craft cocktail after (Polite Provisions), this is your place."

"Serving classic-style griddlecakes, crepes, omelets and other specialties, this pancake house is certain to become the 'premier' breakfast destination for San Diego's residents, employees and the tourist community!. Open for breakfast and lunchDress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-231-7777"

"It's an oven baked pancake, served with powdered sugar, butter and lemons. Mix the powdered sugar with the juice from the lemons, and dip your pancake right on in. While the restaurant does provide utensils, I choose to eat this with my hands."

"Café Chloe is the first European-inspired restaurant in San Diego. Located in the East Village, this cosy café features classic French food in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere where diners can linger over a tasty brunch seven days a week. Add on a coffee, tea, or cocktail for a full brunch experience at this delightful spot."

"If Rudford's had chrome instead of stucco, it would be a genuine diner, because it has the bay windows and mid-century signage. In any case, it's a landmark (and just down the street from the Chicken Pie Shop). Basic comfort fare here, which gets mixed reviews."

"Equally popular with the early bird special crowd and after-bar party goers; both sets agree that the biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak at this 24-hour diner are first rate."