Best Arts and Culture Places in Coronado Cays

"Art lovers looking for a dose of culture should head to the San Diego Museum of Art. Its distinctive facade is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called plateresque style, with finely-chiseled terra-cotta work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the entrance, and their artworks are among the many eclectic exhibits displayed here."

"Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building."

"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."

"Not huge but one of the most interactive places for younger generation, the New Children’s Museum is worth a visit if you are in San Diego with kids and family. The museum was originally built in 1983. After that, it had time and again got renovated with the mission of restoring and vitalizing creativity, imagination, and critical thinking through contemporary Art in kids and older generation."

"This interactive children’s museum offers interactive art meant for kids. Installations are designed by artists, so tykes can learn principles of movement and physics while simultaneously being exposed to art and working out the ants in their pants. Exhibits change every 18 months or so, so there's always something new."

"The NCM blends contemporary art with unstructured play to create an environment that appeals to children as well as adults. The 50,000-square…"

"Another Balboa park museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, is a world-class site with an extensive collection of films, photographs, and videos. The museum was opened in 1983 and is one of the three museums which are specifically dedicated to the collection and preservation of photography in the United States. It is home to spacious galleries and state-of-the-art 228 seat theatre exhibiting work from some of the world-renowned photographers and cinematographers, including work by Yosuke Yamahata, the entire Nagasaki Journey: The Photographs of Yosuke Yamahata and an extensive collection from filmmaker Lou Stoumen’s estate."

"See the world through the lens of a trained eye at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), home to over 9,000 images from the 19th century to today. The MOPA is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and exhibiting the entire spectrum of the photographic medium. The museum’s diverse exhibits explore cultural, historical, and social issues through photography."

"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."

"The Mingei International museum in San Diego is a not-for-profit public art museum that collects, conserves, and manifests folk art, designs, and crafts. It is situated in the House of Charm, Balboa Park in San Diego, California. The word Mingei means 'Art of the people'."

"Agora Galleries is the premiere San Diego shopping destination for the perceptive buyer. They specialize in fine jewelry, including estate, antique, natural gemstone, and select designer pieces. Their jewelry is hand-picked from around the world with an emphasis on quality, beauty, craftsmanship, and enduring style."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"San Diego does not have a central arts district — instead a number of influential galleries are spread throughout the city. Quint Gallery, one the premier venues for contemporary art, is an excellent example of this sprawling philosophy. Located just off Interstate 5 in Bay Ho, it’s adjacent to a surf and skateboard shop along with a host of warehouse companies."

"If you’re looking for vegan Chinese delivery, consider taking a look at Sipz Vegetarian Fusion Cafe in North Park."

"Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant is an upscale Thai and vegetarian restaurant at the end of Park Boulevard in University Heights that offers an outstanding vegan dining experience. Boasting a menu focused on South Asian cuisine with a particular focus on Thai flavors, the restaurant promises a culinary feast of dishes such as pumpkin curry in red curry sauce, mock chicken satay with peanut sauce, glass noodles with mixed vegetables and tofu, and petite flower-shaped crispy wonton cups. The environmentally-friendly restaurant also offers a dollar discount for to-go customers who bring their own food containers."

"University HeightsWhat you're getting: Fresh spring rolls ($4.95)Pleasantly chewy rice paper wrappers can barely contain the generous portion of fresh veggies, tofu, and rice noodles inside these seriously healthy yet totally delicious rolls. Two house-made sauces (peanut dip and pineapple sauce) sweeten the deal."

"Plumeria offers delicious vegetarian and vegan Thai food (with an optional egg in some dishes). As an added bonus, they don’t use MSG and they only use organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free tofu that is made locally. Plumeria is located on Park Blvd. in the heart of University Heights."

"Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00 more than 200 tents take over Little Italy’s Date Street, between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street. Local producers lay out regional meat, poultry, fruit, eggs herbs and vegetables, all seasonal and fresh from the farm, while there’s also fish, plants, spices, coffee beans, cheese, homemade sauces and relishes. Bring an appetite because you can indulge in oysters shucked on the spot, and sea urchin caught hours earlier."

"A post shared by Little Italy Farmers Market (@littleitalymercato). Little Italy is known for its delicious foods, smells, and sights that bring you into the Old World while walking through San Diego. They host a weekly farmers market in San Diego where people can purchase fresh olive oil, supplies to make a delicious Italian meal, fresh-baked bread, paninis, handmade jewelry, and refreshing lemonades to go."

"Ocean Beach has its own unique vibe, and that same spirit can be felt at theOcean Beach Farmers Market!. This funky and hippy-happy beachside community creates a fun atmosphere with tasty meals, homemade arts and crafts, and live music. It’s probably the most unique farmers market I’ve ever been to (and that’s saying something!) So trust me, you won’t be disappointed."

"People come to the Ocean Beach Farmers Market in San Diego for the local music, the handpicked fruits, and the unique beach vibe. Guests will walk the market on their evening stroll, they’ll come from the beach in their bathing suits, and find local honey, flowers, food truck style meals, and more. Parking: There are many affordable parking spaces in the area."