Best Arts and Culture Places in Mission Beach

"San Diego Museum of Art is known for its collection of renowned Spanish and Italian masters, collections of Indian paintings, 19th- and 20th-century American sculptures and paintings, and new and changing exhibits from across the globe. Famous names include El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco Goya. The museum restaurant, Panama 66, is one of our favorite places to eat in Balboa Park."

"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."

"Considered one of the great small museums in the world, the Timken houses a wonderful collection of European old master paintings, American paintings, and Russian icons. Artists represented include Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard, Bierstadt, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, John Singleton Copley, and Eastman Johnson. Admission is always free."

"The Children’s Museum provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families—a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolley going by."

"This museum is concerned with developing children’s creativity and imagination. It originally opened in 1983, and it has been one of the favorite places of the youngest visitors in San Diego ever since. The vision of this museum is to engage children in developing numerous skills through contemporary art."

"The New Children’s Museum is an interactive art museum that strives to deliver tactile interaction with its visitors. Children and adults alike will enjoy a more hands-on museum of art. So be ready to think, play and create your way through this enchanting art museum."

"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."

"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."

"Art is a powerful voice for people and helps us connect and express ourselves beyond language barriers. The Mingei International Museum showcases the “art of the people” across time and cultures. The exhibits are constantly changing to highlight new historical, contemporary folk art, crafts, and design and discover the finest examples of creative expression from underappreciated artists."

"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."

"Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, Mingei exhibits folk art, craft & design from all eras & cultures. Art of the world, art of the people."

"Thumbprint Gallery is a constantly evolving art exhibition space that has been serving southern California for a decade. With an emphasis on pop culture and surrealism, they create pop-up exhibitions from a wide range of artists. By including emerging and established, as well as local and international artists, Thumbprint Gallery curates a distinctly unique experience every time they hold an event."

"You’re not going to find many galleries in the local area that are as unique as Thumbprint Gallery. It features various forms of art, ranging from murals to street art to graffiti — and that’s just the start. Located in La Jolla, Thumbprint Gallery has been wowing visitors since opening its doors in 2009."

"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."

"But it was clear that this gallery used some type of review management platform, as visitors had nothing but nice things to say. And although White Box Contemporary only dated back to 2011, it quickly became one of the best venues in and around the San Diego area. Opened and managed by artist and international art dealer Alexander Salazar, this was the place to be in the region for access to works from top new talent."

"While the peaceful, residential neighborhood of South Park has several gift shops worthy of a browse (Grafitti Beach Boutique and Make Good among them), Brake & Rumble is the only spot where you might actually find something you want to buy for yourself, for both men and women. Expect boots, jewelry, cool T-shirts, and more. Note: The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays."

"Taka Sushi’s food earns it a spot on the best sushi in San Diego lineup, and its location in the Gaslamp offers the perfect contrast to the busy, colorful spots surrounding it. The food is delicious and the atmosphere relaxing. What more could you ask for?"

"We’re not afraid to say it: Zen 5 is our favorite sushi place in town. An icon in the San Diego community, Zen 5 offers only the freshest fish and delicious Japanese style cuisine. Standout Quality: With nearly 40 different combinations, Zen 5 offers the greatest variety of sushi rolls in San Diego."

"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."

"Cookie magic is what you’ll find at NatSweets with her incredible design talent. She’ll create any kind of custom cookie that you can imagine. Plan ahead for your custom orders or stop by the shop to pick up seasonal or daily creations."

"Overlooking the beautiful America's Cup Harbor, Brigantine Point is an upscale oyster bar with some of the best cheap eats in San Diego. Stop in for the daily seafood oyster bar sp..."

"Big things come in little packages, or in this case, restaurants. The Fish Pit is a small eatery serving up massively fresh and flavorful seafood. One of the best cheap seafood restaurants in San Diego, the Pit has a hip local college vibe with SDSU students and locals alike raving about their versatile menu of tacos, sushi, salads, and soups."

"Showcasing line-caught, sustainable fish, Fish Pit’s varied menu draws from a variety of cuisine types. On the menu, spicy tuna pops sit alongside a variety of pokes, tacos, sushi, fried rice and salads—all featuring seafood as the main ingredient. Call ahead for delivery and takeout."