Best Arts and Culture Places in Silver Strand State Beach

"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."

"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."

"The Natural History Museum, the Museum of Man and the Museum of Art are three of the other most popular museums. (And, no, I’ve not missed San Diego Zoo – see my thoughts on the zoo and Sea World below)."

"New Children's Museum is an interactive museum in San Diego that is a not-for-profit organization. It is a novel model of the Children's Museum that operates with a mission to pique creativity, imagination, and critical thinking in children and families via inventive and captivating experiences with modern art. The museum encourages children to think, play, and create through engrossing exhibitions, art-oriented activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities."

"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."

"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."

"© Craig Lovell / Eagle Visions Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. With a collection of more than 7,000 photographs by 850 photographers, including Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Stieglitz and Ruth Bernhard, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) devotes itself entirely to the collection and preservation of photography, film and video, including its aesthetic movements and technological advancements. In particular, MOPA’s collection features a large selection of mid-20th-century Soviet Russian photography, social documentary photography and photojournalism."

"The Museum of Photographic Arts, also known as (MOPA) is also located in Balboa Park. Founded in 1974, this museum represents one of the three museums in the US whose main focus is only the preservation and collection of photography. The main mission of this museum is to educate and inspire its visitors."

"Dedicated to art of the people (mingei) from all eras and cultures of the world, Mingei International Museum features dynamic, changing exhibitions of historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"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."

"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."

"It has one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline and yet this small pocket park is seldom visited […]"

"This famous brand are best known for being purveyors of really high-end chocolate, but their ice cream is a hidden gem you should not ignore. They have some great flavours, but to come here and not have a cone with chocolate ice cream on it would be a travesty."

"Located in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, this dessert is as good as it gets. Ghirardelli has a long list chocolate-themed desserts that will all make your mouth water. This Cookie Bits Sundae is definitely one of their tastiest."

"If you are in the downtown area, Ghirardelli is a perfect spot for a romantic date that takes you back in time to the days of the ice cream fountain of the ’50s. The ice cream, chocolates and milkshakes are all out of this world."

"New Children's Museum is an interactive museum in San Diego that is a not-for-profit organization. It is a novel model of the Children's Museum that operates with a mission to pique creativity, imagination, and critical thinking in children and families via inventive and captivating experiences with modern art. The museum encourages children to think, play, and create through engrossing exhibitions, art-oriented activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities."

"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."

"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."

"The First San Diego Courthouse, rebuilt in 1992, was originally the town hall. Constructed by the Mormon Battalion, the first brick building in San Diego became the courthouse when the city was incorporated in 1850. It also served as a school, church and polling place."

"2015 Birch Road Chula Vista, CA 91915 619-656-1393 150 Stores Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM  Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM  Major Retailers: Macy’s, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Barnes & Noble, AMC Theatres"

"Otay Ranch Town Center in San Diego offers something for every member of the family including fashion stores, sport shops, toy stores and even a dog park for the family poo"