Explore art galleries around San Diego

A non-traditional activity for all USD students to enjoy

MEI FLORY / ASST. A&C EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

San Diego is known for its sunny beaches and incredible hikes, but sometimes it’s nice to stay indoors or explore the different areas of this SoCal city. One unique activity in San Diego is strolling around art museums and galleries. They’re the perfect place to take aesthetic pictures, learn about history, and feel connected to this city’s culture.  

For avid art fans and casual viewers alike, here are some unique galleries and museums around San Diego that are worth the trip.

Balboa Park

With over 17 different museums and cultural institutions, Balboa Park celebrates the best aspects of San Diego. 

For those who prefer the vibes of a more traditional art museum, the San Diego Museum of Art includes several works of art from various centuries and countries. 

The museum provides tours and other educational events and activities, and it also features temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent collections. One of these exhibits, ‘Masters of Photograph: 

The Garner Collection,’ will open on Nov. 20. 

The Mingei International Museum also boasts an incredible collection of works from over 141 countries. 

This museum focuses more on the everyday aspect of art; Mingei’s mission statement from the Balboa Park website incorporates the belief that “art can happen anywhere.” The museum currently has four exhibitions on display.

Additionally, the San Diego Comic-Con Museum is set to open Nov. 26. 

The museum will include exhibits related to popular culture and an in-person event will take place on opening day. 

 Downtown/Gaslamp

Located just south of the Gaslamp Quarter in Barrio Logan, the La Bodega Gallery features art from nearly 30 local artists, including established artists and newcomers. 

The gallery also hosts workshops and events in support of the art scene in San Diego. 

The Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter also features art from local artists. 

Over 40 artists are exhibited, with five being represented by the gallery. The gallery is home to several talented muralists and currently has two exhibitions on display.

In the downtown area on Kettner Blvd, consider visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). 

With five exhibitions on display and their La Jolla extension under construction, the MCASD is a popular museum to explore for those who love all art forms. 

Admission is free, and all 4,700 works in the museum were created after 1950. MCASD also has two online exhibitions. 

Honorable Mentions

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Arts District in Liberty Station. From pottery to painting and textiles, each gallery and shop within the Arts District has something for everyone. 

For many, the San Diego Watercolor Society is a fan-favorite location, with new exhibitions each month and workshops offered for members and non-members alike. Workshops also range from beginner to advanced, and members can have their art put on display in the gallery. 

Similar to Sparks Gallery and La Bodega, the Studio Door in Hillcrest also features work from several local artists, both studio and regularly exhibiting. 

Instead of first Fridays, the hosts first Thursday events to celebrate new exhibitions and shows. 

The wonderful thing about art galleries and museums is that most of them are free to enter. The exception to this would be the San Diego Museum of Art, but college students get a discount and pay only $8 for their ticket. 

With the end of midterms and the beginning of the holiday season, consider showing some love and supporting the arts in San Diego. It’s well worth the trip around the city.