San Diego Cultural Attractions, Art Galleries, Museums, Playhouses

San Diego Theaters

San Diego Civic Theater

San Diego Civic Theater strives to provide a world-class theatrical experience while positively impacting the community through facility enhancement projects, the advancement of a downtown theatre district, and strategic partnerships for the enrichment of the San Diego performing arts for the benefit of the region.
San Diego Civic Theater Website

The Coronado Playhouse

The Coronado Playhouse, the oldest community theatre in San Diego County, is an intimate 100 seat cabaret-style theatre with a full service bar. The playhouse is dedicated to providing quality entertainment with a combination of classic comedies, dramas, mysteries, and musicals.
The Coronoad Playhouse Website

American Rose Theatre

American Rose Theatre is a nonprofit organization with the mission to create and produce performances that serve and educate the community, featuring classic musicals such as Grease and Oklahoma.
American Rose Theatre Website

Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company

Mo`olelo, meaning story in Hawaiian, is a reflection of this playhouse’s vision to present powerful stories, from different communities, and bring them to life on stage. Mo`olelo exists to educate youth in technical theater and design, exposing them to potential careers, while grooming the new generation of theater artists.
Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company Website

Lynx Performance Theatre

Lynx Performance Theatre is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing the work of playwrights that incorporate psychological credibility and emotional realism while altering how we see and experience ourselves and the world around us.
Lynx Performance Theatre

La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as both an art form and a vital social, moral, and political platform by providing creative opportunities for the leading artists of today and tomorrow.
La Jolla Playhouse Website

San Diego Opera

San Diego Opera is a widely respected member of the international opera community and an invaluable cultural resource to the San Diego community. San Diego Opera’s acclaimed productions regularly bring internationally renowned artists to perform in San Diego throughout their five month season.
San Diego Opera Website

North Coast Repertory Theatre

North Coast Repertory Theatre allows the artist and audience to thrive through the intimacy of live theatre, recognizing the power of theatre to intrigue the imagination and appreciate the diversity in our lives.
North Coast Repertory Theatre Website

The New Village Arts Theatre

New Village Arts Theatre, located in Carlsbad, celebrates the power of theatre in an intimate indoor space, and has an outdoor show for Free Shakespeare in the Park, in August.
The New Village Arts Theatre Website

San Diego Improv Comedy

The San Diego National Comedy Theatre Show is a comedy competition between two teams of professional comedians who perform a series of scenes all based on audience suggestions.
San Diego Improv Comedy Website

Lamb’s Players Theatre

Lamb’s Players Theatre is one of Southern California’s leading non-profit performing arts organizations which probes and questions the values and choices of contemporary culture through theatre.
Lamb's Players Theatre Website

The Old Globe Theater

The internationally acclaimed San Diego Old Globe produces fifteen plays and musicals annually, from the summer Shakespeare festival to world-premiere productions that have continued on to Broadway.
The Old Globe Theater Website

San Diego Repertory Theater

The San Diego Repertory Theatre produces plays that explore spiritual, political, and cultural values, and maintains a relationship with artists and audiences that reflect the diversity of cultures within San Diego.
San Diego Repertory Theater Website

Miracle Theatre Productions

Miracle Theatre Productions has mastered the art of producing and managing commercial, wide-ranging programming, and is credited with establishing the long-running, sit-down show concept in San Diego.
Miracle Theatre Productions Website

Ion Theatre

The mission of the Ion Theatre is to ignite community change through the staging of bold classics and dynamic new plays while inspiring artists to create passionate and unique work.
Ion Theatre Website

Diversionary Theatre

The Diversionary Theatre, one of San Diego’s most popular theatres, was founded to provide quality theatre with gay, lesbian, and bisexual themes that portray the characters in their complexity and diversity.
Diversionary Theatre Website

Cygnet Theatre

The Cygnet Theatre Company, located in El Cajon, is committed to the dissection, examination, and celebration of the human story through live theatre.
Cygnet Theatre Website

Carlsbad Village Theatre

The Carlsbad Village Theatre is a multi-purpose auditorium that provides a unique historical venue for a variety of live entertainment, cinema, and business and community events, such as live stage performances, large screen presentations, and business and education seminars.
Carlsbad Village Theatre Website

California Young Actor Conservatory

California Young Actors Conservatory (CYAC) is an exciting theatre company established for young actors to perform, act, and learn the art of stagecraft in a fun, professional environment.
California Young Actor Conservatory Website

California Center for the Arts

The California Center for the Arts, located in Escondido, enriches lives through the arts and community building and enhancement by providing diverse artistic, cultural, educational, social, and entertainment events and performances.
California Center for the Arts Website

San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre

Asian American Repertory Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization, specializing in contemporary Asian American theatre as well as dance and performance art.
San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre Website

Black Rabbit Theatre Company

The Black Rabbit Theatre Company is a venue that provides an opportunity for members of the theatrical community to broaden their exposure to the different disciplines of the theatrical experience.
Black Rabbit Theatre Company Website

San Diego Art Galleries

San Diego has a continually growing art scene. Monthly events such as "Kettner Nights" at the Art and Design District in Little Italy and “Ray at Night” in North Park attempt to involve the community with the art galleries and design exhibitions that distinguish San Diego. La Jolla and nearby Solana Beach also have a variety of art galleries and gallery events, each showcasing work from various artists, cultures, and backgrounds.

Art for Wildlife Galleries

1201 First St., Suite 101, Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.4342
Art for Wildlife Galleries of Coronado was established in 1994 because of a love of, and a concern for animals. The Gallery prides itself on its relationships with both its artists and clients.

Artworld Western Heritage Gallery

1266 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021
619.440.1041
The Artworld Western Heritage Gallery carries a wide variety of western and wildlife artwork, including originals, limited edition prints, and bronze sculpture.

Dragon’s Tomb

1164 Decker St Ste C, El Cajon, CA 92019
619.749.1975
Dragon’s Tomb holds a close relationship with several Hong Kong based dealers, allowing them to offer an unparalleled selection of authentic Chinese art and antiquities. Their selection includes jade, bronze, pottery, and ceramic pieces.

The Old Indian’s Store

162 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
866.588.7907
The Old Indian’s Store is San Diego's source for the finest Native American arts, crafts, and fossils. They offer a wide variety of merchandise and specialty goods that appeals to all with an interest in western inspired arts and design.

Africa and Beyond

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.454.9983
At Africa and Beyond, one can explore the many faces of African art, from contemporary Shona stone sculptures to traditional artifacts. The diverse collection creates a link between the modern world and the ancient past. Each piece is accompanied by information pertaining to its history and function, providing a deeper appreciation and understanding of each inspirational work.

Charles Hecht Galleries

1264 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.551.5516
At Charles Hecht Galleries, one can find work prepared by nineteenth and early twentieth century American and European artists, as well as city scenes, florals, portraits, seascapes, and still life artworks.

Cosmopolitan Fine Arts

7932 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.456.9506
Cosmopolitan Fine Arts features original works from over 150 renowned contemporary American and European painters, encompassing the best in realism and impressionism.

Eagle Fine Art Gallery

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.454.8972
The Eagle Fine Art Gallery represents the internationally renowned artist Maher Morcos. This artist uses distinctive realism to transform ordinary moments in ancient and modern life into timeless theatrical masterpieces.

Galleria JAN

7863 Girard Ave., Suite 201, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.551.2053
The gallery represents world renowned artists and old European masters such as Von Allen, Andrea Ederle, Jean Pierre Rousseau, and Rene Gruau.

K. Nathan Gallery

7723 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.459.3490
The K. Nathan Gallery is San Diego’s source for early Californian and Pre-1950 American paintings, representing two of America’s finest living artists: Brian Blood and Laurie Kersey.

La Jolla Fiber Arts

7644 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
858.454.6732
La Jolla Fiber Arts is devoted to textile art, with collections including art couture, woven and fiber adornments, jewelry, exquisite hand-woven tapestry, art quilts, whimsical creatures, textiles, and interior artwork.

Art About Africa

621 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065
760.788.4669
Art about Africa carries a wide variety of handmade African art pieces such as masks, stone sculptures, home furnishings, baskets, candles, and jewelry.

Maloney Gallery

16904 Via de Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
858.756.8160
The contemporary Maloney Gallery, located in the historical La Flecha building in Rancho Santa Fe, exhibits contemporary art as well as art created by the husband and wife team who started the gallery in 2003.

Art Expressions Gallery

2645 Financial Court, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92117
858.270.7577
Art Expressions Gallery provides personalized service to both residential and corporate clients. The gallery features a vast selection of both traditional and contemporary art in a variety of mediums, as well as an extensive inventory of fine art photography.

Bright Henderson Gallery

3715 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
858.488.7050
The Bright Henderson Galley includes the fields of sculpture, fiber-arts, painting, ceramics, batiks, furniture design, accessory design, architectural designs, and environmental design, all with a special interest for the sea and its animals.

CJ Art Gallery

The CJ Art Gallery contains an exquisite collection of fine art from internationally acclaimed artists, specifically Asian contemporary artists.
343 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.595.0048

Lela Harty Studio and Gallery

710 13th St., Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92101
619.234.7356
Lela, the owner of the Lela Harty Studio and Gallery, is dedicated to the visual arts not only as a painter but a long-time art school owner and instructor. She also represents the work of John Asaro, whose “canvases speak clearly and colorfully of life.”

Michael J Wolf Fine Arts

363 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
619.702.5388
Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, the oldest and most established art gallery in the downtown Gaslamp District, is dedicated to the promotion of national and international contemporary artists, catering to the trends of the Southern California art market.

Scott White Contemporary Art

2400 Kettner Blvd Loft 238, San Diego, CA 92101
619.501.5689
Scott White Contemporary Art represents private collections and estates for art work by modern and contemporary artists like Willem de Kooning, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, and others. This art includes contemporary paintings, prints, sculptures, and photography from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Spanish Village Art Center

1770 Village Place, San Diego, CA 92101
The Spanish Village Art Center is a community of over 250 artists from San Diego. Here you will find art demonstrations that enable visitors to meet the Spanish Village patio artists.

Whitt/Krauss Objects of Fine Art

839 West Harbor Drive Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92101
877.557.2877
The nationally renowned Whitt/Krauss Gallery, located in Seaport Village in San Diego, houses fine art paintings and sculptures of the highest quality. The collections include acrylic, enamel, bronze, steel, wood, copper, and glass works of art by many of the most distinguished and prestigious artists of the twentieth century.

Daryl Millard Gallery

342 S Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075
858 847-9030
David Millard is one of San Diego's premier artists, hailing originally from Melbourne, Australia. He is known for subtle color and his ability to capture the unique light of the California landscape.

Randall M. Hasson Studio

346 Cedros Ave., Suite A, Solana Beach, CA 92075
858.792.0902
Randall M. Hasson brings a new perspective to the Art world with his use of illustration combined with calligraphy. Hasson uses the text in his paintings to impact the viewer both visually and emotionally.

Trios Gallery

130 S Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075
858.793.6040
The Trios Gallery represents over 150 artists, both local and international, including Israel and the Czech Republic. Here you will find an eclectic mix of high quality artwork featuring sculpture, painting, glass, jewelry, ceramic, lighting, judaica, and more.

San Diego Museums

Whether you crave art, history, culture, science, or nature, San Diego and its unique variety of museums can take you anywhere you want to go. From Aviation to Photographic Arts to the Hall of Champions Sports Museum, San Diego museums cover it all. Though many museums are nestled in the world-renowned Balboa Park, others take you on a journey through the rest of the San Diego cityscape. Not only will you fulfill your thirst for knowledge, you will also get a chance to see the splendor and beauty that San Diego has to offer.

Centro Cultural de la Raza

The Centro Cultural de la Raza is a multidisciplinary cultural arts center dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving, and educating San Diegans about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous, and Latino art and culture. This museum features rotating exhibits and performances with theater, dance, music, and film.
Centro Cultural de la Raza Website

Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum

The Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum’s mission is to preserve, display and help document artifacts of the rich legacy of marine Aviation and its proud service to our nation. This museum also offers the Corp’s record of aviation accomplishments, to educate succeeding generations.
Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum Website

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego, located in the San Diego Bay, preserves one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States, including the Star of India.
Maritime Museum of San Diego Website

Marston House

The Marston House, an arts and crafts style museum home, was built on five acres of landscaped English and California influenced gardens. It contains the original furniture and decorative arts from the early arts and crafts period including pottery and Native American basket collections.
Marston House Website

Mingei International Museum

The Mingei International Museum is dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of the art of people, or “mingei,” from a wide diversity of world cultural traditions.
Mingei International Museum Website

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (or MCASD) is an art museum focused on the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of works of art from 1950 to the present.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Website

Museum of San Diego History

The museum of San Diego History showcases the region's diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing the life and development of the local area. The Research Library includes documents, maps, architectural drawings, books, oral history, as well as an extensive photo collection.
Museum of San Diego History Website

Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts represents the entire history of photography, including its aesthetic movements and technological advancements, specifically in social documentary photography and photojournalism.
Museum Of Photographic Arts Website

San Diego Air and Space Museum

The San Diego Air & Space Museum, formerly the San Diego Aerospace Museum, is an aviation and space exploration museum containing many original and reproduced historical aircrafts and spacecrafts.
San Diego Air and Space Museum Website

San Diego Art Institute: Museum of the Living Artist

The Museum of the Living Artist is dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through exhibiting works by San Diego artists, changing every four to six weeks. The gallery store offers jewelry and gift items made by local artists.
San Diego Art Institute: Museum of the Living Artist Website

San Diego Automotive Museum

The San Diego Automotive Museum features a collection of cars and motorcycles, including Louie Mattar’s fabulous $75,000 car, a modified Cadillac that was driven non-stop from Alaska to Mexico City and across the United States. The museum’s collection highlights automotive culture throughout the years.
San Diego Automotive Museum Website

San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum

Encouraging visitors to be participants as well as observers, the nation's largest multi-sport museum boasts memorabilia reflecting San Diego's sporting legacy. Visitors can make the calls for Tony Gwynn and Ted Williams in the media center, follow the evolution of the surfboard, or skateboard with Tony Hawk.
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum Website

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum collects, preserves and sharse the Chinese American experience as well as Chinese history, culture and art to educate the community and visitors. The Museum also features a library with books on Chinese culture and a tranquil garden with koi pond.
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum Website

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

The San Diego Railroad Museum, the world's largest operating model railroad museum, contains four scale and model layouts of railroads in the Southwest. Additionally, the museum features an interactive Toy Train Gallery for children to enjoy.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum Website

San Diego Museum of Art

With pieces ranging from 5,000 B.C. to 2001 A.D, the majority of the museum’s work is by Spanish artists including Murillo and El Greco. In addition, there is an Asian art gallery, Impressionist era paintings, some Georgia O’Keefes as well as works by Italian masters such as Giorgionne and Veronese.
San Diego Museum of Art Website

San Diego Museum of Man

The San Diego Museum of Man is the region's only museum devoted to anthropology, among the arts, culture and scientific achievements, with exhibits highlighting contemporary human cultures from around the world. You will find collections of Maya monuments, rare Egyptian tomb artifacts and Peruvian mummies as well as the Children's Discovery Center.
San Diego Museum of Man Website

San Diego Natural History Museum

The museum is an active research institution which prides itself on interpreting our natural world via research and education, while offering local and international exhibitions. It is also dedicated to promoting an understanding of the evolution and vastness of Southern California.
San Diego Natural History Museum Website

Serra Museum

The Serra Musuem was constructed in 1929 to commemorate the site where Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola established the first mission in California. The museum houses artifacts from the Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American periods such as housewares, furniture, tools and a cannon.
Serra Museum Website

Stuart Collection of Sculpture at UCSD

The Stuart Collection, located at the University of California, San Diego strives to enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the campus as well as the San Diego community by building a unique and inventive collection of works by leading artists of our time.
Stuart Collection of Sculpture Website

Timken Museum of Art

The Timken, which is considered one of the finest small museums in the United States, showcases the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection of European, American and Russian paintings including artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Timken Museum of Art Website

USS Midway (CV-41), Aircraft Carrier Museum

USS Midway was the lead aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the first to be commissioned after the end of World War II. While active in the Vietnam War and in Operation Desert Storm, as of 2007 she is a museum ship in San Diego.
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum Website

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

The museum preserves and honors the memory of men and women of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and Wartime Merchant Marine, containing artifacts, documents, photographs, memorabilia, and artwork from the Civil War to the present.
Veterans Museum and Memorial Center Website

Women’s History Museum and Education Center

The Women's History Museum and Educational Center is a nonprofit organization acting as a women's history museum as well as a valuable educational resource. The museum features a variety of changing exhibits and displays on women's history and sponsors a monthly membership lecture series.
Women's History Museum and Education Center Website