Best Arts and Culture Places in Del Mar Heights

"Balboa Park is home to several San Diegan museums, and the Museum of Art is another magnificence you can visit here. With hosting over half a million visitors every year, this oldest and largest art museum in the region is noted as one of the best museums in San Diego. It has been in operations from the year 1926, exhibiting the most comprehensive art collection anywhere in San Diego."

"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)."

"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."

"Originally in La Jolla, the New Children’s Museum opened in its current light-filled downtown space in 2008. Entering the multi-story, 50,000-square-foot space, it’s immediately evident that a lot of thought and imagination has gone into the museum’s design. Off the bat, a room lined entirely with mattresses invites kids to literally jump on the bed."

"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."

"© 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 (MOPA) is one of a few private institutions dedicated to showcasing photography, film, and video. They also offer various workshops for photography enthusiasts (and I love stopping into the gift shop on my way out). Admission is free but based on a pay as you wish philosophy because one of their goals is to make their exhibitions accessible to all."

"The Power of Photography MOPA is a center for visual learning, passionately dedicated to sharing and exploring the universal language of photography."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"This cultural hub was designed by Charles Moore and opened in 1994. It includes a contemporary art museum, a 1,500-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, artists’ spaces, dance studios, and a conference and event space. There are free community events hosted at the Center frequently, like the WOW First Wednesdays performances and Jazz Jam Sessions, so be sure to check out the calendar to see what will be happening during your visit."

"Located on a 12-acre campus near the city Hall, the California Centre for the arts was opened in 1994. The Centre was inspired by Spanish colonial heritage and designed by Charles Moore. The Centre has a seating capacity of 1500 guests and houses a concert hall, a museum exhibiting contemporary art, a beautifully designed theatre with capacity of 400 people, a few art studios, some dance studios, as well as a conference centre."

"Downtown La Jolla is a lively hub ripe with music, museums, and art. The La Jolla Gallery collects contemporary art from mid-career artists, which is curated by co-owner Elisabeth King. By focusing on mid-career artists who have dedicated themselves to the practice of learning their craft, the gallery grows deeply in its ability to educate art students."

"A five-minute drive from North Ponto Beach will get you to Ruby’s Diner, a perfect go-to place to after a day’s fun at the beach. This retro-style dining chain along Paseo Del Norte street has an exciting interior and serves a variety of kids’ menu items. Interesting dishes include “pigs in a blanket”, chicken fingers and Baro’s root beer float!"

"Betty’s Pie Whole, located in Encinitas inside Sunshine Gardens under the red roof building, is one of those hidden gems off the beaten path. They have both savory and sweet pies and it’s a great little place for a casual day date. Definitely try Betty’s Lemon Pucker Pie or the Chocolate Cookie Dough Pie!"

"The reason I love Betty’s Pie Whole is because it is located right next to Sunshine Gardens!. I love bringing my kids to Sunshine Gardens to play, visit with the goats, fish, tortoise, chickens and birds. It is free to visit and Santa makes an appearance every year."

"With a name like Elizabethan Desserts, you’re going to expect great things from this bakery. You won’t be disappointed because patrons say the pies are the best ever made. However, you don’t want to ignore the cupcakes or delightfully decorated cookies."

"This Encinitas bakery and its sibling bakery Betty’s Pie Whole Salon has a limited menu of cupcakes, cookies, bars plus savory and sweet pies for takeout and curbside delivery. Call ahead to place an order or pay in advance."