Best Arts and Culture Places in North Park

"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."

"Old Town State Park enables visitors to travel back in time and experience life during San Diego’s Mexican and early American period between 1821 and 1872. Visit restored and recreated historic buildings where you can view exhibits featuring a wide range of artifacts. Costumed interpreters relay fascinating stories and little-known facts about the rich culture of San Diego."

"The Children’s Museum is an environmentally sustainable building that 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 trolleys going by."

"If you’re reading this, you probably have kids and know how valuable a good children’s museum can be. The New Children’s Museum in San Diego is no exception. This new model of museum was designed to stimulate imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in children and families — something all parents can agree is important."

"With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it’s easy to miss this fun spot for children in the heart of San Diego’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Some areas of The New Children’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to Home for ages 6+. Meanwhile, other spaces engage children across age groups."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The Mingei International museum in San Diego is a not-for-profit public art museum that collects, conserves, and manifests folk art, designs, and crafts. It is situated in the House of Charm, Balboa Park in San Diego, California. The word Mingei means 'Art of the people'."

"The Chuck Jones Gallery honors the legendary animator, Chuck Jones with over 300 animated films behind his name, and some of the finest artists, animation, and entertainment art in the world. In a career ranging more than 60 years, Jones made more than 300 animated films, winning three Oscars as director and in 1996 an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement."

"The second location of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the AAC offers four exhibition spaces, an event space, a fully equipped print studio, a kiln, and art studio. www.ljathenaeum.org/aac. 1955 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113"

"San Diego Art Institute is a not-for-profit institution in San Diego, California, that is an experimental bi-national modern art center. It is situated in the historic building House of Charm in Balboa Park, El Prado. SDAI is the only contemporary culture association in Balboa Park that supports the creation of innovative art by providing exclusive space for artistic competencies of Southern California and Northern Baja to fraternize, exhibit, and bloom."

"When founded in 1941, the San Diego Art Institute was called the San Diego Business Men’s Art Club, only permitting male members. By the 1950s, women were allowed in and the name had been changed. The cultural institution now showcases experimental art from a diverse array of artists from the Southern California/Baja Norte region."

"A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through outreach, education, and exhibition."

"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)"

"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."

"Old Town State Park enables visitors to travel back in time and experience life during San Diego’s Mexican and early American period between 1821 and 1872. Visit restored and recreated historic buildings where you can view exhibits featuring a wide range of artifacts. Costumed interpreters relay fascinating stories and little-known facts about the rich culture of San Diego."

"Eddie V’s offers some of the best fine-dining in La Jolla featuing a seafood and steak menu along with a live jazz cocktail bar. What to get: reportedly, the Lobster Tacos are “to die for”. We also think the Bananas foster cake is worth a shot, particularly if you like your desserts served flambe!"

"Coastline views set the scene for a night of luxurious La Jolla fine dining. Savor fresh seafood and steaks—hand cut and aged for more than 28 days—while you relax and bask in the calm atmosphere. Check the live jazz calendar to see who takes the stage in the V Lounge each night."

"In San Diego, you can’t go far without spotting a place specializing in seafood like this spot a walk away from Hotel del Coronado. This waterfront restaurant serves regional seafood delicacies like Maryland-style crab cakes, seafood ceviche, and ahi tuna poke for lunch and dinner. Insider tip: Diners in your group who don’t eat seafood will appreciate their selection of meat and poultry dishes."

"Historic building built in 1887 right across from the Hotel Del Coronado. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the patio with a great view of Coronado Yacht Club."

"The staff will always be incredibly friendly and the food tastes great too. Your dining experience in La Jolla will definitely be memorable if you try any of the restaurants featured here."

"Ice cream macaron sandwiches, churros, inventive Asian-inspired iced coffee drinks and cotton candy burritos - all of them wildly creative and eminently Instagram-able - are the name of the game at this Asian bakery with hints of a French patisserie."

"If you’ve been searching for an Instagram-worthy treat, this may just be a spot to add to your list. SomiSomi – 4640 Convoy Street"