Cultural Center in Cardiff State Beach

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"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)"

"Reservations are recommended at this decades-old power lunch spot in the Gaslamp, famed for it’s continental flair and welcoming ambiance. In addition to the eatery's signature mussel bisque you can also fill up on gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads for around $8-$14. Larger entrées include wild mushroom risotto and a petite filet mignon."

"956 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA(619) 231-6771Reserve a Table at Dobson’s Here$$$ | Historic | Reservations Recommended. Dobson’s Bar and Restaurant is an institution. Right in the heart of downtown, next to Horton Plaza, Dobson’s has been open since the early 80s."

"My family and I stayed in the gaslamp district recently and were dissappointed with the many tourist trap restaurant settings..."

"Baci Restaurant is beloved by locals and definitely one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. It offers diners a hint of old-world Italian charm, with cozy booths, white tab..."

"Baci Restaurant is beloved by locals and definitely one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. It offers diners a hint of old-world Italian charm, with cozy booths, white tab"

"Ocean Beach’s Ulivo has an extensive menu of pasta dishes but is best known for their version of linguine alla vongole."

"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."

"© 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 has a long history, as it first opened in 1983. It’s well known for being one of the first museums in the United States to exclusively exhibit photographic images. With such a rich history, you won’t be disappointed by what you see."

"We recommend the Family Drop-In Day recommended for families with kids ages 6-12. As the focus changes, check the calendar for what interests you. On these days, kids usually make a craft that reflects the current theme, play games or explore art via a treasure hunt."

"One of the best museums in San Diego to visit in 2019 is, without a doubt, the San Diego Museum of Art. Founded in 1926, this museum is located in Balboa Park. It has the reputation of being the oldest and largest art museum in the region."

"Its front doors are located in a gigantic, cathedral-style facade that took a full two years to build, and they can be seen from every direction if you’re in the neighborhood."

"This museum presents exhibits of folk art from around the world, including Indonesia and New Guinea (multicolored masks, dolls, fertility symbols and shadow puppets) and Japan (decorative bottles, bowls and jars). Children will delight in the displays of international toys and antique carousels. Don't forget to visit the Collectors' Gallery/Museum Store for a wide selection of modern and antique arts and crafts."

"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."