San Diego Archaeological Center - Escondido

Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road
Why Go There? Focus on past 10,000 years of San Diego County dwellers; permanent collections; changing exhibits, lectures, fundraiser barbecue (May)
More Information: San Diego Archaeology

Art in the Park - Coronado

First/third Sunday year-round 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Spreckels Park, 7th Street/Orange Avenue
Why Go There? 50+ juried San Diego county artists showcase oil, acrylic, watercolor paintings, etchings, photography, wood/metal working, stained glass, ceramics, other art forms
Access: Drive + public transportation
More Information: Coronado Art Association

Athenaeum Music and Arts Library- La Jolla

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm, Wednesday until 8:00pm
Location: 1008 Wall Street
Why Go There? Membership organization open to the public offers several yearly exhibitions presented in three galleries; focus on nationally, internationally recognized artists, emerging regional artists and community collaborations. Featured art related to Athenaeum’s books or music focus, variety of media; opening receptions, lectures, walk-throughs with artists; annual juried show; murals of La Jolla tours.
More Information: Athenaeum

UC San Diego Stuart Art Collection/Geisel Library/Fallen Star  (crooked house) - La Jolla

Geisel Library hours 7:30am-midnight (Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm, Friday until 6:00pm)
Fallen Star inside access Tuesday, Thursday 11:00am-2:00pm (docent-hosted)
Location: 9500 Gilman Drive
Why Go There? Eye-catching architecture, outdoor public art well worth a trip to UC San Diego's La Jolla campus. Highlights include Theodore Geisel (Dr. Suess) Library, with Dr Suess exhibits; Fallen Star: (sometimes referred to by locals as "crooked house" or "OZ house" as it looks like it was dropped by a tornado on top of a modern campus building) ; no reservation or fee.
More Information: Stuart Collection + UCSD Libraries

Oceanside Art Walk - Oceanside

Monthly first Friday 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Downtown
Why Go There? Features changing themes for pop-up art displays in local businesses; live entertainment
Access: Street or garage parking + public transportation
More Information: Oceanside Art Walk

Oceanside Museum of Art - Oceanside

Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am–5:00pm (Friday-Saturday close 8:00pm)
Sunday 12:00pm–5:00pm
Location: 704 Pier View Way
Why Go There? Focus on art, artists of Southern California housed in two noted architect designed modernist buildings; offers 15 contemporary art exhibitions per year, concerts, films, culinary events, fundraising parties, lectures, Sunday docent led art walking tours; free admission: under 18, students, military; senior discount; free first Sunday.
More Information: OMA Calendar

Athenaeum Art Center (AAC) - San Diego

Tuesday, Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm (second Saturday 6:00pm-8:00pm)
Location: 1955 Julian Avenue (Logan Heights)
Why Go There? Within the Bread & Salt complex containing an art school studio, print studio, features changing art exhibits, opening receptions; second Saturday evening barrio art crawl, special events.
More Information: Athenaeum

Balboa Park - San Diego

Daily
Location: 1549 El Prado
Why Go There? 1200 acre urban park features historically significant architecture, natural preserve walking trails, several gardens, numerous museums, theaters, including the Old Globe, performing arts, restaurants. Tuesday ranger-led tours; free admittance for San Diego county residents the first four Tuesdays of each month (excluding special exhibits).
Access: Parking lots, free tram during the day, public transportation
More Information: Balboa Park

Mission Regional Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center - San Diego

Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: One Father Junipero Serra Trail
Why Go There? Educational exhibits about Mission Trails' history, flora, fauna communities; art exhibits; multiple daily shows (changes, but might include highlights about the local indigenous peoples; video detailing history and recreational opportunities in Mission Trails) in 94 seat theater; gift shop, library.
More Information: MTRP Visitor Center

San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park - San Diego

Thursday-Tuesday 10:00am-5:00pm (Sunday opens 12:00)
Location: 1450 El Prado
Why Go There? Largest regional art museum, features European old masters, 19th, 20th century American art, Asian collection, contemporary and Latin American art; senior (65+), military discount; free third Tuesdays for San Diego county residents.
Access: Parking lots, free tram during the day, public transportation
More Information: Balboa Park

Timken Museum of Art - Balboa Park (Plaza de Panama across the Prado from Balboa Park Visitors Center), San Diego

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:30pm (Sunday opens 12:00pm)
Location: 1500 El Prado
Why Go There? Showcases Putnam Foundation’s collection European old masters,19th century American art, Russian icons; the only Rembrandt painting publicly displayed in San Diego; lectures; tours; fundraiser dinners; free admittance.
Access: Parking lots + tram
More Information: Timken Museum

Additional Resources

Visit Escondido - Escondido
Public art self-guided walking tour

San Diego Architectural Foundation - San Diego
Sponsored annual free weekend architecture tour (March)

Art Walks - San Diego
Little Italy neighborhood annual art walk (April)

Liberty Station - San Diego
First Friday Arts events

Little Italy - San Diego
Little Italy neighborhood events

San Diego on the Cheap - San Diego
Museum free days

Liberty Public Market - San Diego
Features multiple artists, food, music events, 2820 Historic Decatur Road (at Liberty Station)

History Center - San Diego
Exhibits + events

San Diego Watercolor Society - San Diego
Gallery (located in Liberty Station), events

Women’s Museum of California - San Diego
Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00pm-4:00pm 2730 Historic Decatur Road

Fiber Arts Fiesta - Vista
Annual weekend fiber arts festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum (October)