San Diego Museum of Art Tours and Activities

San Diego Museum of Art featuring street scenes, art and a city
San Diego Museum of Art featuring art and interior views as well as a couple
San Diego Museum of Art featuring interior views and art
San Diego Museum of Art showing art and interior views
San Diego Museum of Art which includes interior views and art as well as a small group of people


One of the hottest attractions in Balboa Park, home to artworks that span history, the city's main art depository is an unmissable destination for culture vultures.

The oldest and biggest of the museums in Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art is a popular attraction, attracting all kinds of visitors who come to admire the works of art, some of which are over 7000 years old.

Housed in a beautiful, ornate building influenced by Spanish Colonial architecture, the museum is home to an impressive collection. Here you can discover fine art from across the world, part of an extraordinary and eclectic collection that has been getting bigger and better since the museum first opened back in 1926.

In keeping with its setting, the museum boasts some excellent collections of Spanish art, including classic works by the likes of Murillo, Ribero and El Greco. The museum’s international flavour includes paintings by Italian artists as well as many different pieces from Asia. Among the photographers lining the walls are great names like Margaret Bourke-White and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

For information about what’s on during your visit, head to the Balbao Park Visitor Centre or the museum’s information desk. Here you can find out about temporary exhibitions, as well as lectures, workshops and educational events that are held at the museum. Every April the museum hosts “Art Alive”, an exhibit of floral displays based on works inside the gallery.

It’s easy to spend a whole day here in the museum, but most visitors find two or three hours offers ample time. There are strict rules on photography and larger bags are not permitted inside the gallery. The museum is open every day of the week except for Wednesdays.

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Water activities

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Top San Diego Museum of Art Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Dextro, Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

Dextro, Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

3 out of 5
1617 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA
Dextro, Little Italy, BW Premier Collection
Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

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1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

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The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown

3 out of 5
1445 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
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Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown

4 out of 5
601 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA
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Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

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Balboa Park Hotel

Balboa Park Hotel

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410 Elm St, San Diego, CA
Balboa Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.