San Diego: California's culture capital
When travelers speak of sunny San Diego, they talk about more than the weather. Sure, California's second-largest city boasts an average of 266 sunny days each year. But San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare says San Diego residents' infectious optimism and warm disposition also welcome visitors to join in on the good vibes. 'I am already going into my sixth year with the Orchestra, and being surrounded by the beautiful landscape of San Diego has touched me deeply.'
With a population of 1.4 million people, San Diego is a bona fide big city with eclectic museums, historic art centers, and world-class performing arts. And yet, its charming neighborhoods and laid-back attitude foster a down-to-earth community vibe.
Visitors to the city regularly join residents in the plush seats at Jacobs Music Center, located in Downtown San Diego, where the San Diego Symphony—the state's oldest orchestra—intentionally offers a variety of series that speak to a wide mix of cultures and age groups.
'Seeing the wonderful people that come to our concerts regularly fills me with gratitude, and we continue to deepen our connections,' adds Payare. 'Each concert is its own experience, but we are also building a history together that I believe heightens our sense of well-being and happiness.'
Visitors can enjoy tunes al fresco and panoramic views of the Downtown San Diego skyline and the San Diego Bay at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The Symphony shares space with locals who gather for yoga classes, summer singalongs, and epic fireworks. The arts offering a soundtrack to the city's daily life is a very San Diego way of doing things, says Symphony CEO Martha Gilmer.
That community connection is palpable when you visit San Diego's 'cultural jewel,' Balboa Park. At 1,200 acres, North America's largest urban cultural park boasts 18 museums in stunning Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings—each dedicated to genres fans love, from aviation to science and folk art to Comic-Con. Between the buildings, landscaped gardens and manicured lawns offer space to relax before choosing your next mind-expanding adventure. On Sundays, it's common to see people picnicking while listening to the 4,725-pipe Spreckels organ (the largest in the world), which has been here since 1914.
And in La Jolla, the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center offers arts education, and world-class performances. In Point Loma, you can chat with artists in one of the 120 galleries, museums, and artist studios at the Arts District Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center that has since transformed into a vibrant arts district and community hub. Its repurposed buildings house art studios and diverse local businesses, thoughtfully preserving the area's rich naval history. The area also boasts a 46-acre waterfront park with walking trails, playgrounds, and numerous events throughout the year.
Plus, there's live music everywhere. You can pump your fist at a Petco Park concert or take to the dance floor at a live music venue like The Music Box. For those looking to connect with outstanding theatrical performances, San Diego delivers. LGBTQIA+ creativity is on display at the Diversionary Theatre – the country's third-oldest theater of its kind; multiculturalism is celebrated at the Old Globe Theatre, and Broadway musicals top the bill at La Jolla Playhouse, which was founded by actor Gregory Peck. You'll also find public art installations, book and film festivals, and creative cuisine throughout the city.
San Diego is inseparable from its history, arts, and culture. And for visitors, the city's naturally optimistic, arms-wide-open hospitality is hard to resist.
Funded In Part With City Of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.
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Kareem Chehayeb, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
