I enjoyed my first visit to Balboa Park which has a large number of cultural venues including art, music, dance, theater and ballet. My favorites were the Museum of Photographic Arts at 1659 El Prado Blvd. and the Mingei International Museum at 1439 El Prado Blvd. which has a focus on craft and folk art. Both had great exhibitions.
I particularly enjoyed two temporary exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art along with its permanent collection at 1450 El Prado Blvd. and also enjoyed the Timken Museum of Art which has a focus on European old master paintings, Russian icons and American Art. Balboa Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, walk, enjoy the park, the architecture, the gardens and the outdoor sculpture garden. Parking is a little tight so be patient. There is a more remote lot with tram service throughout the Park.
There is also the Rubin H. Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Museum of Man, the Air & Space Museum and the Old Globe Theatre. The San Diego Art Institute, the Museum of the Living Artist, at 1439 El Prado focuses on showcasing the work of San Diego emerging area visual artists through a program of over 30 juried shows a year. Check out their schedule.