San Diego Culture

San Diego has long been known as a dynamic and diverse cultural center not only to the Region’s residents, but to those within the artistic and performing arts communities. 

First-rate theatrical productions, the San Diego Opera, professional dance companies, a wide range of classical and popular music, rare art collections, the museums of Balboa Park, the historic La Jolla Playhouse and Tony award winning Old Globe Theatre — San Diego has it all, and much more!

Broadway hits such as "Damn Yankees," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and The Who’s "Tommy" found their beginnings in San Diego theater. The San Francisco Chronicle reported, "San Diego is now arguably the most important point of origin in the country for regional theater productions aimed at Broadway and off-Broadway and a commercial future beyond." The University of California, San Diego’s master’s program in theatrical arts is ranked third in the nation for excellence.

Besides sending shows to Broadway, many of those productions find their way onto a San Diego stage. "Phantom of the Opera," "Rent," "Les Miserables," "Evita" and "Riverdance" are just four Broadway productions San Diegans have recently enjoyed.

In terms of musical entertainment, venues including Coor’s Amphitheatre, the Del Mar Fair, Sycuan, Viejas, 4th & B, Copley Symphony Hall, Humphrey’s by the Bay have attracted major performers in rock, soul and country music including Beach Boys, Cher, Shania Twain, Elton John, Santana, Gladys Knight, Wynonna, jewel, k.d. lang and Neil Diamond. During the summer, there are several "Concerts in the Park" programs to choose from each weekend located in La Jolla, San Diego, Coronado or North County.

Area arts organizations have become a significant economic force in San Diego. In addition to transforming the city into a major cultural destination it s estimated that these institutions account for nearly 3O0O full-time jobs and pump $3.2 million in revenues

The arts and cultural groups of San Diego received a big boost in 1988, with the creation of the Commission for Arts and Culture. Funded in large part by revenues generated by the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), the commission has been instrumental in promoting existing institutions and nurturing emerging arts organizations in the city. The commission now provides funding for more than 90 local art institutions.

Organizations such as the San Diego Performing Arts League, San Diego Area Dance Alliance, the Inter-Museum Promotion Council and the Combined Organizations for the Visual Arts are some of the other groups at the forefront of infusing interest and excitement for arts and culture in the city

There are few places in the San Diego area that evoke as much civic pride as Balboa Park. It’s not only one of the cultural centers of the county but also one of the most beautiful areas in San Diego.

Almost a fifth of the city’s 90 museums are clustered in or around Balboa Park including the San Diego Museum of Art, known for its collection of European, Baroque and Asian art; the Reuben 1-I. Fleet Science Center with its giant domed theater featuring IMAX’ films; and the San Diego Natural History Museum, which has been at the forefront of interpreting the natural environment of the region.