Chicano Park

There’s more than water under San Diego’s Coronado Bridge. In fact, the artwork on the underside of the structure represents the city’s colorful history and culture. Chicano Park, the largest assembly of outdoor murals in the United States, is a collection of Chicano paintings that pays homage to San Diego’s Mexican-American roots. The site was founded in 1970 when Chicano activists joined together to protest urban construction that would have compromised the integrity of their neighborhood. It was recently named a National Historic Monument, making it one of the newest sites in the country to receive this designation.

Murals of La Jolla

On a walk through La Jolla, an affluent neighborhood along the coastline of San Diego, you’ll encounter sweeping views of the Pacific and could spot the resident sea lions or harbor seals sunning on the rocks. But a contemporary art installation, Murals of La Jolla, is adding creative flair to the already scenic area. Local and internationally renowned artists dreamed up and created the colorful murals on buildings in the community. Follow the map to visit the 16 on display now.

Artwork: Roy McMakin, Favorite Color, 2010

The Stuart Collection

Even if you’re not hitting the books, don’t miss a visit to the scenic campus of the University of California, San Diego. Set on 1,200 acres above the Pacific Ocean, the school grounds are home to the Stuart Collection, an assortment of contemporary art works on public display. Download the map and take a walking tour to view the collection, which includes works like Sun God, a 14-foot bird statue that sits atop a lush concrete arch.

Artwork: Niki de Saint Phalle. Sun God, 1983. Stuart Collection, UCSD © 2017 NIKI CHARITABLE ART FOUNDATION, All rights reserved.

Old Town San Diego

In Old Town San Diego, the sounds of mariachi music and scents of authentic Latin cuisine remind residents and guests that Mexican culture is a huge part of life in San Diego. Visit for one of the community’s lively festivals, or explore Old Town State Park’s numerous sites and living history demonstrations.

Pictured: Mariachi Divinas

Museum of Us

The San Diego Museum of Us proves museums are as much about human connection as they are about admiring artifacts. One of the 17 museums at San Diego’s Balboa Park, the institution examines the many sides of human existence. Exhibits and installations chart man’s early evolution and study the challenges experienced in modern society.

Artwork: Jason Gould and Frieda Gould, Identity