San Diego is a city that’s serious about its art. On the one hand, you’ve got the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, perched above the waves with galleries full of bold, surprising work. On the other, the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park brings together folk art, craft and design from all around the world in a playful, hands-on setting. Whichever side of the creative spectrum speaks to you, both museums offer beauty and inspiration in spades. We’re diving into the details—exhibits, food, fun and more—to help you pick a winner for your San Diego art day.
The lowdown
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
- Dazzling, newly expanded spaces with cutting-edge contemporary art
- Major international and regional exhibitions, always changing and always surprising
- Installations, paintings, sculptures, video art—nothing here is predictable
- Sleek, bright galleries with stunning Pacific views
- Art spills outdoors, with oceanfront sculpture terraces and coastal gardens
- Located right in La Jolla village—perfect for a seamless beach-and-art combo
Mingei International Museum
- Celebrates human creativity across cultures, from folk pottery to contemporary quilts
- Hands-on maker stations, playful displays and interactive exhibits in every gallery
- Eye-popping collection: textiles, toys, jewelry, ceramics, masks and dazzling design pieces
- Creative, family-friendly café and a shop full of unique global finds
- Located at the heart of Balboa Park—easy to pair with gardens and other museums
These sound great, please do go on...
These sound great, please do go on...
Art meets ocean at MCASD La Jolla
Any visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla feels electric. Sunlight spills through floor-to-ceiling glass, bouncing off gleaming white gallery walls and illuminating some of the sharpest, smartest contemporary art around. Exhibitions range from immersive giant sculptures to thought-provoking video installations, with shows that change regularly so there’s always something new. Step outdoors, and you’re greeted by beautifully placed sculptures with a salty Pacific breeze for company—gallery-going has never felt so fresh. The interplay of art and seascape makes the experience unmistakably Southern Californian.
Mingei’s global spark
Mingei International Museum’s galleries are alive with color and texture—Indian saris flutter next to Mexican folk masks, Danish chairs invite you to rest, and rows of hand-carved toys get everyone smiling. The museum’s layout is perfect for wandering and discovering. Every room is packed with delightful, interactive surprises—try your hand at weaving or origami in the communal maker space. It’s also wonderfully accessible for all ages, ensuring both kids and adults feel welcome to dive into the world’s creative traditions.
Which is more beautiful?
Yes, Mingei is gorgeous, but MCASD’s seamless ocean-meets-architecture design is the very definition of visual magic. Massive glass walls, modern lines and airy sculpture gardens create a sense of lightness and peace. Every corner seems made for Instagram. There’s nothing quite like standing inside a gallery, gazing at bold contemporary art, then gazing straight out onto endless blue waves.
Which has better views?
No question: MCASD La Jolla’s galleries and patios offer what might just be the most spectacular museum views in all of Southern California. Outdoor sculptures frame sweeping panoramas, while benches on the sculpture terrace are perfect for soaking up the wild Pacific. Mingei’s Balboa Park views are lovely, but MCASD is in a different league.
How do I get there?
MCASD La Jolla
By car: head up to La Jolla village (about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego); there’s street parking and paid lots nearby.
By public transit: take the MTS 30 bus from Old Town Transit Center, which drops you in the center of La Jolla.
Mingei International Museum
By car: drive to Balboa Park, where there are any number of large public parking lots.
By public transit: catch the #7 or #215 bus to Park Boulevard/Presidents Way, then it’s a five-minute stroll to the museum’s front door.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
Best choice for families, couples or friends
- For families: Mingei is the winner. Kids love the interactive zones, toy displays and craft activities, while adults are genuinely entertained by the variety.
- For couples: MCASD La Jolla’s romantic ocean views paired with sophisticated art displays create an evocative, grown-up vibe for memorable dates.
- For friends: both are great! Choose MCASD for your art-obsessed pals, or opt for Mingei if you want creative play and a shop full of fun treasures after.
I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?
Mingei was made for curious hands. Kids (and grown-ups) can make, build, weave and play in dedicated craft areas. There’s something tactile in every gallery, and the museum hosts frequent family-focused workshops where no one’s expected to stand still for long. MCASD is more about looking and reflecting, so Mingei takes this by a landslide.
What’s the accessibility like?
Both museums deliver excellent accessibility.
MCASD La Jolla: fully ADA accessible, with ramps, elevators, large open galleries and accessible restrooms.
Mingei International Museum: also ADA compliant, with wide spaces, elevator access, wheelchairs for loan and sensory kits available—plus staff who are genuinely excited to help.
Best lunch spots nearby?
Best lunch spots nearby?
Near MCASD La Jolla
- The Kitchen @ MCASD: La Jolla’s own museum café with patio seating overlooking the ocean. Try the avocado toast or the zesty grain bowl—each almost as pretty as the view.
- The Cottage: just a short stroll from the museum. Famous for luscious lemon ricotta pancakes and sunny decks—a local brunch favorite.
- George’s at the Cove: for a special treat, head down the hill to George’s Ocean Terrace. Sit outside and savor fresh, California-inspired fare (the fish tacos and wild mushroom pasta are top picks) with that unbeatable La Jolla coastline right in front of you. Wear your shades and don’t be surprised if a gentle sea breeze ruffles your menu.
- Brockton Villa: cozy, historic and full of charm, this seaside house-turned-cafe serves up killer coast views with robust sandwich choices and the famous Coast Toast (brioche French toast) for a sweet pick-me-up. The patio is everyone’s favorite for long, lazy lunches.
- Brick & Bell Café: grab a sandwich or acai bowl to take out—ideal for a wallet-friendly picnic lunch.
Near Mingei International Museum:
- Mingei Café: one of Balboa Park’s standout museum cafes. Expect Moroccan chicken wraps, vibrant vegetable grain bowls, globally-inspired pastries and great coffee. The space is modern, sun-filled and often bustling with creative types—it’s as much a meeting place as a lunch stop.
- Panama 66: expect sandwiches, salads and California craft beers in a sunny outdoor sculpture garden setting.
- The Prado at Balboa Park: if you want something a touch more upscale, this San Diego favorite delivers seasonal Californian cuisine with flair (try the Prado paella or the blue cheese calamari fries). The vast Spanish-revival interior is gorgeous, and the outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching, especially during golden hour.
- Daniel’s Coffee: budget-friendly option in the Spanish Village Arts Center, offering iced lattes, pastries and snacks in a colorful, artsy courtyard.
Where can I bag the best photos?
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
You’ll find some of the city’s most Instagrammable backdrops at MCASD. Capture your crew in the terraced sculpture garden with crashing waves in the distance, or against sleek, modern gallery windows that frame the Pacific. Gallery interiors often feature dramatic lighting and show-stopping art installations—perfect for a quick OOTD or art selfie. Sunset turns the ocean terrace golden, bathing everything in a surreal, photo-ready glow.
Mingei International Museum
Mingei is playful and colorful, so grab your photos beside the giant folk masks, sparkling glass cases filled with toys, or sunlit mosaic staircases. The maker spaces and tactile installations make candid shots easy—just capture someone mid-craft or peeking at a quirky puppet. Outside, Spanish Colonial architecture and lush park settings offer timeless backgrounds any time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons give the galleries the prettiest light.
We’re finished and fancy a drink – any bar recommendations?
Near MCASD La Jolla
- The Med at La Valencia: step into this classic hotel lounge for a dose of old-school Hollywood glam. Their signature Pink Lady cocktail—gin, apple brandy, citrus and egg white—is as pretty to look at as it is to sip. The ocean-view terrace feels luxurious, especially at sunset.
- Public House La Jolla: casual, friendly and stacked with local craft beers. Try a Ballast Point or Modern Times brew with a plate of truffle fries on the leafy patio; it’s as easygoing as La Jolla gets.
Near Mingei International Museum
- Prado Lounge: sip a tangy mango ginger margarita (the house specialty!) amid Spanish tiles, lush gardens and balmy park breezes.
- Panama 66 Bar: their local beer list is unmatched, and a tangerine wheat ale on their garden patio feels like it was made for a sunny Balboa Park afternoon.
Any other good stuff nearby?
Any other good stuff nearby?
Near MCASD La Jolla
- La Jolla Cove: just steps from the museum—watch seals sunbathe, snorkel in turquoise waters, or stroll along the dramatic coastal walkways for jaw-dropping ocean views.
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park: palm-tree dotted lawns above the cliffs; pack a picnic or snap sunset photos.
- La Jolla shops and galleries: Girard Avenue is lined with boutiques and small galleries, ideal for a spot of retail therapy.
Near Mingei International Museum
- Spanish Village Art Center: vibrant artist studios, colorful courtyard tiles and non-stop creativity, all just around the corner. Peek in, watch local artists at work, and scoop up unique souvenirs.
- Botanical Building and Lily Pond: free, stunningly photogenic and just a quick stroll from Mingei—wander among rare orchids and ferns, then catch the koi swimming in the lily pond outside.
- Old Globe Theatre: catch a world-class play or just enjoy the lively plaza around this historic open-air stage.
In summary…
MCASD La Jolla and the Mingei International Museum both deliver next-level art days, each with its own vibe. For big, bold, contemporary art showcased against some of the best ocean views in California, MCASD La Jolla is San Diego’s clear standout. But if your heart’s set on hands-on creativity, vibrant global culture, and a spot that makes everyone smile, Mingei is your go-to. With Go City®, you don’t have to settle—try both and dive deep into San Diego’s imaginative side, all while saving time and money on your cultural adventures. Pick your favorite, grab your camera and get inspired!
Looking for more things to do in and around San Diego? Check out our guide to Balboa Park’s best science museums and read our comparison of SeaWorld and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
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