Art isn’t always cheap. In many well-respected museums, ticket prices have gone through the roof – some art lovers are forking over $35 for a day visit to their favorite museum in the city. They aren’t all expensive, but accessing art for free sometimes requires connections, or time to search for deal days on company websites. To make art more accessible to readers in San Diego, here is a list of the top five places to experience the arts in San Diego.  

1. San Diego Museum of Art –

Every third Tuesday of the month The San Diego Museum of Art offers free entry as a part of their "Resident Free Tuesday program. Local residents can explore a wide range of exhibits, as the museum offers contemporary art and more classical collections. What I love about the museum is that every time I visit, it's different because of some of the rotating exhibits. This summer, the museum will have an exhibit titled "For the People: Modern Printmaking in Mexico" that is on my own personal bucket list. In this museum, art and politics often intersect in really interesting ways.

2. Chicano Park murals 

The Chicano Park murals in San Diego are one of my favorite examples of public art. Towering murals depict the vibrant Chicano history, with colorful scenes of civil rights leaders and indigenous heritage. These murals were created by local artists in the 1970s, and the park's 80+ murals have become an iconic space in the San Diego art world.

Ofrendas are scattered below some of teh murals, offering a space to reflect on lost loved ones under the art. While these murals speak to the need for change, the importance of justice, and are a symbol of resistance, they are also a place of solace for the community.

3. Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter 

I have never been to Sparks Gallery, but it is on my summer bucket list. Nestled in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, Sparks Gallery stands as a vibrant hub for contemporary art, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and creativity. They advertise themselves are accessible and affordable -- making them perfect for etched magazine readers. Housed in the historic Sterling Hardware Building, the gallery showcases a diverse array of original works by Southern California artists, emphasizing emotive pieces that range from surreal and impressionistic to figurative and conceptual.

4. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library offers walking tours of the Murals of La Jolla

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library offers guided walking tours of the Murals of La Jolla, providing an immersive experience into the community's vibrant public art scene. These free tours depart from the Athenaeum at 5:30 PM on weekdays and last approximately 90 minutes. Participants explore a curated selection of murals created by renowned artists, each reflecting diverse artistic expressions and cultural narratives.

5. Coronado Museum of History and Art

The Coronado Museum of History and Art, located at 1100 Orange Avenue in Coronado, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich history and culture of this picturesque island community. Housed in a historic 1910 bank building, the museum features permanent exhibits that explore Coronado's development, the significance of the U.S. Navy and Army to the area, and the legacy of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions on diverse topics, such as the architectural relationship between Coronado and Tijuana, highlighting the shared influences and unique styles of these neighboring cities. With over 20,000 photographs and 1,400 artifacts, the museum provides an immersive experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for all. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.