If there’s something San Diego is not, it’s boring. America’s Finest City is a hotbed of diversity, allowing you to discover, learn, and thrill to experiences unlike any other.
In this city of 1.39 million people, a quarter of the residents were born outside the US. That’s higher than the nationwide average of 14%. More than 46% of the population are made up of Asians and Hispanics. The most frequent birthplace is Mexico, followed by the Philippines and China.
CULTURAL DISTRICTS
Three of California’s 14 designated Cultural Districts are located in San Diego. Each were chosen for their unique artistic identities: They are:
- Balboa Park Cultural District
This historic, iconic urban park is the country’s biggest, sprawled across 1,200 acres with 17 museums, multiple performance venues, an iconic 100-acre zoo, 65 miles of trails, and 100 nonprofits and community organizations. The Centro Cultural de la Raza celebrates Chicano, Latin, and Indigenous art and culture. The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum offers an immersive experience with programs, exhibits, festivals, and horticultural classes that enhance the appreciation for Japanese culture. The WorldBeat Center promotes and preserves the African diaspora and Indigenous cultures with exhibits and classes in international dance and drumming, organic gardening, and African history.
- Barrio Logan Cultural District
This testament to cultural diversity celebrates life’s great possibilities by showcasing everything unique and interesting. Topping the list of must-sees is Chicano Park, the city’s oldest Mexican-American place. It is the proud home of more than 80 vibrant murals, the biggest of its kind worldwide. Sculpture, gardens, playgrounds, and picnic tables dot this massive park. It’s also the hub of music and dance fests. Other attractions are Bread & Salt exhibit center, La Vuelta Car Cruise, ¡Salud!, Barrio Art Crawl, Por Vida Collective, and craft beer center Border X Brewing.
- Oceanside Cultural District
The sea serves as an inspiring backdrop to this center of cultural diversity. Oceanside combines an amazing view of the pier and lots of sun and surf to come up with a rich cultural palate. It’s the home of the Oceanside Museum of Art, the California Surf Museum, Artist Alley, The Star Theater and The Brooks Sunshine Theatre, the First Friday Art Walk. and Sunset Market. The market happens every Thursday between 5 and 9 p.m. on Pier View Way, just west of North Coast Highway. It has more than 200 vendors selling fresh produce, arts and crafts, vintage items, and indigenous eats like homemade tortillas, freshly rolled sushi, Mediterranean meats, and so much more.
SPECIAL EVENTS
San Diego’s special events are nothing if not examples of cultural diversity.
- The annual San Diego Comic-Con
This event attracts around 135,000 attendees from the US and around the world and generates a regional economic impact of more than $160 million. Gathering fans, stars,. producers, creators, and merchants of comics, anime, and the gamut of cross-platform multiverses, San Diego Comic-Con is the biggest of its kind anywhere in the world. In fact, Balboa Park Cultural District has unveiled its latest attraction: a Comic-Con Museum, a permanent venue to “capture the magic” of comics and popular art that the yearly convention showcases.
- San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride is massive. It attracts more than 300,000 people riding rainbow floats, marching down the street in everything creative and colorful, and bearing the flag of the LGBTQIA2-S communities.
MEXICAN EATS
Cuisine is just as exciting in this city of culture diversity a mere half an hour away from the Mexican border. Ditch the pizza, burgers and hotdogs and help yourself to truly authentic tacos, carnitas, tamales, adobada, burritos, and other mouth-watering eats. You’ll be glad you did.
Excited about San Diego’s rich possibilities? Luxury real estate specialist Travis Bolen is, too. Ten years steering the San Diego real estate market have shown him the city he loves continues to thrive in exceptional ways. Travis and his team at The Collective San Diego will be delighted to show you your real estate options. Call 858.736.7124, or contact them here.