My brother and I were in town and we decided to check out Balboa Park. We came across the SDMA, but it was a bit late in the day to enter. So we came back early the next day to tour the museum, and I'm glad we did. Even though it's a smaller museum, they have tons to look at. From Modern Korean-inspired art to ancient art from Asia and Africa, to Renaissance European art, to American art...it was all a joy to see. I didn't really know what to expect, but I enjoyed my time at the SDMA. I think we spent like 2.5-3hrs there, looking at pretty much everything. Which is nice that it doesn't require a whole-day commitment, like some museums require. A little pricier than I thought it'd be, but after seeing everything, it was absolutely worthwhile.

San Diego is a beautiful, friendly city. Balboa Park is massive, in city center & truly full of fantastic museums. Old Town is historic but disappointing as almost all of the old buildings are now stores selling touristy stuff or restaurants - several of the latter are great. The Old Courthouse is interesting, the Visitors Center is also full of worthwhile info & very friendly staff, but unless you want to shop or eat there's not much of interest. Lots of beautiful beaches & walking trails along the inlets. Huge US Naval Base with access to historic vessels, zoo, & lots more

One of my favorite paintings lives in this art museum, so for me the opportunity to see Juan Sanchez Cotan’s Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber is worthy of five stars. This is a foundational work of Spanish still life and just an extraordinary painting. Don’t miss it. The collection is surprisingly strong for a provincial museum, particularly in Spanish Baroque — a good El Greco, some fine examples of Zurbaran, Ribera, Murillo. 20th century Mexican art is another strength. There’s a fragment of a Giotto altarpiece — you don’t see that everywhere. I had fun pulling out the drawers in the open storage to look at prints and drawings. A solid 4-star attraction anywhere, 5 in San Diego.