Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA), San Diego
The Museum of Photographic Arts is completely devoted to the art of photography in all its myriad forms. There are over 9,000 photos to see here that span from the 1800s to the present. In fact, some of these displays may surprise you, as they cover quite an eclectic range of subjects.
The institution was started in 1983. They try to thematically present culture, social issues, and history in a way that helps to bring it to life through the photographic medium of various parts of history. One of the best exhibits is the permanent collection of portraits. There is also an interesting exhibit of pictures that attempt to help us see images that the human eye normally cannot see. All in all, you can have a great time here.
Why You Should Visit:
A visually interesting array of images from the earliest camera obscuras to the latest in digital artistry.
The museum also hosts classic films in the evenings during the week.
Admission is donation-based which is also nice.
Tip:
Be sure to stop by the gift shop – they have some great photographer's books, as well as cameras and accessories for sale.
The institution was started in 1983. They try to thematically present culture, social issues, and history in a way that helps to bring it to life through the photographic medium of various parts of history. One of the best exhibits is the permanent collection of portraits. There is also an interesting exhibit of pictures that attempt to help us see images that the human eye normally cannot see. All in all, you can have a great time here.
Why You Should Visit:
A visually interesting array of images from the earliest camera obscuras to the latest in digital artistry.
The museum also hosts classic films in the evenings during the week.
Admission is donation-based which is also nice.
Tip:
Be sure to stop by the gift shop – they have some great photographer's books, as well as cameras and accessories for sale.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) on Map
Sight Name: Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA)
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town is the oldest settled area in San Diego which claims to be the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast of modern United States.
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Balboa Park, named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, is one of the largest and most culturally significant urban parks in the United States. Established in 1868 as “City Park,” this 1,400-acre area began as undeveloped public land before its transformation in the early 20th century into a center of art, culture, and recreation. Its evolution truly began with the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is vivid proof that history doesn’t have to sit quietly in a museum—it can dance, dine, and light up the night! Stretching across 16½ lively blocks, this historic district is where Victorian architecture meets craft cocktails and neon signs. With over 90 preserved buildings, the Gaslamp is one of the largest collections of Victorian commercial structures... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the picturesque San Diego Bay is a vibrant waterfront area. Embarcadero Marina, a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, houses several outstanding ship museums and is home to other notable sites. The abundance of shopping and dining options, complete with the pristine views of the city skyline, delight numerous locals and tourists and make... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...