ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station

Local art, museums, and boutique shops await at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, an outdoor gallery and cultural center heading up San Diego’s arts scene.
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
Art in Liberty Station
Station Installations
Bundle & Save
Seeing the Art
Parking Info
Know These Tips
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Highlights

ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
Highlights
Arts Venue
Planning Your Visit
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
Highlights
Arts Venue
Planning Your Visit

Get in on the Ground Floor of San Diego’s Arts Scene at Liberty Station

Art Throughout Liberty StationHanging Out at the Bar at Liberty Public Market

San Diego’s Liberty Station neighborhood is more residential than the city’s more touristy spots like Balboa Park and its museums, but it’s still well worth visiting for both San Diego residents and vacationers.

First, it’s tucked next to Old Town San Diego, Ocean Beach and its coastlines, and the San Diego International Airport (SAN). And better yet, fans of the arts will find that it houses a hidden gem: ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station.

What Is the ARTS DISTRICT?

Rather than a singular stage or theater, Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT is more like a hub for art in all its forms. These include both permanent and rotating installations of painted works in galleries and murals, sculptures, and even performance art.

NTC Command Center at Liberty Station
NTC Command Center at Liberty Station

Bridging the Gap Between Art and the Public

The ARTS DISTRICT area used to be a Naval Training Center (NTC), but since then has turned into a thriving arts scene!

Through public galleries, Liberty Station has not only shared works by upcoming local artists and their studios with wider audiences, but has also brought greater attention to San Diego’s arts by eliminating barriers that have previously kept art inaccessible.

The movement has largely been led by the NTC Foundation and its Art in Public Places Committee, which has overseen the art installations on display there since 2017.

Local Tips
Looking for the BEST Sunset?
The ARTS DISTRICT is close to Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Monument. For a beautiful sunset, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of the best spots in San Diego to enjoy the view.

Past and Current Art Installations

Each installation in the ARTS DISTRICT at Liberty Station is commissioned on a yearly contract basis. So what this means is that even if you’ve visited before, there’s something new to see each year!

Statue at Arts District in Liberty Station
Statue at Arts District in Liberty Station

Notable Exhibitions from Past Years

Many installations have sought to expand the boundaries of art and offer new and innovative ways to engage with the medium. Public art previously on display has included:

  • Here Comes the Sun, a vibrantly-painted piano for anyone to play
  • Nikigator, an alligator sculpture on loan from the Mingei International Museum
  • Birds Without Paradise, made of natural materials
  • Rolling it Forward, a mosaic of community-painted skateboards
  • Plastic Dinner, a wirework sculpture

The ARTS DISTRICT also hosts the annual ArtWalk Liberty Station, which serves as both a showcase for artist studios and a market for art vendors.

Military Mondays at Liberty Public Market
Military Mondays at Liberty Public Market

Current Galleries and Installations

The art currently on display at Liberty Station is constantly rotating. See the website for more information about what’s being showcased now and how long it is expected to remain on display.

Bundle at Balboa Park!
Japanese Friendship Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden
Experience serenity as you stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden. The All-Inclusive Go Pass gives you admission to the zen garden, koi ponds and bonsai collection. Soak up the tranquility and peacefulness of this authentic garden.
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Local Tips
What is the cheapest way to buy a Go City San Diego pass?

The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

When and How to See the Art

Arts District at Liberty Station
Arts District at Liberty Station

Unlike other San Diego arts venues, you don’t need a ticket to visit ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. It’s entirely free to walk around and see the current installations.

Even admission to museums like the Visions Art Museum is free.

Some businesses in the district offer classes and sell special event tickets. Contact the businesses directly for more information about pricing.

Original Barracks 17 Building Converted to Public Use
Original Barracks 17 Building Converted to Public Use

Plan Your Visit

My favorite time to visit the North Promenade of the ARTS DISTRICT is in the summer, when Liberty Station holds its Summer Music Series. These are free outdoor musical performances held on the 4th Sunday from June through September.

Featured Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport / Liberty Station
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport / Liberty Station
Families
Families
Near Bay
Near Bay
Nightlife
Nightlife
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Close to transportation and attractions, Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport / Liberty Station is ideal for tourists and business travelers.
Prices Starting at $180
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Popular Hotels Nearby
Popular Hotels
Price
Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
$162
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Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
$199
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Empress Hotel
$204
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FOUND Hotel
$67
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Parking and Access Information

Long MTS Bus in Downtown San Diego
Long MTS Bus in Downtown San Diego

ARTS DISTRICT is located at 2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106. It sits right at the corner of Roosevelt and Historic Decatur Rd.

If you’re planning on using public transit, the closest bus stop at Rosecrans St & Roosevelt Rd will bring you within a 5-minute walk.

Parking Options

There is limited street parking around the ARTS DISTRICT. There are some nearby lots with more spaces including Lot I, Lot G, and Liberty Station Parking, all of which are within walking distance.

Accessibility for Guests

Since the artwork is displayed outdoors, you won’t have to worry about finding accessible seating. Liberty Station is wheelchair accessible.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport Liberty Station
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport Liberty Station

Hotels in the Area

We’ve got an entire article dedicated to the best hotels near the airport, which is right next to Liberty Station.

But if you want our top recommendation for a place to stay near the ARTS DISTRICT, that honor goes to the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport / Liberty Station, which sits right on the waterfront of the San Diego Bay.

Popular Activities

Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Discounts Available
Learn More
Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of Photographic Arts
Discounts Available
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The San Diego Maritime Museum
The San Diego Maritime Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit the San Diego Art Institute
Visit the San Diego Art Institute
Discounts Available
Learn More

Tips to Know Before Going to the ARTS DISTRICT

Lot Parking
Lot Parking

Here are a few pointers we think you’ll find useful if you’re planning to visit Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT.

Pottery and Sculptures at the San Diego Art Musuem
Pottery and Sculptures at the San Diego Art Musuem

What Other Art Venues Are Nearby?

If you’re interested in the arts and planning to visit a San Diego museum or two, why not pick up a Go City San Diego pass with our discount code?

You’ll get discounted admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art (Downtown), The San Diego Museum of Art, and the family-friendly art gallery at The New Children's Museum among many other local attractions.

I also think the Barrio Logan Food and Art Guided Walking Tour is a ton of fun and a great way to learn about art too!

Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument
Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument

What Are More Ideas for Things to Do and See in the Area

The ARTS DISTRICT is not far from Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Monument. If you’re interested in a beautiful sunset, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of my favorite spots in San Diego to see a sunset.

One more idea I’d share would be to pop over to Little Italy for a meal. Just on the other side of the airport, you can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants in that neighborhood.

What Amenities are Available in the ARTS DISTRICT?

There are restaurants and cafes within the ARTS DISTRICT where you can grab a meal or something to drink. You can find public restrooms around NTC Park.

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Stay Nearby

Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
from $162 / night
View Hotel
Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
Near Petco Park
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
from $199 / night
View Hotel
Empress Hotel
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Empress Hotel
from $204 / night
View Hotel
FOUND Hotel
Budget Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
FOUND Hotel
from $67 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Discounts Available
Learn More
Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of Photographic Arts
Discounts Available
Learn More
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More of The Arts