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Early Californian Impressionist art is well represented here by the landscapes of Charles A. Fries. This gallery also specializes in ancient pre-Columbian art, Oceanic and African ethnographic art, porcelain, and sculptures. A gallery across the street carries rare books and prints.

This fine arts gallery specializes in San Diego artists. Exhibitions feature paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, and custom furniture from artists such as Mario Uribe, Gail Roberts, Paul Henry, and Johnny Coleman. The glowing, spiritual landscapes of Nancy Kittredge merit special notice.

This gallery showcases the etchings and lithographs of masters such as Rembrandt, Chagall, and Picasso. Also featured are the brilliant serigraphs of Jiang, one of the founders of the Hunan school of painting, and works by La Jolla’s own Theodore Geisel (see Theodore Geisel (1904–91)). Other artists represented are Peter Max, Joanna Zjawinska, Mackenzie Thorpe, and V. Montesinos.

Gratify your nautical gift needs through a variety of model ships, T-shirts, posters, and prints inscribed with an image of the Star of India (see San Diego Maritime Museum).

The oldest gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter features works of emerging US and international contemporary artists. Notice the surrealist acrylics of Filia, the urban landscapes of Luigi Rocca, and the mixed media paintings of Josue Castro, who is inspired by the magic and colors of the Zapotecan culture of Oaxaca.

This store is filled with ethnic clothes, Chinese brushes, Russian dolls, Indian chiming bells, and a good selection of alebrijes (see Mingei International Museum).

If you’re looking for art gifts with a contemporary edge, you might find them among the select merchandise that relates to the museum’s special exhibitions. Always on display are the latest art books and handcrafted jewelry (see Museum of Contemporary Art).

The most important contemporary art trends are presented at this museum. Docent-led tours, lectures, and special family nights make art accessible to all. The museum’s flagship facility (see Museum of Contemporary Art) is at the former oceanfront home of Ellen Browning Scripps (see Ellen Browning Scripps Park), with a satellite location downtown (see Museum of Contemporary Art).

Housed in stunning structures of Spanish-Colonial, Mayan, and Aztec designs that are architectural treasures in their own right, exhibits at these acclaimed museums constantly change, making Balboa Park (see Balboa Park) a year-round attraction. Enjoy the exhibits of fine art, photography, aerospace, anthropology, model trains, and much more (see Balboa Park Museums).

Science toys, videos, puzzles, and hands-on games will attract the kids – and you (see Reuben H. Fleet Science Center).