National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. There's a plethora of ways to dive into Hispanic culture in San Diego, including visiting local museums, neighborhoods and historical sites, reading books with kids, getting creative with art projects and, of course, eating traditional foods. Here are ideas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
CREATE
Our “Art with Alyssa” contributor, Alyssa Navapanich, shares art projects inspired by Hispanic culture: Amate bark paintings of Mexico, worry dolls of Guatemala, La Boca houses of Argentina and alebrijes of Mexico City. Find step-by-step instructions for each at the links below.
Amate Bark Paintings of Mexico
God's Eyes of Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains
TASTE
Asking locals who has the best tacos in San Diego County is a fast track to an argument. Here are some favorites:
- Tacos El Gordo - Downtown San Diego and Chula Vista
- Las Cuatro Milpas - Barrio Logan
- Mike’s Red Tacos - Point Loma, Mira Mesa and Clairemont Mesa
- TJ Tacos - Escondido
- City Tacos - several locations
- The Taco Stand - several locations
Empanadas are a traditional food of Argentina. Here are great spots to order them:
- The Empanada Spot - Chula Vista
- Empanada Kitchen - North Park
- Paraná Empanadas - UTC Mall (La Jolla), Liberty Public Market (Point Loma) and many local farmers markets
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If tapas, paella and sangría are more your style, visit Telefèric Barcelona in UTC Mall (La Jolla) for authentic (and delicious) Spanish cuisine. www.telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla
READ
Young Rosa experiences the power of sisterhood and community as she prepares to perform with her mother’s all-female mariachi group in Mamiachi & Me by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez. Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega.
Luna and Sol are determined to uncover the secret ingredient in their grandmother’s soup in Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz. This enchanting story features some bilingual words and a recipe for Nana’s healing soup. Illustrated by Carlos Vélez.
Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park by María Dolores Águila is the story of a courageous young activist who fights alongside neighbors to preserve Barrio Logan, San Diego’s oldest Chicano neighborhood that is now a hub of Mexican-American culture, heritage and vibrant art. The book, based on real-life events of the 1970s, is illustrated by Magdalena Mora.
EXPLORE
Take the kids on an educational field trip to learn about the historic, cultural and artistic contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in our region. Here are some places in San Diego County to check out:
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California, showcases Mexican and Spanish heritage through exploration of historic buildings, museums, restaurants, shops and cultural events.
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park offers visitors an introduction to Hispanic artists and history.
Sherman Heights Community Center
Known for celebrating and supporting the local Hispanic community, Sherman Heights Community Center hosts a number of cultural activities, including a weeks-long Día de los Muertos celebration that kicks off on Oct. 10 with Noche de Mole.
Barrio Logan
Barrio Logan is home to Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center and Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark where visitors can peruse the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world.
International Cottages in Balboa Park
Several cottages unite for a Latino Lawn Program, which includes food, live music and dancing. This year's participants (2026) include Casa de España (House of Spain), House of Mexico, House of Peru, House of Colombia, House of Puerto Rico and House of Panama. Visiting each cottage is also a great way to learn about the influence of Latinos on local history.
Centro Cultural de la Raza
Located in Balboa Park, the center is dedicated to promoting Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture through exhibits, events and live performances.
Mission San Luis Rey
Old Mission San Luis Rey (the largest of the 21 California missions) has a museum collection that includes artifacts from Spanish, Native American, Mission, Mexican Secularization and American Military periods. The church is recognized as the most unique and beautiful in the mission chain.
Lisa Gipson, managing editor of San Diego Family, is passionate about educating families about various cultures (and eating good tacos).
