The historic ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego seem to have enlisted a crew of spooky skeletons! Some of those skeletons appear to be the grisly remains of pirates!
How can it be?
Are the ships Star of India, HMS Surprise and the Berkeley in truth Spectre-ships, arrived in San Diego from that famous poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner?
Or could it be that Halloween is creeping ever closer?
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A beautiful Day of the Dead altar has been set up inside the Casa de Estudillo in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
This Dia de los Muertos ofrenda can be found in the historic home’s sala, a large room where, in the early 1800s, traveling priests would perform weddings, baptisms and memorial services.
The altar includes many traditional elements, including marigolds and pan de muerto.
Old photographs on the altar remember family members who lived here in the 19th century. A nearby sign lists them. Included are Jose Antonio Ramon Joaquin Ygnacio Victorino Estudillo (who built the casa with his father José María Estudillo) and his wife Maria Victoria Dominguez Estudillo. Many members of the family had important roles in the life of early San Diego and California.
I was pleased to find the Casa de Estudillo open to the public last weekend. It had been closed for a long time due to a lack of volunteers at the State Park.
Next time you visit Old Town, swing by the historic home and step inside!
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The pergola near the center of the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park is being rebuilt!
I took these photographs today as construction workers were busy recreating the historically inspired pergola. The original structure had been torn down several years ago due to wood rot and being exposed to the weather for decades.
Now the pergola (what I’ve previously called a gazebo) is coming back! When completed, visitors to Balboa Park will once again enjoy a shady retreat in the middle of a world-class rose garden.
Should you visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in the next couple weeks, be sure to watch for signs leading to an incredible exhibition of Dia de los Muertos art created by students from schools all across San Diego!
The exhibit is made possible through the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program of the San Diego Unified School District in partnership with California State Parks.
What will you see? A whole lot of amazing art, created by hundreds of highly creative TK-12 students!
There are Dia de los Muertos drawings, paintings, miniature ofrendas, dioramas, sculptures, Catrinas, ceramics, sugar skulls, and so much more. Every participating school has their own special little spot to showcase student artwork.
This now seems to be an annual exhibition, which is quite exciting! Congratulations to all participating students! Excellent work!
As one sign explains: Through a variety of media and artistic approaches, students explore remembrance, cultural traditions, identity, healing, and connection. Together, their individual works create a collective celebration of the people, stories, and communities we carry with us.
My photos…
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As I passed the old Del Mar Post Office on 15th Street, I noticed the Del Mar Garden Club has put together a colorful box display that celebrates the fall season and Dia de Los Muertos.
Thought you might enjoy seeing this…
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
Bella Vita Fest is being held this weekend in San Diego’s Little Italy. A big part of the Italy themed festival is the creation of chalk art along India Street.
This morning–Sunday–the chalk artists (many traveled to San Diego from places far away) were busy at work completing their amazing creations. Subject matter included anything and everything from Italian history or culture.
I took these photographs of talented chalk artists at work on the street…
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
There’s a free, family-friendly Winter Carnival coming up in San Diego that you should mark down on your calendar!
On Saturday, December 5, 2026, the fun event will be held at Park de la Cruz at 3911 Landis Street. Come by between 11:30 am and 2 pm to enjoy games, cookie decorating, face painting, and yummy food!
There will be booths selling handmade crafts, too. It will be the perfect opportunity to find special Christmas gifts!
You can register in advance by following the info in my above photo, or just show up the day of the event.
If you do register in advance, kids can receive a free gift!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
There’s a house in Carlsbad at the corner of Laguna Drive and Elmwood Street, across the street from the Georgina Cole library. This building, the Elmwood House, is where you’ll find the City of Carlsbad Sculpture Garden.
When I visited weeks ago, the Sculpture Garden’s main gate was closed. In the front yard of the Elmwood House, however, I was able to approach these two sculptures.
The first sculpture I photographed is quite unique. It’s blue, appears to have a mysterious function, and seems to belong on a farm.
The public art is Untitled, by notable Italian born artist Italo Scanga, who taught for many years at UC San Diego. The sculpture is from the Art in Public Places Program, Carlsbad Arts Commission, May 2009.
The second, mostly green sculpture is also quite unique. It appears to be a tree (or a cloud?) with a bird flying above. I like how it casts a mysterious shadow on the grass.
I couldn’t find a title for this piece of art. It’s also by Italo Scanga and is dated 1998.
One day I’ll return to the Elmwood House. Hopefully, on that day, the City of Carlsbad Sculpture Garden’s main gate will be open.
I’ll be sure to share any photos I take!
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