Signs containing wisdom enlighten the city.

A small handwritten sign seen in a San Diego window. The danger of falling in love is falling in love.
A small handwritten sign seen in a San Diego window. The danger of falling in love is falling in love.

Here are some wise (or seemingly wise) signs that I’ve photographed during my walks around downtown San Diego. Some enlighten passersby, some add a touch of lightness or levity to daily life.

If there is one thing that Republicans and Democrats can agree on is that coffee is Great! Indeed, many things in life are.
If there is one thing that Republicans and Democrats can agree on is that coffee is Great! Indeed, many things in life are.
Perhaps this is wise. Perhaps not. Play today, work mañana.
Perhaps this is wise. Perhaps not. Play today, work mañana.
Hazard. One word warns of unseen danger under the smooth, peaceful water of San Diego Bay.
Hazard. One small word to the wise, warning of unseen danger under the deceptively peaceful water of San Diego Bay.
More wisdom inside another downtown window. Live in the moment, take chances, be here now, tell someone how much they mean to you.
More wise philosophy inside a downtown window. Live in the moment, take chances, be here now, tell someone how much they mean to you.
Sign on San Diego sidewalk. With our thoughts we make the world. Buddha.
Sign on San Diego sidewalk with a powerful, insightful quote. With our thoughts we make the world. Buddha.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short philosophical stories? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Amazing life and beauty in Ocean Beach tide pools.

Carefree kids jump while exploring the tide pools just south of the Ocean Beach Pier.
Carefree kids jump while exploring the tide pools just south of the Ocean Beach Pier.

On Sunday I headed to Ocean Beach, for no particular reason. I like to walk out on the pier.

My visit happened to coincide with low tide, so I took advantage of an opportunity to explore the tide pools near the base of the pier. What did I see? Amazing life. Amazing beauty.

North of the Ocean Beach Pier there is a beautiful, very popular beach. Some rocks are exposed at low tide.
North of the Ocean Beach Pier there is a beautiful, very popular beach. Some rocks are exposed at low tide.
Under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, which is the second longest pier on the West Coast.
Under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, which is the second longest pier on the West Coast.
Seagulls circle above people who are searching for natural wonders in the intertidal zone.
Seagulls circle above people who are searching for natural wonders in the intertidal zone.
A view of the Ocean Beach Pier and nearby tide pools. An easily accessible place to explore the seashore and make small discoveries.
A view of the Ocean Beach Pier and nearby tide pools. An easily accessible place to explore the seashore and make small discoveries.
People explore fascinating tide pools near the foot of the OB pier during low tide. The rocks can be very slippery.
People explore fascinating tide pools near the foot of the OB pier during low tide. The rocks can be very slippery.
At low tide, the exposed expanse of sandstone rock south of the pier contains many channels and depressions, the home of algae and small sea creatures.
At low tide, the exposed sandstone rocks south of the pier contain many depressions, the home of algae and small sea creatures.
There are many interesting photo opportunities at the tide pools. Down on hands and knees, you're going to get a little slimy and wet!
There are many interesting photo opportunities at the tide pools. Down on hands and knees, you’re going to get a little slimy and wet!
A complex, natural mosaic in the rock.
A complex, natural mosaic in the rock.
Hidden channels and eroded surfaces in the irregular, pitted sandstone.
Hidden channels and eroded surfaces in the irregular, pitted sandstone.
Kids stand near the sea wall at the end of one water-sculpted, crevice-like channel.
Kids stand near the sea wall at the end of one water-sculpted, crevice-like channel.
I believe this little guy is a troglodyte chiton. Thousands can be seen in their own tiny sandstone burrows in the intertidal rocks. They can live 20 years in the same spot!
I believe this little guy is a troglodyte chiton. Thousands can be seen in their own tiny sandstone burrows in the intertidal rocks. They can live 20 years in the same spot!
Lots of amazing discoveries to be made!
Lots of amazing discoveries to be made!
One can see pink encrusting coralline algae and surfgrass in this saltwater-filled channel.
One can see pink encrusting coralline algae and surfgrass in this saltwater-filled channel.
I can see why this is called sea lettuce! It's actually a type of green algae.
I can see why this is called sea lettuce! It’s actually a type of green algae.
Another view of the tide pools immediately south of the OB pier.
Another view of the tide pools immediately south of the OB pier.
Bright green surfgrass, reddish algae and blue ripples of incoming ocean surf make a strangely beautiful photograph.
Bright green surfgrass, reddish algae and blue ripples of incoming ocean surf make a strangely beautiful photograph.
More pink coralline algae and surfgrass, seen close-up.
More pink coralline algae and surfgrass at the OB tidepools.
A small empty shell among some sea lettuce.
A small empty shell among some sea lettuce.
An unusual photo at the tide pools. Nature is an infinitely prolific artist.
An unusual photo at the tide pools. Nature is an infinitely prolific artist.
A cool photo composed of accumulated shell pieces.
A cool photo composed of accumulated shell pieces.
Limpets large and small on one rock form a beautiful pattern.
Limpets large and small on one rock form a beautiful pattern.
Adventures in progress.
Adventures in progress.
Tiny miracles of nature in the soft sandstone.
Tiny miracles of nature in the soft sandstone.
A sample of the surprising beauty you might encounter at these tide pools.
A sample of the surprising beauty you might encounter at these tide pools.
A periwinkle, or sea snail.
A periwinkle, or sea snail.
More beautifully patterned limpets, and I think I might see a few barnacles.
More beautifully patterned limpets, and I think I might see a few barnacles.
Right up next to the sea wall.
Right up next to the sea wall. The tide pools continue a good distance to the south.
A sea anemone among sand and algae in a tide pool.
A sea anemone covered with shell fragments, among sand and algae in one tide pool.
An aggragating anemone, safely closed up at low tide so that it doesn't dry out. Many small stones and shell bits have collected upon it.
An aggragating anemone, safely closed up at low tide so that it doesn’t dry out. Many small stones and shell bits have collected upon it.
Another watery scene in a life-filled Ocean Beach tide pool.
Another watery scene in a life-filled Ocean Beach tide pool.
There's lots of exploring to do!
There’s a lot of exploring to do!
Looking under the OB pier as I climb up its stairs for an overhead view of the tide pools.
Looking under the OB pier as I climb up its stairs for an overhead view of the tide pools.
Looking down from atop Ocean Beach Pier at the nearby tide pools. People out on the rocks search for wonders in the intertidal zone.
Looking down from atop Ocean Beach Pier at the nearby tide pools. People out on the rocks search for wonders in the intertidal zone.

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I live in San Diego and love to walk all over the place! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Jacaranda spring festival coming to Cortez Hill!

Those pink spring blooms, I believe, actually belong to Pink Trumpet Trees in Tweet Street Park, site of the upcoming Jacaranda Spring Thing!
Cheerful blooms cover Pink Trumpet Trees in Tweet Street Park.  The neighborhood park is site of an upcoming spring festival!

This morning, when I saw a large temporary sign on the street outside my front door, I went to investigate. And look what I discovered! A neighborhood spring festival is going to take place on Cortez Hill!

It’s called Jacaranda Spring Thing! (Yes, there are lots of beautiful Jacaranda trees on Cortez Hill. Many can be found in Tweet Street Park where the festival will take place.)

The free outdoor event will feature food trucks, a special Home Depot workshop (about fixing up your outdoor patio), live music, a book truck, a photo booth . . . all sorts of fun stuff!

Okay, are you interested? It takes place on April 16 at Tweet Street Park, along Date Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, from noon to 4pm.  Here’s a link with more info.  (By registering at that link, the organizers at the Downtown San Diego Partnership can get an idea of how many people might show up.)

A special neighborhood event is coming to Cortez Hill. The Jacaranda Spring Thing takes place Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-4pm.
A special neighborhood event is coming to beautiful Cortez Hill. The Jacaranda Spring Thing takes place Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-4pm.
I love walking along Date Street through sunny Tweet Street, a park dedicated to city birds.
I love walking along Date Street through sunny Tweet Street, a park dedicated to city birds.
Spring is in the air on Cortez Hill. The gentle season brings new life and great natural beauty.
Spring is in the air on Cortez Hill. The gentle season brings new life and great natural beauty.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Street artist creates cool sand sculpture in OB.

People enjoying the beach by the Ocean Beach pier are joined by a mythical god and two sunning mermaids!
People enjoying the beach by the Ocean Beach pier are joined by a mythical god and two sunning mermaids!

If you’re in Ocean Beach this week, there’s a good chance you can still enjoy a fantastic sand sculpture created by a talented street artist. Just head down to the base of Newport Avenue!

I don’t know the artist’s name. I did learn that he doesn’t have a website. His buddy was watching over the artwork when I walked past it. He said people should just drop on by and check the sand sculpture out!  I thought all that inspired work deserved a nice tip!

Very cool!

The sea wall at the end of Newport Avenue, north of the OB pier, is a good place to see a variety of street performers.
The sea wall at the end of Newport Avenue, north of the OB pier, is a good place to see a variety of street performers.
Two sand sculpture mermaids created by a talented street artist near the Ocean Beach boardwalk.
Two sand sculpture mermaids created by a talented street artist near the Ocean Beach boardwalk.
Neptune is popping up out of the sand at Ocean Beach!
Neptune is popping up out of the sand at Ocean Beach!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Bright ideas, colorful art, a construction site fence.

Imagination. One work of art on a construction site fence in East Village.
Imagination. One work of art on a construction site fence in East Village.

One can find some colorful, imaginative artwork on a long construction site fence in East Village. In case you aren’t in San Diego, or simply can’t swing on by, I took some photographs!

The large city block bounded by the fence is the site of a new mixed-use development called IDEA1. The visionary urban project includes a combination of apartments, lofts, restaurants, retail and high-tech office space. At the center of it all will be a community gathering place, called The Hub. I can’t wait to see everything finished.

Meanwhile, we can enjoy this cool urban art!

A skyscraper joins the ranks of a vertical pencil, ruler and paint brush.
A skyscraper fits right in with a vertical pencil, ruler and paint brush.
A big construction crane in downtown San Diego rises over globs of color.
A big construction crane in downtown San Diego rises over globs of color.
A cloud containing llamas engulfs the upper stories of a very tall building.
A cloud containing llamas engulfs the upper stories of a very tall building. Okay, that’s just plain weird!  But I like it!
Discover Beyond. Beyond this construction fence, IDEA1 is rising. IDEA1 is a mixed-use residential and business project in East Village.
Discover Beyond. Beyond this construction fence, IDEA1 is rising. IDEA1 is a new mixed-use residential and business project in East Village.
A noodle coming out of a basket spells Idea. Care for some sushi?
A noodle coming out of a basket spells Idea. Care for some sushi?
Cool graphic shows street lamp, signs, a DecoBike station, traffic signal and trolley.
Cool graphic shows lamp, street signs, a DecoBike station, traffic signal and San Diego trolley.
Curious? I am.
Curious? I am.
A psychedelic, tree-lined eyeball between colorful barren branches.
A psychedelic, tree-lined eyeball between colorful barren branches.
Bright Idea at the corner of Park Boulevard and F Street in San Diego's East Village.
Bright Idea at the corner of Park Boulevard and F Street in San Diego’s East Village.
Top of idea, with wires coming out.
Top of one idea, with wires coming out.
A couple, a red umbrella, and city lights.
A couple, a red umbrella, and city lights.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Have you seen my new blog yet? I think you might enjoy it! It’s called Beautiful Balboa Park! It contains lots of fun, interesting stuff!

San Diego gets ready for 2016 MLB All-Star Game!

A booth anticipating this year's 2016 MLB All-Star Game sells official merchandise at Padres FanFest, the weekend before Opening Day.
A booth anticipating this year’s 2016 MLB All-Star Game sells official merchandise at Padres FanFest, the weekend before Opening Day.

I’ve taken more photos anticipating baseball’s Midsummer Classic!

San Diego will host the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July, just one week separated from the internationally famous and wildly popular San Diego Comic-Con. Things are going to get crazy!

I live downtown, and I’ll be taking most of those two weeks off from work, so I promise to walk around and take loads of fun photos! Even though both events are several months away, I’m already getting excited!

2016 All-Star Game merchandise includes clothing, keychains, pins, commemorative baseballs and other collectible items. Major League Baseball will put on a big show this summer in San Diego!
2016 All-Star Game merchandise includes clothing, keychains, pins, commemorative baseballs and other collectible items. Major League Baseball will put on a big show this summer in San Diego!
2016 San Diego All-Star Game logo at end of pedestrian ramp inside Petco Park, stadium home of the MLB Padres.
2016 San Diego All-Star Game logo at end of pedestrian ramp inside Petco Park, cool stadium home of the MLB Padres.
This large sign at the top of Petco Park announces that San Diego is home of the 2016 All-Star Game.
This large sign at the top of Petco Park announces that San Diego is home of the 2016 All-Star Game.
The upcoming All-Star Game appears on a street lamp near Petco Park. These banners can now be seen around East Village.
The upcoming All-Star Game appears on a street lamp near Petco Park. These banners can now be seen around East Village.
Cool vintage baseball photo at entrance to DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park. More history will be made in San Diego this year.
Vintage baseball photo at entrance to DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park. More history will be made in San Diego this year.
Guy attending 2016 Padres FanFest wears an old 1992 San Diego All-Star Game jacket, reminding everyone that the Midsummer Classic is returning this year!
Guy attending 2016 Padres FanFest wears an old 1992 San Diego All-Star Game jacket, reminding everyone that the Midsummer Classic is returning this year!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

This year I’ll be covering some huge events! Stand by for excitement!

Photos of 2016 Padres FanFest at Petco Park!

Padres fans have a ball at today's big FanFest at Petco Park. An exhibition game was played in the afternoon against the Chicago White Sox.
Padres fans have a ball at today’s big FanFest at Petco Park. An exhibition game was played in the afternoon against the Chicago White Sox.

This morning I walked across downtown to check out Padres FanFest!  The big annual event is held at Petco Park just prior to baseball’s Opening Day. It provides fans a taste of the upcoming Padres season. This is the third year in a row I’ve attended, and I really enjoyed it! Here are some pics!  Go Pads!

Thousands of fans turn out to get a preview of the Padres' 2016 baseball season. There were many family activities throughout Petco Park.
Thousands of fans turn out to get a preview of the Padres’ 2016 baseball season. There were many family activities throughout Petco Park.
Young Padres fans test their batting ability at KidsFest at Petco Park.
Young Padres fans test their batting ability at a special KidsFest area.
Photo of the busy children's baseball field, an awesome feature of the public park situated beyond Petco Park's outfield.
Photo of the busy children’s baseball field, an awesome feature of the public park situated beyond Petco Park’s outfield.
Young batter smashes a hit in the tiny ball field at Park at the Park. Baseball is fun for everyone!
Young batter smashes a hit in the tiny ball field at Park at the Park. Baseball is fun for everyone!
Kid infielders charge a batted wiffle ball at the miniature baseball field in Park at the Park.
Kid infielders charge a batted wiffle ball at the miniature baseball field in Park at the Park.
A friendly Coast Guard mascot attracts as much attention from kids as the nearby inflatable batting cage.
A friendly Coast Guard mascot attracts as much attention from kids as the nearby inflatable batting cage.
The San Diego Padres pulled out all the stops during 2016 FanFest. It appeared that many people were buying tickets for the upcoming season.
The San Diego Padres pulled out all the stops for this year’s Fan Fest. It appeared that many people were buying tickets for the upcoming season.
Phil's BBQ is a local favorite. Lots of tasty stuff was available at concessions inside and outside the stadium, including old classics like hot dogs.
Phil’s BBQ is a local favorite. Lots of tasty stuff was available at concessions inside and outside the stadium, including old classics like hot dogs.
Popular professional baseball players were signing autographs for San Diego fans.
Many popular Major League Baseball players were signing autographs for lined up fans.
Sign on back of the huge videoboard highlights the team's past accomplishments. This year Petco Park will host the 2016 MLB All-Star Game!
Sign on back of the huge videoboard highlights the team’s past accomplishments. This year Petco Park will host the 2016 MLB All-Star Game!
Some graphics at Petco Park commemorate Padres Hall of Famers.
Some graphics at Petco Park commemorate Padres Hall of Famers.
2016 FanFest allowed people to watch batting practice for the afternoon's exhibition game. A sunny spring day. The Pads will soon Play Ball!
2016 FanFest allowed people to watch batting practice for the afternoon’s exhibition game. Another sunny spring day in San Diego. The Pads will soon Play Ball!
Fans watch and hope to catch a ball during White Sox batting practice. The field looks green and ready for the coming season!
Fans watch and hope to catch a ball during White Sox batting practice. The field looks green and ready for the coming season!
I hope lots of Padres batters hit this bullseye on the Western Metal Supply building during the 2016 season. Hope springs eternal!
I hope lots of Padres batters hit this bullseye on the Western Metal Supply building during the 2016 season. Hope springs eternal!
A lucky fan in the stands gets an unexpected autograph from the Padres bullpen!
A lucky somebody in the stands gets an unexpected autograph from the Padres bullpen!
Padres starting pitcher James Shields stretches and warms up in the bullpen.
Padres starting pitcher James Shields stretches and warms up in the bullpen.
Padres FanFest is an exciting annual event at Petco Park!
Padres FanFest is an exciting annual sports event at Petco Park!
A player smashed a line drive over the wall during batting practice. If someone can catch the ball, they might possibly win a prize: tickets to the Homerun Derby before this year's All-Star Game!
A player smashed a line drive over the wall during batting practice. If someone can catch the ball, they might possibly win a cool prize: tickets to the Homerun Derby before this year’s All-Star Game!
A busy vendor walks about with drinks and snacks.
A busy vendor walks about with drinks and snacks.
Padres fans rest behind the Tony Gwynn statue atop the hill in the grassy Park at the Park.
Padres fans rest behind the Tony Gwynn statue atop the hill in the grassy Park at the Park.
Padres faithful kick back in the stands and absorb the sights and sounds of San Diego baseball.
Padres faithful kick back in the stands and absorb the sights and sounds of San Diego baseball.
Superstar pitcher James Shields signs autographs for lots of excited fans during 2016 FanFest at Petco Park.
Superstar pitcher James Shields signs autographs for lots of excited fans during 2016 FanFest at Petco Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

More fun photos of street murals in North Park.

Imaginative urban artwork decorates a building wall in San Diego's North Park.
Imaginative urban artwork decorates a building wall in San Diego’s North Park.

Here comes another batch of fun pics!

These super creative street murals were photographed during a walk in North Park. I believe all of this art was located along University Avenue, in the neighborhood of 30th Street. A colorful urban vibe is combined with uninhibited imagination and bold artistry.  Take a look!

The Animal House Pet Shop has a big, cool mural spray painted on its side.
The Animal House Pet Shop has a big, cool mural spray painted on its side.
Smiling faces, beautiful faces, funny faces. Happy visions come to life in this colorful street art.
Smiling faces, beautiful faces, funny faces. Happy visions come to life in this colorful street art.
More fantastic art beckons from an alley near the North Park landmark sign on University Avenue.
More fantastic art beckons from an alley near the North Park landmark sign on University Avenue. I must’ve taken this picture around Christmas.
A spherical fellow who resembles an emoticon or a video game character sits among lots of flowery shapes.
A blue spherical fellow who resembles an emoticon or a video game character sits among lots of flowery shapes.
A gritty urban canvas jammed with abstraction and graffiti is glimpsed by drivers heading along University Avenue.
A gritty urban canvas jammed with abstraction and graffiti is glimpsed by drivers heading along University Avenue.
Bold image along the roof of another building. A female warrior, a green dragon and a brilliant city scene.
Bold image along the roof of another building. A female warrior, a green dragon and a brilliant city scene.
Another alley, another funky street mural.
Another alley, another funky street mural.
I think I see some space chimps!
I think I see some space chimps!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Spring rain and flowers in Little Italy!

A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.
A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.

Early this morning I headed through Little Italy. The streets were still wet after a slight rain in the night. I was admiring all the brightly damp flowers up and down one sidewalk, when it occurred to me I should pull out my camera. So I did!

I love springtime in San Diego. Lots of walking and photos ahead!

Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego's beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy's friendly streets.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy’s friendly streets.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It's about a month away.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It’s about a month away.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego's streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego’s streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Creative urban trees add smiles to a San Diego walk.

Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.
Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.

My random walks around San Diego are full of surprises. I’m always excited to stumble upon one of those immensely fun sculptures that used to be part of the Urban Trees exhibitions on the Embarcadero.

From 2003 to 2011, seven different Urban Trees projects were funded by the Port of San Diego. Each exhibition featured about 30 unique sculptures, standing downtown at intervals along San Diego Bay. This public artwork was made from a whole range of different materials, including wood, copper, glass, tiles and steel. The fanciful pieces were selected by juried artist competitions, and when the Urban Trees exhibitions came to an end after about one year, many of the creations were sold by the artists to various collectors, institutions, businesses and public entities.

So there are times when I just can’t help smiling, because I happen to encounter one of the transplanted “trees” during a walk.

Perhaps you’ve already seen a few of these highly creative sculptures on my Cool San Diego Sights blog. If not, then click here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or finally here!

My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego's fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego’s fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It's called A Different, But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It's made of handmade tile and mosaic.
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It’s called A Different But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It’s made of handmade tile and mosaic.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building, on Pacific Highway.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building on Pacific Highway.
Visitors to San Diego's Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It's now seen by many people.
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It’s now seen by many people.
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!

UPDATE!

Here are a few more photos of three Urban Trees in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal! (I took the following pics in early 2017.)

Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Tree exhibitions in past years.
Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Trees exhibitions in past years.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee. I can’t find a year.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.

ANOTHER RANDOM UPDATE!

Some of the Urban Trees that have been acquired by the Port of San Diego are moved around from place to place. I’ve observed that the Sea Dragon was moved to Pepper Park in National City in early 2017.

I’ve also noticed from the window of the trolley that the Fish Tree by Zbigniew Pingot and Tobias Flores, which used to stand with those three other sculptures in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal, is now located in the northwest corner of the Port of San Diego’s parking lot! A Different But Loving Pair no longer occupies that corner of their parking lot! Where it is, I don’t know!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Find more fun stuff on Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of different photos for you to enjoy!