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!

Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibit coming to San Diego!

William Shakespeare

I learned something extraordinary today!

From June 4 to July 7, free to the public, an authentic First Folio of William Shakespeare will be on display at the San Diego Central Library downtown, in their 9th floor art gallery!

Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a very rare First Folio, containing some the most important works of English and World Literature ever penned! The book will be opened at Hamlet’s famous line “To be or not to be” — and unquestionably many eyes will read it! In addition, the exhibition will include other material concerning Shakespeare, his history and his work. There will also be interesting items from the world-famous Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, including Shakespearean props, costumes and photographs of past theatrical productions.

The First Folio is on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The special exhibition is in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

But that’s not all! Throughout this spring and summer, over the course of several months, the Old Globe Theatre and the San Diego Public Library will be teaming up with various schools and organizations to bring our city a whole slew of exciting activities celebrating William Shakespeare. There are plays, recitations, lectures, reenactments, games, film screenings, teas and a whole bunch more. Many of the activities will be held at different libraries around the city. It’s all too much to detail here. So check out the official website!

This is going to be great fun!

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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.

A strange, shimmering dream takes flight.

Dandelion fluff. Seeds take flight.

I’ve published another very short story.  It can be read in just a few minutes.  It’s titled One Strange, Shimmering Dream.

Would you like to be inspired? You might enjoy reading it. Click here.

What is your dream?

A fun walk: Tidelands Park to Coronado Ferry Landing.

Dinghy landing and colorful boats by San Diego Bay at one end of Coronado Tidelands Park's popular beach.
Dinghy landing’s colorful boats by San Diego Bay. One end of Coronado Tidelands Park’s popular beach.

Yesterday I took another fun, leisurely walk! I went from the Coronado Bay Bridge end of Tidelands Park up the sunny Bayshore Bikeway to the Coronado Ferry Landing. And I took lots of pics, naturally!

Perhaps you can see why Coronado is one of my favorite places.

I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego. There are so many cool and beautiful sights. And I swear every day is amazing.

A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.
A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.
People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you'd go under the Coronado Bridge, along Glorietta Boulevard and Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.
People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you’d go under the Coronado Bridge, then along Glorietta Boulevard and the Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.
Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.
Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.
A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.
A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.
Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.
Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.
At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water.
At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water. (A cool glint of light is reflecting off a skyscraper downtown!)
Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.
Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.
A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.
A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.
These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.
These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.
Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry!
Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry is coming in!
Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.
Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.
Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very favorite places! I'm so thankful to live nearby!
Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very, very favorite places! I’m so thankful to live nearby!
That big group of kayakers is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.
That big group of people in kayaks is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.
Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe's.
Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe’s.
Now we're finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Now we’re finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Some kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe's, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.
Some more kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe’s, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.
Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!
Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!
Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.
Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.

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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.

Deck replacement has begun on historic Star of India.

San Diego's famous Star of India--the oldest active sailing ship in the world--is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.
San Diego’s famous Star of India–the oldest active sailing ship in the world–is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.

Today I boarded the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s world-famous Star of India. The lady in the ticket booth informed me that the deck replacement began about a week or so ago!

You might remember I blogged about the Star of India’s deck replacement effort here.  Click the link to check out that post, and you can see how the poop deck appeared before work began.

A nice docent allowed me to walk up the steps almost to the poop deck so I could get a good photograph. As you can see, the first section of the deck has been removed. I also noted that the saloon underneath has been carefully converted into a work area.

Do you love history or San Diego? Please click here to help with this very important project!

The historic ship's elegant salon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
The historic ship’s elegant saloon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.

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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!

Loaf and Fish sandwiches at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market!

I saw a new canopy and sign at the ever-expanding Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. It's a food place called Loaf and Fish. They've got one of my favorite things!
Today I saw a new canopy and sign at the ever-expanding Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. It’s a food tent called Loaf and Fish! They’ve got one of my favorite things!

I’m not really a food blogger, but I have a terrible weakness for fish sandwiches, fish tacos and fish burritos. So when I saw a new food vendor was selling fresh fish sandwiches this weekend at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, of course I had to try one!

A bit down the pier you’ll find the sign that reads Loaf and Fish. Those are the nice folks you need to see. My grilled fish sandwich was really good! I was told they don’t have a website yet, but they’ll be there on the pier every Saturday morning, a tasty addition to the constantly growing Dockside Market!

(You can visit San Diego’s new outdoor fish market every Saturday morning on the pier just north of Seaport Village, next to Tuna Harbor.)

Loaf and Fish. Built, helmed and crewed by fishing families. The yellow tail in my sandwich was caught by the fishing vessel Wild West!
Loaf and Fish. Built, helmed and crewed by fishing families. The tasty yellowtail in my sandwich was caught by the fishing vessel Wild West!
Oh, man! My fish sandwich is getting ready! Some tomatoes, avocado (yum), red onions, chipotle mayo, lettuce, all on a fresh bolillo roll. And grilled fresh fish!
Oh, man! My fish sandwich is getting ready! Some tomatoes, avocado (yum), red onions, chipotle mayo, lettuce, all on a fresh bolillo roll. And, of course, grilled fresh fish!
And here it is, with a smile! You know what? It was pretty darn good. I recommend devouring these!
And here it is, with a smile! You know what? It was pretty darn good. I recommend devouring these!
Everyone at Loaf and Fish was super nice. Good luck guys!
Everyone at Loaf and Fish was super nice to some strange blogger guy walking around with a camera. Good luck guys!

UPDATE!

Loaf and Fish has added a couple of items to their menu. You can now enjoy fish tacos and tasty fish soup!

The fish tacos are just as yummy as any you’ll find in San Diego. And keep in mind our city has the best fish tacos in the entire world.

I’ve also tried the fish soup and it’s really tasty! In addition to big chunks of freshly caught fish, there are fresh vegetables and slices of avocado floating on top! On chilly mornings this hot soup really hits the spot!

To top it all off, eating on the pier by the water–with the bustle of activity all around, including friendly fishermen and local fishing boats and the seagulls and playful sea lions barking nearby–it’s a feast for the senses that can’t be beat!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! My blog covers anything that catches my fancy!

You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Discover real magic in beautiful Balboa Park.

Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park.
Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.

Real magic can be found in Balboa Park. Simply enter the place with wide eyes and an open heart.

You’ll find beauty, wonder, warmth, laughter, inspiration, and life as it should be.

All of it is magic.

A few photos…

Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art's grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art’s grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A large crowd watches some street entertainment. The Botanical Building rises in the background.
A large crowd watches some exciting street entertainment. The amazing Botanical Building stands in the background.
One of many characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
One of many unique characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
The very popular dog park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
The very popular Nate’s Point Dog Park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
Plucking arrows from a target of Balboa Park's 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
Plucking arrows from a target in Balboa Park’s 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
A glimpse down El Prado past the big fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
A glimpse down El Prado past the Bea Evenson Fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.

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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 love Balboa Park? Follow my special new blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park! It’s just getting started!

A big new Petco Park sign is being installed.

A brand new sign is being installed at Petco Park, stadium home of Major League Baseball's awesome San Diego Padres!
A brand new sign is being installed at Petco Park, stadium home of Major League Baseball’s awesome San Diego Padres!

Just a quick couple pics. During my walk this morning, I happened to notice a big new Petco Park sign is being installed on the San Diego Padres’ downtown stadium. The new sign is a bright, cheerful red, and I’m sure it’s no coincidence that the lettering closely resembles the Petco logo. Workers are installing it from a crane just in time for Opening Day, which is a home game–April 4th against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Of course, the new sign will also be seen by millions of television viewers during the upcoming MLB All-Star game this summer. Go Pads!

Bicyclist heads down Park Boulevard past a new sight in East Village--a redesigned red sign for Petco Park, just in time for Opening Day and the upcoming 2016 MLB All-Star Game.
Bicyclist heads down Park Boulevard past a new sight in East Village: a redesigned red sign for Petco Park, just in time for Opening Day and the upcoming 2016 MLB All-Star Game.

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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 surprising photos for you to enjoy!