Memories of the Greatest Generation at Liberty Station.

An important exhibition of historical photographs is now on display at Liberty Station in Point Loma.

A new exhibit space, inside Liberty Station’s old Quarters D building, features photographs by famed World War II era photographer Edward Steichen and his colleagues. The free exhibition is titled Memories of the Greatest Generation.

The newly opened exhibit space operates as a satellite for the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The photographs are in the Maritime Museum’s collection.

Learn all about this exhibition by clicking here!

Historical photographs portray military ships, airplanes and personnel operating at sea in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Renowned artist Edward Steichen and his team of eight photographers were commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1942 to document the war. They were called the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit. Over the next four years, most of their work would be aboard aircraft carriers. They created about 15,000 photographs.

Many of these excellent photographs are emotionally powerful. In my opinion, the best images include sailors, submariners and aviators, ordinary people doing their best in difficult wartime circumstances.

Should you look for the old Quarters D building (location of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s new exhibit space)–it’s at the corner of Rosecrans Street and Dewey Road. Watch for Maritime Museum signs. You can find parking down the hill a short distance away.

Also, watch for friendly museum volunteers! They are pleased to tell you all about this great historical exhibit!

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Clairemont Garden Tour street art in Bay Park.

Have you seen these electrical boxes in Bay Park, on Ingulf Street, just east of Morena Boulevard? Colorful street art painted on the boxes concerns the Clairemont Garden Tour, which is held each Spring.

It appears this street art was the project of the Clairemont Town Council, and I believe it was created in 2024. An artist signature I found is @cuttingsedgeart. That would be Grace Bagunu. She’s a community leader who makes art out of succulents, upcycling Comic-Con bags and creating sustainable art for a more beautiful world.

All sorts of plants and flowers are depicted. Those passing by are encouraged to Grow Your Own Way!

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Colorful wildlife mural beautifies Bay Park!

This very colorful mural debuted in Clairemont’s Bay Park neighborhood back in March. It decorates a fence on Morena Boulevard south of Ingulf Street.

Flora and fauna one might find in the neighborhood is depicted. In Tecolote Canyon one might observe a Red-Tailed Hawk. On the shore in Mission Bay one might spy a Snowy Egret. A bright yellow Bush Sunflower is an exclamation point to the brilliant artwork.

The digitally printed mural, part of the Morena Boulevard Beautification Project, was created by ArtReach (@artreachsd) in partnership with SDG&E. It was designed by artist Ian Stiles-Mikl (@ianstilesmikl) with input from community members.

Before the mural arrived, equipment and porta-potties in a dirt lot were visible through the fence. So much more beautiful now!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

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Hidalgo exhibit opens at House of Mexico.

A new exhibit opened yesterday at the House of Mexico cottage in San Diego’s Balboa Park. The history and culture of the Mexican state of Hidalgo is celebrated with displays of art, crafts, dolls, fashion, photographs and more!

Hidalgo is a small state in central Mexico, located directly north of Mexico City. It is known for its mining history. Hidalgo has its own unique attractions, including local traditions, picturesque towns and architecture, thermal springs, and beautiful natural landscapes. The objects on display inside the House of Mexico’s cottage help to show why Hidalgo is a popular tourist destination.

Friendly members of the House of Mexico welcomed me to their cottage and happily explained what I was seeing. But you must see all the color yourself! Just head over to Balboa Park’s always fascinating International Cottages.

I was told the House of Mexico welcomes new members. Anyone can join. Even I was invited! You can visit their website here.

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

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Two sculptures seen entering Escondido!

If you’ve driven into downtown Escondido from Interstate 15, there’s a chance you’ve spotted these two fun sculptures on West Grand Avenue.

The first, a red, white and blue rooster, stands at the end of Hawthorne Country Store’s lot.

The second sculpture is located a very short distance away, in front of Raining Cats & Dogs. This one is covered with colorful mosaics depicting sea life.

I can’t tell you a thing about either sculpture–apart from the fact I love them.

Know anything? Leave a comment!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

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Mural tells a story at Shaks Bistro in Vista!

A fantastic new mural was painted recently in the City of Vista behind Shaks Mediterranean Bistro. I happened to come upon it a few days ago.

The long wall behind the restaurant is like an illustrated story, peopled with birds. The birds are migrating, building, cooking, celebrating. The mural, according to the Shaks Instagram, is a tribute to our roots, our recipes, and the generations that came before us.

The mural’s joyful design is by @48savvysailors and the installation was completed by @clayton.sign.painting.

As you can see from my photographs, this long mural is another great addition to the many works of public art sprinkled throughout downtown Vista!

The happy story unfolds moving left to right:

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

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Colorful “I Am San Diego” lifeguard tower!

I discovered a colorful “I Am San Diego” lifeguard tower in Mission Bay Park today! It overlooks the water a bit north of the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.

The lifeguard tower is decorated with images that represent the vibrancy of life in our city. It’s part of the “I Am San Diego” citywide project that was launched last year. San Diegans are encouraged to share their San Diego stories and experiences on social media using the hashtag #IAmSanDiego. Learn more about it here.

Lifeguard towers are an iconic sight in sunny San Diego. This one definitely attracts beachgoers for a closer look.

I really love how lively this lifeguard tower has become!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

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More fun art found in downtown Vista!

Check out more fun artwork in San Diego’s North County!

I enjoyed a long walk in downtown Vista a couple days ago and found works of art I hadn’t seen previously. That’s probably because it has been a couple years since I’d wandered around these streets.

Downtown Vista absolutely overflows with amazing sculptures and murals. One cool thing is, from time to time new works of public art appear. (I’ve noticed the sculptures can be purchased by contacting the City of Vista.)

Okay, so what did I find?

The first photos are of a sculpture titled Sky Flowers, by artist Norberto Estrada. This colorful bouquet can be found near the intersection of Vista Village Drive and Main Street.

Not far from this sculpture is another titled Chasing Fish, by artist Noe Estrada. It’s near the corner of Main Street and South Citrus Avenue.

Check out Whale of a Tale, by artist Sergey Gornushkin! The whale is flukes up and preparing to dive at the corner of South Indiana Avenue and East Broadway.

I love this banner on South Santa Fe Avenue. Not sure how long it’s been up. It’s by Jack Green, Vista Innovation & Design Academy!

Finally, I noticed an electrical box at the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Vista Village Drive has been redecorated in a tribute to NASA and Vista, California, Earth…

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Funky sculpture in Carlsbad overlooks Pacific Ocean.

A funky sculpture has been erected in Carlsbad overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. I thought you might enjoy seeing it.

As I walked along a dirt path atop the bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard, a bit north of Cerezo Drive, I stumbled upon this fun artistic creation. Painted scenes, palm frond faces, a colorful heart, flags.

Who made it?

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Mural at Escondido’s Hawthorne Country Store.

Driving into Escondido on West Grand Avenue, it’s possible you glimpsed this mural on the side of Hawthorne Country Store.

The last time I enjoyed a long walk in Escondido, I made it a point to have a look at the mural and take several photographs.

The colorful artwork seems a bit faded, so I increased the contrast for my first and third photos. The artist is Tristan Pittard (@taggtristan). I see he has worked with Esco Alley Art.

Five words in the mural form the trunk of a tree: History, Diversity, Identity, Pride, Community. From the upper left corner of the mural sunshine beams down. Written inside the bright sun is the phrase: Community creates the future.

I love the fun image of a child and happy dog!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.

Feel free to share!