Tag: beaches

Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog.

One of many benches around Mission Bay in San Diego. Most feature a small plaque remembering loved ones.
One of many park benches near the beautiful water of Mission Bay.

My walk today took me a good distance around Mission Bay.

Benches can be found at intervals along the pedestrian and bike path that circles much of the bay. Most of these benches feature a small plaque dedicated to a beloved person or memory.

I paused on several occasions to read these thoughtful plaques. One really touched me for some reason. I found it at the base of a quiet bench next to Riviera Shores. It is dedicated to Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog.

There are so many stories, and so many lives. There’s much love in this world.

While I sat quietly on the bench, runners flew past.
While I sat quietly on the bench, runners breezed past.
I gazed across the beach at the calm blue water. Many have found enjoyment here.
I gazed across the sand at the calm blue water. Many have found enjoyment here.
1999 - In Loving Memory - Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog. They loved this beach. Ed and Beth of Buena Vista Street.
1999 – In Loving Memory – Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog. They loved this beach. Ed and Beth of Buena Vista Street.

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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 Twitter!

Lots of cool street art in Mission Beach!

A pelican on an electrical box on Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach.
A pelican painted on an electrical box.  Photo taken on Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach.

Enjoy these photos of street art finds in Mission Beach!

I saw lots of cool artwork while walking along Mission Boulevard from Pacific Beach Drive south to the Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park. Almost every electrical box along the sidewalk had been painted with a lively beach or ocean theme!

A sailfish swims above the sidewalk.
A sailfish swims above the sidewalk.
These fish in some kelp appear to be made of a hand and two feet dipped in paint!
These fish in some kelp appear to be made of a hand and two feet dipped in paint!
A transformer box with a small beach scene wrapping around it.
A transformer box with a small beach scene wrapping around it.
Close look at one part of the impressionistic painting of the beach.
Close look at one part of the impressionistic painting of the beach.
A typical beach scene with sand, palm tree and surfer.
A typical beach scene with sand, palm tree and surfer.
Someone with a pail and someone walking a dog.
Someone with a pail and someone walking a dog.
Three orange garibaldis in the Pacific Ocean.
Three orange garibaldis in the Pacific Ocean.
A traffic sign warns of surfers crossing!
A traffic sign warns of surfers crossing!
A red, white and blue fish above a garage door.
A red, white and blue fish above a garage door.
Some fun surfer street art in Mission Beach.
Some fun surfer street art in Mission Beach.
And right next to it is another colorful, psychedelic panel of street art. Find it at Mission Blvd and San Rafael Pl.
And right next to it is another colorful, psychedelic panel of street art. Find it near Mission Blvd. and San Rafael Pl.
A tropical scene on a wall.
A tropical scene on a wall.
Perhaps take some gyros out on your boat when you go sport fishing.
Perhaps take some gyros out on the boat when you go sport fishing.
A goose is loose!
A goose is loose!
One of several cool, nostalgic beach images on one parking lot fence. A surfer girl and a woodie overlooking the ocean.
One of several cool, nostalgic beach images on one parking lot fence. A surfer girl and a woodie overlooking the ocean.
Another cool Southern California image on the parking lot wall.
Another cool Southern California image on the parking lot wall.
A youth with a surfboard looks out at the beach and sandstone cliffs.
A youth with a surfboard looks out at the beach and sandstone cliffs.
There seems to be a large hole in this wall. I see ocean waves through it!
There seems to be a large hole in this wall. I see ocean waves through it!
We must take care of our land and sea. Live aloha.
We must take care of our land and sea. Live aloha.
A wacky tiki character on a corner of a Mission Beach shop.
A wacky Deadhead tiki character at the corner of a Mission Beach shop.
Another painted scene shows natural beauty along San Diego's coastline.
Another painted scene shows natural beauty along San Diego’s coastline.
Another cool woodie with surfboards on the roof.
Another cool woodie with surfboards on the roof.
Whales and seals and fish on one watery wall.
Whales and seals and fish on one watery wall.
And a dolphin, too!
And a dolphin, too!
The most important things in life . . . aren't things.
The most important things in life . . . aren’t things.
Two sailboats painted on an electrical box.
Two sailboats painted on an electrical box.
Another underwater scene on a utility box, faded by the sun.
Another underwater scene on a utility box, faded by the sun.
A ringed planet appears to be surfing! Cosmic, dude!
A ringed planet appears to be surfing! Cosmic, dude!
Street art celebrates the Mission Beach Centennial, 1914-2014. The Giant Dipper roller coaster, the main attraction of Belmont Park, is in both the artwork and the photograph's background.
Urban art celebrates the Mission Beach Centennial, 1914-2014. The Giant Dipper roller coaster, the main attraction of Belmont Park, is in both the artwork and the photograph’s background.
More garibaldis on a large electrical box near Mission Beach's famous roller coaster.
More garibaldis on a large electrical box near Mission Beach’s famous roller coaster.
A migrating gray whale and pod of dolphins are part of the previously shown underwater mural.
A migrating gray whale and pod of dolphins are part of the previously shown underwater mural.

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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 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 share and enjoy!

Colorful (and funny) street art in Pacific Beach!

Street mural by artist Amandalynn, painted in 2016 near Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach.
Street mural by artist Amandalynn, painted in 2016 near Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach.

On Saturday I walked down Mission Boulevard through both Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. I was blown away by some of the really cool street art that I found. As you’ll see, many of the colorful murals that I spied in Pacific Beach were painted just last year.

This batch of photos represents my walk south along Mission Boulevard, which is a block from the beach, from around Emerald Street to Pacific Beach Drive. In a coming blog post, I’ll share the fun and very unusual art I encountered as I continued south through Mission Beach.

A second photo of the eye-catching art, which shows beautiful ladies in a colorful underwater scene.
A second photo of the eye-catching mural by Amandalynn, which shows beautiful ladies in a colorful underwater scene.
The Pacific Beach Mermaid hangs out on a colorful wall. Art by Jared Blake Lazar a.k.a Jared Black Lazer.
The Pacific Beach Mermaid hangs out on a rock painted on a wall. Art by Jared Blake Lazar a.k.a Jared Black Lazer.
A humorous sign on the sidewalk. Head into this barber shop and come out a completely different person!
A humorous sign on the sidewalk. Head into this barber shop and come out a completely different person!

I don’t know if some critics would classify the above as art–but it was undeniably funny!

Street art on a utility box. The curl of this coffee's steam resembles the surf beyond the sand.
Street art on a utility box. The curl of this coffee’s steam resembles the surf beyond the sand.
Bunny Kitty carries a cigarette butt away as a fierce sea monster emerges from the deep. Pacific Beach art created in 2016 by Dave Persue for PangeaSeed.
Bunny Kitty carries a cigarette butt away as a fierce sea monster emerges from the deep. Pacific Beach art created in 2016 by Dave Persue for PangeaSeed.
A cool mural near The Local Pacific Beach, painted in 2016 by artists Sean Dietrich and Kai Martin. A blonde on roller skates, the PB boardwalk, beach, and a very strange car.
A cool mural near The Local Pacific Beach restaurant and bar, painted in 2016 by artists Sean Dietrich and Kai Martin. A blonde on roller skates, the PB boardwalk, surfboards, and a rather unusual car.
A very funny utility box. This side shows a woman at the beach covering the eyes of a small boy.
A very funny utility box. This side shows a woman at the beach covering the eyes of a small boy.
The next side shows Pacific Beach tourists who have spotted something that is both interesting and alarming.
Another side shows Pacific Beach tourists who have spotted something that is both interesting and alarming.
100 years of skating talent between us, but...
100 years of skating talent between us, but…
...nobody notices!
…nobody notices!
A friendly purple mermaid watches people driving down Mission Boulevard.
Another utility box is covered with mermaids.  This friendly purple mermaid watches humans driving down Mission Boulevard.
Another mermaid on the same box.
Another long-haired mermaid on the same box.
And a third happy mermaid!
And a third happy mermaid!
Two ladies walking along the edge of a parking lot toward the nearby beach. They pass someone snoozing in a hammock strung between palm trees.
Two ladies walking along the edge of a parking lot toward the nearby beach. They pass someone snoozing in a hammock strung between palm trees.
Street art on storage doors shows a surfer climbing toward a lifeguard tower at sunset.
Street art on doors shows a surfer climbing toward a lifeguard tower at sunset.
One final close look at the gorgeous art painted by muralist Amandalynn in Pacific Beach.
One additional look at the gorgeous art painted in 2016 by muralist Amandalynn in Pacific Beach.

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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 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 share and enjoy!

Photos of 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic!

People gather near the beach to watch the 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic.
People gather near the beach to watch the 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic.

Here come some cool surf photos!

I went to the 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic today and enjoyed walking around and watching the action from atop the OB pier.

What a beautiful, perfect day. Check it out!

The OB Pier stretches into the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful morning in early February. A fun surf competition is underway.
The OB Pier stretches into the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful morning in early February. A fun surf competition is underway.
I believe these guys were signing up people for a beach cleanup.
I believe these guys were signing up people for a beach cleanup.
Catching a football on the beach while two surfers head toward the water.
Catching a football on the beach while two surfers head toward the water.
Considering the event is only two years old, a nice turnout was evident along the boardwalk.
Considering the event is only two years old, a nice turnout was evident along the boardwalk.
A musician plays in OB during a surf community celebration.
A musician plays in OB during a surf community celebration.
I believe the winners in different categories would take home one of these small surfboards.
I believe the winners in different categories would take home one of these small surfboards.
Hanging out on the sea wall and the sand berm. The latter protects the nearby street and businesses from high water during winter storms.
Hanging out on the sea wall and the sand berm. The latter protects the nearby street and businesses from high water during winter storms.
A horn sounds. The 10:30 heat is starting out across the beach! May the best surfer win!
A horn sounds. The 10:30 heat is starting out across the beach! May the best surfer win!
The surf competitors enter the water.
The surf competitors enter the water.
One of the surfers has caught a nice wave. The surf was very high today and made for some good rides.
One of the surfers has caught a nice wave. The surf was high today and not terribly choppy, making for some pretty good rides.
Pacific Beach and La Jolla can be seen in the distance.
Pacific Beach and La Jolla can be seen in the distance.
Two surfers tackle a good breaker!
Two surfers tackle a good breaker!
OB is a haven for Southern California surfers.
OB is a haven for Southern California surfers.  It’s fun to watch from the pier.
A nice shot. This local surfer went under the pier and emerged near the competitors.
A nice shot. This local surfer went under the pier and emerged near the competitors.
A fun surf photo. (About the best my little camera can manage at a distance.)
A fun surf photo. (About the best my little camera can manage at a distance.)
People on the pier look out across the turbulent water.
People on the pier look out across the foamy water.
Keep having a good day!
Keep having a good day!
More cool action at the 2nd Annual OB Pier Surf Classic.
More cool action at the 2nd Annual OB Pier Surf Classic.
A line of pelicans flies overhead.
A line of pelicans flies overhead.
People enjoy a warm San Diego winter day on the OB pier.
People enjoy a warm San Diego winter day on the OB pier. One of my favorite places.
Leaning over the rail watching surfers below.
Leaning over the rail watching surfers below.
The guys surfing the south side of the pier were catching some fairly big waves.
The guys surfing the south side of the pier were catching some fairly big waves.
Today we were under a high surf advisory. Perfect for experienced surfers!
Today San Diego beaches were under a high surf advisory. Perfect for experienced surfers!
Surfer in a wetsuit about to paddle under the pier.
Surfer in a wetsuit about to paddle under the pier.
Some photographers and videographers were recording the action.
Some photographers and videographers were recording the action.
Wow! Check out this pic of the surf competition! Very cool!
Wow! Check out this pic of the surf competition! Very cool!
Riding in toward the shore.
Riding smoothly in toward the shore.
Meanwhile, along the beach people were simply enjoying life.
Meanwhile, along the beach people were simply enjoying life.
An artist was displaying some cool surf art at the competition.
An artist was displaying some colorful surf art at the competition.
An announcer calls the action so everyone can follow along.
An announcer calls the action so everyone can follow along.
A wonderful day at the 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic. Here's to many more years of success!
A wonderful day at the 2nd Annual Ocean Beach Pier Surf Classic. Here’s to many more years of success!

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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 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 share and enjoy!

Cool street art and signs in Ocean Beach!

Surfer walks past a community mural in Ocean Beach. The mural project was begun by OB artist Rich James in 1999. Residents each paint a square in the finished artwork.
Surfer walks past a community mural in Ocean Beach. The mural project was begun by OB artist Rich James in 1999. During special events, residents each paint a square in the mosaic artwork.

Just some more cool photos of colorful signs and street art taken while walking around Ocean Beach. I’ve arranged them in no particular order. Enjoy!

Cool street art mural on the side of a building near the foot of the OB pier.
Cool street art mural on the side of a building near the foot of the OB pier. Artist Celeste Byers collaborated with Aaron Glasson.
A small totem pole and some geraniums.
A small totem pole and some geraniums.
Surfing street art on OB utility box shows a view down the barrel of perfect wave.
Surfing street art on OB utility box shows a view down the barrel of perfect wave.
Motorcycle graphic on repair shop wall.
Motorcycle graphic on repair shop wall.
A mermaid holds ocean gifts. A mural in an Ocean Beach alley above a dumpster.
A mermaid holds a shell full of ocean gifts. A mural in an Ocean Beach alley above a dumpster.
Images of breaking surf high on a building wall.
Images of breaking surf high on a building wall.
Candy and goodies depicted on a colorfully painted Beach Sweets sign.
Candy and goodies depicted on a colorfully painted Beach Sweets sign.
This octopus on Newport Avenue seems to enjoy beer and pizza. One can grab a lot with eight tentacles!
This octopus on Newport Avenue seems to enjoy beer and pizza. One can grab a lot with eight tentacles!
A pelican, pizza and ale.
A pelican, pizza and ale.
Ocean Beach Surf School truck features cool surfer art.
Ocean Beach Surf School truck parked by sand features cool surfer art.
A splash of urban art on the side of the Hodads building.
A splash of urban art on the side of the Hodad’s building.
Another of many community murals in Ocean Beach. This one depicts underwater sea life.
Another of the many community murals in Ocean Beach. This one depicts underwater sea life.
What appears to be a tropical island scene on a utility box in OB.
What appears to be a tropical island scene on a utility box in OB.
Art along a sidewalk shows lush vegetation and the OB pier.
Art along a sidewalk shows lush vegetation and the OB pier.
Three parrots take flight.
Three parrots take flight.
Surfboards lie in wait beyond open door of the groovy USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
Surfboards lie in wait beyond open door of the groovy USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
Street lamp on Newport Avenue features palm trees.
Street lamp on Newport Avenue features palm trees.
Car with surfboard drives down Newport Avenue past tattoo parlor street art signs.
Car with surfboard drives down Newport Avenue past hair salon and tattoo parlor street art signs.
Don't believe the hype! You are already beautiful. Music, expression, love.
Don’t believe the hype! You are already beautiful. Music, expression, love.
Volkswagen bug appears to have emerged from the 60s, with peace signs and psychedelic designs.
Volkswagen bug appears to have emerged from the 60s, with peace signs and psychedelic designs.
Ocean Beach community mural features bicycles.
Ocean Beach community mural features bicycles.
The OB Christmas tree near the beach is a focal point of this cool community mural!
The OB Christmas tree near the beach is a focal point of this cool community mural!

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Tiny surfing dogs ride big waves at Imperial Beach!

Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!
Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!

And now for something on the light side. Surfing dogs!

Enjoy these funny photos of tiny dogs riding “huge” ocean waves near the pier at Imperial Beach! This morning I swung by the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition, just to check out the action. The first 10-minute heat featured smaller breeds. These dogs are some of the most talented surfing athletes you’re likely to ever see! Well . . . maybe. But they definitely appeared to be having fun!

All you non-dog athletes, take note! No aspiration is too lofty! No wave is too large!

A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A pooch says Hi while hanging out with a few buddies. It's going to be another great day in San Diego!
A pooch says “Hi” while hanging out with a few buddies. It’s going to be another great day in San Diego!
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from interfering human types.
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from those often interfering human types.
We're almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
We’re almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition's first 10-minute heat of the day!
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition’s first 10-minute heat of the day!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most talented and fearless dogs will master this tough competition.
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most skillful and fearless dogs will master this tough surfing competition.
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as the annual surf dog competition gets underway.
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as this year’s surf dog competition in IB gets underway.
This innovative dog--I believe his name is Samson--doesn't adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides backwards.
This innovative dog–I believe his name is Samson–doesn’t adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides his surfboard backwards.
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you'll probably never see it again!
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you’ll probably never see it again!
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy.
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy!
I'm thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
I’m thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off surfing skills.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off their mad surfing skills.
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they're honest-to-goodness surfers. Can't fool me!
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they’re honest-to-goodness surfers. Can’t fool me!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Sea-themed mosaics at Fletcher Cove and Overlook Park.

Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.

During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.

The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.

From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.

Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of ceramic tiles.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Barred Surfperch.
Barred Surfperch.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
Red Octopus.
Red Octopus.
A work of art depicting a few of nature's wonders and human creativity.
A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea...
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand and time.
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you're bound to find more.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.
White Amiantis.
White Amiantis.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach's Fletcher Cove Park.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!

…

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!

Photos from Ocean Beach Pier Cleanup Day!

Cool people search under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for litter. I love a clean San Diego!
Cool people search under the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier for litter. I love a clean San Diego!

This morning I headed to the OB pier to take a bunch of photos. Some of them might end up being used in a book about the piers of California! (I’ll blog more about that later as events unfold.)

I was pleasantly surprised to see my visit to Ocean Beach happened to coincide with the Ocean Beach Pier Cleanup Day, which is organized by San Diego Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation. I took some pics of awesome volunteers combing the sand for all sorts of nasty litter. Once again, I learned cigarette butts are a huge problem. One small team I spoke to collected literally hundreds of them from the beach.

Do you live in San Diego?  Let’s help to keep our city clean and beautiful!

Many residents of Ocean Beach help to keep their community clean, collecting trash that damages the coastal environment.
Many residents of Ocean Beach help to keep their community clean, collecting trash that damages the coastal environment.
These guys using a metal detector were sifting the sand for precious treasure! In their own way, they help to keep the beach clean, too!
These guys using a metal detector were sifting the sand for precious treasure! In their own way, I suppose, they were helping to keep the beach clean, too!
Plastic bags filled up with litter as volunteers made Ocean Beach that more beautiful and inviting.
Plastic bags fill up with garbage as volunteers make Ocean Beach that more beautiful and inviting.
These friendly guys found over 300 cigarette butts. Yikes. If only some people could be a little more thoughtful...
These friendly volunteers found over 300 cigarette butts. Yikes. If only some people could be a little more thoughtful…
Collected trash is recorded at the San Diego Coastkeeper station not far from the OB pier.
Collected trash is recorded at the San Diego Coastkeeper station not far from the OB pier.
Volunteers search the beach near the OB pier for litter during a cleanup day.
Volunteers search the beach near the OB pier for litter during a cleanup day.

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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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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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