People are already getting ready for the Holiday Season in Coronado! And it’s still over a week until Thanksgiving!
Today I enjoyed a long leisurely walk from the Ferry Landing down Orange Avenue to the Hotel del Coronado and beyond.
What’s the first thing I saw? Red bows, wreaths, candy cane signs, festive banners, and a Christmas tree at the Coronado Ferry Landing!
Proceeding down Orange Avenue, I spied more holiday things (often in shop windows)…
The big landmark Coronado Rotary Club Christmas Tree is already strung with colorful lights!
Continuing my walk…
When I arrived at the beach near the Hotel del Coronado, I found workers setting up The Del’s holiday Beachside Igloos!
The magic of Oz is coming to The Del from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026!
(As you might know, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum has deep ties to the Hotel del Coronado. The beach resort’s grand Victorian architecture is said to be his inspiration for the Emerald City.)
That magic will include ice skating!
The holidays are nearly here in Coronado!
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Today is officially the 250th birthday of the United States Navy. On October 13, 2025, the U.S. Navy was established by the Continental Congress.
Needless to say, the Navy has a very large presence in San Diego, with important bases that include Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Air Station North Island (where naval aviation was born), and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Over the years, countless sailors trained at the old Naval Training Center San Diego, and have deployed from San Diego’s harbor on ships in both wartime and peacetime. Until 1997, Top Gun pilots trained at Naval Air Station Miramar.
I’ve published a wide variety of blogs concerning the U.S. Navy in San Diego. Given today’s 250th anniversary, I thought this would be a good time to revisit some of those past blog posts.
Click the following links to bring back some U.S. Navy memories…
Would you like to see an outstanding exhibition concerning the Hotel del Coronado?
The Jewel in Coronado’s Crown: Over a Century of Historic Preservation at the Hotel del Coronado can now be enjoyed at the Coronado Historical Association museum.
Numerous displays in the free museum show how the iconic Del was built in the late 1800s and has periodically evolved and expanded. Through old photographs and descriptions, visitors can observe how, over the past 137 years, preservation of the hotel’s unique heritage and architecture have remained a priority.
If you enjoy learning about the history of San Diego and Coronado, this exhibition is a must see.
A little of what you’ll find, including a detailed timeline…
The Victorian beach resort was designed by architect James W. Reid and debuted as one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. With 399 rooms, it was the world’s largest hotel resort. The Del made history as the first hotel to have electric lighting.
The charming architecture’s complexity and asymmetry help make the Hotel del Coronado one of California’s most recognizable and cherished landmarks.
Luxury and elegance. Since 1888, presidents, world leaders and celebrities have enjoyed staying at the Del, along with tourists vacationing by the beach in our sunny, temperate Southern California climate.
Postcards, menus and more ephemera are displayed.
Many historical photographs in the exhibit document how the hotel has changed and expanded as time rolls on.
The beautiful Coronation Window was finally moved to a prominent position viewable from both inside and outside the hotel.
This exquisite fresco was revealed by workers removing a low ceiling in the Ocean Ballroom.
A recent lobby renovation has made the Victorian hotel’s interior entrance lighter and even more attractive.
In San Diego? Enjoy a walk through and around the Hotel del Coronado, and experience its magnificence yourself!
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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.
A little over two years ago I posted a blog about a project that was being undertaken in Coronado. A bronze statue was to be created by artists Chris Slatoff and Elisabeth Pollnow that honors military spouses.
Yesterday, as I walked into Star Park for the Coronado Memorial Day Service, I was excited to see the finished League of Wives Memorial Statue!
The beautiful sculpture was surrounded by chairs for the Memorial Day ceremony and a few people were already sitting nearby, so I self-consciously, very quickly took only three photographs.
You can learn more about the project by revisiting my old blog post here. It includes the statue’s plaque verbiage.
Here’s from March 2023, when money was being raised for the project:
And here’s the finished sculpture, from yesterday:
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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.
Heroes were remembered today in Coronado’s Star Park.
The Coronado Memorial Day Service brought out many families in a close-knit community, and renewed memories of great sacrifice. The ceremony honored members of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives while defending our Nation and its fundamental Freedoms.
Many of these heroes have a connection to Coronado and San Diego. Perhaps they once served here, or their survivors now live here. The placement of memorials, after words from the guest speaker, brought out much emotion. Gold Star Families carried flowers, as did others, young and old.
After the Call to Order, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem and Invocation, General Logan’s historic 11th General Order was read, which in effect created this national day of remembrance.
Soon thereafter, guest speaker Major General Thomas B. Savage, USMC reminded us of certain important things. That Memorial Day isn’t a celebration, or about barbeques, or the beach, or a fun day off from work. It’s about reflection. It’s about remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by heroes to secure the Freedoms that you and I enjoy–and might sometimes take for granted.
The ceremony concluded with a Rifle Salute and Taps.
We must not forget.
I took these photogrphs…
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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.
Here’s another sensational work of mosaic art that I discovered during my most recent visit to Coronado High School. A step-like installation filling a corner between two walls seems to flow with water and the life it sustains. Mosaics in three dimensions have created the appearance of a blue waterfall among greenery, flowers and small native animals.
The mosaic, completed in 2011, is titled The River of Giving. According to the webpage of mosaicist Kirstin Green, the project is a recognition wall for individuals and businesses who have donated money to the Coronado Schools Foundation over the past 3 decades.
The elements were all hand made by students. You can watch a time lapse video of this amazing art being made here.
The River of Giving – Mosaicist Kirstin Green – Visual Arts Laura Hill – Ceramics Eric Rempe – Created through the collaborative work of CHS students and teachers.THE RIVER OF GIVING – Coronado Schools Foundation – Dedicated to honor our most generous and consistent donors, and to inspire others to give vital support for learning that helps our students thrive. 2011
What about the other fantastic mosaic that I photographed at Coronado High School? Check that out here!
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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.
The Universe at Coronado High School is so awesome. I’m speaking of the mosaic archway that shines with our Earth, planets, moons, comets, nebulae, stars and galaxies.
As students move through the cosmos, they are reminded that “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known…”
I saw this incredible, extraordinary work of mosaic art during my visit to the San Diego Writers Festival earlier this month. The Universe was created on the Coronado High School campus in 2009 by student artists, under the direction of award-winning Visual Arts teacher Laura Hill.
“THE UNIVERSE”
WE DEDICATE THE UNIVERSE TO KARL MUELLER WHOSE SUPPORT SHINES ON, LIKE THE MOON, AND THE STARS, AND THE SUN — 2010
STUDENT ARTISTS – THEY’RE OUT OF THIS WORLD
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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.
Large display cases contain old photographs, newspaper articles, documents and preserved artifacts representing the bridge’s complex history–from initial proposals to its construction to its grand opening and beyond.
Peering into the displays, reading descriptions, I learned interesting facts about the Coronado Bridge, including:
In 1926, the Spreckels Companies announced bold plans to construct a steel bridge linking Coronado to San Diego, envisioning an engineering marvel with arched spans and a lift section for maritime traffic. This news thrilled many residents eager for a fast connection to the mainland. Advocating for a tunnel instead, the Navy raised concerns about navigation and national defense. Despite initial optimism and plans for completion by 1928, the project became embroiled in decades of debate, delays, and revisions.
Mosher’s design was initially rejected by the state’s civil engineers for being too expensive. They proposed a more traditional trestle bridge, suggesting it be painted rust red or pink. Ultimately, Mosher’s design was accepted.
Water-tight caissons were placed on the bay bottom and pumped dry, while prestressed concrete pilings were driven over 100 feet into the bay floor. To complete the 30 towers, 100,000 tons of concrete were transported by barge for the construction of the piers.
The superstructure contractor Murphy Pacific fabricated the steel box girders in San Francisco before dismantling them and loading them onto a barge called “Marine Boss,” whose deck was the size of a football field. The barge was towed to San Diego Bay, where the girders were reassembled. The “Marine Boss” boom was extended to 290 feet to lift the massive box girder sections–up to 96 feet long and weighing as much as 215 tons–into place.
The final span, one of 27 girders, was placed on May 28, 1969. Coronado Mayor Paul Vetter participating in the informal ceremony, signing his name on the metal plate at the edge of the girder.
Mosher’s original design included lights on the low side of the railing, but they were cut to reduce costs… Coronado resident Carol Cahill…flew to Sacramento, successfully petitioned officials, and secured their installation. The lights were added in April 1970.
In 1970, the bridge received the National Award of Merit for Most Beautiful Bridge from the American Institute of Steel Construction.
The bridge’s 90-degree curve allows it to reach a height of 200 feet, tall enough for an empty aircraft carrier to pass underneath, while also providing the necessary length to ramp down to the Coronado side, which is significantly lower than the San Diego side that connects to Interstate 5.
I was told by a library employee that this fascinating exhibit will be on view through early May, 2025. Go check it out!
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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.
The San Diego Writers Festival was held today in Coronado. Hundreds of writers, podcasters, publishers, aspiring authors and eager readers came together to enjoy inspirational talks, panels and workshops, not to mention book signings, entertainment, tasty food, and a chance to engage with San Diego’s extensive creative community!
The event was held at both the Coronado Public Library and Coronado High School across the street.
I had a great time and learned a whole lot, plus met a variety of interesting people!
A highlight for me was a performance by the Voices of Our City Choir, which is comprised of homeless and formerly homeless singers. Countless unhoused San Diegans have had their lives uplifted by connecting with this group. Their joyful music was possibly the most inspirational part of the whole event!
Here are some of my photographs. Check out the captions and click some of the links and perhaps you’ll be inspired, too!
In the Coronado Library’s Winn Room, an audience listened to a panel of authors and podcasters. They talked about Building a Following: How to Create Meaningful Connections. Some ideas when it comes to social media and marketing: engage with your readers by answering comments, be yourself, be human. Build trust, be persistent, have fun. Participate in book clubs, build email lists, encourage online reviews.Marni Freeman talks about How to Unblock and Become a Creative Force of Nature. She explained that unleashing your creative genius requires mindfulness, being in the moment, quieting a distracted mind. That’s when inspiration mysteriously arrives. Shut down the daily stress, be quiet, be aware of the world around you, be introspective, be self-confident, don’t fear failure or compare yourself to others. Take slow, rhythmic, deep breaths. Find your flow!The Voices Of Our City Choir perform at the 2025 San Diego Writers Festival. They just completed their first ever recording session! Perhaps you’ve seen their incredible, inspirational performance on America’s Got Talent. To view it on YouTube, click here!Lots of tables outside at Coronado High School during the 2025 San Diego Writers Festival!Two of many authors doing book signings.Organizations helpful to writers were present at the festival, including the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Mathew Riek, after many difficulties, made his way to San Diego. He has co-written the children’s book At Least I Wasn’t Eaten By A Lion! His book inspires young readers to believe in the power of perseverance and kindness. He was at the Shaping Bright Futures table. They are a charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness of educational disparities found throughout the world. Check out their website here.Jacob Hubbard wrote Sounds of Yesterday, a novel. It concerns love, loss and empathy in a neurodivergent world. Neurodivergent means having a brain that forms or works differently, which Jacob personally understands. He’s a writing teacher who is not afraid to explore challenging, emotionally driven ideas about the human condition.Two big smiles! On the left is Esther Avant, author of To Your Health. To the right is Bookish Flights podcaster Kara Infante, who reviews and recommends books. To your continued success!I listened to this cool guy reading powerful poetry in Balboa Park almost 7 years ago! Chris Vannoy is the US National Beat Poet Laureate! Check out my old blog post concerning that past encounter here.San Diego Poetry Annual is one of the longest running poetry anthologies in the San Diego region. It features renowned poets and artists alongside emerging local voices. Learn more about it here!That’s Heather James Pond, yoga teacher, painter and author, smiling on the right! Her debut novel, MOXY, is about unspeakable pain, fortitude and healing. It’s an incredible true story of resilience and transformation! Thank you for sharing your bright smile and making the world a better place!
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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.
If you are fascinated by local history, love riding the Coronado ferry, or have memories of the old ferries that crossed San Diego Bay many, many years ago, you’ll want to visit the latest exhibit at the Coronado Historical Association‘s museum.
The exhibit recalls the old-time ferries, which were required to reach the island long before the San Diego-Coronado Bridge opened in 1969. It describes every ship of the Coronado Ferry Company and the Star & Crescent Boat Company, that transported people and vehicles across the bay. Of course, the ferries today serve mostly tourists exploring on foot and recreational bicyclists–and people like me who love a short ride from downtown San Diego across our beautiful bay!
Photographs, historical documents, ferry tickets, memorabilia, related art and stories fill the small but always amazing Coronado Historical Association museum. It’s very cool that visitors are encouraged to write down their personal memories, too!
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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.
