Tag: downtown

Beautiful morning photos at Broadway Pier.

Someone gazes from the Broadway Pier across the water toward Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, whose buildings shine, reflecting the early morning sun.
Someone gazes from the Broadway Pier across the water toward Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, whose buildings shine, reflecting early morning sunlight.

I was surprised at the number of beautiful photos I was able to capture this morning during my leisurely walk out on the Broadway Pier. All was quiet. The sun was rising…

The sun is about to rise above a part of the San Diego skyline.
The sun is about to rise above a part of the San Diego skyline.
A gull glides over still water.
A gull glides over still water.
Early morning light turns aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) golden. It is docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
Early morning light turns active aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) golden. It is docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
Colorful reflection on San Diego Bay of the USS Midway Museum, seen from the Broadway Pier.
Colorful reflection on San Diego Bay of the USS Midway Museum, seen from the Broadway Pier.
Bronze plaques create an historical timeline as one walks toward the pier's end. The construction of the Broadway Pier took place in 1913.
Bronze plaques create an historical timeline as one walks toward the pier’s end. The construction of the Broadway Pier took place in 1913.
An exquisitely beautiful seagull feather on the wet concrete at my feet.
An exquisitely beautiful seagull feather on the wet concrete at my feet.
Someone rides out to the end of the Broadway Pier early one Friday morning. Few people are about.
Someone rides out to the end of the Broadway Pier early one Friday morning. Few people are about.
Water droplets cling to the metal seats and tables at the end of the Broadway Pier.
Water droplets cling to the metal seats and tables at the end of the Broadway Pier.
Three large maps on the Broadway Pier show the shape of San Diego Bay in different eras. This outline of the modern bay shows where I now stand on the Embarcadero!
Three large maps on the Broadway Pier show the shape of San Diego Bay in different eras. This outline of the modern bay shows where I now stand on the Embarcadero!
Beautiful clouds and morning light frame a United States Coast Guard Cutter in the middle of San Diego Bay.
Beautiful clouds and morning light on blue water frame a United States Coast Guard Cutter in the middle of San Diego Bay.
A dreamlike vision one morning at San Diego's magical Broadway Pier.
A dreamlike vision one morning at San Diego’s magical Broadway Pier.

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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!

Cool discoveries on New Year’s Day!

Cool artwork on wall in the famous Donut Bar in downtown San Diego.
Cool artwork on wall in the famous Donut Bar in downtown San Diego.

Another year. More opportunities for discovery!

Yesterday’s storm ended and the sun came out. So I decided to take a wander around my fair city on New Year’s Day.

I started mid-morning and went for hours, taking photos of everything and anything at my leisure. Mixed among more ordinary looks at life were a few cool discoveries.

I met two friendly street artists during my walk–Carlos and Juli–and meant to include a couple photos of their work here, but I’ve decided to write a special separate blog post tomorrow. Look for it!

My first stop this morning was the Donut Bar. One Boston Creme, please! Super yum!
My first stop this morning was the Donut Bar. One Boston Cream, please! Super yum!
Walking past Symphony Towers, I noticed this graphic on their outdoor display. A free concert for the community next weekend!
Walking past Symphony Towers, I noticed this graphic on their outdoor display. A free concert for the community next weekend!
My feet this New Year's Day took me through Horton Plaza Park. I recently posted a blog with photos of the Broadway Fountain lit for Christmas at night.
My feet this New Year’s Day took me through Horton Plaza Park. I recently posted a blog with photos of the Broadway Fountain lit for Christmas at night.
An unexpected discovery! It appears Horton Plaza Park has a time capsule buried between the grass and the Starbucks! History happens here.
An unexpected discovery! It appears Horton Plaza Park has a time capsule buried between the grass and the Starbucks! History happens here.
And a few steps to the west I spotted another plaque at my feet. The Salvation Army held its first San Diego meeting here, March 31, 1888.
And a few steps to the west I spotted another plaque at my feet. The Salvation Army held its first San Diego meeting here, March 31, 1888.
Crossing an intersection in the Gaslamp, I spotted an odd thing at ground level. This tile showing a burglar has been cemented to the asphalt in the middle of the street!
Crossing an intersection in the Gaslamp, I spotted an odd thing at ground level. This tile showing a burglar has been cemented to the asphalt in the middle of the street!
It appears Monkey King is a restaurant soon to open in the Gaslamp Quarter. I discovered a shining gold mural on their wall!
It appears Monkey King is a restaurant soon to open in the Gaslamp Quarter. I discovered a shining gold mural on their wall!
No mural on this wall. A lady in pink shoes walks her dog in downtown San Diego.
No mural on this interesting wall. A lady in pink shoes walks her dog in downtown San Diego.
Just a cool photo of light and shadow and geometry. The tall glass building is the new corporate headquarters of Sempra Energy in East Village.
Just a cool photo of light and shadow and architectural geometry. The tall glass building is the new corporate headquarters of Sempra Energy in East Village.
In East Village, this brightly shining mosaic sculpture in a medical office window caught my eye!
In East Village, this brightly shining mosaic sculpture in a medical office window caught my eye!
Look what I found! These must be new. Two huge baseballs at Petco Park near the Padres Hal of Fame.
Look what I found! These must be new. Two huge baseballs at Petco Park near the Padres Hall of Fame.
One huge baseball has the autographs of the 1984 National League Champion Padres!
One huge baseball has the autographs of the 1984 National League Champion Padres!
And, of course, the second baseball has the autographs of the 1998 National League Champion team!
And, of course, the second baseball has the autographs of the 1998 National League Champion team!
A car carrier freight train covered with graffiti has stopped along Harbor Drive.
A car carrier freight train covered with graffiti has stopped along Harbor Drive.
People crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge seem to walk in the clouds
People crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge seem to walk in the clouds.
Tourists on Segways pass the Coming Together sculpture by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Tourists on Segways pass the Coming Together sculpture by artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
The Holiday by the Bay ice rink near the Hilton San Diego Bayfront seems to be winding down. A few skaters were out on New Year's Day morning.
The Holiday by the Bay ice rink near the Hilton San Diego Bayfront seems to be winding down. A few skaters were out on New Year’s Day morning.
Folks with a dog walk along San Diego Bay, approaching the high masts of superyachts.
Folks with a dog walk along San Diego Bay, approaching the high masts of superyachts.
Two superyachts behind the convention center have really, really, REALLY high masts!
Two superyachts behind the convention center have really, really, REALLY high masts!
The futuristic black superyacht Ahimsa has been docked in San Diego for many months. According to one website it's worth 80 million dollars. Passersby have referred to it as the Bat-boat!
The futuristic black superyacht Ahimsa has been docked in San Diego for at least a year, it seems. According to one website it’s worth 80 million dollars. Passersby have referred to the sleek vessel as the Bat-boat!
The San Diego International Car Show is taking place this weekend. Test drives can be taken in the parking lot behind the convention center.
The San Diego International Car Show is taking place this weekend. Test drives can be taken in the parking lot behind the convention center.
Looks like some folks will be test-driving a new Ford.
Looks like some folks will be test-driving a new Ford.
I saw this guy walking along with a large flag. I didn't think to pursue him and ask why.
I saw this guy walking along with a large flag. He seemed to be on a mission. I didn’t think to pursue him and ask why.
Just beautiful yachts in the Marriott Marina.
Just beautiful yachts in the Marriott Marina.
I am fortunate to live in such a beautiful city.
I am fortunate to live in such a beautiful city.
I spied the new downtown San Diego Central Courthouse between the Marriott Marquis buildings. I believe the courthouse's construction is nearly finished.
I spied the new downtown San Diego Central Courthouse between the silvery Marriott Marquis buildings. I believe the courthouse’s construction is nearly finished.
The Silvergate ferry heads toward Coronado beyond the Embarcadero Marina Park South fishing pier.
The Silvergate ferry heads toward Coronado beyond the Embarcadero Marina Park South fishing pier.
Two pelicans hanging out at the pier. A good day to kick back and fish.
Two pelicans hanging out at the pier. A good day to kick back and fish.
People descend the San Diego Convention Center steps that lead to the Flame of Friendship sculpture.
People descend the San Diego Convention Center steps that lead to the Flame of Friendship sculpture.
An art installation in the new passageway between the Marriott and Hyatt waterfront hotels titled Kelp, created by artists Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann of After Architecture.
An art installation in the new passageway between the Marriott and Hyatt waterfront hotels titled Kelp, created by artists Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann of After Architecture.
Dogs relax with a human near Seaport Village.
Dogs stretch and relax with a human near Seaport Village.
Lots of cranes in the skyline lately! The two nearby are for fishing boats. The big one on the left is for the new InterContinental Hotel. On the right, a high crane rises by the Pacific Gate by Bosa.
Lots of cranes in the skyline lately! The two nearby are for fishing boats. The construction crane on the left is for the new InterContinental Hotel. On the right, a high crane rises by Pacific Gate by Bosa.
On New Year's Day lots of people are enjoying a walk by the water. I see two Navy oilers docked at North Island.
On New Year’s Day lots of people are enjoying a walk by the water. I see what appear to be two Navy oilers docked at North Island.
Uh, oh! Look what I spotted. The live bait seiner Cachalot seems to be drifting away from the Tuna Harbor Pier! Perhaps last night's storm is the reason.
Uh, oh! Look what I spotted. The live bait-catching seiner Cachalot seems to be drifting away from the Tuna Harbor’s G Street Pier! Those ropes seem loose. Perhaps last night’s storm is the reason.
In San Diego, walks are often accompanied by music.
In San Diego, walks are often accompanied by music.
Very strange--Wisconsin's Pulaski Red Raiders High School marching band in San Diego today! Why? A little searching indicated that they will will perform tomorrow morning in the Tournament of Roses Parade!
Very strange!  Wisconsin’s Pulaski High School Red Raiders marching band is in San Diego today! Why? A little searching indicated that they will will perform tomorrow morning in the Tournament of Roses Parade, up north in Pasadena!
That isn't a cruise ship. It's the MV World Odyssey, a floating classroom! Its Semester at Sea allows students to study while touring the world!
That isn’t a cruise ship. It’s the MV World Odyssey, a floating classroom! Its Semester at Sea allows students to study abroad, while touring the world!
Dozens of sailboats out on San Diego Bay during New Year's Day. It's a sailing regatta!
Dozens of sailboats out on San Diego Bay during New Year’s Day. It’s a sailing regatta!
Curious gulls analyze a bicyclist at the Embarcadero's new observation deck, just north of the Broadway Pier. Life is full of surprises.
Curious gulls analyze a bicyclist at the Embarcadero’s new observation deck, just north of the Broadway Pier. Life is full of surprises!

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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 enjoy!

Historical exhibit inside San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot.

Display inside San Diego's 1915 Santa Fe Depot. Photos and words provide a glimpse of the train station's history.
Display inside San Diego’s 1915 Santa Fe Depot. Photos and words provide a glimpse of the train station’s history.

Should you ever step inside downtown San Diego’s handsome Santa Fe Depot, there’s a small exhibit at the information booth worth checking out. Two glass display cases provide a glimpse of the train station’s fascinating history.

To read the signs, click the images and they will enlarge.

Last year the Santa Fe Depot celebrated its centennial. I blogged about that here!

If you ever visit the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, swing by this information booth to check out the historical exhibit.
If you ever visit the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, swing by this information booth to check out the historical exhibit.
Several paragraphs recount the history of the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company and the unique origin of North County community Rancho Santa Fe. Eucalyptus trees make poor railroad ties!
Several paragraphs recount the history of the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company and the unique origin of North County community Rancho Santa Fe. Eucalyptus trees make poor railroad ties!
In a nook right next to the depot's wall, beside colorful Santa Fe tilework, one can discover more fascinating information.
In a nook right next to the depot’s wall, beside colorful Santa Fe tilework, one can discover more fascinating information.
Graphic shows important dates concerning the Santa Fe Depot. The 1887 Victorian-style depot was razed in 1915 after the new depot opened in time for the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park.
Graphic shows important dates concerning the Santa Fe Depot. The 1887 Victorian-style depot was razed in 1915 after the new depot opened in time for the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park.
Old photos of Santa Fe Depot, accompanied by historical background. San Diego strove to become the western terminus of the Continental Railway.
The train station’s architecture reflects colonial Spanish and Mission history in California; it was designed to harmonize with the Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park.  A century ago San Diego strove to become the western terminus of the Continental Railway.
More fascinating old photos of the Santa Fe Depot, today a San Diego transportation hub serving Amtrak, the Coaster, and the Orange and Green Lines of the San Diego Trolley.
More fascinating old photos of the Santa Fe Depot, today a San Diego transportation hub serving Amtrak, the Coaster, and the Orange and Green Lines of the San Diego Trolley.
Original plaster detail removed during the April 2014 restoration of the southeast tower.
Original plaster detail removed during the April 2014 restoration of the southeast tower.

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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 unique photos for you to enjoy!

Christmas lights turn downtown bright red and green!

The recently restored 1910 Broadway Fountain is lit with red and green light during the Christmas season at Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego.
The recently restored 1910 Broadway Fountain is lit with red and green light during the Christmas season at Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego.

Look at these colorful photos! Horton Plaza Park and the U.S. Grant Hotel are putting on quite a show for Christmas. Bright red and green lights have turned downtown San Diego into a cheerful wonderland this holiday season!

A closer photo of the handsome Broadway Fountain lit up at night with traditional Christmas colors.
A closer photo of the handsome Broadway Fountain lit up at night with traditional Christmas colors.
Light changes from red to green as water splashes in the beautiful 1910 Broadway Fountain designed by noted architect Irving J. Gill.
Light changes from red to green as water splashes in the beautiful 1910 Broadway Fountain designed by noted architect Irving J. Gill.
Across Broadway from Horton Plaza Park, the historic U.S. Grant hotel is also lit in Christmas colors for the holiday season.
Across Broadway from Horton Plaza Park, the historic U.S. Grant hotel is also lit in Christmas colors for the holiday season.
People sit at tables near the outdoor Starbucks at Horton Plaza Park one early mid-December evening.
People sit at tables near the outdoor Starbucks at Horton Plaza Park one early mid-December evening.
The bright Balboa Theatre sign invites passersby on Fourth Avenue behind the Horton Plaza Park sign.
The bright Balboa Theatre sign invites passersby on Fourth Avenue behind the Horton Plaza Park sign.
People have gathered for the evening in and around the Horton Plaza Park amphitheater. Downtown San Diego is lit beautifully for Christmas.
People have gathered for the evening in and around the Horton Plaza Park amphitheater. Downtown San Diego is lit beautifully for Christmas.
The Broadway Fountain and U.S. Grant Hotel put on a cheerful show of Christmas lights in San Diego.
The Broadway Fountain and U.S. Grant Hotel put on a cheerful show of Christmas lights in San Diego.

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

Even more cool street art at SILO in East Village!

A sexy San Diego lady and graffiti on a wall inside the very unique SILO venue in East Village.
A sexy San Diego lady and graffiti on a wall inside the very unique SILO venue in East Village.

Check out these photos!   I discovered more street art murals at SILO in East Village!

I’ve blogged about this very cool special event venue several times in the past, here and here and here.  The spray-painted murals and graffiti are constantly changing, and there are a number of newer works that I hadn’t seen until I walked by this morning. Here they are!

The wall along F Street at SILO has been painted with various cool bits of urban art. That doughnut is making me hungry.
The wall along F Street at SILO has been painted with various cool bits of urban art. That doughnut is making me hungry.
A San Diego Sea Walls mural on the same wall features a bearded face and two hands. Not sure about the symbolism.
A San Diego Sea Walls mural on the same wall features a bearded face and two hands. Not sure about the symbolism.
Walking along the sidewalk, we now spy a funky purplish face.
Walking along the sidewalk, we now spy a funky purplish face.
A squished-up greenish face.
A squished-up greenish face.
An orange face with oddly protruding eyeballs.
An orange face with oddly protruding eyeballs.
Some colorful graffiti I hadn't seen previously inside SILO. It's probably been a year since I walked by here. Took this and the following photos through a fence.
Some colorful graffiti I hadn’t seen previously inside SILO. It’s probably been a year since I walked by here. I took this and the following photos through a fence.
Looks like a strange scene from Alice in Wonderland.
Looks like a strange scene from Alice in Wonderland.
Female face spray painted on a wall.
Female face spray painted on a wall.
A look down into the fantastic SILO special event venue. I don't recall seeing that cargo container before.
A look down into the fantastic SILO special event venue. I don’t recall seeing that cargo container before.
Just tons of cool images. Like a crazy dream in the center of the city! I think that mural on top might be somewhat new.
Just tons of cool images. Like a crazy dream in the center of the city! I think that mural on top might be somewhat new.
A very cool abstract jumble of street art on a brick wall.
A very cool abstract jumble of street art on a brick wall.
Looks like some sort of cosmic bird deities have arrived from outer space. You tell me what this one means!
Looks like some sort of cosmic bird deities have arrived from outer space. You tell me what this one means!

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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 unique photos for you to enjoy!

Holiday fun at the new SMARTS Farm in East Village!

People check out many planters full of vegetables and flowers at the new SMARTS Farm in East Village.
People check out many planters full of vegetables and flowers at the new SMARTS Farm in East Village.

Today I walked to East Village in downtown San Diego to check out a holiday event at SMARTS Farm. I didn’t realize that this cool community garden had recently moved. Their new and improved location is at the corner of 13th Street and Broadway.

At SMARTS Farm, anybody is welcome to become an urban gardener–growing flowers or vegetables in the heart of our sunny city. Downtown residents can relax here, kids can learn about farming, botany and nature, and I believe photography classes are still offered.

If you’re ever downtown, swing on by to see for yourself!

SMARTS Farm in San Diego's East Village is a community garden where hearts can grow and minds thrive.
SMARTS Farm in San Diego’s East Village is a community garden where hearts can grow and minds thrive.
A wreath is hung on the barn inside SMARTS Farm to celebrate the holiday season. They've moved to a new location and are open to everyone in the community!
A wreath is hung on the barn inside SMARTS Farm to celebrate the holiday season. They’ve moved to a new location and are open to everyone in the community!
Someone makes a wreath the week before Christmas during a special SMARTS Farm holiday event.
Someone makes a wreath the week before Christmas during a special SMARTS Farm holiday event.
These guys were rolling out yummy pizzas!
These guys were rolling out yummy pizzas!
Walking around the large colorful garden. Schools and community groups can grow their own plants in an urban environment downtown.
Walking around the large colorful garden. Schools and community groups can grow their own plants in an urban environment downtown.
Lessons about how to plant urban crops were underway in the late morning.
Lessons about how to plant urban crops were underway in the late morning.
A young gardener sows some seeds at SMARTS Farm.
A young gardener sows some seeds at SMARTS Farm.
Hands on farming includes a children's garden and plants grown by nearby school KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy--my neighbor on Cortez Hill.
Hands on farming includes a children’s garden and plants grown by nearby school KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy–my neighbor on Cortez Hill.
A pleasant day can be had tending a garden and learning about gardening in the middle of downtown San Diego!
A pleasant day can be had tending a garden and learning about gardening in the middle of downtown San Diego!
Nature, Water, Air. At SMARTS Farm, every day is Earth Day!
Nature, Water, Air. At SMARTS Farm, every day is Earth Day!

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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!

Wise words inspire readers at the San Diego Library.

We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library's large, friendly Reading Room.
We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library’s large, friendly Reading Room.

Many wise words are digested by hungry minds at the San Diego Public Library. At the Central Library in downtown San Diego, wise sayings and phrases are inscribed upon the building itself. One must simply open eyes to find inspiration.

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
If there's a book you really want to read but hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.
If there’s a book you really want to read but hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley passes some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley heads down tracks past some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou's On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.

Women, children, men, take it into the palms of your hands, mold it into the shape of your most private need. Sculpt it into the image of your most public self. Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginning.

A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.
A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.

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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!

To read a few short stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

People at work and play in San Diego.

Tourists on San Diego's Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.
Tourists on San Diego’s Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.

Just a few photos of people at work and play in San Diego. These were taken over this last year. How time flies.

A businessman walks to work in downtown San Diego.
A businessman walks to work one morning in downtown San Diego.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
Families thrill to statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Families investigate statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.

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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!

Faded signs painted on old downtown buildings.

Old tin shop sign still visible on the historic I.O.O.F. building in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. A remnant of a past era.
Old tin shop sign still visible on the historic 1882 Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. A remnant of a past era.

While walking around downtown San Diego, I’m always pleased to make unexpected discoveries. Once in a while I’ll spot faded signs and advertisements that were painted years ago on historic old buildings. Unfortunately, many of those old signs are vanishing and will eventually be lost to time. Some of those walls will be painted, or new buildings will sprout up . . . That’s progress, I suppose.

I did some searching on the internet looking for information about the more mysterious signs, but with very little success. I increased the contrast of many photos to try to make out the faded words. If you know anything, leave a comment!

Most of these photos were taken in the morning, the last three or four days…

A faded sign is painted high on the 1888 Nesmith-Greely Building on Fifth Avenue. It is just visible from the street.
A faded sign is painted high on the 1888 Nesmith-Greely Building on Fifth Avenue. It is just visible from the street.
One can barely make out the words HOTEL . . . ROOMS 50c to $1.00
One can barely make out the words HOTEL . . . ROOMS 50c to $1.00
Old brick building at Seventh Avenue and G Street has words so obliterated I can't decipher anything.
Old brick building at Seventh Avenue and G Street has words so obliterated I can’t decipher anything.
The William Penn Hotel building at Fourth Avenue and F Street opened in 1913 as the elegant Oxford Hotel.
The William Penn Hotel building at Fourth Avenue and F Street opened in 1913 as the elegant Oxford Hotel.
Painted words from San Diego's past. The Windsor Hotel on Fourth Avenue was built in 1887. The first floor was once a pool hall; in the 1960s it contained cardrooms and nightclubs with go-go dancers.
Painted words from San Diego’s past. The Windsor Hotel on Fourth Avenue was built in 1887. The first floor was once a pool hall; in the 1960s it contained cardrooms and nightclubs with go-go dancers.
The 1910 Western Metal Supply Company Building is now an iconic part of Petco Park in San Diego.
The 1910 Western Metal Supply Company Building is now an iconic part of Petco Park in San Diego, home of the baseball Padres.
The faded word LYON on a building at the corner of K Street and Fourth Avenue.
The faded word LYON on a building at the corner of K Street and Fourth Avenue.
From a distance, a square space on the side of the Simmons Hotel on Sixth Avenue appears to be blank reddish bricks.
From a distance, a square space on the side of the Simmons Hotel on Sixth Avenue appears to be blank reddish bricks.
But a closer look reveals old words from many years ago. Perhaps you can figure out what they say.
But a closer look reveals old words from many years ago. Perhaps you can figure out what they say.
Faded words can also be spotted high on the Plaza Hotel building on Fourth Avenue.
Faded words can also be spotted high on the Plaza Hotel building on Fourth Avenue.
I can barely discern a few letters.
I can barely discern a few letters.
The building on the right is The McGurck Block, built in 1887. A drug store was located in it from 1903 to 1984. Actor Gregory Peck's father worked there as the night druggist.
The building on the right is The McGurck Block, built in 1887. A drug store was located in it from 1903 to 1984. Actor Gregory Peck’s father worked there as the night druggist.
High up, painted on the old brick building's side is a fading advertisement. A glimpse of San Diego's past.
High up, painted on the old brick building’s side is a fading advertisement. A glimpse of San Diego’s past.

Here’s another pic I snapped on Fifth Avenue just south of Broadway:

Faded sign on side of a building on the 900 block of Fifth Avenue.
Faded sign on side of a building on the 900 block of Fifth Avenue.

I’ve blogged in the past about a variety of cool old painted signs and images in downtown San Diego. Here they are:

Old Hires Root Beer ad on building wall.

Caliente horse racing sign on downtown building.

Faded sign on abandoned San Diego building.

Old Hotel Churchill in downtown San Diego.

UPDATE!

Here’s a pic I took several years later, as I sat waiting for a bus at the City College trolley station, looking west…

IMG_9918z

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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 enjoy!

Memories of summer on a chilly San Diego morning.

The sounds and sunshine of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego.
Sunshine and the sounds of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego.

Yes, San Diego has sunny, temperate weather for most of the year–many say our city has the best weather in the whole wide world. But, you know, these mornings in December can seem a bit chilly. At least to me. So I was thankful to spot some warm art this morning at the corner of Fourth Avenue and C Street.

Memories of summer linger on . . .

Musical notes and birds fly among tropical palm trees. An image on a utility box warms the city as winter nears.
Musical notes and birds fly among palm trees. As winter nears, an image on a utility box warms the heart of the city.

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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!