Tag: embarcadero

Morning sculpture by Donal Hord near Seaport Village.

The sleepy face of Morning, a black diorite sculpture by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.
The sleepy face of Morning, a sculpture by renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.

Many who walk along the waterfront pause to enjoy a beautiful sculpture near Seaport Village. Morning, sculpted from black diorite by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord, stands atop a low grassy hill at the edge of Embarcadero Marina Park North. Should curious eyes watching the colorful, sunlit kites flying high above the park descend to Earth, they will fall upon Morning.

Donal Hord sculpted Morning between 1951 and 1956. His works around San Diego include Woman of Tehuantepec, at Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality; Aztec, at San Diego State University; Guardian of Water, in front of the San Diego County Administration Center; and Literature West and Literature East, at the old, now vacant San Diego Central Library on E Street.

As a young man Hord was influenced by what he saw at Balboa Park’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition, particularly the architecture of Bertram Goodhue and the sculptural work of the Piccirilli Brothers. Later in life he was influenced by Scottish sculptor, Archibald Dawson, and Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.

Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord's residence.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord’s residence.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.

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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.

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!

Two talented artists on the streets of San Diego.

I’d like to bring two talented artists to everyone’s attention. I met them during my walk around San Diego yesterday. They show their colorful works of art on the sidewalk. I had spoken to Carlos several times in the past; I spoke to Juli for the first time and learned a little of her story.

Carlos often hangs out on the Embarcadero, right next to the Star of India. His fantastic Eagle Warrior appears to me to belong in an art gallery.
Carlos often hangs out on the Embarcadero, right next to the Star of India. His fantastic Eagle Warrior appears to me to belong in an art gallery. (Click this image to enlarge it!)

Carlos hangs out next to the Star of India, right near the ship’s figurehead. He usually has a whole array of stone and wire creature creations on display. Many of them are antlike. They’re all a lot of fun.

Yesterday he had something absolutely amazing on the sidewalk. You can see it in my first two photographs. He has made several such figures using resin, acrylic, and in this case some some quartz crystals. I looked very closely at his Eagle Warrior and was completely blown away. To me, this piece appeared to belong in an art gallery!

Carlos is very friendly and interesting, with many wise things to say about life and the world.  He has lived in San Diego for a long, long time.  If you happen to walk along the Embarcadero, and you see some art on the sidewalk that matches what I have described, you’ve probably found him! Say hello!

Close look at jaguar and serpent at foot of Aztec warrior, an amazing work of resin, acrylic and quartz by San Diego artist Carlos.
Close look at jaguar and serpent at foot of Aztec warrior, an amazing work of resin, acrylic and quartz by San Diego artist Carlos.

And now, a small colorful work of art by Juli:

A small but beautiful work of art, painted by friendly Juli. You can find her sometimes on the Embarcadero, sometimes on Broadway by the Santa Fe Depot.
A small but beautiful work of art, painted by friendly Juli. You can find her sometimes on the Embarcadero, sometimes on Broadway by the Santa Fe Depot.

At times I have seen Juli along the Embarcadero, painstakingly using a small brush to paint her fantastic crystal-like watercolor creations. But yesterday I spoke to her for the first time. She was hanging out on the sidewalk just south of the Santa Fe Depot. Take a look at her work!

Juli is quite knowledgeable about the art scene and has travelled all around the country. Many of her friends and acquaintances know her as Tree. She recently came down to San Diego from San Francisco, and is working to recover from a difficult situation. Her attitude is of unbounded optimism!

If you’re ever walking about San Diego and you spy her small but very distinctive works of art, take a close look! They’re pretty amazing!

These wonderful small pieces of watercolor art were created by Juli, who also goes by the street name Tree. She recently came to San Diego from San Francisco.
These wonderful small pieces of watercolor art were created by Juli, who also goes by the street name Tree. She recently came to San Diego from San Francisco.  (Click this image to enlarge it!)

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! Sometimes I meet really interesting people! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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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!

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!

Photos of Chinese warship visiting San Diego.

The Chinese frigate Yancheng, docked in San Diego at the Cruise Ship Terminal. It is part of a four day visit by ships of the People's Liberation Army Navy.
The Chinese frigate Yancheng, docked in San Diego at the Cruise Ship Terminal. It is part of a four day visit by ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

This morning I got a few photos of a Chinese Navy warship that will be visiting San Diego for four days. The ship I saw docked at the Cruise Ship Terminal is the frigate Yancheng, which is part of the People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force. Two additional Chinese Navy ships arrived during the day. I saw them in the darkness after work during an evening walk along the Embarcadero. Those two other ships are the frigate Daqing and the oiler Tai Hu.

The intent of the visit is to foster trust and mutual understanding between two military powers–the United States and China. In addition to cultural exchanges, visiting Chinese and local American sailors will enjoy playing games of table tennis and basketball together. In a small, sometimes turbulent world, perhaps it is good to make friendships.

United States military personnel walk along the B Street Pier during a visit of the Chinese Navy to San Diego.
United States military personnel walk along the B Street Pier during a visit of the Chinese Navy to San Diego.
Another photo of the Chinese frigate Yancheng, docked in San Diego Bay on December 6, 2016.
Another photo of the Chinese frigate Yancheng, docked in San Diego Bay on December 6, 2016.

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The once-mysterious origin of a U. S. Navy bronze plaque on display in San Diego has come to light. Learn more about this fascinating bit of San Diego and Navy history by checking out my blog post Creating a plaque: Navy history in San Diego revealed!

The colorful windows of Seaport Village.

Christmas angels peer out of a window at Silver Crossing in Seaport Village.
Christmas angels peer out of a window at Silver Crossing in Seaport Village.

Radical changes are coming to nearly 40-year-old Seaport Village. A redevelopment plan that was recently approved will transform the quaint collection of shops and restaurants on downtown’s waterfront into a massive complex called Seaport San Diego.  The new development will contain even more shopping and dining options, several hotels, a 480-foot observation tower, a public beach, aquarium, Smithsonian attraction, and more.

Many of the shops that people have come to know over the years will vanish. Admittedly, Seaport Village today is a touristy hodgepodge. One wouldn’t really expect to see a New England lighthouse in Southern California. But no matter. I still enjoy meandering through on a sunny weekend! There are buskers aplenty and live music and people-watching and the nearby grassy park with kites flying in the breeze. And onion rings and pretzels and ice cream!

And there are the windows. Kaleidoscope windows. Windows winking with color. Windows painted with unexpected images. Windows full of gaudy trinkets, the typical souvenirs, whimsical novelties, and even a rare treasure or two you’ll find nowhere else.

Here are a few of the windows.

A lady holding a colorful bouquet in the window of Seaport Deli and Salad Bar.
A lady holding a colorful bouquet in the window of Seaport Deli and Salad Bar.
Beach, clouds, muffin and coffee in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Beach, clouds, muffin and coffee in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Exotic masks for a masquerade in a window of Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse.
Exotic masks for a masquerade in one window of Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse.
Floral designs around one window of the Seaport Fudge Factory.
Floral designs around one window of the Seaport Fudge Factory.
Window mural painted by San Diego artist Joel Sharp in 1996. You can find it in Seaport Village at Margaritas Kitchen and Cantina.
Window mural painted by San Diego artist Joel Sharp in 1996. You can find it in Seaport Village at Margaritas Kitchen and Cantina.
Christopher M., known as The Painter of Chefs, has samples of his work displayed in one window of Exclusive Collections Gallery in Seaport Village.
Christopher M., known as The Painter of Chefs, has samples of his work displayed in one window of Exclusive Collections Gallery in Seaport Village.
Delightful characters fill the window at The Mugger in Seaport Village.
Delightful characters fill the window at The Mugger in Seaport Village.
A window full of irresistible treats at the Seaport Cookie Company.
A window full of irresistible treats at the Seaport Cookie Company.
Three smiling faces in the Upstart Crow window. Can you spot all three.
There are several smiling faces in this Upstart Crow window. Can you spot all three?
Zoltar the fortune teller will read your future from his own small window.
Zoltar the fortune teller will read your future from his own small window.
Coral and other beautiful objects in a window of Seaport Village Shell Co. Limited.
Coral and other beautiful objects in a window of Seaport Village Shell Co. Limited.
Tourists might take home a glittery San Diego sombrero once they glimpse these in the window of Mexican Fiesta.
Tourists might take home a glittery San Diego sombrero once they glimpse these in the window of Mexican Fiesta.
Sunflowers and blue window frames at Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes in Seaport Village.
Sunflowers and blue window frames at Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes in Seaport Village.

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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.

Last chance to enjoy Anthony’s at the waterfront.

Last chance to enjoy Anthony's at the waterfront. 70 years of great memories and seafood at Anthony's Fish Grotto, which will close on January 31, 2017.
Last chance to enjoy Anthony’s at the waterfront. 70 years of great memories and seafood at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, which will close on January 31, 2017.

Time is running out. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s waterfront will be closing at the end of next January. The restaurant has produced fond memories for millions of people over the course of its 70 year history. You have one last chance to enjoy this wonderful, unique place before it’s torn down.

Next year, the Brigantine will introduce a new restaurant at this scenic location, right next to the Star of India. I was told by a gentleman who sells art on the sidewalk nearby that the new Brigantine building is now under construction, and will be brought in across San Diego Bay on a ship or barge. That would certainly be a sight to behold!

Late yesterday morning I walked down to the Embarcadero to devour some french fries and a yummy tuna melt at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I sat on the wood deck dipping my fries in tartar sauce and breathing in the fresh air. I simply gazed out at the water.  Pleasant visions floated on the sparkling blue, including a visiting cruise ship and San Diego Yacht Club sailboats. Between licking my fingers, I took a few photos.

Anthony's has been a fixture on San Diego's Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location.
Anthony’s has been a fixture on San Diego’s Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location.
I've stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.
I’ve stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.
Eating seafood on benches inside a protected area of the informal outdoor Fishette, over the gently lapping water of San Diego Bay.
Eating seafood on benches inside a protected area of the informal outdoor Fishette, over the gently lapping water of San Diego Bay.
Funny sign over the Fishette soda machine shows two fish in love.
Funny sign over the Fishette soda machine shows two fish in love.
I'll attest that Mama Ghio's secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction!
I’ll attest that Mama Ghio’s secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction!
Anthony's Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child.
Anthony’s Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child.
Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto, which occupies the interior of the building.
Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto restaurant, which occupies the interior of the building.
In my opinion, some of the best seats in San Diego.
In my opinion, some of the best seats in San Diego.
A gull was watching my fries.
A gull was patiently watching my fries.
Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a sea lion.
Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a circling sea lion.
Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club.
Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club.
I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see where the Fish Grotto's dock used to be. It was destroyed in that El Nino wind storm that I blogged about in early February.)
I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see the concrete posts where the Fish Grotto’s boat dock used to be. It was destroyed in that ferocious El Nino windstorm that I blogged about in early February.)
Another beautiful day on the Embarcadero. Time marches on.
Another beautiful day on the Embarcadero. Time marches on.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Star of India’s new main deck is nearing completion!

The Star of India's deck replacement is approaching completion! The starboard side looks shiny and new!
Thanks to donations, volunteers and hard work, the Star of India’s wood deck replacement is approaching completion! The starboard side looks shiny and new!

Yesterday I took advantage of my Maritime Museum of San Diego membership to freely step aboard the Star of India, with the intention of seeing how the main deck’s replacement is progressing. Wow! The beautiful, shiny new deck appears to be almost finished! According to a friendly guy in the ticket booth, the deck improvement project should be completed in a matter of days! I can hardly wait to see the finished work!

The poop deck has been beautifully refurbished, using modern materials and construction methods.
The poop deck has been beautifully refurbished, using modern materials and construction methods.
One side of the Star of India's main deck now appears as it did when the ship was brand new, 153 years ago!
One side of the Star of India’s main deck now appears as it did when the ship was brand new, 153 years ago!
A bridge was erected so that visitors boarding the historic tall ship could cross the port side where construction is underway.
A temporary bridge was erected so that visitors boarding the historic tall ship could cross the port side where deck reconstruction is underway.
Crossing a temporary bridge above the deck of the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship!
Crossing a temporary bridge above the main deck of the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! Occasionally I make cool discoveries! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A Sailor’s Life, romantic ships, and a blazing sunset.

A sailor and a sweetheart have a special date ahead. There is plenty of life on San Diego's Embarcadero late one Saturday afternoon.
A sailor and a sweetheart have a special date ahead. I discovered plenty of life on San Diego’s Embarcadero late this afternoon.

My walk late this afternoon along the Embarcadero was as wonderful as ever. The weather was mild, everyone was enjoying life, and I was fortunate to make a cool discovery or two. As you can see in these photos, romance was in the air. And adventure beckoned.  Or at least, it felt that way.

Pedestrians and a flag-draped pedicab approach the famous tall ship Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Pedestrians and a flag-draped pedicab approach the famous tall ship Star of India docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A member of the Navy Band enters the Berkeley steam ferry for a special Saturday evening event at the Maritime Museum.
A member of the Navy Band enters the Berkeley steam ferry for a special Saturday evening performance at the Maritime Museum.
A new exhibit by renowned photographer Kathryn Mussallem opened today at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It's a Sailor's Life for Me - At work, play and homecoming.
A new exhibit by renowned photographer Kathryn Mussallem opened today at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It’s a Sailor’s Life for Me – At work, play and homecoming.
Visitor atop the Star of India's forecastle has his picture taken among sails.
Visitor atop the Star of India’s forecastle has his picture taken among sails.
People enjoy a late afternoon laugh while sitting above the water on the Embarcadero.
People enjoy a late afternoon laugh while sitting above the water, feeling free, at the very edge.
A group watches the sunset above San Diego Bay from the deck of Anthony's Fish Grotto.
A group waits for sunset above San Diego Bay.  They have gathered on the deck of Anthony’s Fish Grotto.
A cruise ship slowly turns, preparing to depart San Diego.
A cruise ship slowly turns, preparing to depart San Diego.
Tourists walk along the picturesque Embarcadero while a cruise ship moves across the bay, making for the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists walk along the slowly darkening Embarcadero while a cruise ship moves across the bay, heading into night on the Pacific Ocean.
Jet aircraft high up on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum in the late afternoon.
Jet aircraft high up on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum, shortly before dark.
Day nears an end. The fishing boats at Tuna Harbor quietly float beneath a changing sky.
Day nears an end. The fishing boats at Tuna Harbor quietly float beneath a painted sky.
People stroll out on the pier near Seaport Village while gulls circle overhead and the sky changes color.
People stroll out on the pier near Seaport Village while gulls circle overhead and the western sky changes color.
Silhouetted evening diners at the Pier Cafe.
Silhouetted diners enjoy early evening at the Pier Cafe.
A glorious, glowing sunset turns the clouds orange and red. Visitors linger near the water at Seaport Village in San Diego.
A glorious, glowing sunset turns the clouds orange and red. Visitors linger near the water at Seaport Village in San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!