Flags move forward down Orange Avenue during the 2018 Fourth of July Parade in Coronado.
This morning I headed to Coronado to enjoy another Fourth of July parade.
This is the third year I’ve photographed the epic event. I had considered going elsewhere this year, but Independence Day in Coronado is special, and their patriotic parade is arguably the very best in the entire country, so I couldn’t resist experiencing it all again one more time!
I arrived early to Coronado and walked about for a bit, then found a spot on the parade route just before it started down Orange Avenue.
Here are some colorful photos…
People slowly gather in Coronado for a patriotic Fourth of July Celebration.A guy waits on the sidewalk for the big morning parade with his flag ready.Red, white and blue bunting could be seen on shops and buildings throughout Coronado.Kid heads down Orange Avenue on a small bicycle decorated for Independence Day.Many homes had patriotic banners and decorations. Most residents in Coronado support our country and its core principle of human liberty.A smiling Uncle Sam at someone’s front gate.These tie-dye Coronado shirts in front of a shop are red, white and blue.People relax and look at artwork for sale in Spreckels Park. An afternoon concert in the park features patriotic music.Patriotic wreath and bouquet in front of the Coronado Police headquarters honor and remember Senior Volunteer Patrol volunteers who recently passed away.Portraits of hometown heroes.People head down Orange Avenue to get in their spots as the parade is about to begin.Hats are removed and hands placed over hearts as thousands sing the National Anthem.Can you see it yet? The parade? Here it comes!Members of San Diego County law enforcement from Escondido ride down the parade route on horseback.The distinguished Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Brown.Several heroic Pearl Harbor survivors received great applause from the crowd.The Fourth of July Parade in Coronado goes on and on with too many participants to mention!A patriotic pooch.Here comes Marine Corps Band San Diego.Military based in San Diego march by on Independence Day.Wounded Warriors get a big Welcome Home!A gigantic American flag carried by many hands.Smiles from many who are happy to live in the Land of the Free.Here comes the Castle Park High School Trojan Brigade! They came up from Chula Vista.As you might imagine, lots of cool cars were in the parade.A driver touches hands with the crowd as kids wave.I think I see Maverick of Top Gun in that cockpit! No, it’s actually a young Tom Cruise look-alike who sometimes poses for photos by the USS Midway Museum. I spoke to him once and he’s a super friendly cool guy.The USS Midway Museum is always an important participant in San Diego’s patriotic events.During patriotic holidays, the Rotary Club of Coronado lines Orange Avenue’s grassy median with American flags.Look! Here comes Honest Abe!I was getting hungry and hoped this lady might accidentally flip a pancake my way.Guys in wheelchairs shoot hoops behind the Rotary float.Another hero is celebrated. He represents The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.There were lots of parade participants on horseback.Another American veteran is saluted. I saw many members of The Greatest Generation being thanked for their service long ago.More pageantry, another marching band.Members of the United States Navy march past.A flag held high greets passing musicians.A beauty queen, seeing my camera, smiles and waves!People watch the big parade from a building on Orange Avenue.Flags everywhere.
…
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 phone or 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.
Donate online today to help seriously ill kids and their families!
Would you like to do something positive today? Would you like to help others who find themselves in an unspeakably difficult situation?
Please consider making an online donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego. Their mission is to help families that have a child receiving critical treatment at a San Diego hospital.
These kids have a very serious, often life-threatening disease or condition. And parents need to be at the bedside of sick children. Ronald McDonald House provides a place nearby where these families can stay.
Today was Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego’s 9th annual Red Shoe Day. I took these photos during my morning walk to work!
If you weren’t able to slip a few dollars into a red shoe, and you find it in your heart to help, please visit the online donation page here.
Thank you!
If you support Ronald McDonald House, you’ll smile just like these generous people!Your gift will sponsor a meal, provide supplies for a student, or help a family stay near a hospital where their child is receiving medical treatment.More good people on the streets of San Diego!Even if 2018 Red Shoe Day is over, you can still donate online today!
A Family Guy trolley wrap has appeared for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!
I spotted another FOX trolley wrap for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con! This one promotes the funny show Family Guy, and features Peter and Lois Griffin among a heap of beer cans!
I took these quick photos after running a couple blocks to the City College station a short while ago. I barely caught the trolley before it headed off again.
Enjoy!
Lois Griffin of the FOX show Family Guy on a San Diego trolley!Peter Griffin seems a bit dazed. He’s in the middle of a bunch of open beer cans in a Family Guy trolley wrap for SDCC 2018!
UPDATE!
I spotted another Comic-Con trolley wrap promoting Family Guy!
Chris Griffin among beer cans.Meg Griffin under beer cans.
UPDATE!
A third great trolley wrap features Brian and Stewie!
Brian obviously prefers a sophisticated cocktail over beers.King of all he surveys, Stewie sits in a throne made of beer cans!
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
The Rockademy performs on the main stage at 2018 Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach.
Today I rode the Coaster train from downtown San Diego up to Solana Beach to experience the annual Fiesta del Sol street festival!
I’d never been to Fiesta del Sol, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I found was a lot of family fun, live music, a tasty chicken quesadilla, and a perfect bench overlooking the event where I could read and gaze out at the beach and Pacific Ocean!
This cool event continues through the weekend. You’ll find it just off the Pacific Coast Highway, right next to Fletcher Cove Beach Park!
Fiesta del Sol, presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, takes place beside Fletcher Cove Beach Park. The street festival continues through the weekend.Thousands turn out for a fun community event on a spring day in Solana Beach.Lots of tasty food could be found.Lots of art, too.This guy recycles surfboards.GC Dance Company performs at Fiesta del Sol.Photo of Fletcher Cove Beach Park from Overlook Park. I found a nice bench where I sat and read a book. (After visiting the food trucks to grab a mouthwatering lunch!)I wandered down to Fletcher Cove and looked north along the cliffs. Not many people were on the beach this overcast, slightly chilly day.A stand up paddle surfer was out on the Pacific Ocean waiting for the perfect wave.Walking back up from the beach toward the colorful festival.A cool Solana Beach sign above the tops of tents at Fiesta del Sol.Some people checked out some old school music for sale.Another vendor had all sorts of unique wooden items, including awesome model ships.The Solana Beach Civic Historical Society had a fascinating display of old photos. I learned about their Heritage Museum in La Colonia Park, which I’ll visit someday!Teenage rock band The Elements gets ready to perform at another stage near Pacific Coast Highway.More food!This artist surrounded by cool surf images displays his artwork at various festivals. I remember seeing him at the Ocean Beach Street Fair.These super long skateboards are Blue Murphy’s original Wonderboards! Murphy was a very friendly guy!On my way back to the Solana Beach train station to catch the Coaster, I spied this friendly stiltwalker. She was inviting people to a gallery down the street in the Cedros Avenue Design District.Lots of folks were having a great time today at Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach!
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
Dozens of kites take to the sky at the 70th Annual Kite Festival in Ocean Beach!
The older I get, the more I enjoy watching kites. I like to sit quietly and watch joyful kites flutter and soar like birds. It’s such a simple thing. I must be well into my dotage. Or perhaps I never grew up.
Today I headed down to Ocean Beach’s Robb Field to check out the big 70th Annual Kite Festival. This popular family event is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach, who make the world better with their generous, charitable work.
According to the event’s description, The OB Kite Festival is the oldest children’s kite festival in the United States. All I know is, even on an overcast day, those kites made the sun shine throughout Ocean Beach.
A couple has front row seats to a lot of colorful kite action at Robb Field in OB.Young and old participated in this very cool event.Among a variety of festival participants were some clever vendors who conveniently sold kites!Materials at a kite creation and repair station include markers to add color to new kites.I saw some four-legged friends on the grass.The event was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach and the Ocean Beach Recreation Center. The Point Loma Kiwanis Club also participated. They distribute cookies to the troops as a comfort and thank you.Bubbles mix well with kites.This guy has a cool U.S. Navy Blue Angels kite!Any day blessed with a breath of wind, even a cloudy one, is a perfect day to go fly a kite!
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
Talented floreador Miguel Bautista performs rope tricks in Balboa Park during Cinco de Mayo!
Today was the first time I’ve gone to a big, festive Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park. What fun!
In the early afternoon I wandered down El Prado to absorb the general flavor of the event, but I spent most of my time watching cultural performances in the Plaza de Panama. The day’s highlight in my opinion was the noontime equestrian parade and rope handling entertainment.
I’ve included some fascinating info in my photo captions!
The festive 2018 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park was the scene of great pageantry and life today!Many traditional Mexican costumes, crafts and entertaining activities filled the Plaza de Panama.Ballet folklorico dancers with the community group La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego entertain a crowd in Balboa Park during Cinco de Mayo.Buoyant traditional Mexican music is provided by City Heights Mariachi, an ensemble that welcomes all ages. They are actively seeking trumpet players!Many people in diverse and colorful garb were in the audience.The noon Equestrian Procession is entering the Plaza de Panama! The group is called Escaramuza Charra las Golondrinas.Riders on horseback wear various traditional costumes. The caballero carrying the American flag is in the gala dress of a charro.Circling in the Plaza de Panama so that all can enjoy.The equestrian group’s floreador performs elaborate rope tricks for the crowd.Great agility and showmanship on display.Performing more amazing rope tricks up on the back of his horse!This cool lowrider was out in the plaza. It’s a 1958 Chevy Del Ray Sedan Delivery painted with flames!Several Balboa Park museums and organizations had tables in the plaza where kids could create Cinco de Mayo-themed artwork.Many food trucks were lining El Prado!When not on the main stage, City Heights Mariachi did some more entertaining along El Prado.At one o’clock there was a Traditional Dress Showcase with models wearing regional attire from different Mexican states.The various traditional Mexican dresses were from the Olga de la Vega private collection.I believe this was said to be a dress from the Michoacán region. The shawl is an important aspect of the attire–it is used to send social signals.Dress from the Mexican state of Guerrero, if my notes are correct. Images in the fabric include flowers and jaguars.Abundant color and pageantry filled the Plaza de Panama during the 2018 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park!
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
Biking north along the east side of Mission Bay, heading toward De Anza Cove.
On Saturday I walked slowly along the east side of Mission Bay on my way to the Shaka Fest. Many were out enjoying the sunshine.
This is living in San Diego.
Resting in the shade of a tree.Shooting hoops outdoors with friends.Chasing a Frisbee.Walking near the De Anza Cove boat launching ramp.Some boaters come in from a pleasant Saturday out on the water.A sailboat in a corner of gentle blue Mission Bay, the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States.Enjoying the grass.The magic of Mission Bay.Heading down a path with the dog.Plaque on a park bench. In memory of Bettelu who love the walk (thru life).Enjoying another day of San Diego sunshine.
…
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!
A performance by Japanese drummers at the 2018 Pacific Rim Festival in Chula Vista.
Yesterday I headed down to the South Bay to check out the 2nd Annual Pacific Rim Festival in Chula Vista. The fun event, sponsored by the Port of San Diego, featured food and entertainment representing many nations that share the Pacific Ocean.
I lingered for over an hour and watched a rousing performance by the Naruwan Taiko Drummers, lion dancing by the Southern Sea Kung Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, and Philippine martial art demonstrations by the Cardenas School of Modern Arnis.
Please enjoy a few photos from my walk through Bayside Park, and many more after I arrived at the colorful event!
A family enjoys the small beach near the fishing pier at the south end of Bayside Park.A father plays super hopscotch in the park!Walking slowly through sunshine, on the way to a cool festival in San Diego’s South Bay.Downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bay Bridge are in the hazy distance.I’ve arrived at the 2nd Annual Pacific Rim Festival.The first thing I saw was lots of yummy food from many countries around the Pacific Rim.Beautiful crafts were also on display and available for purchase. A nice lady made this amazing glass artwork by hand.Continuing through the festival. One vendor had unique clothing for sale. Kids had a bounce house. Another perfect San Diego day.An audience has gathered at the stage to watch energetic drumming by Naruwan Taiko.Meanwhile, some lion dancers are waiting to one side for their turn to perform.People have gathered to celebrate many cultures around the Pacific Ocean.The lion dancing has begun. This local group is the Southern Sea Kung Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association.Music accompanies the traditional lion dance.Banners unfurl, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous year.The two lions come down onto the grass to the delight of everybody.A young girl offers the red lion a dollar bill for good luck.After this performance, I stretched my legs with a short walk along the nearby water of San Diego Bay. Others were enjoying the day, too.I stumbled upon some wild California poppies. They are the official flower of the state of California.As I returned to the stage area, students from the Cardenas School of Modern Arnis had assembled.People get ready to view a Philippine martial arts demonstration.The exciting demonstration begins.Celebrating the cultures of many Pacific Rim nations at a very fun event!
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
On Sunday afternoons I seem to be spending more and more time in the grand Ballroom of the Balboa Park Club. Cushioned chairs line the walls, and I can sit peacefully as I read or write, listening to gentle, sprightly folk music, occasionally looking up at happy people dancing.
I don’t do much in the way of dancing–not with my feet. But I’m sure some of you do! And I bet some of you’d like to learn all sorts of different folk dances!
I spoke to a nice lady who is a member of one of Balboa Park’s dance clubs, and she told me they are looking to grow their membership. There’s an opportunity for ordinary people with varying levels of experience to learn folk dances from many different cultures. And each lesson costs only a couple bucks!
As you can see from one of my photos, kids and parents can also learn how to dance the third Sunday of every month, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Sounds like fun!
Interested? Visit the International Dance Association of San Diego County website by clicking here!
If you can walk, you can dance!
…
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!
People walk through Balboa Park’s sunlit Alcazar Garden on a beautiful spring Sunday afternoon.
I blog about Balboa Park frequently. I hope you’re not getting tired of it. I’m not.
I live downtown, very close to San Diego’s crown jewel, so I walk up to Balboa Park most Sundays. That’s what I did this afternoon.
It truly felt like spring today. The sun was out, the air was warm, flowers were blooming, fountains were splashing, and Balboa Park sparkled in its full glory.
I took so many photos, I’ll be posting many of them on my other website, Beautiful Balboa Park. Those upcoming posts will concern the amazing art collection of the San Diego History Center, and loads of fun artwork that I spotted in Spanish Village. Look for those photos in the next couple days.
Have a great week ahead!
The Southern California Plumeria Society was having their annual cutting sale inside the Casa del Prado. I learned they’ll have many more cuttings at the May 26th Fiesta Botanica event in Balboa Park.Someone plays with a hula hoop in the Casa del Prado’s outer courtyard.Bright yellow sunflowers in hand blown glass vases in Spanish Village Art Center.A park squirrel seemed fascinated by this shiny dragonfly sculpture at the edge of a rooftop in Spanish Village.Playing sprightly music for passersby near the House of Hospitality.A clay female figure on display in one glass case outside the entrance to the Mingei International Museum.A family walks toward the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. It’s a perfect spring day to be outside in San Diego.A bicyclist has arrived for the two o’clock Sunday organ concert in Balboa Park, which is always free.A gorgeous spring bloom in the Japanese Friendship Garden.Some people emerge from a walk through green Palm Canyon.I watched a bit of folk dancing by the Cabrillo Dancers inside the Balboa Park Club.This year’s youthful House of Pacific Relations queens stand on stage during a program at the International Cottages.It seems there is now limited time to save the historic Starlight Bowl. If you want to help, please take action and visit savestarlight.org today!I’m a big supporter of restoring the Palisades section of Balboa Park. Learn more at the Committee of One Hundred’s c100.org website.Looking down at the fountain inside the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.Thousands of beautiful spring roses are in bloom.Walking over the Park Boulevard pedestrian bridge from the rose and desert gardens, back toward the San Diego Natural History Museum and Plaza de Balboa.A guitarist plays in some shade near the Bea Evenson Fountain in the Plaza de Balboa.
…
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 photos for you to enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 