Tag: fun

The arches of National City’s Morgan Square Plaza.

These arches in National City’s Morgan Square Plaza delight the eye with their colorful tiles and designs
These arches in National City’s Morgan Square Plaza delight the eye with their colorful tiles and designs.

Check out this cool public art in San Diego’s South Bay! These colorfully tiled arches can be found in Morgan Square Plaza right next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. As you can see in one photo, the plaza isn’t far from Heritage Square and historic Brick Row, which I recently covered on this blog.

It appears these mosaic arches debuted along with the plaza itself in October 2007. I searched the small pocket park for a plaque, and later for information on the internet, but can find almost nothing about this unique public art. I did see that the bust of former National City mayor Kile Morgan was created by the talented San Diego sculptor Richard Becker. According to Becker’s website, he created the POW Monument at the US National Cemetery, busts for The Emmys in Hollywood, and a bronze sculpture of Homer Simpson for Fox Studios.

Cool art in the public square next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Cool art in the public square next to the National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Visible beyond the brick arch is one end of Brick Row, one of several historic buildings in Heritage Square.
Visible beyond the brick arch is one end of Brick Row, one of several historic buildings in Heritage Square.
Across Morgan Square Plaza is a monument to a former National City mayor.
Across Morgan Square Plaza is a monument to a former National City mayor.
The bust of Honorable Kile Morgan, mayor of National City 1966-1986. He established the Mile of Cars and Plaza Bonita. Sculpture created by San Diego artist Richard Becker.
The bust of Honorable Kile Morgan, mayor of National City from 1966 to 1986. He established the Mile of Cars and Plaza Bonita. Sculpture created by San Diego artist Richard Becker.
Another photo through the arches. The Southwestern College Higher Education Center stands across National City Boulevard.
Another photo through the arches. The Southwestern College Higher Education Center stands across National City Boulevard.
The beautiful patterns on this wall-like artwork are composed of many brightly colored tiles.
The beautiful patterns on this wall-like artwork are composed of many brightly colored tiles.
The National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located near the public art arches.
The National City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located near the public art arches.
Fun photo of one arch within another.
Fun photo of one arch within another.
Cool public artwork in National City at Morgan Square Plaza!
Cool public artwork in National City at Morgan Square Plaza!

UPDATE!

During a walk in 2019 I discovered a plaque describing this Streetscape Project, titled Portals in Time. The different arches are called Brick Row, Hispanic Portal, Filipino Water Wall, Kumeyaay Water Wall, Agriculture and Ship Building, and The Bay.

Click the following two photos and they will enlarge for easier reading:

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

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

Cool San Diego Sights on Pinterest and Tumblr.

Rainwater has collected in this beautiful flower.

Are you active on Pinterest or Tumblr? If you’d like to see hundreds of my favorite photos on one easy-to-view page, please check out my Tumblr archive. Or visit my special Pinterest page. I update these collections of cool San Diego images every so often. Feel free to reblog or pin anything you like!  It’s all for fun!

Another storm today. Enough outdoor drenchings for me. A good day to watch football and reorganize shelves. And maybe order a large pizza. And watch a DVD. And maybe sort through more photos!

Thanks for swinging on by and take care!

Richard

Cool–and funny–Star Wars street art!

Join me, says Darth Vader. Never, replies Luke Skywalker. An epic lightsaber battle commences.
Join me, says Darth Vader. Never, replies Luke Skywalker. An epic lightsaber battle commences.

Here’s more super cool street art!  A classic battle between the dark and the light, and iconic movie characters recognized around the world are painted on two utility boxes in National City!  You can spot them near the intersection of 8th Street and National City Boulevard.

This bold street art is an homage to the original Star Wars trilogy.  The final four images might make you laugh!

The right side of this utility box is painted with two more panels of cool Star Wars street art. I see good old R2-D2 and the white helmet of a Stormtrooper.
Like a comic book or graphic novel, the right side of this utility box is painted with two more panels of Star Wars street art. I see good old R2-D2 and the white helmet of an Imperial Stormtrooper.
Bounty hunter Boba Fett, a popular Star Wars character, makes for some very cool street art! I photographed this on the left side of the utility box.
Bounty hunter Boba Fett, a popular Star Wars character, makes for some super cool street art! I photographed this image on the left side of the same utility box.
Pop culture icon C-3PO from Star Wars movies, television and other media has been painted on the left side of a National City utility box.
Pop culture icon C-3PO from Star Wars movies, television and other media has also been painted on the side of this utility box.
Wannabe Stormtrooper on a second utility box seems to idolize Darth Vader and his mastery of the Dark Force.
Wannabe Stormtrooper on a second National City utility box seems to idolize Darth Vader and his mastery of the Dark Force.
Live Set Stormtrooper likes listening to tunes while battling the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps that's why those lasers never seem to hit anything.
Live Set Stormtrooper likes listening to tunes while battling the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps that’s why those lasers never seem to hit anything.
Poker Face Stormtrooper has beer hoses entering his helmet and a hand of cards.
Poker Face Stormtrooper has beer hoses entering his helmet and a hand of cards.
Selfie Stormtrooper thinks he looks good. Funny street art in National City!
Selfie Stormtrooper thinks he looks good. Some funny Star Wars street art in National 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!

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

Japanese video game characters in fun street art!

Blanka of Capcom's Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.
Blanka of Capcom’s Street Fighter video games. Fun street art in National City.

A bunch of fun, colorful Japanese video game characters have been painted on several utility boxes near the center of National City. I spotted them while walking near the intersection of National City Boulevard and East 8th Street.

A whole universe of video game characters created over the years in Japan have contributed in a very big way to our popular culture. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario to the magical creatures of Pokémon, they populate video games, television shows, movies, comic books, toys . . and, as you can see, even some really fun street art!

Painted utility boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Painted utility and transformer boxes near the corner of National CIty Boulevard and East 8th Street feature a variety of colorful Japanese video game characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Sonic the Hedgehog of Sega Games has been painted on a utility box in National City.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Bub and Bob originally from the 1980s Taito video game Bubble Bobble.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
Street art depicts Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
A cute street art rendition of Princess Peach from the Mario video games.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Pikachu sits atop a Pokémon Poké Ball. Fun street art in National City.
Okay, the character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can't figure this one out. If you know who that is, please leave a comment!
The character beneath the Poké Ball looks somehow familiar, but I can’t figure this one out… Okay, a coworker identified him!  It’s Finn the Human from the animated television show Adventure Time.  Not of Japanese origin, apparently, but he has appeared in video games!
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Chocobo from the Final Fantasy video games. Happy street art painted on a utility box.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I'm not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Luna from the popular Japanese manga series Sailor Moon. I’m not sure if Luna appeared in any video games.
Nintendo's pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
Nintendo’s pop culture icon Mario fights Gooper Blooper in this fun, nostalgic street art.
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A green Super Mario Koopa Paratroopa flies over a castle while our leaping hero steps on a Goomba!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
A villainous Rocky Wrench pops out of a hole to attack Mario in this video game street art!
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
I believe these are various images of enemies from the Mario video game franchise on top of the transformer.
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National City!
Super Mario Galaxy has our hero capturing Power Stars in Outer Space! More street art in National 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!

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

Make a “lending library” box for your community!

A simple, homemade lending library box next to somebody's front yard in Crown Point, a neighborhood on Mission Bay. Leave a book or take one!
A simple, homemade lending library box next to somebody’s front yard in Crown Point, a neighborhood on Mission Bay. Leave a book or take one!

Here’s a cool idea that almost anyone can bring to life!

Once in a while, as I walk about, I notice cabinet-like wooden boxes on neighborhood streets that are filled with books. They’re usually placed near a sidewalk–a spot that anybody passing by can easily reach. These community “lending library” boxes are filled with used books, magazines and other reading material that neighbors can freely borrow and return when they please. Anybody can add to the small library. Now that’s very cool!

Here are photos of several boxes I’ve come across. Their designs appear to be rather simple. They can be built however one likes, as long as the shelves are visible and sheltered from the elements. And they can be painted creatively!

Does your neighborhood have a “lending library” book box? Looks like a fun, inspirational project! It enriches the life of your community and promotes literacy!

A lending library book box built like a cabinet along the Fifth Avenue sidewalk on Bankers Hill. The contents are always changing. Today the shelves were almost empty!
A lending library book box built like a two-door cabinet along a sidewalk in San Diego. The contents are always changing. Today the shelves were almost empty!
This fancy book box has a sliding glass door and sloped roof. You can find this tiny library at the east end of the Quince Street Trestle pedestrian bridge in Bankers Hill.
This fancy book box has a sliding glass door and sloped roof. You can find this tiny library at the east end of the Quince Street Trestle pedestrian bridge in Bankers Hill!
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If you’re feeling really creative, you could make an imaginative “Little Free Library” like this!
A lending box created by Boy Scouts and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.
A lending box created by Boy Scouts and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.

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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 works of fiction that I’ve written, visit my special writing blog Short Stories by Richard!

Santa eats lots of pizza in Little Italy!

Santa Claus appeared this morning in Little Italy. He bought a yummy pizza at Landini's Pizzeria. I guess a good pizza is hard to come by at the North Pole.
Santa Claus appeared this morning in Little Italy. He bought a yummy pizza at Landini’s Pizzeria. I guess a good pizza is hard to come by at the North Pole.

I didn’t expect to see Santa this morning in Little Italy! What was he doing there?

I walked up and down India Street spying on the exploits of Santa and his merry Christmas pals. Read the photo captions and you’ll learn what I discovered…

Possibly to flag down Santa while he flew by overhead, a Buon Natale banner was hung on a street lamp in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood.
Possibly to flag down Santa while he flew by overhead, a Buon Natale banner was hung on a street lamp in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Apparently Santa left his sleigh and went into Filippi's Pizza Grotto to get another pizza.
Apparently Santa left his sleigh and went into Filippi’s Pizza Grotto to get another pizza.
I hope Santa doesn't neglect to put those presents in his sleigh under the Little Italy Christmas tree.
I hope Santa doesn’t neglect to put those presents in his sleigh under the Little Italy Christmas tree.
Thank goodness! He hasn't forgotten. Strange, but now he's flying a train onto rooftops. When you're full of Christmas magic, you can do things like that.
Thank goodness! He hasn’t forgotten. Strange, but now he’s flying a train onto rooftops. When you’re full of Christmas magic, you can do things like that.
I wonder if this nutcracker likes pizza. Chances are he prefers walnuts.
I wonder if this nutcracker likes pizza. Chances are he prefers walnuts.
Rudolph and an elf are also hanging out in Little Italy while Santa pays his visit. It seems everyone loves Italian food!
Rudolph and an elf are also hanging out in Little Italy while Santa pays his visit. It seems all sorts of odd folk love Italian food!
I hope and pray Santa brought lots of gifts. He'd better not forget Little Italy's poinsettia tree in Piazza Basilone.
I hope and pray Santa brought lots of gifts. He’d better not forget Little Italy’s poinsettia tree in Piazza Basilone.
That's nice. This elf brought candy canes. Obviously, Santa with his big jolly belly likes to constantly eat.
That’s nice. This happy elf brought candy canes. Obviously, Santa with his big jolly belly likes to constantly eat.
Candy canes and pasta in a window of an Italian market. Perhaps it's a tasty combination, perhaps not.
Candy canes and pasta in a window of an Italian market. Perhaps it’s a tasty combination, perhaps not.
Hey Santa! I see you're still hanging around Little Italy. You must be really hungry.
Hey Santa! I see you’re still hanging around Little Italy. You must be really hungry!
Santa can't get enough Italian food, it seems. He has already grown pale from hunger. Time for more pizza.
Santa can’t get enough to eat, it seems. He accidentally stepped into a foodless Little Italy shop and has already grown pale from hunger. Time for more pizza!
What is Frosty the Snowman up to in that window.
Wait!  What is Frosty the Snowman up to in that window?
Oh, dear! Frosty grabbed the pizza! What will Santa do.
Oh, dear! Frosty grabbed the pizza! What will Santa do?

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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!

Ho, ho, ho! To chuckle at some perfectly silly short stories, check out my blog Foolyman Stories!

People meditate (or have fun) walking a labyrinth.

Visitors to Balboa Park walk the meandering single path of a labyrinth near the Botanical Building.
Visitors to Balboa Park walk the meandering single path of a labyrinth near the Botanical Building.

Life is a bit like walking a labyrinth. We navigate twists and turns on our forward path.

Yesterday I saw a cool labyrinth set up on a lawn in Balboa Park, right next to the Botanical Building. String was laid on the grass, creating boundaries defining the path.

A labyrinth is not a maze. The walk is peaceful, the sudden smooth turns reorient one’s vision, there is no hurry. Many use labyrinth walking for meditation. It also looks like fun exercise!

Walking through a curving labyrinth can provide meditation, bringing together body, mind and spirit. Everyone is on their own path through life. (Click image to read.)
Walking through a curving labyrinth can enhance meditation, bringing together body, mind and spirit. Everyone is on their own path through life. (Click image to read.)
It's a beautiful December weekend in Balboa Park. There is much to do, much to see. Our walk through life takes many turns.
It’s a beautiful December weekend in Balboa Park. There is much to do, much to see. Our walk through life takes many turns.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! Navigating downtown streets can be like moving through a labyrinth! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Cool San Diego stuff to pin on Pinterest!

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I’d like to welcome fans of Pinterest to Cool San Diego Sights! My blog has literally thousands of photos that can be easily pinned. What interests you? There’s a good chance it’s on my website!

A good way to find stuff that interests you is to perform a search of Cool San Diego Sights. Look for the search box in my website’s sidebar.

You can also click a tag. The many tags on my blog include street art, trains, tall ships, Balboa Park, archaeology, technology, nature, cosplay, Santa Claus, surfing, food, crafts, flowers, dogs, inspiration . . . and that’s just scratching the surface! At the bottom of every blog post you’ll find pertinent clickable tags.

Please feel free to share anything you’d like. My website is all about having fun and enjoying life! That’s why I walk and take all these photos. Welcome!

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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.

Searching for Santa at December Nights!

This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there's a good chance. Right?
This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there’s a good chance. Right?

I went to December Nights this afternoon hoping to photograph Santa Claus. December Nights is one of the largest festivals in the United States that celebrates the holiday season, so one would suppose Old Saint Nick might drop on by. This year I headed home before dark, before the glittering Christmas lights turned on, and before the really huge crowds!

Because I left before nightfall, I missed seeing jolly Bill “Santa” Swank spreading good cheer at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Check out his book Christmas in San Diego! It’s all about the history of Christmas in our fair city.  I feel very honored that Cool San Diego Sights has a bunch of photos in it!

Now, did I have any success locating the real, actual, honest-to-goodness Santa Claus this afternoon at December Nights? You be the judge!

Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.
Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.
Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.
Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.
These fun but sadly inanimate Santas are made of beads!
These fun (but sadly inanimate) Santas are made of beads!
You guys aren't Santa. You can't fool me! You're elves from the North Pole.
You guys aren’t Santa. You can’t fool me! You’re elves from the North Pole.
With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.
With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.
Oh, goodness gracious! A fan man Santa Claus waving arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.
Oh, goodness gracious! A “fan man” Santa Claus waving his arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.
I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.
I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So, logically, the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.
I've seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn't actually fly. It's all a complete fake. Impostor!
I’ve seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn’t actually fly. It’s all a complete fake. Impostor!
Tried to fool me again! That isn't Father Christmas! It's Snoopy!
Tried to fool me again! That isn’t Father Christmas! It’s Snoopy!
If Santa Claus actually looks like this, I'd really like to meet him. Now that would be quite an amazing experience!
Now if Santa Claus actually looks like this, I’d really like to meet him. That would be quite an amazing experience!
Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They all are cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.
Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They’re all cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.
I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the big Spreckels Organ Pavilion Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!
I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s annual Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!
If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.
If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.
Perhaps this is why I haven't positively identified the real Santa Claus. He might be at the beach in San Diego getting some sun.
Perhaps this is why I haven’t positively identified the real Santa Claus. He’s probably kicking back at a San Diego beach getting some sun.
I'll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.
I’ll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.
Wait! I found him! There he is! Santa!
Wait! I found him! There he is! Santa!

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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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Unexpected faces appear in the Gaslamp!

Unexpected faces in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter. This colorful work of art commands the attention of those passing down the sidewalk.
Unexpected faces in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter. This colorful work of art commands the attention of anyone passing down the sidewalk.

The Gaslamp Quarter is usually bustling with humanity, as people shop, dine and take a stroll through the historic heart of downtown San Diego. But occasionally unexpected faces appear!

A mannequin high in a window makes one do a double take as one walks down Sixth Avenue through San Diego's Gaslamp.
A mannequin high in a building window made me do a double take as I walked down Sixth Avenue through San Diego’s Gaslamp!
A stylish Tatyana on a Gaslamp shop's sign.
A stylish Tatyana on a Gaslamp shop’s sign.
Doug Loves Movies so much it seems he has forgotten to shave. A funny face spotted while walking down a sidewalk.
Doug Loves Movies so much it seems he has forgotten to shave. A funny face spotted while strolling down a sidewalk, camera in hand.
This unexpected face has no skin. The Chrome Domes seem mostly bones.
This unexpected face has no skin. The Chrome Domes seem mostly bones.
A mischievous face that now looks upon an outdoor patio filled with nobody. Dick's Last Resort in the Gaslamp has closed.
A mischievous face painted next to a deserted patio. Dick’s Last Resort in the Gaslamp has closed after many years.
The Grinch is behaving unexpectedly unGrinchlike in this fun artwork inside the front window of The Chuck Jones Gallery.
The Grinch is smiling and behaving unexpectedly unGrinchlike in this fun artwork inside the front window of The Chuck Jones Gallery.
Very cool! It's Steve McQueen sporting some shades. An image above the windows of Eyes On Fifth.
Very cool! It’s Steve McQueen sporting some shades. An image above the windows of Eyes On Fifth.
This large face painted on the brick wall inside a Gaslamp Quarter restaurant is an unexpected, arresting sight.
A large face painted on the brick wall inside a Gaslamp Quarter restaurant is an unexpected, arresting sight.

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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.