Tag: koi

Marriott Marquis and a hidden parklike hollow.

The silvery curving towers of the Marriott Marquis as seen from across Harbor Drive. The cluster of trees on the right contain a wonderful secret.
The silvery curving towers of the Marriott Marquis as seen from across Harbor Drive. The cluster of trees on the right contains a wonderful secret.

I’ve lived in downtown San Diego for years and years. But apparently I still have much to discover. Because I had no idea that the Marriott Marquis on our waterfront has a hidden parklike hollow, in a place where seemingly few people venture.

The quiet green space, with a beautiful lawn, fountain, waterfalls, koi and ducks is partially concealed in an island of trees. You’ll find it set back a short distance from Harbor Drive, at the center of the looping driveway that leads to the Marriott’s front entrance.

There’s no clear footpath to the hollow. But there is a fish food dispenser and a couple of stone benches, and plenty of tranquil beauty. Hotel guests who’d like to unwind and quietly relax have their own secret garden, a place for meditation in the middle of bustling San Diego!

We've crossed Harbor Drive and are walking on the driveway, carefully watching for cars and buses.
We’ve crossed Harbor Drive and are walking on the driveway, carefully watching for cars and buses.
Within the trees there's a tranquil, inviting green space.
Within the trees there’s a tranquil, inviting green space.
Grass, rippling water, and a mixture of shade and sunshine fill a small parklike hollow in front of the Marriott Marquis in San Diego.
Grass, rippling water, and a mixture of shade and sunshine fill a parklike hollow in front of the Marriott Marquis in San Diego.
These ducks are enjoying a small artificial stream among some rocks.
These ducks are enjoying a small artificial stream among some rocks.
Two beautiful stone benches invite meditation.
Two beautiful stone benches invite meditation.
The koi wouldn't mind a bit of food thrown their way!
The koi wouldn’t mind a bit of food tossed their way!
A shining pond reflects the nearby hotel and flagpoles on another perfect San Diego day.
A shining pond reflects the nearby hotel and flagpoles on another pleasant San Diego day.

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Splashes of color in Balboa Park lily pond.

bright color in balboa park lily pond

One of my favorite places in Balboa Park is the reflecting pool, or lily pond, as some call it. This tranquil body of water lies between El Prado and the enormous wood lath structure which is the Botanical Building.

Flower beds, green grass and families enjoying picnics surround the pond, and colorful lotus flowers grace the surface. All sorts of interesting creatures call it home. In addition of numerous large koi (two can be seen in this photo), and floating turtles craning their heads to gaze at tourists, there are crawdads and a variety of fish that people have dumped into the pond. Years ago a small shark was spotted in the serene water!

An interesting historical fact: during World War II, when Balboa Park was utilized to mobilize American soldiers, the Navy used the reflecting pool to train sailors! You can still see old black-and-white photos of men rowing on the pool when you visit the San Diego History Center, a bit further to the east down El Prado.

These photographs are of the small pond-like section right next to the Botanical Building. This is the best place to watch brightly colored Koi swimming about.

Looking down at bright colors in the reflecting pool.
Looking down at bright colors in the reflecting pool.
Lots of color can be found in this section of the reflecting pool, by the Botanical Building.
Lots of color can be found in this section of the reflecting pool, by the Botanical Building.
Turtle comes out of the water to enjoy a bit of San Diego sunshine!
Turtle comes out of the water to enjoy a bit of San Diego sunshine!
Crowd gazes into small section of Balboa Park reflecting pool.
Crowd gazes into small section of the Balboa Park lily pond.