Tag: outdoors

More activations appear before Comic-Con!

More offsite activations are appearing in San Diego outside Comic-Con 2024, just a day before Preview Night!

The Petco Park Interactive Zone has finally begun to materialize, and a couple smaller activations have suddenly appeared along the boardwalk near the Omni Hotel. I saw as I walked along MLK Promenade that two offsites in particular are really taking form.

First, behind the San Diego Convention Center, the IMDb Boat has arrived and is getting itself decorated in time for the start of Comic-Con.

Now over to the parking lot near Petco Park, where activations are being built in the Interactive Zone. I learned the next two photos show construction of the Elden Ring offsite.

Nearby is another activation–I don’t know what.

You’ll be glad to know those concrete stairs leading to the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge are finally being repaired today. Remember them from last year? I was told by a friendly city worker that the bridge will be open tomorrow in time for Preview Night. Good thing!

Walking from the Petco Park Interactive Zone past the ballpark, you’ll find this new Dexter activation. I was told people will walk through it.

Next along the walkway is a super fun SpongeBob activation. It squirts water, streaming like a sponge! Workers were testing it as I approached, and it suddenly squirted some delighted kids!

Walking along Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade, I noticed some superheroes were being placed on their feet. Yes, the Marvel Contest of Champions big Ferris wheel has been setting up for several days, but I thought these photos would be fun.

Further along MLK Promenade, the Peanuts offsite has its exterior graphics ready. I saw workers through the windows getting everything inside ready. Next year will be the 75th anniversary of Peanuts. Might as well celebrate early!

Then, lastly, I saw how Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is getting its front entrance ready. Lots of junglelike foliage. (I’m afraid I’m the guy who made the lame “off the rails” joke. You’re not going to throw that net over me, are you?)

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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!

Natural History Museum’s nature trail opens!

The construction fences are down! The San Diego Natural History Museum’s new outdoor native garden has opened, and there’s a trail that follows the newly planted greenery around the museum!

Native plants, flowers and trees now abound, but since the garden is just getting started, most plants are small and the landscape appears a bit bare. Once everything is grown, the garden should be much more beautiful!

Right now there’s plastic fencing along the pathway, protecting the new plantings from careless visitors and dogs. It appears to be temporary.

Informative signs can be read along the looping trail, and smaller signs indicate the native species planted nearby. There’s a boulder-filled sitting area and short side trail, too, on the museum’s north side–you know, the side with the enormous Moreton Bay Fig.

The “Nat’s Nature Trail” features various themed segments. As you walk around the Natural History Museum building, you encounter Pollinator Paradise, Spiny Sidewalk, Boulder Garden, Discovery Path, Wildlife Walkway, First People’s Garden, and Container Corner.

What a great addition to an already amazing Balboa Park!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

New banners for Cortez celebrate the outdoors.

New street lamp banners have recently popped up throughout San Diego’s downtown Cortez neighborhood. They celebrate the outdoors!

Cortez Hill might be considered the sunny “summit” of downtown San Diego, where the historic El Cortez rises and jacaranda trees flourish. As the banners suggest, Cortez is a fine place for outdoor activities, too, like bicycling, walking or running!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Preview of new River Center in Mission Valley!

This weekend the public has the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the incredible River Center that’s currently being built in Mission Valley!

The annual San Diego River Days event of the San Diego River Park Foundation includes community tours of the River Center at Grant Park, which is located east of Qualcomm Way along Camino del Rio North.

Rob Hutsel, President and CEO of the San Diego River Park Foundation, provided a guided walking tour this morning that I and several others thoroughly enjoyed. He explained how in the next 6 to 8 weeks the River Center will really be taking shape, with many of its features finally completed.

He explained how the center will be an active outdoor classroom for thousands of San Diego school children–particularly Title 1 schools within a 15 minute drive, serving urban, less affluent communities.

The River Center is designed to welcome city kids who might have no real experience out in nature. They will be eased into the experience from the moment school buses arrive, enjoying presentations in a 100-seat amphitheater by the entry courtyard. I learned there will be animal encounters hosted by Joan Embery!

Kids will then walk past a waterfall, separate into smaller groups, and walk down nature trails, where they will learn about the environment and the San Diego River: its geology, history, flora and fauna.

If you’d like to go on one of these preview tours, you have the chance tomorrow–Sunday, May 19–between 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Check out the San Diego River Days website for more information here!

In September there will be a big Grand Opening celebration! Stay tuned!

Construction gate at the future entrance to the River Center at Grant Park in Mission Valley. The area beyond used to be an abandoned sand mining site.

Early visitors have arrived for the first tour that would preview the new River Center.

The public can support the project by buying personalized pavers at the River Center’s entrance.

Kids stepping off school buses will encounter wild animal tracks in a concrete walkway.

Almost time to start our early Saturday morning tour!

A rendering of the entry courtyard, showing The Den pavilion structure with restrooms and a sheltered sitting area that faces a stage and river trees. Famous animal educator Joan Embery is partnering with the River Center and will provide animal presentations (perhaps a hawk) for young students!

This is where the 100-seat outdoor amphitheater with stage will be built.

Much of the dirt area in the 17-acre River Center will soon be transformed into a beautiful park space. A gateway garden and expanse of grass (Grant Park) will be open to the public! Just beyond Rob will be an artificial waterfall!

A walkway will wind toward the south side of the San Diego River. There will be lighting along the path. The environmentally friendly River Center will be powered mostly by solar.

Where the walkway turns there will be a beautiful arbor–an acoustic shade structure.

Just beyond the arbor, a dirt trail will lead into nature. Kids in small groups will be led by trained educators into the native river environment.

Here we go! The irrigation pipes you see will eventually be removed.

Kids can learn about how buckwheat seeds spread, and learn about plants and trees like prickly pear and lemonade berry, and willows and oaks.

Gazing down toward the San Diego River in mid-May, when water levels are low. That’s Interstate 805 in the distance. I saw birds flitting about in the lush greenery.

Now we’re back on the curving concrete walkway, looking at the visionary River Center at Grant Park project. Some big boulders were donated, adding beauty to the park space.

Rendering shows families enjoying the grass of Grant Park when it’s finally completed.

Master gardeners will be adding their expertise to the public park. The California Garden Clubs will also be contributing. The River Center and park will be alive with birds. As our tour concluded, a swallow flew overhead.

Join the effort to open the River Center at Grant Park! Donations for this amazing (but expensive) project are appreciated!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

San Diego sunshine on Bike Anywhere Day!

Today is Bike Anywhere Day in San Diego! The event, promoted by SANDAG, occurs smack dab in the middle of May, which is National Bike Month.

The sun broke through the “May gray” this afternoon, and more than a few people took advantage of the mild weather as they rode bicycles around the city. Bike Anywhere Day encourages people to enjoy the outdoors on two wheels–whether they are going to work or simply having some healthy fun.

Early in the morning I walked around downtown to visit some of the many Bike Anywhere Day pit stops. The one I found, at the foot of the Broadway Pier, was just getting set up. Some bikes were already present, and I received a big smile from a friendly gentleman representing the Port of San Diego!

In the late afternoon, as I walked home from work, I spotted more bicycles on the move!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Tour the new River Center at Grant Park!

The public has a special opportunity to tour the new River Center at Grant Park this Saturday. The amazing nature center beside the San Diego River in Mission Valley is currently under construction. Completion is scheduled for this summer. The goal is to have 10,000 students connecting with nature each year in the River Center’s unique outdoor classroom!

Saturday’s family tour is one activity of many during the San Diego River Park Foundation’s annual River Days event. Other activities along the river through this weekend include gardening, clean ups, wildlife hikes and bird walks.

To view a listing of all the free River Days activities in 2024, click here!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Photos of Spring colors in Balboa Park!

The colors of life in Balboa Park become even more vivid in Spring. New flowers, bright greenery, San Diego’s sunlight on amazing architecture, sunshine on smiling people…

Here’s another collection of colorful photographs. I took these today while walking in one of the world’s most amazing parks.

Read the photo captions to learn a little more about each image!

New friends meet in Balboa Park.

A tour of Balboa Park stops on El Prado to learn some San Diego history. In the background, Garden Stewards tend to flowers near the reflecting pool, and beyond them rises the Botanical Building, which is being renovated.’

Spring flowers and the incredible wood lath Botanical Building, which is being rebuilt.

A closer photo of the Botanical Building’s major restoration.

Spring colors at the San Diego Epiphyllum Society’s big Plant Sale outside the Casa del Prado.

Spring flowers around the fountain at the center of Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama.

Bicycles and spring colors outside the House of Hospitality.

Spring into Summer at the Prado Perk!

A peaceful bench near flowers and grass at the edge of the Casa del Rey Moro Garden.

A perfect day for a bike ride through the park.

Beautiful roses at the International Cottages.

A garland of flowers inside the House of Sweden’s cottage.

The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration will take place next Saturday at the International Cottages in Balboa Park.

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is a favorite spot for elegant photography.

Models wearing handmade Oaxacan fashions smile in Balboa Park. They represent Floresita Customs & Imports!

A painting class in the park. There is inspiration around every corner.

A painter in the Plaza de Panama interprets scenery in Balboa Park.

Chet play his guitar beautifully as usual.

Mitchell pauses with his didgeridoo to talk to a passerby.

The weekend Glass Show and Sale fills the Spanish Village Art Center with many colors.

Stunning glasswork for sale is displayed on many tables.

A sale!

Glass artist Melissa Heaney has created some truly extraordinary pieces.

What’s a Spring day without a ride on the fun Balboa Park Carousel?

A family rides over green grass on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad.

Nearby flowers are super abundant!

The very colorful Balboa Park Pow Wow is held every year around Mother’s Day.

Native American culture comes to life in Balboa Park. It’s another beautiful, soulful Spring weekend.

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Spring blooms at Japanese Friendship Garden!

Spring is in full bloom at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park!

On this sunny day, many visitors were walking through scenes of lush natural beauty.

In the Lower Garden the cherry blossoms were still like clouds of pink through which anyone could serenely amble. Being the third Tuesday of the month, San Diego residents could enter the garden for free. Lots of families took advantage!

As I walked along the high path near JFG’s newest waterfall, I noticed that an azumaya is under construction. An azumaya is defined as a traditional arbor or summer pavilion found in formal Japanese gardens.

These photographs show how dreamy the garden now appears.

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

Students paint in Balboa Park rose garden.

It’s Spring!

Today, students learning plein air painting were out in Balboa Park’s blooming Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, interpreting the surrounding beauty!

I observed this same Plein Air Painting: A Working Method class out in the rose garden a couple years ago. The course, taught by accomplished fine artist Danny Griego, is part of the UC San Diego Extended Studies program.

Danny was kind enough to let me photograph his own painting. Then I walked about, absorbing the San Diego sunshine and the creative energy around me.

Is there a more beautiful setting into which one can place an easel?

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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

New plantings at Manchester Pacific Gateway plaza!

A new tree-filled, park-like space is coming to San Diego’s waterfront!

The Manchester Pacific Gateway project’s 1.9 acre plaza will be located west of the One Broadway Hotel, which is now in the early stages of construction. The sunny outdoor plaza will be open to the public, just across Harbor Drive from Broadway Pier.

A small army of workers was out today planting greenery in the new plaza. When completed, this popular stretch of the North Embarcadero should be even more inviting and beautiful!

The tall building you see in the background of my next photograph is one of five new buildings at the adjacent Research and Development District. I spotted more new public art at RaDD during today’s walk. I’ll be blogging about that shortly!

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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

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