Tag: photography

Views of San Diego from a hike up Cowles Mountain.

Hikers descend from the summit of Cowles Mountain, which rises above San Diego's San Carlos neighborhood.
Hikers descend from the summit of Cowles Mountain, which rises above San Diego’s San Carlos neighborhood.

Please enjoy the following photos. They are from a hike that I took yesterday to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. Cowles Mountain, elevation 1,593 feet, is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. Because it’s located near so many urban residents, hundreds of hikers can be found on its trails on any given day.

Yesterday, around noon, I started from the trailhead at the Cowles Staging Area on Golfcrest Drive, and I slowly climbed the zigzagging trail to the summit. It’s a fairly steep ascent–one gains 950 feet in just 1.5 miles. Furthermore, yesterday the footing was more difficult than usual. A small stream was flowing down much of the muddy trail, due to the recent rain.

But the climb was definitely worth the effort!

The higher I ascended, the more fantastic the views became. At the top I could survey nearly all of San Diego and much of the surrounding region. From mountains to ocean, Mexico to North County and beyond–the spectacular views stretched in every direction!

Someone sits on the stone wall at the Cowles Staging Area. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Diego, and can be somewhat crowded on weekends.
Someone sits on the stone wall at the Cowles Staging Area. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Diego, and can be very crowded on weekends.
A bench at the staging area had this small plaque. We walked, we talked and we became friends. Thank you little Tommy Sablan.
A bench at the staging area had this small plaque. We walked, we talked and we became friends. Thank you little Tommy Sablan.
Sign at the trailhead explains Cowles Mountain was named after a prominent San Diego ranching pioneer. His ranches in the El Cajon valley were so successful he was named Raisin King of the US.
Sign at the trailhead explains Cowles Mountain was named after a prominent San Diego ranching pioneer. His two ranches in the El Cajon valley were so successful he was named Raisin King of the US.
Map shows trails to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park, which is the largest municipal park in the state of California.
Map shows trails to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park, which is the largest municipal park in the state of California.
Sign near the trailhead. On a busy trail, etiquette should be observed to preserve the natural beauty and enhance experience of other hikers.
Sign near the trailhead. On a busy trail, etiquette should be observed to preserve the natural beauty and enhance the experience of other hikers.
Starting up the 1.5 mile trail. The footing is stony in many places. This day it was also muddy due to recent rain.
Starting up the 1.5 mile trail. The footing is stony in many places. This day it was also muddy due to recent rain.
Pausing for a moment to look back down at the staging area.
Pausing for a moment to look back down at the staging area.
Another hiker, starting up toward the summit, appears to be prepared. A nearly 1000 foot climb is required. One should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There is no shade.
Another hiker, starting up toward the summit, appears to be prepared. A nearly 1000 foot climb is entailed. One should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There is no shade.
Looking westward as we ascend into a beautiful San Diego sky.
Looking westward as we ascend into a beautiful San Diego sky.
Looking to the south, one can see the Mission Trails Golf Course and Lake Murray.
Looking to the south, one can see the Mission Trails Golf Course and Lake Murray.
A group hikes up the trail.
A group hikes up the trail.
The top of Cowles Mountain is on the left. First we will climb up that rise on the right.
The top of Cowles Mountain is on the left. First we will climb up that rise on the right.
Rescues are often made on this trail due to its popularity. Many urban hikers aren't prepared for this fairly strenuous trek. I spotted a few emergency markers which are used to locate those in distress.
Rescues are often made on this trail due to its popularity. Many urban hikers aren’t prepared for this fairly strenuous trek. I spotted a few emergency markers which are used to locate people in distress.
Up, up we go! The climb is relentless, with only a few short level stretches.
Up, up we go! The climb is relentless, with only a few short level stretches.
As we climb higher on this clear day, it's possible to see farther into the distance. I can barely detect downtown San Diego at the horizon.
As we climb higher on this clear day, it’s possible to see farther into the distance. I can barely detect downtown San Diego at the horizon.
Many hikers had dogs, who enjoyed the hike, too. The scrubby vegetation and exposed boulders are common in the mountains and hills around San Diego.
Many hikers had dogs, who enjoyed the hike, too. The scrubby vegetation and exposed boulders are common in the mountains and hills around San Diego.
A better look at shining Lake Murray, a popular fishing destination.
A better look at shining Lake Murray, a popular fishing destination.
Rounding a corner, we can now see to the southeast. The nearer peak is Mt. Helix in La Mesa.
Rounding a corner, we can now see to the southeast. The nearer cone-like peak is Mt. Helix in La Mesa.
As we continue toward the summit, the Barker Way Trail leads off to the east.
As we continue toward the summit, the Barker Way Trail leads off to the east.
Looking again to the southwest, toward downtown San Diego.
Looking again to the southwest, toward downtown San Diego, very faint in the far distance.
A zoomed photo. Downtown skyscrapers rise beside San Diego Bay. The Point Loma peninsula can be seen, as well.
A zoomed photo. Downtown skyscrapers rise beside San Diego Bay. The Point Loma peninsula can be seen, as well.
The trails zig-zags among interesting rocky outcrops near the summit.
The trail zigzags among interesting rocky outcrops near the summit.
A far view from high above San Diego. Looking to the southeast, I see prominent San Miguel Mountain. My hike earlier in the day was a bit north of that mountain in East County.
A far view from high above San Diego. Looking to the southeast, I see prominent San Miguel Mountain. My hike earlier in the day (see the previous blog post) was a bit north of that mountain in East County.
Once we cross this rocky expanse, we will be at the summit of Cowles Mountain, highest point in the city of San Diego!
Once we cross this rocky expanse, we will be at the summit of Cowles Mountain, highest point in the city of San Diego!
Plaque at the summit. Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of Mission Trails Regional Park. It was named to honor George A. Cowles, a pioneer leader of San Diego County in the 1870's.
Plaque at the summit. Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of Mission Trails Regional Park. It was named to honor George A. Cowles, a pioneer leader of San Diego County in the 1870’s.
Sign shows sights from the south to the west, including distant Tijuana, Los Coronados Islands (which I could barely see), the Silver Strand, Point Loma, Mission Bay and Mount Soledad.
Sign shows sights from the south to the west, including distant Tijuana, Los Coronados Islands (which I could just barely see), the Silver Strand, Point Loma, Mission Bay and Mount Soledad.
A second sign shows mountains from the north to southeast, including Mt. Woodson, San Jacinto, Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca Peak, the Laguna Mountains, Otay Mountain and San Miguel Mountain.
A second sign shows mountains from the north to southeast, including Mt. Woodson, distant San Jacinto, Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca Peak, the Laguna Mountains, Otay Mountain and San Miguel Mountain.
To the north, antennas rise from Cowles Mountain into the sky. I could see the Pacific Ocean coastline stretching into the distance in the northwest.
To the north, antennas rise from Cowles Mountain into the sky. I could see the Pacific Ocean coastline stretching into the distance in the northwest.
Looking north beyond the antenna station. Highway 52 below descends from Mission Trails Pass east into Santee.
Looking north beyond the antenna station. Highway 52 below descends from Mission Trails Pass east into Santee.
Gazing northeast toward Santee and Lakeside and nearby mountains. At the very center is El Cajon Mountain.
Gazing northeast toward Santee and Lakeside and nearby mountains. At the very center is El Cajon Mountain.
Gazing to the west one can see Mount Soledad, and distant office buildings in University City (also called the Golden Triangle) and Sorrento Valley. The ocean is a thin blue thread.
Gazing to the west one can see Mount Soledad, and distant office buildings in University City (also called the Golden Triangle) and Sorrento Valley. The ocean is a thin blue line.
Sitting high in the sky, taking in amazing views.
Sitting high in the sky, taking in some amazing views.

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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.

A short hike in San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

There was no need to alter this photo in the slightest way. The colors appeared astonishingly bright this morning in the sunlit mountains and hills east of San Diego.
There was no need to alter this photo in the slightest way. Nature’s colors appeared astonishingly rich this morning in the sunlit mountains and hills east of San Diego.

My 9:00 hike this morning turned out to be shorter than expected. That’s because I was the only one to show up for a scheduled nature hike in a beautiful section of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Following directions, I parked a few minutes early at the Par 4 trailhead in Jamul, near the Cottonwood Golf Course. I kept checking my watch, hoping the US Fish & Wildlife Service ranger would arrive. I was looking forward to identifying the spring wildflowers and flowering plants along the trail. But it wasn’t to be. I suppose the event was cancelled due to yesterday’s rain.

I didn’t walk far because I didn’t want to adversely impact the still wet trail. Near the trailhead the footing was packed and firm, and my shoes barely made an impression, but perhaps a quarter mile into my hike there was just too much mud to continue.

As you can see, the hills of San Diego are bright green! This winter has been very rainy. During the summer the green in these photos will vanish as the native grasses, sagebrush and scrubby chaparral dry out in the relentless Southern California sun.

During my short hike, I did capture a few photos of tiny flowers and a bird! I’m sorry to report that I can’t properly identify them. Perhaps you can!

Sign at the Par 4 trailhead includes information for hikers and those on horseback. The trail follows the Sweetwater River in Jamul.
Sign at the Par 4 trailhead includes information for hikers and those on horseback. The trail follows the Sweetwater River in Jamul.
The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes four areas designed to protect wildlife in Southern California.
The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes four areas designed to protect wildlife in Southern California. (Click image to enlarge.)
There are patchy wildlife refuges in some of San Diego County's undeveloped areas. This map shops where they are located. The Par 4 trailhead is near the top of the bigger green blob.
There are various wildlife refuges in San Diego County’s undeveloped areas. This map shows where several managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are located. The Par 4 trailhead is near the top of the bigger green blob.
A wet trail heads west over a green landscape. Many birds were seen flying across the open space.
A damp trail leads west over a green landscape. Many birds were seen flying across this open space. The morning’s short hike was made pleasurable by a fresh cool breeze and warm sunlight.
Beautiful tiny yellow flowers and raindrops on green leaves. What this plant is, I don't know. Leave a comment if you do!
Beautiful tiny yellow flowers and lingering raindrops on green leaves. What this plant is, I don’t know. Leave a comment if you do!
I spotted this little bird perched on a twig near the hiking trail.
I spotted this little bird perched on a twig near the hiking trail.
I tried to identify this small bird, using my California Birds pocket guide, but I couldn't decide. If you know, leave a comment!
I tried to identify this small bird using my California Birds pocket guide, but I couldn’t decide. If you know, leave a comment!
I'm no expert, but I did find these tiny jewel-like lavender flowers to be beautiful.
I’m no expert, but I did find these tiny jewel-like lavender flowers to be beautiful.
Dramatic white clouds in a blue sky. Natural beauty in San Diego's East County the day after a big storm.
Dramatic white clouds in a blue sky. Natural beauty in San Diego’s East County the day after a big storm.

After this very small hike, I drove along Highway 94 to Campo, winding my way through bright green rocky mountains. Then I headed back toward San Diego via Buckman Springs and Pine Valley, without any particular notion of where to stop. Then it occurred to me: Why not hike Cowles Mountain today? So I did, as you’ll see in the next blog post!

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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!

A short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot boat.

Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We're going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!
Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’re going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!

A couple months ago I went on a short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot, a historic vessel owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. When you buy a ticket for the museum, you can pay a little extra and enjoy a fun look at San Diego’s harbor in the open air aboard the Pilot. I recommend it!

Come with me and get a small taste of what you’ll experience. Obviously, these few photographs are no substitute for the ocean breeze, sunshine and sparkling blue water.

A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For decades it helped thousands of ships safely enter and exit San Diego Bay.
Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.
Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.
Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.
Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.
It's a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.
It’s a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.
We've turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Some of San Diego's skyline is visible in this photo.
We’ve turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Part of San Diego’s skyline is visible in this photo.
There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!
There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!
Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.
Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.
We're continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.
We’re continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.
We've passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.
We’ve passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.
Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.
Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.
Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.
Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.
Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado--the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.
Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado–the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.
Under the bridge we go, looking east at two Navy ships.
Under the bridge we go, while looking east at two Navy ships.
Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair's huge dry dock. These two folks were visiting San Diego.
Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair’s huge dry dock. These two friendly passengers were visiting San Diego.
Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.
Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.
A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.
A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.
Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!
Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!
The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from special windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.
The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from two large windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.
Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.
Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.
I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometime I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.
I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometimes I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.
This harbor tour is going fast! We're already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.
This harbor tour is going fast! We’re already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.
Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.
Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.
We've returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There's the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city's prized gems.
We’ve returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There’s the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city’s prized gems.
And here's HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in Master and Commander.
And here’s HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in the great movie Master and Commander.
It's the distinctive County Administration Building.
It’s the distinctive County Administration Building.
About to tie up near the museum's restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard her some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.
About to tie up near the museum’s restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard the Swift Boat some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.
While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!
While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!

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Bright orange sunset casts magic on buildings.

A blazing orange and yellow sunset behind palm trees on San Diego's Embarcadero.
A blazing orange and yellow sunset behind palm trees on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

I saw magic this evening. The spell was cast as the sun neared the horizon. I lingered a few moments near Pacific Highway downtown, spellbound.

Golden light on the rippling sculptural facade of the Marriott building at Lane Field. The cool public art conceals hotel parking levels. It's titled California Rain and was created by artist David Franklin.
Golden light on the rippling sculptural facade of the Marriott building at Lane Field. The cool public art conceals hotel parking levels. It’s titled California Rain and was created by artist David Franklin.
Sunset flames becomes glowing embers in the dark windows of several downtown skyscrapers.
The sunset’s orange flames have become glowing embers in the dark windows of several downtown skyscrapers.
Reflected sunset in many different glass windows behind the Santa Fe Depot.
Reflected sunset in many different glass windows behind the Santa Fe Depot.
One stately dome of the Santa Fe Depot seems enveloped by magical panels of glowing color.
Dome of the Santa Fe Depot seems enveloped by magical panels of molten color.

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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!

A rainbow and sunlight on St. Joseph Cathedral.

Early morning sunshine brightens the east side of St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Diego.
Early morning sunshine brightens the east side of St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday morning, just before I walked down from the top of Cortez Hill, I saw an incredible sight.  My eyes discerned a very faint rainbow to the west–even though only a few wispy clouds were in the blue sky.

To my surprise, the rainbow arched downward to touch the gleaming cross atop St. Joseph Cathedral. Amazed by the sight, I walked along Beech Street to take photos of bright morning sunlight on the cathedral itself.

The rainbow is so faint in my zoomed, cropped photo that I must confess I changed the contrast and brightness a million different ways and debated whether it even merited a blog post. I’ve decided it does.

Cool San Diego Sights might be a tad philosophical at times, but it intentionally avoids supporting any particular religious (or political) view. Because a sense of wonder and a love for beauty are shared by many. And because there’s enough bitter debate in this old world.

Whatever one might believe, seeing the rainbow above the shining gold was something wonderful to behold.

Sunlight on the high cathedral tower.
Sunlight on the high cathedral tower.
A very faint rainbow ends at the golden cross atop St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Diego. Photo taken the morning of February 20, 2017 from Cortez Hill--the corner of Cedar Street and Seventh Avenue, to be exact.
A faint rainbow ends at the golden cross atop St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown San Diego. Photograph taken the morning of February 20, 2017 from Cortez Hill–the corner of Cedar Street and Seventh Avenue, to be exact.  Brightness and contrast were altered to bring out the rainbow.
A beautiful morning provides inspiration.
A beautiful morning and early sunlight provide inspiration.

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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!

Amazing morning clouds above the El Cortez.

Amazing, brightly glowing clouds filled the sky this morning above San Diego's beautiful Cortez Hill neighborhood.
Amazing, brightly glowing clouds filled the sky this morning above San Diego’s beautiful Cortez Hill neighborhood.

The first thing I noticed upon stepping outside this morning was the amazing sky above Cortez Hill. The clouds were glowing and so beautiful and complex that I almost got a kink in my neck.

I took lots of photos as I walked. As it turns out, my most incredible images all seem to include the handsome El Cortez building–so the subject of this blog post became obvious!

A crescent moon is just visible to the left of the historic El Cortez sign.
A crescent moon is just visible to the left of the landmark El Cortez sign.
A street lamp is still on. Another fantastic morning in downtown San Diego for a pleasant walk.
A street lamp is still on. Another fantastic morning in downtown San Diego for a pleasant walk.
Amazing clouds paint the blue sky above the landmark El Cortez and other nearby, more modern high-rises!
Amazing clouds paint the blue sky above the historic El Cortez and other nearby, more modern high-rises!

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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!

Bird sightings along San Diego’s Embarcadero!

A seagull stands atop a pile of nets and floats on San Diego's picturesque G Street Pier.
A seagull stands atop a pile of nets and floats on San Diego’s picturesque G Street Pier.

You won’t believe all the birds I identified today during my walk along the Embarcadero. You really will not believe it!

Check out these fun flighty photos taken beside beautiful San Diego Bay!

American coots (also called mud hens) on rocks near the Marriott Marina.
American coots (also called mud hens) stand on rocks near the Marriott Marina.
A Canada goose on San Diego's Embarcadero! Now that's a very unusual sight! This bird seems to have joined a local flock of American coots. Maybe it was blown off course during the recent windy storm.
A Canada goose on San Diego’s Embarcadero! Now that’s a very unusual sight! This bird seems to have joined a local flock of American coots. Maybe it was blown off course during the recent windy storm.
Another strange bird near the sparkling water about to take flight! Oh, wait. My mistake.
Another strange bird near the sparkling water about to take flight! Oops. My mistake.
A female black-crowned night heron among rocks near the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.
A female black-crowned night heron among rocks near the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.
A gathering of pigeons on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A gathering of pigeons on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Rare exotic birds photographed in flight! Oops. Those are kites. Fooled me again.
Rare exotic birds photographed in flight! Oops. Those are actually colorful kites. Fooled me again!
I've arrived at Seaport Village. Okay, I'm certain these are real birds--maybe. Looks like a parrot, flamingo and some egrets.
I’ve arrived at Seaport Village. Okay, I’m certain these are real birds–maybe. Looks like a parrot, flamingo and some egrets.
Birds and sea lions await handouts of leftover fish parts. Early Saturday afternoon, and the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is wrapping up.
Gulls, pelicans and sea lions await handouts of leftover fish parts. Early Saturday afternoon, and the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is wrapping up.
Two sneaky gulls with watchful eyes.
Two sneaky gulls with hungry, watchful eyes.
There's gotta be some yummy fish scraps here somewhere!
There’s gotta be some yummy fish scraps here somewhere!
Commercial fishermen unload on the small dock behind this gate at Tuna Harbor. Birds wait eternally here, too!
Commercial fishermen unload on the small dock behind this gate at Tuna Harbor. Birds wait eternally here, too!
A bird in the sky above broad-winged sailboats flying across San Diego Bay.
A bird in the sky above broad-winged sailboats flying across San Diego Bay.
Seabirds love hanging out around the fishing vessels at Tuna Harbor.
Seabirds love hanging out around the fishing vessels at Tuna Harbor.
A snowy egret near the net of a live bait catching purse seiner.
A snowy egret near the net of a live bait catching seiner.
A double-crested cormorant flaps its wings in the water of San Diego Bay near the USS Midway.
A double-crested cormorant flaps its wings in the water of San Diego Bay near the USS Midway.
Birds above an ocean wave, painted on a ceramic tile by a young person. Many fun tile benches along the Embarcadero were created for a project titled Celebrating the Big Bay in 2004.
Birds above an ocean wave, painted on a ceramic tile by a young person. Many fun tile benches along the Embarcadero were created for a project called Celebrating the Big Bay in 2004.
Many birds in flight.
Many birds in flight.

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of fun 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.

A few cherry blossoms have opened in Balboa Park!

A cherry blossom has opened in mid-February at Balboa Park's beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden!
A cherry blossom has opened in mid-February at Balboa Park’s beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden!

Look what I discovered this afternoon while walking through Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden. A few cherry blossoms have opened!

I spoke to one of the master gardeners and he thinks there might be quite a show of beautiful cherry blossoms this year, because of our rainy winter. So everyone in San Diego who loves springtime and breathtaking displays of dreamy flowers should probably go to the Japanese Friendship Garden’s 12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival! It takes place Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12.

I’ll be there!

A solitary burst of pink on a mostly bare cherry tree. A wet winter might produce a an amazing show of spring blossoms.
A solitary burst of pink on a mostly bare cherry tree. This unusually wet winter might produce an amazing show of spring blossoms.
Gray cherry trees in winter, but spring is around the corner!
Gray cherry trees in winter, but spring is around the corner!
Early cherry blossoms appear in Balboa Park.
A few early cherry blossoms appear in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park!

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Another pleasant walk along San Diego Bay’s Crescent.

Gulls take flight beside San Diego Bay, just north of Grape Street Pier.
Gulls take flight beside San Diego Bay, just north of Grape Street Pier.

Off work early again. So I took a pleasant walk along San Diego Bay’s Crescent area, between the Grape Street Pier and the Coast Guard Station. This part of the North Embarcadero is a bit ragged and sleepy, but there’s plenty of color and sunshine.

Someone stands by the water one late afternoon gazing at moored boats in the Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Someone stands by the water one late winter afternoon gazing at moored boats in the Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Corroded plaque on a planter by wood benches recalls the dedication of Embarcadero Promenade in 1985. Over thirty years later, the area is a bit ragged, but a fine place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Corroded plaque on a planter near wood benches recalls the dedication of Embarcadero Promenade in 1985. Over thirty years later, the area is a bit ragged, but a fine place to sit and enjoy the ocean breeze and scenery.
Looking south across the bay toward the downtown skyline. One could sit here and enjoy the sun all afternoon.
Looking south across the bay toward the downtown skyline. One could sit here and enjoy the San Diego sunshine all afternoon.
Cool boat has futuristic wings instead of canvas sails.
Cool boat has futuristic wings instead of canvas sails.
Fishing from the small dock behind the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary shack on the North Embarcadero.
Fishing from the small dock behind the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary shack on the North Embarcadero.
Some folks return to dry land from their boat home moored on the calm bay.
Some folks return to dry land from their boat home moored on the calm bay.
A small row boat appears to have capsized. Other dinghies have pools of collected water.
A small row boat appears to have capsized. Other dinghies have pools of collected water.
A field of sailboat masts under beautiful wispy afternoon clouds.
A field of sailboat masts under beautiful wispy afternoon clouds.

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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!

Another photographic walk around Liberty Station.

Colorful quilting artwork in a window of the Visions Art Museum at Liberty Station.
Colorful quilting artwork in a window of the Visions Art Museum at Liberty Station.

I’ve blogged many times about Liberty Station. But there’s always more to discover.

Yesterday I walked around the historic old Navy base, and was pleased to take a few photographs that you might enjoy. I spotted some artwork and framed some of the place’s beauty.

These few moments in time and space might seem random, but it was all new to me. That’s why I like to walk.

I spotted this bust in a nook while walking along the North Promenade. It was probably created in a nearby art studio. I could find no information.
I spotted this bust in a nook while walking along the North Promenade. It was probably created in a nearby art studio. I could find no information.
The beautiful Galinson Family Fountain at NTC Liberty Station.
The beautiful Galinson Family Fountain at NTC Liberty Station.
I spotted this cool metal wire sculpture of a man dining on the planet Earth near an old, peeling Naval Training Center wall. The art includes a dangling mobile and casts a thin, weird shadow.
I spotted this cool metal wire sculpture of a man dining on the planet Earth near an old, peeling Naval Training Center wall. Plastic Dinner, by Spenser Little. The art includes a dangling mobile and casts a thin, weird shadow.
Peer into one window at IDW Publishing, headquartered at Liberty Station, and you'll see a huge statue of Leonardo, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Peer into one window at IDW Publishing, headquartered at Liberty Station, and you’ll see a huge statue of Leonardo, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
A peaceful place of natural and man-made beauty, perfect for a slow thoughtful walk.
A peaceful place of natural and man-made beauty, perfect for a slow thoughtful walk.
Decoration above an arch. I believe that is Cabrillo's ship San Salvador. He entered San Diego Bay not far from here.
Decoration above an arch. I believe that is explorer Cabrillo’s ship San Salvador. He entered San Diego Bay not far from here.
Looking down a long colonnade where U.S. Navy sailor recruits once walked.
Looking down a long colonnade where U.S. Navy sailor recruits once walked.
Photo of the eye-pleasing USNTC North Chapel, reflecting the Point Loma sunshine one Sunday.
Photo of the eye-pleasing USNTC North Chapel, reflecting the Point Loma sunshine one Sunday.
Nautical symbols above the front entrance to the Navy's old North Chapel at Liberty Station.
Nautical symbols above the front entrance to the Navy’s old North Chapel at Liberty Station.

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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!

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