Tag: port of san diego

Fishing, friendship and life on a downtown pier.

Another easy, carefree day of fishing at the Embarcadero Marina Park Pier in downtown San Diego.
Another easy, carefree day of fishing at the Embarcadero Marina Park Pier in downtown San Diego.

I have lots of favorite places. One is the small public fishing pier in downtown San Diego, located at Embarcadero Marina Park South. I walk there quite frequently. When I stand on this short pier, leaning against the rail above the bay’s gently lapping water, I feel my mind and spirit expand.

I walked past the pier last Saturday morning. I’d seen a sign announcing a Kiwanis fishing tournament, and thought it might be fun to take a few photos. But when I arrived, nobody seemed to be there. Perhaps I was too early.

When I got home and reviewed all the photos on my computer, I figured I’d blog about the pier anyway!

I casually know a few of the regulars. Back when JJ’s Sunset Deli by the Bay was open, we’d eat, sit and talk on JJ’s patio at the foot of the pier. Jim had the best ribeye steak sandwiches. I even blogged about it. But I deleted that post when he shut down and retired at the end of last year. It’s a very big shame a new tenant hasn’t taken over the cafe. It’s a small gem that adds unique charm to San Diego and thousands of fond, priceless memories.

The Embarcadero Marina Park Pier extends less than a hundred feet from the shore, but the T-shaped end is about 300 feet long. At times many fish can be caught here. It’s possible to catch mackerel, bass, croaker, halibut, guitarfish, bat rays, leopard sharks and many more local species. Kids love the place. There’s grass nearby and picnic benches, and curving paths for running and riding, and rocks to climb down that are covered at the waterline with tiny, quick crabs.

There are homeless people scattered about the park. But they’re generally just hanging out, talking, sleeping, trying to enjoy the sea breeze, some shade or warm sunshine.

Know what’s really cool? No fishing license on the pier is required! That’s the case with all public pier fishing in San Diego.

Across the bay from the pier (which is located behind the San Diego Convention Center) is beautiful Coronado Island.
Across the bay from the pier (which is located behind the San Diego Convention Center) lies beautiful Coronado Island.
The small pier is a favorite spot for fishermen and families, especially on weekends and during the summer.
The small pier is a favorite spot for fishermen and families.  It’s an affordable way for many locals to enjoy their beautiful (but sometimes expensive) city.  The pier is most popular on weekends and during the summer.
This friendly pier regular drags the bottom of the bay hoping to snag lost fishing poles and other sunken treasure!
This friendly pier regular drags the bottom of the bay hoping to snag lost fishing poles and other sunken treasure!
Someone caught a small mackerel, which flops around on the wooden pier.
Someone caught a small mackerel, which flops around on the wooden pier.
Another beautiful San Diego day on the Big Bay. The pier is located at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Another wonderful San Diego day on the Big Bay. The modest pier is located at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two brown pelicans perch on a rail hoping for a handout from sympathetic fishermen.
Two brown pelicans perch on a rail hoping for a handout from sympathetic fishermen.
Fishing poles in a line on a hazy day. Across the gentle water to the south stretches the San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
Fishing poles in a line on a hazy day. Across the gentle water to the south stretches the long San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
Joggers, bicyclists, skaters, picnickers, tourists, people attending Summer Pops concerts nearby...almost everyone likes to visit this pier for great peaceful views.
Joggers, bicyclists, skaters, city residents, tourists, people attending Summer Pops concerts nearby…almost everyone likes to visit this pier for great peaceful views.
Just spending some time on the pier, relaxing, talking, enjoying life among friends and fellow fishermen.
Just spending some time on the pier, relaxing, talking, enjoying life among friends and fellow fishermen.
Birds are plentiful on San Diego Bay...
Birds are plentiful on San Diego Bay…
And so are boats, of every kind!
And so are boats, of every kind!
Walking along the path that encircles Embarcadero Marina Park South. The small structure which housed the pier cafe, unfortunately, has been vacant this year.
Walking along the path that encircles Embarcadero Marina Park South. The small structure which housed the pier cafe, unfortunately, has been vacant this year.
Kids look excitedly into the blue water. Maybe the big one is down there just waiting to be caught!
Kids look excitedly into the blue water. Maybe the big one is down there just waiting to be caught!

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Getting ready for Fourth of July on the Embarcadero.

Flags are already out up and down San Diego's Embarcadero the day before the Fourth of July.
Flags are already out up and down San Diego’s Embarcadero the day before the Fourth of July.  This gentleman was taking a break near the fishing pier behind the convention center.

I noticed today that folks are already in the Fourth of July spirit. During my walk along the Embarcadero, I saw flags everywhere. Tomorrow the waterfront will be jammed with hundreds of thousands of San Diegans and tourists, especially during the Big Bay Boom fireworks show which takes place at 9 o’clock. I’ll be watching, too! Don’t expect any photos of fireworks, however, because my modest camera isn’t quite up to that task!

Should you happen to stroll through Seaport Village on Saturday, Alamo Flags will be handing out 1000 actual American flags for free! I was once honored to receive one, and they’re great! Giving away flags is a tradition carried on by the owner, Mike Ismail. Because of his personal experiences, he’s very grateful to live in the Land of the Free.

Port of San Diego's Big Bay Boom, an Independence Day Spectacular, will take place at 9 o'clock July 4. Several barges on the bay will launch synchronized fireworks.
Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom, an Independence Day Spectacular, will take place at 9 o’clock July 4. Several barges on the bay will launch synchronized fireworks.
American flag on a pedicab waiting for passengers by the USS Midway Museum.
American flag on a pedicab.  The driver is waiting for passengers on the Embarcadero, near the USS Midway Museum.
Flagship's Patriot speed boat is ready to take folks on a thrill ride! Get ready to be splashed!
Flagship’s Patriot speed boat is about to take folks on a thrill ride! Get ready to be splashed!
A street performer wears the Stars and Stripes. Looks like he's ready to go this Fourth of July weekend.
A street performer wears the Stars and Stripes. Looks like he’s ready to go this Fourth of July weekend.
Window at Alamo Flags in Seaport Village has patriotic displays. Mike Ismail, the owner, is proud and grateful to be a free American.
Window at Alamo Flags in Seaport Village has a patriotic display. Mike Ismail, the owner, is proud and grateful to be a free American.
Banners near front of Alamo Flags. The shop will give away 1000 free actual United States flags on the Fourth of July!
Banners near front of Alamo Flags. The shop will give away 1000 actual United States flags on the Fourth of July!
Tourists wearing Old Glory have disembarked from a San Diego SEAL Tours cool Hydra-Terra vehicle at Seaport Village.
Tourists wearing Old Glory have disembarked at Seaport Village from a San Diego SEAL Tours cool Hydra-Terra vehicle, after taking a bay cruise.

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First annual Earth Day on the Bay in San Diego.

Our big blue marble Earth dangles in the sky on San Diego's Embarcadero for an Earth Day event.
Our big blue marble Earth dangles in the sky on San Diego’s Embarcadero for an Earth Day event.

Last weekend Earth Day was observed at the jam-packed EarthFair in Balboa Park. This weekend, the first annual Earth Day on the Bay took place. The event was centered around the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and concentrated on maintaining a healthy coast and ocean. Admission to all the awesome museum ships was free, and being a cheapskate, I decided to walk down to the Embarcadero and enjoy myself!

Earth Day on the Bay featured free admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and many environmental organizations with exhibits.
Earth Day on the Bay featured free admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego plus many organizations with environment-themed exhibits.
The historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the museum's hub, is also featuring nature photography by Ansel Adams and others.
The historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the museum’s hub, is also featuring nature photography by Ansel Adams and others.
The TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition ship is visiting San Diego at the moment.
The TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition ship is visiting San Diego at the moment.

As I walked across the deck of the Berkeley, enjoying views of our beautiful big San Diego Bay, I happened to notice an unusual boat docked among the museum’s ships. The hull included the United Nations Environment Programme logo. Apparently, people participating in the TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition are visiting San Diego for a couple days.  They gave a talk yesterday at the museum about their mission. According to their website, it is to inspire children in classrooms and share examples of nature’s beauty, and foster innovations for a green planet. They believe that great human goals and progress can be achieved in balance with nature.

TOPtoTOP, docked by other museum ships, is equipped with many solar panels. It's sailing around the globe using only human and natural power sources.
TOPtoTOP, docked among other museum ships, is equipped with many solar panels. It’s sailing around the globe using only human and natural power sources.
The various Earth Day exhibitors on the waterfront included the Port of San Diego, with a report on their conservation and other green projects.
The various Earth Day exhibitors on the waterfront included the Port of San Diego, with a report on critical conservation and other green projects.
The first annual Earth Day on the Bay attracted a modest crowd, but it's a good start!
The first annual Earth Day on the Bay attracted a modest crowd, but it’s a good start!
This big inflatable whale allowed humans to grasp the scale of the marine mammal.
This big inflatable whale allowed humans to grasp the scale of the marine mammal.
I enjoyed a unique harbor tour on a Maritime Museum boat, which I'll blog about shortly!
I enjoyed a harbor tour on a very unique Maritime Museum boat, which I’ll blog about shortly!

I got two cool blog posts coming up! I had a couple of fun adventures today! Plus I still have lots of photos from my extensive Saturday walk around Liberty Station. I’d better get busy!

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Two beautiful princesses cruise into San Diego.

The huge Crown Princess cruise ship docked on San Diego's Embarcadero.
The huge Crown Princess cruise ship is docked on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Everyone has seen photos of cruise ships, but two beauties were docked on San Diego’s waterfront this morning and gleaming in the sunshine, so I had to whip out my camera!

Once in a while, two or three cruise ships visit downtown at the same time. Some of these vessels are so huge that stood on end they’d dwarf many nearby skyscrapers. The two ships I saw in port today are operated by Princess Cruise Line. Both are classified as Grand-class cruise ships and have nearly identical lengths. Even after seeing them in person, it’s hard for me to grasp that these ships are 950 feet long! The Crown Princess can carry 3,080 passengers with a crew of 1,201. The Star Princess accommodates 2,590 passengers and a crew of 1,150. Incredible!

Two luxurious Grand-class cruise ships gleam on either side of the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Two luxurious Grand-class cruise ships gleam on either side of the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Gull checks out an amazing morning sight. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Gull checks out an amazing morning sight. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Man gazes at the sunlit bay near what soon will be an observation platform.
Man gazes at the sunlit bay.  The fenced area is where the Bay Cafe used to stand.  It soon will be an observation platform.

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Bay Cafe makes way for new observation platform.

The Bay Cafe is making way for an observation platform on San Diego Bay.
The Bay Cafe is making way for an observation platform on San Diego Bay.

The Bay Cafe is almost gone.

Many years ago, I loved to grab some food in the small waterfront cafe and bring it up onto the rooftop. From a table beneath an umbrella, I’d gaze out at the sparkling water.  I’d observe passing sailboats, people on the Broadway Pier, and cruise ships docked at the nearby terminal. When two or more huge cruise ships were in port, I’d watch with interest as the departing Coronado ferry and harbor tour boats navigated the narrow space between them. In those days, the Bay Cafe also served as an embarkation hub for San Diego Harbor Excursion, now called Flagship. A ramp from inside the deli plunged down to a floating dock, where a gift shop was housed in a special boat. On this small dock a harbor cruise photographer asked guests to pose by a life preserver.

Up on the roof, if I wanted a change of view, I’d grab another table where I could gaze back toward downtown and watch tourists flow along Harbor Drive. There were almost always several empty tables. Few people seemed to realize the rooftop was open.

The Bay Cafe’s roof was also used for many years by broadcasters covering parades down Harbor Drive. From up there you could see everything.

My walk this morning brought back those memories. And a bit of sadness. The Bay Cafe is being demolished as I type these very words. The structure will be removed, but the concrete pad and pilings will remain, as part of an observation platform jutting over the water. It’s just one small part of the Embarcadero’s recent renovation. I’m sure the change will be great. I believe there are supposed to be benches where folks can just sit and enjoy the views. If there are, I’ll surely enjoy them. But time and progress march on. The Bay Cafe is almost just a memory.

Demolition of the old waterfront cafe and harbor tour embarkation hub is underway.
Demolition of the old waterfront cafe and harbor tour embarkation hub is underway.
Many years ago dining could be enjoyed on the sunny roof, with views of the water, sailboats and downtown skyscrapers.
Many years ago dining could be enjoyed on the sunny roof, with views of the water, sailboats and downtown skyscrapers.
Improvements on the Embarcadero consign this wonderful place to memory.
Improvements on the Embarcadero consign this wonderful place to memory.

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Timeline shows history of San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Images around a new pavilion near Broadway Pier show history of the Embarcadero.
Images around a new pavilion near Broadway Pier show history of the Embarcadero.

San Diego’s Embarcadero has undergone some major renovations. One of the new pavilions still under construction near the Broadway Pier features a large display that provides a timeline of the area’s history. Notable developments along the waterfront through the passing years are documented with historical photographs.

While many of these images concern more recent events, it still makes a fascinating visual time capsule. Here are some pics that I took!

1542: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claims San Diego Bay for Spain. He named it San Miguel Bay.
1542: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claims San Diego Bay for Spain. He named it San Miguel Bay.
1913: San Diego's Broadway Pier makes its debut. It certainly looks different today!
1913: San Diego’s Broadway Pier makes its debut. It certainly looks different today!
1930s: Baseball played across street. Lane Field was home of Pacific Coast League Padres.
1930s: Baseball played across street. Lane Field was home of Pacific Coast League Padres.
1962: San Diego Unified Port District is established.
1962: San Diego Unified Port District is established.
1970: Broadway Pier gets a makeover. A cruise ship terminal is added.
1970: Broadway Pier gets a makeover. A cruise ship terminal is added.
1976: North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks are dedicated.
1976: North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks are dedicated.
1980: Seaport Village becomes the newest San Diego attraction.
1980: Seaport Village becomes the newest San Diego attraction.
1985: North Embarcadero's Crescent area between Coast Guard station and Grape Street renovated.
1985: North Embarcadero’s Crescent area renovated.
1985: Princess Cruises bases its "Love Boat" in San Diego.
1985: Princess Cruises bases its “Love Boat” in San Diego.
1988: San Diego Yacht Club successfully defends America's Cup.
1988: San Diego Yacht Club successfully defends America’s Cup.
1989: San Diego Convention Center opens.
1989: San Diego Convention Center opens.
2003: First of six Urban Trees art exhibits along the Embarcadero.
2003: First of six Urban Trees art exhibits along the Embarcadero.
2007: Seward Johnson's Unconditional Surrender statue goes on display near USS Midway.
2007: Seward Johnson’s Unconditional Surrender statue goes on display near USS Midway.
2009: A record-breaking cruise ship season!
2009: A record-breaking cruise ship season!
2010: Port Pavilion opens on Broadway Pier. It's been over four years already! Time flies!
2010: Port Pavilion opens on Broadway Pier. It’s been over four years already? Time flies!
2011: America's Cup World Series regatta takes place on San Diego Bay.
2011: America’s Cup World Series regatta takes place on San Diego Bay.
2011: North Embarcadero Project (Phase 1) passes.
2011: North Embarcadero Project (Phase 1) passes.
2012: North Embarcadero Visionary Plan breaks ground nearby.
2012: North Embarcadero Visionary Plan breaks ground nearby.
2012: Ruocco Park immediately north of Seaport Village is dedicated.
2012: Ruocco Park immediately north of Seaport Village is dedicated.
2012: Port of San Diego turns 50 years old.
2012: Port of San Diego is 50 years old.
2013: San Diego's historic Star of India tall ship turns 150 years old.
2013: San Diego’s historic Star of India tall ship turns 150 years old.
2014: Lots of cool waterfront improvements opened, including this pavilion!
2014: Lots of cool waterfront improvements opened, including this pavilion!

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Improvements on North Embarcadero celebrated!

Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.
Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.

I really enjoyed checking out a special event around the Broadway Pier today. San Diego’s bayfront is in the middle of a very large-scale multi-year renovation, and the completion of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase I was marked this afternoon with a public celebration!

The big Port Pavilion on the pier itself and various improvements and new structures around the foot of the pier have added color, new life and functionality to an area popular with both tourists and locals. A once narrow sidewalk is now a broad promenade, with lots of fun and exciting new features. There are new benches, shady pavilions, beautiful landscaping and other welcome amenities.

I’ll post some of my better photos, and you can enjoy a bit of what I saw…

San Diegans check out a revamped part of the North Embarcadero.
San Diegans check out the newly revamped section of the North Embarcadero.
Benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
New benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
Musicians at foot of Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
Musicians near entrance to Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
Exactly who are you pointing at!
Exactly who are you pointing at?
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
A kids fun zone featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
A kids fun zone near the pier featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
Chalk art created on the pier celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Chalk art created on the pier beneath the zip-line celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White. This artwork is titled Birds’ Words.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White. The pavilion buildings’ glass colors were selected based on how sunlight affects the bay.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion along Harbor Drive.
San Diego's waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!
San Diego’s waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!

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Scuba divers help clean up San Diego waterfront!

Volunteers help clean up San Diego Bay near the Star of India.
Volunteers help clean up our San Diego Bay near the Star of India.

The annual San Diego Bay Downtown Cleanup was held this morning! Local scuba divers cleaned up underwater garbage at the edge of our beautiful waterfront, while other volunteers assisted gathering trash above water.

I walked along the Embarcadero from the San Diego Maritime Museum down to Tuna Harbor and took a bunch of cool photographs. Hopefully these pics provide a little inspiration! Let’s make the world more clean and beautiful!

This guy was assisting divers removing trash along the Embarcadero.
This guy was assisting divers removing trash along the Embarcadero.
Power Scuba and Control Group teamed up for downtown waterfront cleanup event.
Power Scuba and Control Group teamed up for downtown waterfront cleanup event.
Looking out at diving boat from inside Anthony's Fishette.
Looking out at dive boat from inside Anthony’s Fishette.
Many San Diegans assisted in various ways, or just watched with curiosity.
Many San Diegans assisted in various ways, or just watched with curiosity.
Bags of garbage were gathered throughout the morning to be hauled away later.
Bags of garbage were gathered throughout the morning to be hauled away later.
A participant checks out what's going on in the water below.
A participant checks out what’s going on in the water below.
The boardwalk near the USS Midway was full of activity.
The boardwalk near the USS Midway was full of activity.
New trash compacting and recycling cans along the Embarcadero are solar powered.
New trash compacting and recycling cans along the Embarcadero are solar powered.
Old and young were helping out making our fine city even better.
Old and young were helping out the environment, making our fine city even better.
Scuba divers checked in here before beginning their underwater mission.
Scuba divers checked in here before beginning their underwater mission.
Piles of garbage found in the bay include construction cones and a shopping cart.
Piles of garbage found in the bay include construction cones and a shopping cart.
Bags of trash are collected as the morning progresses.
Bags of trash are collected as the morning progresses.
Pool skimming nets were handy for removing floating litter and debris.
Pool skimming nets were handy for removing floating litter and debris.
Port of San Diego's boat Tsunami II is used to help clean the bay.
Port of San Diego’s boat Tsunami II is used to help clean the bay.
Scuba diver gets hosed off on Tuna Harbor dock after gathering trash.
Scuba diver gets hosed off on Tuna Harbor dock after gathering trash.

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Cool car carrier ship in San Diego Bay.

cool car carrier cargo ship in san diego bay

Check out the Lyra Leader, a massive box-like car-carrying ship as it heads down San Diego Bay toward the National City Marine Terminal. These cool, very unusual type of roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships are often seen passing close to downtown. They’re bringing in thousands of new cars from Asia–Japan and South Korea–which are driven off a ramp into a massive parking lot. Many of the vehicles are then loaded into car-carrying freight trains and sent off toward their final destinations.

In this photograph, note the active aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at the North Island naval base on the left.

UPDATE–I finally got a couple more pics of another ship while I was crossing San Diego Bay on the ferry. All the passengers were excited to be so close to the massive thing!

Sailboats, skyscrapers and one super enormous ship!
Sailboats, skyscrapers and one super enormous ship!
Swift Ace car transport ship leaves San Diego Bay.
Swift Ace car transport ship leaves San Diego Bay.

ANOTHER UPDATE–Here are more photos that I took at later times…

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Merchant seamen memorial plaque in San Diego.

merchant seamen plaque in san diego

This plaque, a memorial to our nation’s merchant seamen, is located in San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park North between a popular walking path and the edge of the big bay. You’ll find it just steps from Seaport Village.

It reads:

Dedicated To the Merchant Seamen
Who Lost Their Lives At Sea
Donated by the Propeller Club of the United States
Port of San Diego
The Women’s Propeller Club of San Diego
Port of San Diego

A separate plaque reads:

Dedicated May 23, 1982

Seaport Village behind merchant seamen memorial.
Seaport Village behind merchant seamen memorial.