Beautiful flowers in Old Town San Diego.

Cheerful flowers decorate the back of a wooden chair at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego.
Cheerful flowers decorate the back of a wooden chair at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego.

Look at all the beautiful flowers!

I found these while walking randomly around Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on Sunday!

Red geraniums flourish at the rear of San Diego House.
Red geraniums flourish at the rear of San Diego House.
A bee visits a prickly pear blossom near the Old Town Blacksmith Shop.
A bee visits a prickly pear blossom near the Old Town Blacksmith Shop.
Painted flowers decorate a panel in the entry to the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant.
Bouquet of flowers painted on a panel in the entry to the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant.
Visitors enjoy the lush, sunny courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Visitors enjoy the lush, sunny courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Beautiful pottery with floral designs can be found throughout Old Town.
Beautiful pottery with floral designs can be found throughout Old Town.
A red hibiscus behind the Fiesta de Reyes stage where visitors can watch colorful Mexican baile folklórico dancing.
A red hibiscus behind the Fiesta de Reyes stage where visitors can watch colorful Mexican baile folklórico dancing.
Flowery design on one bench by the Fiesta de Reyes stage.
Flowery design on one bench by the Fiesta de Reyes stage.
Wouldn't you like to sit on this bench?
Wouldn’t you like to sit on this bench?
Yellow blooms near the Racine and Laramie Tobacconist building.
Yellow blooms near the Racine and Laramie Tobacconist building.
Blue Buddha among flowers outside the entrance to Gum Saan.
Blue Buddha among flowers outside the entrance to Gum Saan.
Many flowers fill a garden that few visitors see behind La Casa de Machado y Stewart.
Many flowers fill a garden that few visitors see behind La Casa de Machado y Stewart.
A tree has beautiful blooms near the historic Mason Street Schoolhouse.
A tree has beautiful blooms near the historic Mason Street Schoolhouse.
Flowers adorn pottery at El Centro Artesano.
Flowers adorn pottery at El Centro Artesano.
A bag with floral design at Old Town Market.
A bag with floral design at Old Town Market.
There seem to be flowers everywhere you turn in Old Town San Diego!
There seem to be flowers everywhere you turn in Old Town San Diego!

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 phone or 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 fun peek into Gaslamp shop windows!

Two humorous surfing signs in the window of San Diego Trading Company Gaslamp.
Two humorous surfing signs in window of San Diego Trading Company.

I like to peek into shop windows whenever I walk through the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. Many of the windows are sure to have displays that are amusing or eye-catching.

Enjoy these fun photos from this morning!

A t-shirt proclaims Being Normal is Boring in the window of It's Sugar.
T-shirt proclaims Being Normal is Boring in window of IT’SUGAR Candy Store.
A wine bottle has been converted into a salty sea captain at the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery.
A wine bottle has been converted into a salty sea captain at the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery.
A dish towel at Bubbles Boutique reminds everyone to be nice to your kids--they choose your nursing home.
A dish towel at Bubbles Boutique reminds everyone to be nice to your kids–they choose your nursing home.
Frida Kahlo socks in the window of Find Your Feet.
Frida Kahlo socks in the window of Find Your Feet. Viva La Vida!
Art by prolific local muralist Gloria Muriel in the window of Sparks Gallery.
Art by prolific local muralist Gloria Muriel in the window of Sparks Gallery.

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!

The coolest used bookstore in San Diego!

Two super nice volunteers pose for a pic inside the cool Friends of the Central Library Bookstore!
Two super nice volunteers pose for a pic inside the cool Friends of the Central Library Bookstore!

There are many outstanding things about the Central Library in downtown San Diego. One great thing is their internet lab, where I can easily post to my blog when my home internet is temporarily down. Another is the used bookstore just inside the public library’s front entrance!

I can’t count all the awesome books, CD’s, graphic novels and other cool stuff I’ve stumbled across while browsing through the Friends of the Central Library Bookstore. Every time I go there seems to be a new crop on the shelves. My hungry eyes harvest the bounty. Fertile row after fertile row sprout with fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, science fiction, biographies, cookbooks, religion . . . you name it!

Are you looking for the coolest used bookstore in San Diego? Head downtown! The proceeds from every purchase help support the Central Library. In so many ways the library provides neighbors with opportunities, improving our community.

You never know what you'll find in this used bookstore. Perhaps someone would like to learn about The Practice of Palmistry.
You never know what you’ll find in this used bookstore. Perhaps someone would like to learn about The Practice of Palmistry.
I was shown this amazing pop-up book! Every page becomes a different habitat which plays realistic sound effects from nature!
I was shown this amazing pop-up book! Every page becomes a different habitat which plays realistic sound effects from nature!
Someone pauses near the front desk of San Diego's Central Library to browse a few of the many incredible used books!
Someone pauses near the front desk of San Diego’s Central Library to browse a few of the many incredible used books!

Yesterday for one measly dollar I purchased one of the best resources ever written for identifying local flora.

You can’t beat that!

Colorful gifts and history at The Black in OB.

Windows at The Black contain all sorts of sights that fit right in with the laid-back, alternative OB lifestyle.
Windows at The Black contain all sorts of sights that fit right in with the laid-back, unconventional OB lifestyle.

Walk through Ocean Beach, particularly down Newport Avenue, and you’ll pass all sorts of weirdly wonderful shops. Look into some windows and you might think you traveled by time machine back to the 60’s.

I paused for a moment in front of The Black, a store that sells stuff that fits perfectly with OB’s alternative lifestyle. Coming down the sidewalk were surfers, retired hippies, free-spirited youth and sandal-wearing professionals. I looked into one window filled with dragon figurines and small toy robots.

My eye was then caught by a nearby historical sign. It explained that The Black’s rather plain-looking building, dating from 1918, has been home to a variety of more traditional grocery stores and markets selling meat, fruit and fresh produce. But that was decades ago. Long before the counterculture’s rise in the 1960’s.

One fascinating thing about history is that a community can change in ways that seem rather unexpected!

The Black in Ocean Beach occupies a building with a unique history. Greeson Hardware was once here, as were various markets, and the USO.
The Black in Ocean Beach occupies a building with a unique history. Greeson Hardware was once here, as were various markets, and the USO.
Old photo on the building at 5017 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach shows a couple of local markets. The Black's owner won the right to lease in the building after winning a card game across the street.
Historical photo on the building at 5017 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach shows past markets. The Black’s owner won the right to lease in the building after winning a card game across the street.
In the window of The Black I see Gumby, Mr. Bill, some drums, guitar strings and a Grateful Dead baby onesie.
In the window of The Black I see Gumby, Mr. Bill, some drums, guitar strings and a Grateful Dead baby onesie.
All sorts of cool, unconventional stuff can be seen in a store window at The Black.
Smoke shop items and other diverse gifts can be seen in the front windows of The Black in Ocean Beach.
I see some fun, nostalgic robot toys!
I see some fun, nostalgic robot toys!
I also see a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tin tote and a Super Mario figure.
I also see a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tin tote and a Super Mario figure.

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!

Photos of historic Sessions Building in Old Town.

Photo of the Spanish Revival stucco Milton P. Sessions Nursery building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, designed by architect Richard Requa.
Photo of the Spanish Revival Sessions Building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Yesterday morning I took some photos of the 1929 Sessions Building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The handsome stucco building was designed by renowned San Diego architect Richard Requa, who was the Master Architect for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition held in Balboa Park.

Other buildings that reveal Requa’s unique vision have appeared on my blog. He was one of the architects responsible for the downtown County Administration Building; he also designed the old lodge at Torrey Pines State Reserve.

The Sessions Building in Old Town was built for nurseryman Milton P. Sessions, who used it to operate a plant and ceramic shop until 1942. Today it is home to Toby’s Candle & Soap Shop, where tourists can make their own candles.

Welcome to Toby's Candle Company in Old Town. The historic Sessions Building was constructed in 1929 in the Spanish-Colonial style, designed by renowned architect Richard Requa.
The historic Sessions Building was constructed in 1929 in the Spanish-Colonial style, designed by renowned architect Richard Requa.
Sign describes history of the Milton P. Sessions Nursery building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. For many years it served as the park's Visitor Center.
Sign describes history of the Milton P. Sessions Nursery building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. For many years it served as the State Park’s Visitor Center.

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 phone or 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.

An early January morning walk in Little Italy.

Holiday ribbons remain among flowers in front of a residence in Little Italy.
Holiday ribbons among flowers in front of a residence in Little Italy.

The holidays have ended. It’s January 2nd.

Early this morning I walked through Little Italy on my way to catch the trolley for work.

What did I see?

The holiday season is over in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. Leaves are falling. Time to head back to work.
The holiday season is over in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Leaves are falling. Time to head back to work.
A community Christmas tree is still lit, but abandoned. It stands behind a fence that surrounds the Piazza Famiglia construction site.
A community Christmas tree is still lit, but abandoned. It stands behind a fence that surrounds the Piazza Famiglia construction site.
Classic beauty is abundant in Little Italy in every season.
Classic beauty is always abundant in Little Italy, no matter the season.
Little Italy is famous for its restaurants and excellent food. This market on India Street sells locally grown produce.
Little Italy is famous for its restaurants and excellent dining. Even during winter, this establishment on India Street offers locally grown food.
The poinsettias might be fading, but other greenery in planters along the sidewalk is bright and fresh.
The poinsettias might be fading, but other greenery in planters along the sidewalk is bright and fresh.
More lingering Christmas lights among colorful leaves.
More lingering Christmas lights among colorful leaves.
A funny inflatable in a shop window. The holidays are over! Time for The Scream!
A funny sight in a shop window. The holidays are over! Now we must go back to work! Scream!

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!

More cool sights on a Coronado walk!

Elvis and cow in front of MooTime Creamery are decked out for Christmas.
Elvis and cow in front of MooTime Creamery are decked out for Christmas.

I love to walk around Coronado. It’s like taking a small vacation.

In the past I’ve posted all sorts of cool sights around the island. My adventure yesterday along Orange Avenue yielded even more fun photos!

Enjoy!

A funny Roman warrior stands guard outside Village Pizzeria.
A funny Roman warrior stands guard outside Village Pizzeria.
A zoom photo of the amazing Hotel del Coronado from a block or two up Orange Avenue.
A zoom photo of the north side of the Hotel del Coronado from a block or two up Orange Avenue.
A view of the elegant Spreckels Building erected in 1917, now home to the Bank of Coronado.
A view of the elegant Spreckels Building which was erected in 1917. It’s now home to the Bank of Coronado.
Fancy gold ornamentation around front entrance of the Bank of Coronado, an historical landmark.
Fancy gold ornamentation around front entrance of the Bank of Coronado, an historical landmark.
Inside the front door of the Coronado Museum of History and Art one can see a Model T Laundry Truck once used at the Hotel del Coronado.
Inside the front door of the Coronado Museum of History and Art one can see a Model T Laundry Truck once used at the Hotel del Coronado.
Santa Elvis at MooTime Creamery is sporting a wreath around his neck.
Santa Elvis at MooTime Creamery is sporting a wreath around his neck.
SEAL gifts and memorabilia for sale in the window of Bullshirt. Nearby Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is home to several SEAL teams.
SEAL gifts and memorabilia for sale in the window of Bullshirt. Nearby Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is home to several SEAL teams.
A fun tiki-style bamboo bike in front of Holland's Bicycles.
A fun tiki-style bamboo bike in front of Holland’s Bicycles. You can rent it for a ride around the beautiful island.
Beautiful autumn trees and grass in Spreckels Park.
Beautiful autumn trees and grass in Spreckels Park.
The small June Miller Garden at the base of a tall palm tree in Spreckels Park. The gazebo in the background is the setting of Concerts in the Park during the summer.
The small June Miller Garden at the base of a tall palm tree in Spreckels Park. The gazebo in the background is the setting of Concerts in the Park during the summer.
A joyful Victorian house on Orange Avenue reminds those passing by that it's the holiday season in Coronado.
A joyful Victorian house on Orange Avenue reminds those passing by that it’s the holiday season in Coronado.

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 phone or 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.

More funny, silly photographs? Of course!

A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.
A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.

Here comes another generous helping of funny photos! All of these pics are from past walks.

Enjoy a laugh or two!

A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff by the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff. I spotted this in front of the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT'SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT’SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
So lazy can't move. Must be the sugar crash.
So lazy can’t move. Must be the sugar crash.
World leaders on socks! Some funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
World leaders on socks! Funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign proclaims It's 5:00 Somewhere.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign hopefully proclaims It’s 5:00 Somewhere.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
A miniature seagull on the hat of a Navy sailor! Or perhaps it's just a bird atop Seward Johnson's enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero. (The sailor-kissing-nurse-at-end-of-war sculpture was originally titled Unconditional Surrender.)
A tiny gull stands atop the hat of a Navy sailor! (Actually it’s just an ordinary gull atop Seward Johnson’s enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero.)
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
Another elegantly dressed animal--a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
Another elegantly dressed animal–a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
These two dogs in the Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.
These two dogs in the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.

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!

Scarecrows and pumpkins along India Street!

A couple of tiny smiling scarecrows occupy flower planters on India Street in Little Italy.
A couple of tiny smiling scarecrows occupy flower planters on India Street in Little Italy.

It must be autumn in San Diego! Because this morning I was greeted by all sorts of pumpkins and friendly scarecrows as I walked up India Street in Little Italy! Thanksgiving is almost here!

As I walked up India Street I was greeted by all sorts of scarecrows and pumpkins. It must be autumn--almost Thanksgiving!
As I walked up India Street I encountered many scarecrows and pumpkins. It must be autumn–almost Thanksgiving!
Three pumpkins and three smiling friendly scarecrows beside the base of the famous Little Italy landmark sign.
Three pumpkins and three friendly scarecrows on bales of hay at the base of the famous Little Italy landmark sign.
Elegant pumpkins in a Little Italy shop window.
Elegant pumpkins in a Little Italy shop window.
A welcoming bright orange pumpkin in another shop window.
A welcoming orange pumpkin in another shop window.
That scarecrow in the middle looks like a crow in disguise!
That scarecrow in the middle looks like a sneaky crow in disguise!
Walk up India Street in Little Italy and you're reminded that it's autumn in San Diego!
Walk up India Street in Little Italy and you’re reminded that it’s autumn in San Diego!

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!

Six creepy Halloween faces in shop windows.

This morning I walked past a variety of small shops in Hillcrest. Several had placed mannequins dressed up for Halloween in their windows. On a whim I took photos.

When I goofed around a bit this evening editing the images, concentrating on the creepy faces, I managed to terrify myself.

Now it’s your turn!

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!