Tag: signs

A few odd, humorous sights around town!

Sign in a window of The Bell Marker in downtown San Diego: 24 Hours In a Day. 24 Beers In a Case. Coincidence?
Sign in a window of The Bell Marker on Broadway. 24 Hours In a Day. 24 Beers In a Case. Coincidence?

Walk randomly about San Diego and you’ll inevitably stumble upon a few odd, humorous sights…

If you're driving an inverted car past Jack in the Box near Hazard Center, this stop sign might make sense.
If you’re driving an inverted car past Jack in the Box near Hazard Center, this stop sign might make sense.
An unexpected Kiwi Crossing street sign in Little Italy.
An unexpected Kiwi Crossing street sign in Little Italy.
This might be the most dirty, decrepit, ramshackle house in downtown San Diego. One day it will probably vanish in a cloud of dust.
This might be the most dirty, decrepit, ramshackle house in downtown San Diego. One day it’ll likely vanish in a cloud of dust.
A miniature garden in Tuna Harbor. One potted plant.
A miniature garden in Tuna Harbor. One potted plant.
A funny sight hanging out in Little Italy. Jay Leno!
A funny sight hanging out in Little Italy. Jay Leno!
A very peculiar figure creeps along a downtown sidewalk.
A very peculiar figure creeps along a downtown sidewalk.
Another odd figure on the back of a vehicle.
Another odd figure on the back of a vehicle.
An East Village shop uses The Force to compel would-be shoppers.
An East Village shop uses The Force to compel would-be shoppers.
Over three months to Christmas, and I already see a candy cane in one window!
It’s over three months until Christmas, and I already see a candy cane in one window!

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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!

More signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.
According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.

Two weeks to go and counting!

I’ve spotted a few more signs that San Diego Comic-Con is on the way!

I suspect most of the building wraps, banners, and offsite venue construction will begin materializing sometime next week.

I’ll keep watching for new stuff!

Pacific San Diego Magazine's latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Pacific San Diego Magazine’s latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-Con
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
Omnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.
A couple posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a spot near the Tin Fish.
A couple of posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a coveted spot near the Tin Fish.
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures during Comic-Con!
The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures for a very special event: 2018 Comic-Con!

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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!

Early signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O'Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.
Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O’Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.

Just three weeks to go until 2018 Comic-Con!

In addition to Marvel banners now hung up and down streets throughout downtown, and numerous trolley wraps that I’ve been tracking down to photograph lately, a few other signs that 2018 Comic-Con is approaching have slowly begun to appear…

A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
Cool psychedelic artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Cool artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics, which will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library during Comic-Con.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics. There’s a new location and time. Crowdfunding to Hollywood: Comics in 2018 will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library a couple days before Comic-Con.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks are now in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp!

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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!

Amusing photos taken around town.

If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
Funny sign in a shop window: If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

As I walk semi-randomly about town, I’m always looking for amusing or uniquely interesting scenes.

Here are some fun photos…

We have coffee from Peru! But we also really really wanted to paint a llama on the sign.
We have coffee from Peru! But we also really really wanted to paint a llama on the sign.
Budweiser banner in window shows Will Ferrell in a Padres baseball uniform. You stay classy San Diego!
Budweiser banner shows Will Ferrell in a Padres baseball uniform. You stay classy San Diego!
A top hat perched oddly atop a lamppost on the Cabrillo Bridge.
A top hat perched oddly atop a lamppost on the Cabrillo Bridge.
Lots of exotic destinations. Grab and Go Subs seems to be the nearest.
Lots of exotic destinations. Grab and Go Subs seems to be the nearest.
A street art chicken spray paints graffiti on a restaurant door.
A street art chicken spray paints graffiti on a restaurant door.
Riding a fish with wine glass raised high.
Riding a rodeo fish with wine glass raised high.

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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 funny sign at the Town and Country!

A funny sign at the Town and Country Hotel. Psychic convention canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
A funny sign at the Town and Country Hotel reads: Psychic convention canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Every so often the Town and Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center delights passing motorists with a funny new message. Drive down Interstate 8 through Mission Valley and you might see this!

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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!

Create a cool beehouse for your garden!

Anyone can create a cool beehouse for their garden. All you really need is a drill!
Anyone can create a beehouse for their garden. All you really need is a drill!

Before my hike through the Sweetwater Marsh on Saturday, I took a stroll through the Native Pollinator Garden just outside the Living Coast Discovery Center. After reading a variety of informative signs, I paused in the garden to look at some very cool beehouses!

As I read about the beehouses, it occurred to me these would be extremely easy to make.

I took photographs just in case anyone reading this blog would like to make a beehouse for their own garden! Read the captions to learn more about the habits of ground-dwelling solitary bees and the materials you can use to make them a beehouse!

The Native Pollinator Garden at the Living Coast Discovery Center includes some very cool beehouses!
The Native Pollinator Garden just outside the Living Coast Discovery Center includes a couple of very cool beehouses!
Bees are extremely important. More than two thirds of the world's crop species rely on pollinators.
Bees are extremely important. More than two thirds of the world’s crop species rely on pollinators.
A large Feed a Bee Pollinator Habitat in the native garden provides shelter for solitary bees and information for the curious.
A large Feed a Bee Pollinator Habitat in the native garden provides shelter for solitary bees and information for the curious.
The rear of this bee condo! Holes have been drilled in a variety of materials, including logs, lumber and bricks.
The rear of this bee condo! Holes have been drilled in a variety of materials, including logs, lumber and bricks.
Solitary bees don't live in colonies. They often seek out hollows of fallen logs, bark and branches. They make up a majority of the 4000 bee species in the United States.
Solitary bees don’t live in colonies. They often seek out hollows of fallen logs, bark and branches. They make up a majority of the 4000 bee species in the United States.
A close look at the fun beehouse. I think even I could make one of these.
A close look at the fun beehouse. I think even I could make one of these.
Creating various hiding places attracts solitary bees, which can be as small as an eighth of an inch.
Creating various hiding places attracts solitary bees, which can be as small as an eighth of an inch.
Feeling inspired? Handy with a hammer and nails? Make your beehouse into a cool work of art!
Feeling inspired? Handy with a hammer and nails? Fashion your beehouse into a unique work of art!

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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!

Cool sights on a walk to catch the trolley.

As I headed off to work early this morning, I felt compelled to walk down Seventh Avenue past the El Cortez.
As I headed off to work early this morning, I felt compelled to walk down Seventh Avenue past the El Cortez.

This morning I walked down from Cortez Hill to catch a trolley for work. I had no set plan. I had ample time. Any downtown trolley station would be just fine.

My feet followed my wandering eyes.

The San Diego Symphony has a brand new banner on the west side of Symphony Towers. Find Your Music.
The San Diego Symphony has a brand new banner on the west side of Symphony Towers. Find Your Music.
Almost to B Street. Some cool reflections produced by the early sunlight.
Almost to B Street. Some cool reflections produced by the early sunlight.
This reflection of a tree on glass windows seems unreal.
This reflection of a tree on windows seems dreamlike, unreal.
The old Centre City Building might have peeling paint, but it still rises handsomely into the San Diego sky. One edge is touched by the morning sun.
The old Centre City Building might have peeling paint, but it still rises handsomely into the San Diego sky. One edge is touched by the morning sun.
The Caliente ad remains on the rear of the abandoned California Theatre building. I don't know if it will be preserved when the historic building makes way for a new 40-story The Overture high-rise.
The cool old Caliente ad remains on the rear of the abandoned California Theatre building. I don’t know if it will be preserved when the historic building makes way for a new 40-story The Overture high-rise.
Shall I catch a trolley at the Civic Center station? Nah. I still have plenty of time.
Shall I catch a trolley at the Civic Center station? Nah. I still have plenty of time.
Workers were cleaning awnings over the ground floor windows of the U.S. Grant Hotel.
Workers were cleaning awnings over the ground floor windows of the U.S. Grant Hotel.
As I walked along Broadway through some construction, it looks like I frightened a couple of people!
As I walked along Broadway past some construction, it looks like I frightened a couple of people!
The brand new San Diego Central Courthouse always provides interesting photographic opportunities.
The brand new San Diego Central Courthouse behind the Hall of Justice provides an interesting photographic opportunity.
Almost to Santa Fe Depot. Just missed a trolley. I'll wait for the next one.
Almost to Santa Fe Depot. Just missed a Green Line trolley. I’ll wait for the next one.

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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!

Searching for dinner during National Pizza Week.

This graphic in the window at Fifth Avenue New York Pizza looks pretty tasty. Perhaps I should dine here...
This graphic in the window at Fifth Avenue New York Pizza looks pretty tasty. Perhaps I should dine here…

It’s National Pizza Week! Hooray! Sounds like an excellent reason to celebrate!

This evening I was hungry for a couple of slices.

But where to go?

I'm not waiting for San Diego Restaurant Week. I want pizza now!
I’m not waiting for San Diego Restaurant Week. I want pizza now!
Shall I eat at Tony's Pizza?
Shall I eat dinner at Tony’s Pizza?
Shall I eat at Samurai Pie?
Shall I eat dinner at Samurai Pie?
Shall I eat at Giovanni's Trattoria?
Shall I eat dinner at Giovanni’s Trattoria?
Shall I eat at Brooklyn Pizzeria?
Shall I eat dinner at Brooklyn Pizzeria?
Shall I eat at City Pizzeria?
Shall I eat dinner at City Pizzeria?
I found some yummy pizza! Time to eat!
I found some yummy pizza! After all that walking around downtown trying to figure out where to eat, I’m starving!

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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!

Photos of historical plaques on Presidio Hill.

View of the Serra Museum through trees atop Presidio Hill, near the spot where European civilization first took root in California in 1769.
View of the Serra Museum through trees atop Presidio Hill, near the spot where European civilization first took root in California in 1769.

A few years ago I walked from Old Town San Diego up to the top of Presidio Hill and wrote a simple blog about what I saw. You can revisit that post here.

What I failed to do at the time was photograph many of the historically important plaques that can be found around various sites and monuments, so I thought it would be proper to finally correct that omission.

I’ve included one informative sign which stands near the ruins of the old Spanish presidio’s chapel, and a variety of plaques. One of the plaques is at the base of the Padre Cross; two are near The Padre sculpture; one is on an observation structure near the Junipero Serra Museum parking lot; and several others are found at Fort Stockton, where the Mormon Battalion camped after their 2000-mile march from Iowa to San Diego.

Click the photos and they will enlarge for easier reading.

Sign marks the Old Presidio Historic Trail. Grassy mounds on the hill below the Serra Museum are the ruins of the old presidio chapel.
Sign marks the Old Presidio Historic Trail. Grassy mounds on the hill below the Serra Museum are the ruins of the old presidio chapel. It was built for the garrison’s soldiers after the original Spanish mission was relocated up the valley.
A large cross marks the location of the first Spanish mission in Alta California, established by Junipero Serra.
The large Padre Cross, made in 1913 of tiles from the Presidio ruins, marks the location of the first Spanish mission in Alta California, established in 1769 by Junipero Serra.
Plaque at base of cross remembers the Indian village of Cosoy, named San Miguel by Cabrillo in 1542, then San Diego de Alcala by Vizcaino in 1602.
Plaque at base of the Padre Cross remembers the Indian village of Cosoy, named San Miguel by Cabrillo in 1542, then San Diego de Alcala by Vizcaino in 1602.
Near the Padre Cross, a plaque covers a time capsule that was created two centuries after the establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcala. It is to be opened on July 16, 2069.
Between the Padre Cross and The Padre sculpture, a plaque covers a time capsule that was created two centuries after the establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcala. It is to be opened on July 16, 2069.
A plaque behind The Padre sculpture, placed on December 29, 1981 by the Presidio Hill Society Children of the American Revolution.
A plaque in the ground behind The Padre sculpture, placed on December 29, 1981 by the Presidio Hill Society Children of the American Revolution.
Photo taken behind The Padre on Presidio Hill. The 1908 bronze sculpture is by Arthur Putnam.
Photo taken behind The Padre on Presidio Hill. The 1908 bronze sculpture is by Arthur Putnam.
A plaque can be seen on the observation structure near one corner of the Serra Museum parking lot.
A plaque can be seen on the observation structure near one corner of the Serra Museum parking lot.
The plaque begins: Sylvester Pattie, pathfinder, leader of the first party of Americans into Alta California over Southern trails. Arrived at San Diego Presidio March 27, 1828.
The plaque begins: Sylvester Pattie, pathfinder, leader of the first party of Americans into Alta California over Southern trails. Arrived at San Diego Presidio March 27, 1828.
Mural at Fort Stockton depicts the long march of the Mormon Battalion.
Mural at Fort Stockton depicts the long march of the Mormon Battalion.
California Historical Landmark plaque at Fort Stockton. The top of Presidio Hill was fortified by Carlos Carrillo in 1838. From July to November 1846 the fortification was called Fort Dupont when American forces temporarily held Old Town.
California Historical Landmark plaque at Fort Stockton. The top of Presidio Hill was first fortified by Carlos Carrillo in 1838. From July to November 1846 the site was called Fort Dupont when American forces temporarily held Old Town.

 

Plaque by mural, commemorating the heroic sacrifice and history-making achievements of the Mormon Battalion.
Plaque by mural, commemorating the heroic sacrifice and history-making achievements of the Mormon Battalion.
More plaques nearby explain the history of the Mormon Battalion, which blazed the first wagon trail to the Pacific over the southern route.
More plaques nearby explain the history of the Mormon Battalion, which blazed the first wagon trail to the Pacific over the southern route.
Members of the Mormon Battalion worked to improve San Diego by making the first kiln in California, the first pumps to draw water, and the first blacksmith shop and bakery.
Members of the Mormon Battalion worked to improve San Diego by making the first kiln in California, the first pumps to draw water, and the first blacksmith shop and bakery.
The two plaques depicted above are near the Mormon Battalion Monument, a bronze sculpture by Edward J. Fraughton.
The two plaques described above can be found near the Mormon Battalion Monument, a bronze sculpture created by Edward J. Fraughton.
Another nearby plaque explains the history of the sculpture. It was a gift to the City of San Diego in 1969 by the National Society of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
Another nearby plaque explains the history of the statue. It was a gift to the City of San Diego in 1969 by the National Society of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
A plaque by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers also stands at the site of old Fort Stockton.
A plaque by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers also stands at the site of old Fort Stockton.
Women of the Mormon Battalion. Almost eighty women and children accompanied the soldiers during the long march. Four wives traveled the entire distance to San Diego.
Women of the Mormon Battalion. Almost eighty women and children accompanied the soldiers during the long march. Four wives traveled the entire distance to San Diego.
Flags of the United States, Spain and Mexico fly atop Presidio Hill, birthplace of California. Here many chapters of history are remembered.
Flags of the United States, Spain and Mexico fly atop Presidio Hill, birthplace of California. Here many chapters of history are remembered.

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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 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 cool sights anticipate San Diego Comic-Con!

Fatman on Batman with Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin will be showing during San Diego Comic-Con at the American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp.
Fatman on Batman with Kevin Smith and Marc Bernardin will be showing during San Diego Comic-Con at the American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp.

Later today I’m heading to the OB Street Fair. But, first, this morning I walked through downtown San Diego and caught a few cool sights that anticipate 2017 Comic-Con, which is only a month away! I noted that workers were hanging more Comic-Con banners in the Gaslamp, now that the big Bio conference and the Startup San Diego events are completed.

If you follow Cool San Diego Sights but don’t care all that much about Comic-Con, fear not! I’ll be blogging a lot of other San Diego stuff in the days ahead!

Workers hang San Diego Comic-Con banners along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Workers hang San Diego Comic-Con banners along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Conan O'Brien's funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego during Comic-Con, as the marquee at the Spreckels Theatre on Broadway attests!
Conan O’Brien’s funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego during Comic-Con, as the marquee at the Spreckels Theatre on Broadway attests!

…

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 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.