Tag: southern california

An amazing walk from Point La Jolla to Cuvier Park.

Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.
Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.

This blog post resumes my walk from the prior post. Here I head south down a truly amazing stretch of coastline, from Point La Jolla at the edge of La Jolla Cove to Cuvier Park. A good argument can be made that this is the absolutely most beautiful spot in all of San Diego. I’ll let you decide…

The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
People love to walk across this rocky landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
People love to walk across this water-sculpted landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
An unexpected wave crashes in. Scatter!
An unexpected wave crashes in. Run!  Scatter!
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
This cool lifeguard box is sculpted with many beach related words.
This lifeguard box features many barnacle-like beach-related words. The box is titled the David C. Freeman Memorial, by artist Paul Sibel. It marks the location of Boomer Beach.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are good places to gaze out at the ocean.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are fine places to gaze out at the broad ocean.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is large, grassy Scripps Park.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is spacious, grassy Scripps Park.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Continuing south, more views of a truly spectacular coastline.
Continuing south, more views looking back north of a truly spectacular coastline.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A beautiful walkway run down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
A beautiful walkway runs down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
An artist paints a beautiful scene in a cozy view point not far from Children's Pool.
An artist paints a beautiful scene from a view point not far from Children’s Pool.
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a squirrel!
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a funny squirrel!
One of these double-crested cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
One of these cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
Getting very close to Children's Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
Getting very close to Children’s Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone cliff!
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone face!
Legal disputes have entangled Children's Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
Legal disputes have entangled Children’s Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
People head down to see the many seals on the warm sand.
People head down to see the colony of seals on the warm sand.
At Children's Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
At Children’s Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
Fisherman on the protective sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Fisherman on the far sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Continuing to walk south along more beautiful coastline in La Jolla.
Continuing to walk south along more amazing coastline in La Jolla.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Sculpture at the rear of La Jolla's Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point is made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, and surfboards.
Unusual sculpture at the rear of La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point, by artist Nancy Rubins. It’s made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, kayaks, surfboards…
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Photos of a walk down to beautiful Bird Rock.

Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.
Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.

Please enjoy some photographs!

Yesterday I took a long walk through La Jolla. Before leaving home, I checked the tide chart. My intention was to photograph the tide pools at beautiful Bird Rock. I’ve read you can actually walk out to this spectacular rock in the ocean at low tide. Unfortunately, as it turned out, yesterday the tide wasn’t low enough!

But I did get my fill of natural beauty. Will you please join me as I walk from La Jolla Boulevard a couple blocks down Bird Rock Avenue, and then down to the water?

Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
This bench features sea shells. Let's head down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
This bench features sea shells. Let’s begin our walk down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Here's where we're going to descend to the water.
Here’s where we’re going to descend to the water.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

A hike down to the grinding rocks at Mission Trails.

Visitors enjoying Explore Mission Trails Day head down Grinding Rock Trail.
Visitors enjoying Explore Mission Trails Day head down Grinding Rock Trail.

About 60 miles of hiking trails through a wilderness environment can be found just 8 miles from downtown San Diego. Seriously!

This morning I enjoyed a very short walk (about a mile) at Mission Trails Regional Park. I went on the occasion of Explore Mission Trails Day, an annual event that showcases this amazing, enormous urban park.

The relatively easy hike was from the Visitor and Interpretive Center to some grinding rocks on the banks of the San Diego River, then back. Led by our guide, Linda, a small group learned what life was like for the ancient Kumeyaay people, who’ve lived in this dry, rugged area of Southern California for thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived. The Kumeyaay lived off the land. The very land where we walked.

We gathered at the kiosk near the parking lot for an easy morning nature walk.
We gathered at the kiosk near the parking lot for an easy morning nature walk.
Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward distinctive mountain, South Fortuna.
Hiking through common, aromatic Southern California sagebrush toward a distinctive mountain, South Fortuna.
We pause under a coast live oak, which produces acorns and shade valued by the native Kumeyaay.
We pause under a coast live oak, which produces acorns and shade valued by the native Kumeyaay.
Large nest created by a woodrat (also known as pack rat). The Kumeyaay would bang a nest with a stick and hope to capture a snake, to eat.
Large nest created by a woodrat (also known as pack rat). The Kumeyaay would bang a nest with a stick and hope to capture a snake, to eat.
We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature's sights and smells on a beautiful day.
We cross a small wooden footbridge and take in nature’s sights and smells on a beautiful day.
These tiny pinkish white flowers are flat-top buckwheat. Their tiny seeds are edible. The blooms attract butterflies.
These tiny pinkish white flowers are flat-top buckwheat. Their tiny seeds are edible. The blooms attract butterflies.
It's easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness.
It’s easy to forget you are in the San Diego city limits in this open wilderness.
Water erosion visible in the gradually descending dirt trail. As the morning was overcast and cool, no snakes were out sunning.
Water erosion visible in the gradually descending dirt trail. As the morning was overcast and cool, no snakes were out sunning.
Yucca fibers were used by the Kumeyaay to make nets, sandles, baskets and other useful things.
Yucca fibers were used by the Kumeyaay to make nets, sandles, baskets and other useful things.
Linda, our tour guide, talks about the ancient history of this region and its indigenous peoples. The Kumeyaay moved about depending on the season and availability of resources.
Linda, our tour guide, talks about the ancient history of this region and its indigenous peoples. The Kumeyaay moved about depending on the season and availability of resources.
Dodder is an orange colored parasitic plant. According to Kumeyaay legend, a woman who failed to guard a camp against invaders ran away, and some of her hair snagged in the bushes!
Dodder is an orange colored parasitic plant. According to Kumeyaay legend, a woman who failed to guard a camp against invaders ran away, and some of her hair snagged in the bushes!
A patch of poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be!
A patch of poison oak! Leaves of three, let it be!
We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there's probably water nearby!
We approach the San Diego River, but first pass beneath a large arching tree. If you see a native tree in San Diego, there’s probably water nearby!
Smooth boulders on the bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Smooth boulders on a bank of the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park.
Family investigates the life-giving water. The Kumeyaay at times would follow the river all the way to the coast, where some witnessed the landing of explorer Cabrillo.
Family investigates the life-giving water. The Kumeyaay at times would follow the river all the way to the coast, where some witnessed the landing of explorer Cabrillo.
Many mortar-like holes in the nearby boulders are where Kumeyaay ground acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other edible resources found in this arid environment.
Many mortar-like holes in the nearby boulders are where Kumeyaay ground acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other edible resources found in this arid environment.
Walking stick leans up near some Yucca fiber creations brought by our guide. The basket on the right was made with willow branches. Natural salicylic acid found in willows kept out insects!
Walking stick leans up near some Yucca fiber creations brought by our guide. The basket on the right was made with willow branches. Natural salicylic acid found in willows kept out insects!
Starting back up toward the Visitor Center during a very cool hike in San Diego! If you go for a hike, bring water and sturdy shoes!
Starting back up toward the Visitor Center during a very cool hike in San Diego! If you go for a hike, bring water and sturdy shoes!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

San Diego museum honors Little League Champs!

From the South Bay to the World Series, a very special exhibit at the New Americans Museum.
From the South Bay to the World Series, a very special exhibit at the New Americans Museum.

It’s been over five years already? Time flies!

I can still remember the excitement throughout San Diego as a bunch of local kids stole our hearts and battled their way to become Little League World Series Champions in 2009!

During my visit to the New Americans Museum today, I checked out a special exhibit which relives and commemorates the historic victory. The Park View team, based in Chula Vista, California (in San Diego’s South Bay not far from the Mexican border), scored a dramatic, storybook 6-3 come-from-behind victory over Chinese Taipei.

Super cool!

San Diegans rooted for our local kids as they battled the world's best baseball teams.
San Diegans rooted for our local kids as they battled the world’s best baseball teams.
Photo shows President Obama honoring the 2009 Little League World Series champs.
Photo shows President Obama honoring the 2009 Little League World Series champs.
Memorabilia on display in San Diego museum recalls the historic victory of young Park View baseball players.
Memorabilia on display in San Diego museum recalls the historic victory of young Park View baseball players.
Park View Little League 2009 coach Ric Ramirez talks with visitors at cool New Americans Museum exhibit.
Park View Little League 2009 coach Ric Ramirez talks with visitors at New Americans Museum exhibit.
Awesome kids from San Diego's Chula Vista community win the Little League World Series in Williamsport in 2009!
Kids from San Diego’s proud Chula Vista community won the 2009 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Cool pics from a wonderful walk around Encinitas.

Welcome to the City of Encinitas, home of sun, surf, cool sights, and an endless summer.
Welcome to the City of Encinitas, home of sun, surf, cool sights, and a wonderful endless summer.

Here’s just a bunch of cool pics from my weekend walk around Encinitas. I mostly stuck to Coast Highway 101, often referred to as Pacific Coast Highway, south of Encinitas Boulevard.  I also took a short stroll along Cottonwood Creek down to beautiful Moonlight Beach, and a short walk to the D Street Viewpoint.

Surfer crossing sign on Pacific Coast Highway near trail to Moonlight Beach.
Surfer crossing sign on Pacific Coast Highway near trail to Moonlight Beach.
Approaching Moonlight Beach along Cottonwood Creek trail.
Approaching Moonlight Beach along Cottonwood Creek trail.
Pathway down to concession stand at beautiful Moonlight Beach.
Path down to concession stand at beautiful Moonlight Beach.
Just another perfect day at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.
Just another perfect day at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.
Gazing a short distance along the coast from a scenic overlook point.
Gazing a short distance along the coast from a scenic overlook point.
Sign on Pacific Coast Highway explains history and importance of Cottonwood Creek.
Sign on Pacific Coast Highway explains history and importance of Cottonwood Creek.
Gazing down at Cottonwood Creek nature trail from Pacific Coast Highway.
Photograph of Cottonwood Creek nature trail from Pacific Coast Highway.
Heading down PCH. Sculpture on street side is titled Encinitas Child, by artist Manuelita Brown.
Heading down old Coast Highway 101. Sculpture on street side is titled Encinitas Child, by artist Manuelita Brown.
Pacific Coast Highway through Encinitas won Great American Main Street award in 2004.
Pacific Coast Highway through Encinitas won Great American Main Street award in 2004.
Coast Highway 101 is one of the most amazing drives, especially through San Diego's North County.
Coast Highway 101 is one of the most amazing drives, especially through San Diego’s North County.
Cool sights as I walked included this big peace sign and tie dye design.
Cool sights as I walked included this big peace sign and tie dye design.
The big Encinitas landmark sign over South Coast Highway 101.
The big Encinitas landmark sign over South Coast Highway 101.
Colorful murals along the sidewalk in this happy, carefree beach town.
Colorful murals along the sidewalk in this happy, carefree beach town.
Public art shows sailors running their boat to shore through breakers.
Public art shows sailors running their boat to shore through breakers.
Lots of small shops, eateries and galleries line Pacific Coast Highway.
Lots of small shops, eateries and galleries line Pacific Coast Highway.
Classic image on building shows surfer and his longboard.
Classic image on building shows surfer and his longboard.
Cool street art on side of business just off Pacific Coast Highway.
Cool street art on side of business just off Pacific Coast Highway.
Electrical transformer box decorated with sun, surf and guitar.
Electrical transformer box decorated with sun, surf and guitar.
People wait at Swami's pedestrian crossing, with exotic golden domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship across PCH in the background.
People wait at Swami’s pedestrian crossing, with exotic golden domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship across PCH in the background.
Elephant mosaic on side of Self-Realization Fellowship gift shop.
Elephant mosaic on side of Self-Realization Fellowship gift shop.
Java Hut is a typical little beachy place.
Java Hut is a typical little beachy place.
Funky art along sidewalk is hung about a cactus.
Funky art along sidewalk is hung about a cactus.
Bikes and surfboards are abundant in sunny Encinitas.
Bikes and surfboards are abundant in sunny Encinitas.
Tile art on trash can depicts the D Street Viewpoint.
Tile art on trash can depicts the D Street Viewpoint.
Wooden stairs down to beach from D Street Viewpoint. Don't you wish you were here.
Photo of wooden stairs down to beach from D Street Viewpoint. Don’t you wish you were here?

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Colorful street banners in Encinitas along PCH.

A happy dog tries to jump through space and catch the moon.
A happy dog tries to jump through space and catch the moon.

I got lots of pics yesterday during a long walk in Encinitas near the beach. I was amazed by all the different artistic banners on street lamps that line Coast Highway 101, the historic Pacific Coast Highway (often referred to as PCH).

Very awesome! Check them out!

Elephants and a spiritual butterfly surfboard. Hindu imagery is popular in Encinitas near the beach, due to the presence of the visually distinctive Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Elephants and a spiritual butterfly surfboard. Hindu imagery is popular in Encinitas near the beach, due to the presence of the visually distinctive Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Bold art on a street banner along Pacific Coast Highway.
Bold art on a street banner along Pacific Coast Highway.
The Yogi Surf Crossing is a popular path for surfers, locals and tourists alike.
The Yogi Surf Crossing is a popular path for surfers, locals and tourists alike.
Another beautiful female figure in sunny beach destination Encinitas.
A beautiful female figure in sunny beach destination Encinitas.
I think these are two heart-covered puppy dogs, but I'm not sure.
I think these are heart-covered puppy dogs, but I’m not sure.
Playing a cool saxophone near the Pacific Ocean.
Playing a cool saxophone near the Pacific Ocean.
A typical beach scene with palm trees and setting sun.
A typical beach scene with palm trees and setting sun.
Artwork shows the coastline along San Diego's North County.
Artwork shows the coastline along San Diego’s North County.
Fun, lush art on many different banners on Encinitas street lamps.
Fun, lush art on many banners on Encinitas street lamps.
Surfers carry their boards on the beach at Swami’s Reef point break.
Surfers carry their boards on the beach at Swami’s Reef point break.
Exotic figure references Hinduism and Eastern philosophy. The world famous Swami's surfing spot is overlooked by the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds in Encinitas.
Exotic figure references Hinduism and Eastern philosophy. The world famous Swami’s surfing spot is overlooked by the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds in Encinitas.
Colorful image adds life to an already delightful beach town.
Colorful image adds life to an already delightful beach town.
Waves and sunset seem nestled in a tree above a street sign.
Waves and sunset seem nestled in a tree above a street sign.
Graphic shows dirt path down to the beach.
Graphic shows dirt path down to the beach.
Several jellyfish seem to soar through the blue sky.
Several jellyfish seem to soar through the blue sky.
Encinitas street banner depicts a tropical island girl.
Encinitas street banner depicts a tropical island girl.
A sleeping cat dreams of being a lion king!
A sleeping cat dreams of being a lion king!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.
2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.

I had to take one more trip to Imperial Beach this summer because of another big, fun event by the pier. Today was the 2014 Sun and Sea Festival! The event replaces the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition which came to an end back in 2011.

Master sandcastle builders who have won many international awards converged to demonstrate their craft and compete for top honors just north of the Imperial Beach pier. When I arrived, the creations were roughly half done. So I got a bunch of interesting photos of the artists in action!

Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.
Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.

This centerpiece sandcastle stood near the foot of the pier, adjacent to busy vendor tents, and a variety of other fun activities.

Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.
Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.

Looking north from the pier toward the field of action.

Teams north of Imperial Beach pier works on a detailed creations.
Teams north of Imperial Beach pier work on detailed creations.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Sand head props up photos used to model more amazing creations.
Sand head props up photos used to model  rat from Ratatouille.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
A dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A beach dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw material.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw building material.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the Transformers sculpture wasn’t too far along, so I couldn’t get more interesting pics.

I think this is an octopus.
I think this is an octopus.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
Rocket's engine of the Futurama sand sculpture.
Rocket’s engine of the funny Futurama sand sculpture.
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
Everybody is watching the teams build their sand creations!
Everybody is watching the pros build their sand creations!
Kids on the pier's other side build castles, too!
Kids on the pier’s other side build castles, too!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Art adds life beside the ocean in Imperial Beach.

Ocean Riders bronze sculpture by Wyland has three dolphins.
Ocean Riders bronze sculpture by Wyland has three dolphins.

Imperial Beach is in many ways a typical Southern California beach community. The Pacific Ocean and surfing are dominant themes. You see it in the local culture; you see it just about everywhere you turn.

The above photo is of a very cool sculpture just steps from the beach, in Imperial Beach’s Dunes Park. Ocean Riders, dedicated in 1996, was created by Wyland, a famous environmental artist who is known worldwide for his graceful depictions of marine animals.

Utility box on Seacoast Drive shows girl playing in the sand.
Utility box on Seacoast Drive shows girl playing in the sand.
Sea and Sky sculpture by Ken Smith.
Sea and Sky sculpture by Ken Smith.

The above sculpture can be found adjacent to the beach a short distance north of the Imperial Beach pier.  In 2009, it was part of an Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Fantastic mermaid and shark street mural in Imperial Beach.
Fantastic mermaid and shark street mural in Imperial Beach.

This mural represents typical Imperial Beach street art. I found this on the side of a building on Palm Avenue.

Surfboard sculpture in outdoor museum.
Surfboard sculpture in outdoor museum.

You see in this pic one of 25 surfboard sculptures placed along Palm Avenue between 3rd Street and Seacoast Drive. They belong to The Imperial Beach Outdoor Surfboard Museum and represent the history of surfboard design dating from ancient times to 1985.

Shiny metal sculpture of abstract surfer on Palm Avenue.
Shiny metal sculpture of abstract surfer on Palm Avenue.
Cool surfboard rack on a bicycle near the beach!
Cool surfboard rack on a bicycle near the beach!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

A very cool photographer near Seaport Village.

Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.
Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.

Yesterday I took a leisurely walk past Seaport Village. I said hello to a gentleman in the nearby Embarcadero Marina Park North who was displaying some stunning framed photographs, hoping for a donation. I’d never seen him there before.

I’m glad I paused to chat. Ralph Guest is one cool dude. (And a much better photographer than me!) In semi-retirement, he’s just begun to show and sell his photographs. He spends a lot of time out east of San Diego in the desert, especially in and around Slab City, which he described for me. He’s taken many amazing photos of the place, and of the people, who are called Slabbers. The folks out in the desert are a laid-back, independent,  unique bunch. He described a place out there named East Jesus, where trash is converted into art and power is supplied entirely by solar power. According to Wikipedia, “The inhabitants of East Jesus…provide a refuge for artists, musicians, survivalists, writers, scientists, and laymen. They are dedicated to providing a working model of an improbable improvised community…” Sounds to me like a rather interesting place! Ralph has photos and videos that can be checked out via links on his website.

It’s great to meet new people!

Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!
Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Some cool pics of the Imperial Beach pier.

Abstract surfboards welcome people to Imperial Beach pier.
Abstract surfboards welcome people to Imperial Beach pier. This public art is titled Surfhenge, by local artist Malcolm Jones.

Imperial Beach lies south of downtown San Diego, at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States. The Imperial Beach pier is just a few miles from Mexico. This beach community is a perfect example of laid-back southern California, mostly just locals kicking back, a smattering of tourists, and a good vibe all around. The days are sunny and people are friendly.

Come stroll with me toward the pier and let’s see what’s going on!

Colorful surfboard arches frame a pier visitor.
Colorful acrylic surfboard arches frame a pier visitor. Surfhenge was dedicated in 1999.
Lifeguard tower behind palm trees and flags.
Lifeguard tower behind palm trees and flags.
Benches near the pier are made of surfboards!
Benches near the pier are made of many different style surfboards, representing different eras of the sport.
Imperial Beach pier beckons from the sand.
Imperial Beach pier beckons from the sand.
A few people on the beach on a spring weekday morning.
A few people on the beach on a spring weekday morning.
Looking down the length of the Imperial Beach pier.
Looking down the length of the Imperial Beach pier.
Fisherman cuts bait at one of the public sinks.
Fisherman cuts bait at one of the public sinks.
Gazing down at the blue Pacific on a nice day.
Gazing down at the blue Pacific on a nice day.
Approaching the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the pier.
Approaching the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the pier.
Window of Tin Fish restaurant at end of Imperial Beach pier.
Window of Tin Fish restaurant at end of Imperial Beach pier.
Pier pilings rise from an emerald ocean.
Pier pilings rise from an emerald ocean.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.