Tag: streets

Cool smiles and sights along Sixth Avenue downtown.

I rely on Christine's hot chocolate on rare super cold San Diego mornings. She's been smiling near the corner of Sixth and B Street for as long as I can remember!
I rely on Christine’s hot chocolate on rare super cold San Diego mornings. She’s been smiling near the corner of Sixth and B Street for as long as I can remember!

These photos were taken during a morning walk down Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego. They contain cool smiles and glimpses.

Walking south along Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego, approaching Ash Street.
Walking south along Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego, approaching Ash Street.
Reflection in glass panes of the Parking Palace shows the iconic sign atop the El Cortez.
Reflection in glass panes of the Parking Palace shows the iconic sign atop the El Cortez.
Still walking down Sixth Avenue, now approaching A Street.
Still walking down Sixth Avenue, now approaching A Street.
Ornamentation near roof of the old World Trade Center, which has been converted into housing for the homeless. The Art Deco building was once home of publishers Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Ornamentation near roof of the old World Trade Center, which has been converted into housing for the homeless. The Art Deco building was once home of publishers Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
A bird flies between skyscrapers.
A bird flies between skyscrapers.
Looking up at a corner of the America’s Finest City mural on Sixth Avenue.
Looking up at a corner of the America’s Finest City mural on Sixth Avenue.
A Kurt Cobain quote over doors at the downtown House of Blues. "If it's illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail."
A Kurt Cobain quote over doors at the downtown House of Blues. “If it’s illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail.”
Banner promotes romance in the Gaslamp Quarter. The nearby Jewelers Exchange in the Timkin Building at the corner of Sixth and E Streets is packed with dozens of small jewelry vendors.
Banner promotes romance in the Gaslamp Quarter. The nearby Jewelers Exchange in the Timkin Building at the corner of Sixth and E Streets is packed with dozens of small jewelry vendors.
Photo of moon, high above towers of Louis Bank of Commerce Building's facade, one block over on Fifth Avenue. This famous location was home to Wyatt Earp's Oyster Bar gambling hall and saloon.
Photo of moon, high above towers of Louis Bank of Commerce Building’s facade, one block over on Fifth Avenue. This famous location was home to Wyatt Earp’s Oyster Bar gambling hall and saloon.
Rear of Reading Cinemas Gaslamp building. The movie theater closed in February. The complex opened in 1997 as Pacific Theatres. It has been used for film festivals and San Diego Comic-Con screenings.
Rear of Reading Cinemas Gaslamp building. The movie theater closed in February. The complex originally opened in 1997 as Pacific Theatres. It was used in past years for popular film festivals and San Diego Comic-Con screenings.
Angels in flight on rear of the now closed Gaslamp movie theater.
Angels in flight on rear of the now closed Gaslamp movie theater.
Old faded words painted on rear wall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego's Gaslamp spell Tin Shop.
Old faded words painted on brick exterior of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in San Diego’s Gaslamp spell Tin Shop.
Utility box on Sixth Avenue painted with tea, sandwiches, coffee, salads, burrito and bagels. It made me so hungry, I wanted to step through that cafe's door!
Utility box on Sixth Avenue painted with tea, sandwiches, coffee, salads, burrito and bagels. It made me so hungry, I wanted to step through that cafe’s door!
Hotel Z really really catches the eye with that flamboyant paint job. According to their website, their slogan is A Piece of Pineapple Hospitality.
Hotel Z really really catches the eye with their new, flamboyant paint job. According to their website, their slogan is A Piece of Pineapple Hospitality.
Funny sight inside the window of Cute Cakes. San Diego's Swinging Friar is seated by a big Petco Park frosted cake filled with sprinkle fans!
A funny sight glimpsed inside the window of Cute Cakes. San Diego’s Swinging Friar is seated by a big Petco Park frosted cake filled with sprinkle fans!
Morning deliveries and jogger near electric guitar on employee door of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Morning deliveries and jogger near an electric guitar on the employee door of the Hard Rock Hotel.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

A clown, acrobats and circus animals on Fourth Avenue!

A happy clown face decorates the Fourth Avenue sidewalk, a block north of Broadway near the center of San Diego.
A happy clown face decorates the Fourth Avenue sidewalk, a block north of Broadway near the center of San Diego.

Should you ever walk along Fourth Avenue in downtown San Diego, you might stumble upon a delightful surprise.  A bit north of Broadway a clown face smiles up from the sidewalk. Above him is a heaven of old circus tile artwork, depicting exotic animals and performers in every sort of crazy pose. The art decorates a building which is now home to Halah’s Market.

It isn’t the sort of thing one expects to see in San Diego! At a Las Vegas hotel or casino, perhaps!

I can find nothing about the origin of this circus artwork. If you happen to know something, please leave a comment!

Halah's Market in downtown San Diego has a storefront with some amazing old circus artwork. After a little searching, I found nothing about the history of this building.
Halah’s Market in downtown San Diego has a storefront with some fantastic, nostalgic circus artwork. The canopy above the entrance resembles a carousel.  Searching the internet, all I learned about this building was that it was built in 1925.
Acrobats and performing animals of every description . . . including elephants, penguins, zebras, camels and bears. A circus atmosphere in an unexpected place!
Acrobats and performing animals of every description . . . including elephants, penguins, zebras, camels and bears. A circus atmosphere in an unexpected place!
A singing pig is joined by a trapeze artist and a seal in a hat. One often sees images of surfers, Hispanic culture or local landmarks in San Diego--not the circus!
A singing pig is joined by a trapeze artist and a seal in a hat. One often sees images of surfers, Hispanic culture or local landmarks in San Diego–not the circus!
More fun animals in poses that suggest absurd circus acts.
More fun animals in poses that suggest circus acts.
A surprising clown greets walkers in downtown San Diego!
A surprising clown greets walkers in downtown San Diego!

UPDATE!

I got a great comment! This location used to be the Chi-Chi Club San Diego! More can be learned here!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

Tour de California elite bicyclists race up Laurel Street hill!

Many of the world's top bicycling athletes fly up the Laurel Street hill in San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.
Many of the world’s top bicycling athletes fly up the Laurel Street hill in San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.

Here are lots of cool pics of Tour de California (officially called Amgen Tour of California) elite bicyclists racing up the steep hill on Laurel Street, just east of Interstate 5! Today was the first stage of the big international multi-day race, and the route looped around a good chunk of San Diego County. Easily the toughest part of the race near downtown was up Laurel Street, which presents a pretty steep grade for several blocks.

Lots of people gathered on the hill, and everyone was excited to see many of the world’s greatest bicycle athletes compete! Many of the participants have raced in the Tour de France and other top international competitions.

While I enjoy riding my street bike once in a while, I don’t know much about the professional sport. It was my first time watching this sort of event. And boy was it exciting! Lots of suspense–then flashing lights as the route is prepped and cleared–then boom! A flurry of colorful racers flying past! It was like a fantastic sporting parade! When the racers turned the corner and came into view, I felt my own adrenaline flowing!

Follow my photo captions and I’ll try to describe what I saw. Please excuse me if I don’t know all the proper terms…

This is the first block of the Laurel Street hill--probably the toughest, steepest part.
This is the first block of the Laurel Street hill–probably the toughest, steepest part.
About half an hour before the racers were anticipated, lots of biking enthusiasts and onlookers were already lining the sidewalks.
About half an hour before the race leaders were anticipated, lots of biking enthusiasts and onlookers were already lining the sidewalks.
Most people formed a crowd at the top of the hill. I got my photographs of the race from a point a bit lower, with a good, unobstructed view.
Most people formed a crowd at the top of the hill. I got photographs of the race from a point a bit lower, with a good, unobstructed view.
Someone wrote a big word on the street with colorful chalk. I think it reads Bizipoz. I'm not sure, though.
Someone wrote a big word on the street with chalk. I think it reads Bizipoz. I’m not sure, though.
Announcers on Laurel Street hill provided pre-race music, then humorous, light-hearted commentary.
Announcers on Laurel Street hill provided pre-race music, then humorous, lighthearted commentary.
I saw some flags being flown--I suppose certain international teams were being rooted on.
I saw a few banners being flown–I suppose certain international teams were being rooted on.
A dog came out to view the action!
A dog came out to view the action!
Lots of spectators rode their own bikes to watch this small part of the world-famous event.
Lots of spectators rode their own bikes to watch this small part of the world-famous event.
Ordinary people riding up the hill before the race were cheered and spurred forward with cowbells.
Ordinary people riding up the hill before the race were cheered and spurred forward with cowbells.
Some more bike lovers showing up a few minutes before the pro racers should pass through.
Some more bike lovers showing up a few minutes before the pro racers should pass through.
Okay, we're getting close now. The fast elite racers started in Mission Beach, about 15 minutes away.
Okay, now we’re getting close. The fast elite racers started in Mission Beach, about 15 minutes away from this spot at the very west edge of Bankers Hill.
Everyone perks up! Here comes an Amgen Tour of California official spray-painting the street for the bicyclists, soon to arrive!
Everyone perks up! Here comes an Amgen Tour of California official spray-painting the street for the bicyclists, soon to arrive!
Cameras at the ready!
Cameras at the ready!
They race is almost here! A huge line of motorcycle cops and Highway Patrol cars, along with tour official and VIP vehicles, parades past for several minutes.
The race is almost here! A huge line of motorcycle cops and Highway Patrol cars, along with tour official and VIP vehicles, parades past for several minutes.
Excitement mounts. They should come around Columbia Street any moment!
Excitement mounts. They should come around Columbia Street any moment!
A team support vehicle carries spare bikes. Where are they?
A team support vehicle carries spare bikes. Where are they?
Here they come at last! And they're moving really fast!
Here they come at last! And they’re moving really fast!
They're going so fast, my camera could manage only a few pics of this first group. There seemed to be six racers in this grouping.
They’re going so fast, my camera could manage only a few pics of this first group. There seemed to be six racers in this grouping.
Here comes the leader at this early part of Stage One. These amazing athletes make it look effortless. (Of course, it's still early in the race.)
Here comes the leader at this early part of Stage One. These amazing athletes make it look effortless. (Of course, it’s still early in the race.)
And there they go! Boom! Just like that! Perhaps they slowed a bit further up the hill.
And there they go! Boom! Just like that! Perhaps they slowed a bit further up the hill.
The main group didn't arrive for perhaps another 10 minutes. People around me were amazed by that. They seemed to be pedaling quite casually!
The main group didn’t arrive for what seemed like another 10 minutes. People around me were amazed by that. They appeared to be pedaling quite casually!
Here the huge group comes! You can just glimpse San Diego Bay and Lindbergh Field in the background. A perfect cool day for a bike race!
Here the huge group comes! You can just glimpse San Diego Bay and Lindbergh Field in the background. A perfect cool weather day for a bike race!
Everyone watching from the sidewalks applauds, makes noise and cheers.
Everyone watching from the sidewalks applauds, makes noise and cheers.
These guys seemed to be in no hurry. Some even waved at the onlookers! I suppose they were pacing themselves.
These guys seemed to be in no hurry. Some even waved at the onlookers! I suppose they were pacing themselves.
Looks of determination, and a love for their sport.
Looks of determination, and a love for their sport.
Hoping for glory, bicyclists in the Tour de California power up Laurel Street hill in San Diego.
Hoping for glory, bicyclists in the Tour de California power up Laurel Street hill in San Diego.
A party atmosphere! Everyone is cheerfully rooting on these elite world athletes.
A party atmosphere! Everyone is cheerfully rooting on these elite world athletes.
Some cyclists at the end of the main group were intermixed with team support vehicles.
Some cyclists at the end of the main group were intermixed with team support vehicles.
And here comes a whole bunch of those team support vehicles.
And here comes a whole bunch of those team support vehicles–or whatever they’re called!
Outstanding athletes conquer a tough but relatively short hill.
Outstanding athletes conquer a tough but relatively short hill.
I could hardly believe the tremendous excitement!
I could hardly believe the tremendous excitement!
And then it was over. They'd passed. Just some ambulances and law enforcement vehicles followed.
And then it was over. They’d passed. Just some ambulances and law enforcement vehicles followed.
And folks headed home. You can see more of the Laurel Street hill in this pic. The first part is definitely the steepest.
And folks headed home. You can see more of the Laurel Street hill in this pic. The first part is definitely the steepest.
World-class athletes defy gravity as they bicycle up a hill near downtown San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.
World-class athletes defy gravity as they bicycle up a hill near downtown San Diego during the first stage of the Tour de California.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

Four cool murals on Fern Street in South Park.

Cool mural in San Diego's hip South Park community features Latino and Native American cultural influences.
Cool mural in San Diego’s hip South Park community features Latino and Native American cultural influences.

Here are four cool street murals that I spotted during my meandering walk yesterday. You can find them on Fern Street in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. All four of these are north of Date Street. I’m sure there are others to the south that I missed.

Urban art on side of the Fern St. Laundromat. Litter and graffiti partially obscure a painted depiction of a vintage San Diego Fire Department vehicle, complete with fireman and dalmatian.
Urban art on side of the Fern St. Laundromat. Litter and graffiti partially obscure a painted depiction of a vintage San Diego Fire Department vehicle, complete with fireman and dalmatian.
Local graffiti artists Persue, Reyes and Steel created this cool street art on Fern Street in South Park.
Local graffiti artists Persue, Reyes and Steel created this cool street art on Fern Street in South Park.
Sepia tone mural on Fern Street in South Park features man riding an old-fashioned penny-farthing and nostalgic images from San Diego's past.
Sepia tone mural on Fern Street in South Park features man riding an old-fashioned penny-farthing and nostalgic images from San Diego’s past.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

A walk up Broadway, from downtown to Golden Hill.

A large bee and the word LOVE. Street art on a fence near the top of Golden Hill.
A large bee and the word LOVE. Street art on a fence near the top of Golden Hill.

I went on a long walk today and took many photos. Enough for several blog posts!

I’ll begin at the beginning–walking in the mid-morning from downtown San Diego to the top of Golden Hill. I headed east along Broadway, crossed Interstate 5, then began my climb up the hill, looking this way and that. Here are a few interesting things I saw, starting at the Police Headquarters located at 14th and Broadway…

Wreath in front of San Diego Police Headquarters' Wall of Honor, remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.
A wreath in front of the San Diego Police Headquarters’ Wall of Honor is the remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.
A prayer on Broadway. Shelter my brothers and sisters in arms who have fallen in the fight. Let their stars, lit by your love, shine brightly through the night.
A prayer on Broadway. Shelter my brothers and sisters in arms who have fallen in the fight. Let their stars, lit by your love, shine brightly through the night.
A sign points to Golden Hill as I walk east up Broadway from downtown San Diego.
A sign points to Golden Hill as I walk east up Broadway from downtown San Diego.
Looking back west toward downtown. Many jacaranda trees line San Diego's streets. A man waits at a bus stop.
Looking back west toward downtown. Many jacaranda trees line San Diego’s streets. A man waits at a bus stop.
Crazy decal on the back of a stop sign.
Crazy decal on the back of a stop sign.
A utility box with a bit of funny street art. This tired buffalo appears to be crunching some numbers.
A utility box with a bit of funny urban art. This tired buffalo appears to be crunching some numbers.
A nicely restored Victorian residence on Broadway in Golden Hill. This neighborhood contains many historic houses, and some are quite amazing. A hundred years ago, this area on a hill near downtown was quite affluent.
A nicely restored Victorian residence on sloping Broadway, photographed while heading up Golden Hill. This neighborhood contains many historic houses. A hundred years ago, this area on a scenic hill near downtown was very affluent.
One side of a fun utility box has been boldly painted with a fiery green dragon.
One side of a utility box has been boldly painted with a fiery green dragon.
A lady and another scaly dragon on the opposite side of the box. A floral mural decorates a nearby store's wall.
A lady and a scaly dragon on the opposite side of the box. A floral mural decorates a nearby store’s wall.
The San Diego Reader is a very popular alternative weekly newspaper in our city. Their headquarters is located on Broadway in Golden Hill.
The San Diego Reader is a very popular alternative weekly newspaper in our city. Their headquarters is located on Broadway in Golden Hill.
The 1896 Quartermass-Wilde House is a San Diego Historic Landmark. This elegant Victorian is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.
The 1896 Quartermass-Wilde House is a San Diego Historic Landmark. It’s difficult to miss!  This elegant Victorian is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.
Lots of balloons and flowers for sale at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It's Mother's Day.
Lots of balloons and flowers for sale at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s Mother’s Day.
A beautiful bit of shining art inlaid in the sidewalk. A marker at the top of Golden Hill.
A beautiful bit of shining art inlaid in the sidewalk. A marker at the top of Golden Hill.
San Diego Fire Station 11, at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It's a perfect day for a walk!
San Diego Fire Station 11, at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s a perfect day for a walk!
A Mexican taco shop and graffiti on the windows. The neighborhood today is a bit rundown, but sunny and pleasant.
A Mexican taco shop has graffiti on the windows. The neighborhood today is slightly neglected, but sunny and pleasant.
A wooden fence along the sidewalk contains amazing, colorful murals, beginning with this flowery skull.
A wooden fence along the sidewalk contains amazing, colorful murals, beginning with this flowery skull.
A brilliant butterfly spotted on Broadway, near the top of Golden Hill!
A brilliant butterfly spotted on Broadway, near the top of Golden Hill!
A hummingbird drawn like ancient Southwest rock art.
A hummingbird drawn like ancient Southwestern rock art.
A magical lady, eyeball blooms and an unfinished Simba.
A magical lady, eyeball plants and an unfinished Simba.
Someone walks west along the Broadway sidewalk. I continued east, turned north up 28th Street and directed my feet toward South Park.
Someone walks west along the Broadway sidewalk. I continued east, turned north up 28th Street and directed my feet toward South Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Cool faces encountered on the streets of Ocean Beach.

Wander the streets of OB and you'll encounter all sorts of very cool urban art, including many colorful faces.
Wander the streets of OB and you’ll encounter lots of fun urban art, including a variety of cool faces.

Here are a few cool faces I photographed while randomly walking along the busy sidewalks of Ocean Beach. Mosey around OB and your eyes will be dazzled by amazing street art wherever you turn. Some of that artwork stares right back at you!

A stylish lady regards people who walk down popular Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.
A stylish lady regards people who walk down popular Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.
Super cool street mural in Ocean Beach depicts music legends Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash.
A cool street mural in Ocean Beach depicts music legends Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash.
The immortal Jimi Hendrix gazes out from an OB wall.
The immortal Jimi Hendrix gazes out from an OB wall.
The face of Johnny Cash spray painted in Ocean Beach.
The face of Johnny Cash spray painted in Ocean Beach.
Long hair and a long nose...and a surfing hamburger. The famous Hodad's in Ocean Beach is a popular destination for many hungry people in San Diego.
Long hair and a very big nose…and a positively gigantic surfing hamburger. The famous Hodad’s in Ocean Beach is a popular destination for hungry people in San Diego.
Happy smileys and a peace sign within some rainbowy, swirly 60's style artwork at the USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
Smileys, flowers and a peace sign are just a few of the fun elements decorating a youth hostel in Ocean Beach.
The exterior of USA Hostels Ocean Beach is absolutely covered with colorful psychedelic artwork.
The exterior of USA Hostels Ocean Beach is absolutely covered with bold, swirly psychedelic artwork.
Those look more like surfers than hippies. Hanging out in front of the fun youth hostel in OB.
Those look more like surfers than hippies. A photo of guys hanging out in front of the wildly colorful youth hostel in OB.
A happy artist applies brush to canvas, painted on a utility box in Ocean Beach. Please disregard the mustache!
A happy artist at the beach applies her brush to paint the beach…painted on a utility box in Ocean Beach!  (And a graffiti mustache has been added, for good measure!)
Sheer happiness. Ocean Beach is a place where carefree living is celebrated.
Sheer joy. Ocean Beach is a place where a laid-back, carefree lifestyle is celebrated.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

A cool new street mural in Normal Heights!

A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes one feel that life is good, just gazing at this joyful artwork.
A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes anyone walking down the sidewalk feel that life is good, just gazing at this colorful artwork.

Some new, very cool urban art has recently appeared on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights! Here are a few photos!

The street mural, titled Un dia de Mercado, is painted on the side of one small building. It depicts a Mexican marketplace, and many of the goods a shopper is likely to find there. The colors are vivid and happy. The artwork inspires joy.

Un dia de Mercado. A colorful new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado. A fantastic new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights adds life to the city!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to a very cool neighborhood in San Diego!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to an already very cool neighborhood in San Diego!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Plastic wrap lovers sit on a bench in Hillcrest!

A happy couple made of shining plastic wrap sits on a bench beneath rainbow balloons in Hillcrest. Yes, I did a double take, then got some quick photos!
Two people made of sunlit plastic wrap sit on a bench beneath rainbow balloons in Hillcrest. Yes, I did a double take! Then I took some quick photos!

Check out this crazy sight! A couple of months ago I was riding home on the Route 120 bus when I spotted something unusual outside the window. Some fun art had materialized on University Avenue just east of Fourth Avenue! Fortunately the bus window was open a bit so I could snap a few good photos.

I filed the photos away on my computer hoping to learn or see something more about these unique plastic wrap lovers. When I passed the same spot a week or so later, the artwork was gone!

I’m assuming these sunlit sculptures sitting on a bench were made out of plastic wrap and tape. All I have to go on is my photos. I know absolutely nothing about them. If you happen to know anything, feel free to leave a comment!

A surprising sight met my eyes during a bus ride. These two plastic wrap sculptures were sitting mysteriously along the sidewalk like lovers.
A surprising sight met my eyes during a bus ride. These two plastic wrap sculptures were sitting mysteriously along a city sidewalk like lovers.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more 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 on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun, unique photos for you to enjoy!

Fun urban art: Walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

People of many colors party. Keep going!
People of many colors party. Keep going!

You might enjoy a few photos!

I’ve spotted many colorful examples of urban art while walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. All of this fun artwork is located between Upas Street and Washington.

Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.

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This morning I published a powerful story titled The Drawing of Leaves on my blog Short Stories by Richard! It’s very brief, but moving. You might enjoy it!

Photos of fun urban art in Mission Hills.

Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.
Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.

Here come some fun photos of urban art in Mission Hills. Was it two weeks ago or three, when I walked this way camera in hand, on my way to the Serra Museum?  How time flies . . .

Most of this warm, good-humored art was observed along West Washington Street, which is the main east-west artery in Mission Hills. You might notice that birds are a big theme in the neighborhood. The north-south streets are named after different birds and are arranged in alphabetical order.

Hey! I hope my blog adds a little joy to your life. I know I’m enjoying myself! Thanks to all of you who follow Cool San Diego Sights, and who have generously shared it with others. I’m positive more fun awaits! –Richard

I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
Another side of the creatively decorated utility box.
Another side of a creatively decorated utility box.
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident's dog and a cat have their own special place!
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident’s dog and a cat have their own special place!