Tag: streets

Creative trashcan art adds fun to Hillcrest streets.

Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.
Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.

In the past couple years, most of the trashcans lining the streets of Hillcrest have been colorfully painted by local artists. During a recent walk, I passed quite a few of these street art trashcans and took some photos. Many of these fun creations were seen along University Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard.

Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego's Hillcrest community.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego’s Hillcrest community.
A purple mask-like face that's difficult to miss!
A purple mask-like face that’s very difficult to miss!
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
Masks and confetti represent the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
Masks and confetti reflect the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
Here's an urban rooster.
Here’s an urban rooster.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds even more life to the city.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds life to the city.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Female face with Pharoah mask was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.
Female face with a Pharoah headdress was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.

…

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

Life, art, food and home on National Avenue.

Awesome street art on a chiropractic office near Cesar Chavez Pkwy.
Awesome street art on a chiropractic office near Cesar Chavez Pkwy in Barrio Logan.

I have some time off from work, so I’m able to do a little more weekday walking than usual. Yesterday I wandered through a gritty but fascinating neighborhood near downtown that’s a bit off the beaten track. A stretch of National Avenue runs through a narrow section of the city between Logan Heights and downtown San Diego, directly east of the rail and trolley yards; I walked from Imperial Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, then back.

The area contains many car repair shops, welding shops, warehouses, and other small businesses which occupy modest, often decayed buildings. In a few places, groups of homeless had gathered. Small, neglected shanty-like houses are interspersed with elegant historic old homes and newer apartment buildings. Yet vibrant life was active everywhere. And everyone I met gave me a friendly greeting!

Cool mural on residential building features an eagle, cacti, palm trees.
Cool mural on residential building features an eagle, cacti, palm trees.
Quaint narrow house on National Avenue near downtown San Diego.
Quaint narrow house on National Avenue near downtown San Diego.
Portion of colorful graffiti in a weedy space between buildings.
Portion of colorful graffiti in a weedy space between buildings.
This very cool mural caught my eye as I walked down the street. It's on Logan Avenue, one block from National Avenue.
This very cool mural caught my eye as I walked down the street. It’s on Logan Avenue, a couple blocks from National Avenue.
Plaque on La Entrada project explains reconstructed Mission Revival facade.
Plaque on La Entrada project explains reconstructed Mission Revival facade.
The Mission Revival facade on La Entrada apartments is an homage to the neighborhood's history.
The Mission Revival facade on La Entrada apartments is an homage to the region’s history.
Local vendor is selling tamales under a canopy by the sidewalk.
Local vendor is selling tamales under a canopy by the sidewalk.
Mother's Nutritional Center helps local low-income women with young children.
Mother’s Nutritional Center helps local low-income women with young children.
A soccer ball on utility box by a small local market known for their sub sandwiches.
A soccer ball on utility box by a small local market known for their sub sandwiches.
One word on this old wall says it all--Life.
One word on this fantastic old wall says it all: Life.

…

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

Signs the Rolling Stones are coming to San Diego!

Rolling Stones Zip Code tour banners hang outside the Gaslamp's Hard Rock Hotel, a couple blocks from Petco Park.
Rolling Stones Zip Code tour banners hang outside the Hard Rock Hotel, a couple blocks from Petco Park.

The Rolling Stones are ready to begin their highly-anticipated new Zip Code tour. And it kicks off this weekend right here in San Diego!

Walking about downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter this morning, I saw that Rolling Stones banners have been hung on many street lamps. Very cool! The classic rock band’s new tour will take them to a handful of select cities in North America, and possibly South America.

The last huge concert to fill Petco Park was Sir Paul McCartney on tour last September.

Rolling Stones graphic includes a baseball-like tongue! Also visible in this photo is San Diego's landmark Gaslamp Quarter sign.
Rolling Stones graphic includes a baseball-like tongue! Also visible in this photo is San Diego’s landmark Gaslamp Quarter sign.

…

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

More welcome rain has begun on Cortez Hill!

More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!
More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!

A large storm cell is passing through downtown this morning!

Rain is such a rare and beautiful thing in San Diego I had to jump outside with my camera for a couple quick pics! At the time, a few drops had just begun to fall.

Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on sidewalk in Tweet Street park.
Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on the sidewalk in Tweet Street park.

…

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

Cool sights from a walk down Seventh Avenue.

Several faces line the bottom of a closed shop window.
Several faces line the bottom of a downtown window.

Yesterday morning I walked south on Seventh Avenue through a thin slice of downtown San Diego. I began at the tippy top of Cortez Hill and ended near Petco Park. Looking about for random cool sights, just swinging my camera right or left, I took a few pics…

Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
View of the iconic America's Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
View of the iconic America’s Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
Fun utility box artwork seen during a walk down Seventh Avenue in downtown San Diego.
Fun utility box street art photographed during a morning walk through downtown San Diego.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
Gigantic eye stares out window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
Gigantic eye stares out of one window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest colored hotels in downtown San Diego.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest “colored” hotels in downtown San Diego.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego's 2016 All-Star Game.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego’s 2016 All-Star Game.
Sweeping the front of Lucky's Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.
Sweeping the front of Lucky’s Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.

…

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

A few pics of the elegant John D. Spreckels Building.

Looking up through the elegant building entrance at the lobby's ceiling.
Looking up through the elegant building entrance at the lobby’s ceiling.

The John D. Spreckels Building (not to be confused with the Spreckels Theater Building also located on Broadway) is a cool sight that is definitely worth a few photographs. When it was completed in 1924, the stately 14-story building was the tallest in San Diego. Today, according to an article I read, there are plans to convert it into apartments.

Built by sugar heir, entrepreneur and philanthropist John D. Spreckels, the historic building is one of only a few old high-rises that grace San Diego. The building isn’t terribly distinctive or flashy, but it certainly is monumental. Simple lines give it a feeling of grandeur and permanence. The small entrance, to my eye, is uncommonly elegant.

Front of the John D. Spreckels Building as seen from across Broadway.
Front of the John D. Spreckels Building as seen from across Broadway.
Pointing my camera upward for a cool photo.
Pointing my camera upward for a cool photo.
Beautiful ornamental artwork at the door of 625 Broadway in San Diego.
Beautiful ornamental artwork at the door of 625 Broadway in San Diego.
Elegant old clock mounted on corner of the John D. Spreckels Building.
Elegant old clock mounted on corner of the John D. Spreckels Building.
This classy historic high-rise adds unique flavor to a shiny modern city.
This classy historic high-rise adds unique flavor to a shiny modern city.

…

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

A flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail.

A tiny barn in a fun garden between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.
A tiny barn and rabbits in a narrow garden, located between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.

I recently walked through Bankers Hill, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. During my small adventure I got a few interesting photos on and around Olive Street. Like the sights in any city, they form a mixture. Here’s a flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail!

Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 on Olive Street by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
A few unusual features foretold the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
A few unusual features anticipated the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as some might have seen on KUSI News' Turko Report.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as you might have seen on KUSI News’ Turko Files.
Large medical office building on Fifth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished. I saw a doctor here many years ago!
Huge medical office building between Fifth and Sixth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished.
Cool art on wall of residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.
Cool art hangs on residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.

…

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

Fun tile mosaic art on Encinitas sidewalk!

Tile mosaic on Pacific Coast Highway shows fisherman rowing out over the ocean.
Tile mosaic on Pacific Coast Highway shows fisherman rowing out over the ocean.

During my recent meandering walk in Encinitas, I noticed some colorful mosaics in the sidewalk. The circular tile and glass artwork seemed to be at intervals up and down Coast Highway 101, the historic Pacific Coast Highway. I took photos whenever I noticed one.  A few were partly covered by shadow.

When I got home and did some research on the internet, I learned these pieces were created by artist Terry Weaver, who grew up in Encinitas, and that there are 16 mosaics all told. I only recorded seven! Had I paid closer attention, I might have found many more!

Encinitas artwork near train station depicts Coaster coming down track.
Encinitas artwork near train station depicts Coaster coming down track.
Beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is celebrated with fun sidewalk art.
Beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas is celebrated with fun sidewalk art.
Colored tiles and glass form hot air balloons soaring through a swirling sky.
Colored tile and glass form hot air balloons soaring through a swirling sky.
The S.S. Encinitas and S.S. Moonlight are docked on this sidewalk!
The famous S.S. Encinitas and S.S. Moonlight “boat houses” are docked on this sidewalk!
A pod of dolphins seems to be swimming down Pacific Coast Highway.
A pod of dolphins seems to be swimming down Pacific Coast Highway.
Surfer rides an eternal wave under the feet of passing pedestrians.
Surfer rides an eternal wave under the feet of passing pedestrians.

UPDATE!

During a later visit to Encinitas I discovered three more of the sidewalk mosaics…

Cool image of surfer by sand, Pacific Ocean and his woodie at Swami's Beach, overlooked by the grounds of the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Cool image of surfer by sand, Pacific Ocean and his woodie at Swami’s Beach, overlooked by the grounds of the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Beautiful flowers including bird of paradise.
Beautiful flowers including bird of paradise.
Tile mosaic depiction of the historic La Paloma Theatre building in Encinitas.
Tile mosaic depiction of the historic La Paloma Theatre building in Encinitas.

And here are two more I stumbled upon during another walk…

A poinsettia.
A poinsettia.
Encinitas woody with surfboard.
Encinitas woody with surfboard.

And two more even later!

Hummingbird and flowers.
Hummingbird and flowers.
More hot air balloons!
More hot air balloons!

And, finally, two more mosaics I spotted in 2021!

I believe I’ve now managed to photograph all 16…

IMG_2805z
Music and dance.
IMG_2982z
Bicyclists.

…

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

Four murals under Interstate 5 near Old Town.

Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.
Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.

Four large painted murals can be seen under Interstate 5 where the freeway passes over Rosecrans Street, just west of Old Town. The title of my blog post is a bit deceptive, because I only managed to get decent pics of three murals. The fourth, which depicts the Coronado Bay Bridge, was half in sunlight, half in darkness, and is the least interesting (in my opinion) of the four anyway.

Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Four large works of art can be glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Four works of art glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.

…

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

Early morning sights in downtown San Diego.

Scooter with fringed canopy zooms past as I swing my camera to capture a sudden morning photo.
Scooter with fringed canopy zooms past as I swing my camera to capture a sudden morning photo.

Here are a few interesting photos from another meandering walk downtown. I took these yesterday morning as I headed down from Cortez Hill to catch the trolley at the Santa Fe Depot.  I know, there are closer trolley stations, but I was itching to venture outside into the world and got an early start…

Wednesday is trash pick up day in front of the House of Blues in downtown San Diego.
Wednesday is trash pick up day in front of the House of Blues in downtown San Diego.
Cool mural on a downtown building's upper patio which, according to a security guard, is inaccessible to the general public.
Cool mural on a downtown building’s upper patio which, according to a security guard, is inaccessible to the general public.

From a distance that mural looks really awesome. The security guard said perhaps he’d let me onto the patio if I were swing by in the middle of a work day. According to some research on the internet, it was painted fairly recently by Maxx Moses, the same artist who created that super fantastic Ancestors street mural in Barrio Logan.

Mysterious elevated box on the sidewalk is colorfully painted with leaves.
Mysterious elevated box on the sidewalk is colorfully painted with leaves.
Vertically moving words on Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego don't seem to make sense.
Vertically moving words on Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego don’t seem to make sense.
Seward Johnson's 'That A Way' sculpture at entrance of The Sofia Hotel.
Seward Johnson’s ‘That A Way’ sculpture at entrance of The Sofia Hotel.

Yep, that’s the same Seward Johnson who created the huge Unconditional Surrender sculpture by the USS Midway Museum. He’s best known for making life-size pieces like this one, which stands by a doorway on Broadway.

…

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