On Saturday I enjoyed another meandering walk through the Village of La Jolla. I had only one destination in mind: the rear of a bench at the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial. You’ll see why in a coming blog post!
As I walked along I photographed whatever caught my fancy. The murals you see here I haven’t documented in the past.
The Bishop’s School tower. Designed by noted architect Carleton Monroe Winslow, the Bishop Johnson Tower was added to St. Mary’s Chapel in 1930.Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial by the La Jolla Recreation Center. (Stay tuned for photos of beautiful public art on the other side of that bench!)Looking out at the Pacific Ocean from the edge of Ellen Browning Scripps Park.Many people stop to look at sea lions down on the rocks.People walk along or buy treats on a Saturday by La Jolla Cove.Gazing down at popular La Jolla Cove.Mermaids drink free!The Cave Store is where you can enter Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave through an old bootlegger’s tunnel.Raymond Chandler at the Whaling Bar, 2018, Raul Guerrero. One of the Murals of La Jolla.Unity in Diversity. Mural by Gennaro Garcia.La Valencia Hotel seen from across Prospect Street. The Pink Lady of La Jolla has been a destination of the Hollywood elite, built in 1926.St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. The 1928 tower was designed by Louis Gill, based on images from Campo Florida in Mexico.Front of La Jolla Woman’s Club. California’s first tilt-up concrete building, it was designed by pioneering architect Irving Gill in 1912.A mural I spotted on Pearl Street.Fresheria mural on Pearl Street, by @el_pekaso
…
This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Have you seen that incredible mural that celebrates San Diego, painted on a wall where National Avenue turns into Logan Avenue, at South 43rd Street? It has become a very cool landmark where two southeast San Diego neighborhoods, Mountain View and Southcrest, meet!
The mural was painted a couple years ago by local youth! The project was organized by Concrete and Canvas, whose stated mission is “to mobilize the neighborhood to collaborate in creating community transformation through art, murals, and mentors.” Check out their website here.
This very colorful mural pays tribute to many of the places that make San Diego a special city. Looking at my photos, I recognize (among other things) the Hotel del Coronado, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Padres, Mount Soledad, coastal cliffs and beaches (and sea lions), the Belmont Park roller coaster, downtown, the Unconditional Surrender “Kiss” statue, California golden poppies and bear, the Del Mar racetrack, the trolley, the Old Point Loma lighthouse, the Blue Angels, Balboa Park, the Coronado Bay Bridge, and the words: America’s Finest City.
I see two artist signatures: Irieanna Sesma (@SD_IRIE) and El Artista (@ILLUMIN8_SD).
…
This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
These photographs were taken during a walk around beautiful Oceanside Harbor.
I began where Harbor Drive descends to the water and intersects with North Harbor Drive.
The walk proceeds west along the South Harbor, then curves to the North Harbor, taking in many interesting sights along the way.
At a point across the water from the Jolly Roger restaurant, I turned about, retraced my steps, then explored the South Harbor’s various shops and attractions.
I then made my way west to North Pacific Street, next to Oceanside Harbor Beach, and headed past the boat ramps to the jetty that juts out into the Pacific Ocean beyond a parking lot.
Hopefully you’ll get a taste of what this walk on a sunny, late February weekend afternoon was like!
Descending Harbor Drive to beautiful Oceanside Harbor.Looking past Joe’s Crab Shack and boats in the South Harbor marina toward the picturesque lighthouse.Across from the Oceanside Harbor boat ramps, which we’ll see close up later in the walk.Turning north, walking past the Oceanside Broiler restaurant, where diners sit outdoors gazing at boats in the Southern California sunshine.Many benches along Oceanside Harbor are dedicated to loved ones, or feature inspirational messages.Monument to Erwin Sklar, 1910-1974. During his term as Mayor and City Councilman this harbor was designed and built, fulfilling a Dream of Erwin Sklar and the People of Oceanside.Small boats pass stand up paddleboarders near the entrance to Oceanside Harbor.Watching activity on the water from the end of the Oceanside Harbor Fishing Pier.Monument by the Oceanside Harbor Fishing Pier. Remember Pearl Harbor.Fishermen wait patiently for a bite on the pier. I was told many types of fish can be caught here, especially when the water warms up later in the year.A large ship’s anchor with a small plaque across from the entrance to Oceanside Harbor.In memory of those lost at sea. Dedicated January 9, 1979.Along North Harbor Drive, large blue and white letters spell OCEANSIDE.Many along the boardwalk were watching Sea Lion Island, where there appeared to be a lot of napping.Sea lions relax in the Oceanside sunshine.A better view of the OCEANSIDE sign, which is visible to boaters entering the harbor.Continuing the walk, now along the North Harbor.People pass me on the boardwalk carrying a kayak.I pass the Oceanside Weighing Station. No fish being weighed at the moment.The Jolly Roger restaurant across the North Harbor.Kayaks stacked on the nearby dock.Right around here I turned about to retrace my steps.Back by Joe’s Crab Shack. The walk now proceeds in that direction.People walk out onto the docks.Some sportfishing vessels can be boarded nearby.Approaching shops and restaurants and other touristy attractions of the New England-style Oceanside Harbor Village.Sportfishing and whale watching trips are available at the Oceanside Sea Center.A great view from up there.I like this mail box!Interesting photo of the red and white faux lighthouse, which is actually home to Lighthouse Oyster Bar and Grill.Lots of beachy souvenirs attract passersby.Looking back at the lighthouse and Oceanside Harbor Village.We’ve arrived at North Pacific Street, which runs between the harbor and the beach.Heading north again, but on the west side of Oceanside Harbor.We’ve come to the boat ramps, which are very active on a sunny weekend day.Marker at the Oceanside Harbor Boat Launching Facility.Curtis Landing, dedicated September 17, 2005, honors two people named Curtis. Jon W. Curtis was a harbor police officer hero. Joe V. Curtis contributed as a community leader.Photo taken across the harbor from beside the boat ramps.Another photo.Continuing north.Kites were flying near the harbor entrance.I’ve turned west and am heading toward the jetty which protects Oceanside Harbor from the Pacific Ocean. In the distance past a sailboat you can see the Oceanside Marina Suites.A right turn on the water leads to Camp Pendleton Harbor’s boat basin.That sailboat we just saw is now entering the harbor.Near the foot of the T-shaped jetty. The beach is on the left.People by the shining Pacific Ocean.And to the south, far beyond this surfer on the beach, juts the long Oceanside Pier.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
The Welcoming Arches and the Welcome Bell greet motorists driving south on Interstate 5 as they enter Oceanside, California. The arches and bell stand just beyond a large American flag and beside the parking lot of an In-N-Out Burger.
I passed by the California Mission inspired structure last weekend as I walked down the Coast Highway.
Mission San Luis Rey, founded in 1798, is located about four miles east-northeast of these bright white adobe mission-style arches.
The Welcoming Arches were designed by noted Southern California architect George M. Adams in 1978 and dedicated in 1982.
The first part of the above plaque reads:
THE WELCOMING ARCHES
AN OCEANSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROJECT
“THE WELCOMING ARCHES WERE CONCEIVED FROM A WISH THAT OCEANSIDES’ VISITORS RECEIVE A WELCOME REFLECTING THE BEAUTY, BOUNTY AND HERITAGE OF THIS AREA.
REALIZING WHERE THERE IS PRIVILEGE THERE IS ALSO OBLIGATION, THIS ENTRANCE EDIFICE WAS BUILT BY THE VOLUNTARY GENEROSITY OF THE PEOPLE OF OCEANSIDE”
..LORRAINE SHAFFER
Part of this smaller plaque reads:
“WELCOME BELL” DONATED BY OCEANSIDE ROTARY CLUB JOHN A. STEIGER, PRESIDENT JANUARY 1983
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Another easy Sunday in Balboa Park. Creating new memories. Remembering good times.
Another sunny day with more ice cream, more music, more people laughing and smiling.
I recognized some people in the park I hadn’t seen in years. I saw Fast Heart Mart playing his banjo. I saw Brandon riding his big-wheeled penny-farthing.
I observed how memories are now being made in the new Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park’s Palisades area, where tables welcome families and roller skating has become popular.
Every visit to Balboa Park is unique.
And to think another Spring will soon be here!
…
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!
During my long walk through Oceanside yesterday, my very first cool discovery was this large nostalgic mural on the side of The Fin Hotel. It depicts a slice of Americana: a small town scene from the mid-20th century.
The Fin Hotel is a boutique hotel that began its life as the Keisker Hotel, built in 1927. Before it was The Fin it was The Dolphin. Today it’s an historic Oceanside landmark that has survived decades of change in the growing city.
The mural, painted by Southern California artist Lisa Kelly, incorporates the cool The Fin Hotel neon sign, as you can see in the coming photos! It also features many classic cars, the Oceanside Pier, and a woodie with a surfboard on top!
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Early this morning, an overnight fog obscured Balboa Park’s Desert Garden.
As the rising sun began to brighten the fantastic cacti of the Desert Garden, banks of fog lingered in Florida Canyon and beyond, appearing like ghostly, faraway islands…
…
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!
I spent nearly the entire day walking. Part of my journey was through a small part of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Even my short, easy hike at Los Peñasquitos Creek just west of Black Mountain Road was awe-inspiring.
As I walked beside the water at the Ranch House Crossing, nature’s wonders enveloped me. The overhanging oaks and willows, their thirsty roots, sunlight in fluttering leaves….
Put on a pair of sturdy shoes and see for yourself!
Benthic organisms, or bottom dwellers, such as water snails and freshwater clams are a good indicator of the water quality in the stream.A riffle is an area where the water is shallow and moves fast. Rounded stones called cobbles are formed by ages of tumbling and water wear.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Spring must be around the corner, because pink clouds of cherry blossoms have appeared in Balboa Park’s beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden!
I arrived at Balboa Park late this afternoon, after a long walk elsewhere in San Diego. Luckily I captured the last rays of sunlight filtering into JFG’s Lower Garden, with its many Japanese cherry trees.
Enjoy a few photos…
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
As many car racing fans know, seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson grew up in El Cajon, in San Diego’s East County.
Born in El Cajon, Jimmie Johnson began to race motorcycles when he was only four years old, and he won his first racing championship four years later. He attended Crest Elementary School, then Granite Hills High School. After he graduated, he competed in off-road motocross racing, with an extraordinary degree of success. To read a good bio of Jimmie, who in his youth also loved dirt biking in the desert during family camping trips and surfing, check out this website.
As one might expect, tributes to the now legendary Jimmie Johnson can be found around the city of El Cajon.
During my walk yesterday, I photographed a sign in the median of 2nd Street, a short distance south of Interstate 8. The sign was placed here in 2014. 2nd Street is playfully renamed Jimmie Johnson Drive – Home of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion.
The above photograph shows the sign’s north side. The following two photos are of the opposite side. The sign on its south side is lighter in color, probably due to fading from years of direct sunlight.
Banners celebrating Jimmie Johnson can also be found near the El Cajon Civic Center. In each banner, a cool graphic shows him standing next to his No. 48 Chevrolet, racing during his NASCAR career with Hendrick Motorsports.
The following photos show a banner on the north side of Main Street near The Magnolia performing arts theater. I noticed an identical banner hangs in the nearby Prescott Promenade park.
Starting this year, Jimmie Johnson is competing in the IndyCar Series, driving the No. 48 Honda over road and street courses for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Will the El Cajon native also excel at open-wheel racing? I wouldn’t be surprised!
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 