Tag: walking

Cool art and history in Solana Beach.

A woodie with surfboard under palm trees and a shining sun. This mosaic greets people walking down the sidewalk in Solana Beach.
A woodie with surfboard under palm trees and a shining sun. This mosaic greets people walking down the sidewalk in Solana Beach.

During my visit to Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach last weekend, I walked around the area of Lomas Santa Fe Drive, South Cedros Avenue and Highway 101 searching for cool sights.

I found some colorful art and images of local history which I’ll now share!

Nearby Fletcher Cove was named after “Colonel” Ed Fletcher, who developed Solana Beach and contributed in the early 20th century to the history of San Diego. As businessman and politician, he was the driving force behind many important accomplishments. He created Lake Hodges and other area reservoirs; he built the plank road through the desert that connected San Diego to Yuma, Arizona; he helped save Balboa Park’s temporary buildings from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition from destruction; he raised money to purchase land for the Naval Training Station on Point Loma; he also acquired a statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo that was a gift to California from Portugal–an iconic sculpture that now stands at Cabrillo National Monument overlooking San Diego Bay.

A fascinating electrical box at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Plaza Street contains photos of Solana Beach’s origin and early history.

Grill in sidewalk marks historic U.S. Route 101 (also known as Pacific Coast Highway) where it passes through Solana Beach.
Grill in sidewalk marks historic U.S. Route 101 (also known as Pacific Coast Highway) where it passes through Solana Beach.
An electrical box celebrates the origin and early history of Solana Beach in San Diego's North County.
An electrical box celebrates the origin and early history of Solana Beach in San Diego’s North County. Pictured on the right is Ed Fletcher.
Fletcher Cove opened on July 4, 1925, giving Solana Beach easy access to the shore. A celebration was held that included horse races along the sand.
Fletcher Cove opened on July 4, 1925, giving Solana Beach easy access to the ocean. A celebration was held that included horse races along the sand.
Early photo of Solana Beach, which was developed by Ed Fletcher as a commercial center for nearby Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar.
Early photo of Solana Beach, which was developed by Ed Fletcher as a commercial center for nearby Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar.
Old photos decorating the electrical box were provided by the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society.
Old photos decorating the electrical box were provided by the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society.
Horses race along the beach as the opening of Fletcher Cove is celebrated.
Horses race along the beach as the opening of Fletcher Cove is celebrated.
Cool mosaic artwork on Pacific Coast Highway shows marine life in the nearby ocean.
Cool mosaic artwork on Pacific Coast Highway shows marine life in the nearby ocean.
An octopus.
An octopus.
A graceful fish.
A graceful fish.
Another beautiful fish made of small ceramic tiles.
Another beautiful fish made of small ceramic tiles.
Nostalgic artwork on an electrical transformer on South Cedros Avenue shows people on the deck of a luxurious ship.
Nostalgic artwork on an electrical transformer on South Cedros Avenue shows people lounging on the deck of a luxurious ship.
More cool street art decorates a utility box on Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.
More cool street art decorates a utility box on Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.
Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind.
Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind.

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

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!

Sunlight, smiles, and colorful Urban Trees.

Cool public art is now located at Ruocco Park, right next to Tuna Harbor on San Diego Bay.
Colorful public art is now located at Ruocco Park, right next to Tuna Harbor on San Diego Bay.

During my early evening walk along the Embarcadero today I noticed that four Urban Trees sculptures owned by the Port of San Diego have recently been moved from the front of the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.

I was taking photos of the play of sunlight on boats and buildings, and snapped a few pics of these public sculptures as I walked past them. At the time it didn’t occur to me that I’d devote tonight’s blog post to these images. But I like how they turned out!

Perhaps you recognize these sculptures. I’ve shown them two or three times over the years on Cool San Diego Sights. The Port of San Diego acquired a number of these Urban Trees sculptures for their public art collection, and they are moved about every so often. Urban Trees was a series of public art exhibitions along the Embarcadero years ago, before I began to blog.

Smiley face on a pedicab heads toward four Urban Trees. The Port of San Diego public sculptures were recently moved from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.
Smiley face on a pedicab heads toward four Urban Trees just before sunset. These unique Port of San Diego public sculptures were recently moved from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.
Orange Tree, by artists Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007. Originally exhibited on the Embarcadero during Urban Trees 4.
Orange Tree, by artists Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007. Originally exhibited on the Embarcadero during Urban Trees 4.
Closer photo of late sunlight on A Different But Loving Pair, by artist Cecilia Stanford, 2005. Originally exhibited during Urban Trees 2.
Photo of late sunlight reflecting from section of A Different But Loving Pair, by artist Cecilia Stanford, 2005. Originally exhibited during Urban Trees 2.

For a more complete look at A Different But Loving Pair, click here.

A dog plays with someone near the base of Fish Tree, by artists Zbigniew Pingot and Toby Flores, from the Urban Trees 2 waterfront exhibition years ago.
A dog plays with someone near the base of Fish Tree, by artists Zbigniew Pingot and Toby Flores, from the Urban Trees 2 waterfront exhibition years ago.

You can see all of Fish Tree by clicking here.

Like crystals shining in the sun. The top of Tap Root and Growth, by artist Christopher Lee, originally exhibited during Urban Trees 3.
Like crystals shining in the sun. Looking up at Tap Root and Growth, by artist Christopher Lee, originally exhibited during Urban Trees 3.

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

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 flowers shine in the May gray!

An overcast May gray day.

After work I walked through Balboa Park. The clouds were gloomy, no sun in sight. But the park’s many spring flowers were reservoirs of light.

I found shining beauty wherever I turned.

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

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Cool sights observed during several walks.

Sculpture of a winged cherub sits above a service entrance to the Horton Plaza shopping mall on Fourth Avenue.
Sculpture of a winged cherub sits above a service entrance to the Horton Plaza shopping mall on Fourth Avenue.

Whenever I walk around town, my eyes are constantly roving, searching.

During the past few days I spied a variety of cool sights. Many were familiar but observed with fresh eyes; others to my eyes were entirely new.

Almost all of these photographs were taken in downtown San Diego. If you read the captions, you’ll note that one photo was taken in Mission Valley.

Every day is a new voyage of discovery.

Late light on Pacific Soul, a fantastic new sculpture by Jaume Plensa.
Late light on Pacific Soul, a fantastic new sculpture by Jaume Plensa.
Light fixtures mingle with reflections. Magic in one window of Urban Lighting.
Light fixtures mingle with reflections. Magic in one window of Urban Lighting.
Magic Shop San Diego and a street lamp that seems to have mysteriously materialized inside their store.
Magic Shop San Diego and a street lamp that seems to have mysteriously materialized inside their store.
A colorful Rabbitville bunny inside a window of the Hilton Gaslamp.
A colorful Rabbitville bunny that celebrates San Diego inside a window of the Hilton Gaslamp.
Lucha Libre masks peer down from an upper level of Petco Park.
Lucha Libre masks peer down from an upper level of Petco Park.
Cool ornamentation on a building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street.
Cool ornamentation on a building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street.
Looking up at one of the geometrically fascinating, glass Pacific Center towers in Mission Valley.
Looking up at one of the geometrically fascinating Pacific Center towers in Mission Valley.
Ornamental detail at entrance to the elegant 1928 San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building, now home to Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Ornamental detail at entrance to the elegant 1928 San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building, now home to Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Late light on San Diego's iconic 1938 County Administration Building.
Late light on San Diego’s iconic 1938 County Administration Building.
Gazing straight up toward the roof of the 1929 Samuel L. Fox Building at Sixth Avenue and Broadway.
Gazing straight up toward the roof of the elaborate 1929 Samuel L. Fox Building at Sixth Avenue and Broadway.
A tangle of rope inside the window of Crab Hut on Broadway.
A tangle of rope inside the window of Crab Hut on Broadway.
Stained glass windows add character to the Goorin Bros. Hat Shop - Gaslamp.
Stained glass windows add character to the Goorin Bros. Hat Shop – Gaslamp.
Medallion-like relief sculpture of explorer Cabrillo's galleon San Salvador on a corner of the 1924 John D. Spreckels Building.
Medallion-like relief sculpture of explorer Cabrillo’s galleon San Salvador on a corner of the 1924 John D. Spreckels Building.

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

Fun street art along Fenton Parkway!

A funny sea lion on an electrical box on Fenton Parkway in Mission Valley.
A sea lion greets people who walk down the sidewalk. Humorous street art on Fenton Parkway.

I’ve noticed an increase in the amount of street art along Fenton Parkway in Mission Valley. A variety of electrical boxes have been painted, and others appear to be works in progress.

There’s so much fun street art now, I figured I’d post some photos! These photographs were taken late today during a short walk between the trolley tracks and Friars Road.

Enjoy!

Another side, and another happy sea lion!
Another side of the same box, and another happy sea lion!
This box appears to be a work in progress. One side has an elaborate moth completed.
This box appears to be a work in progress. One side has an elaborate moth completed.
Surfer girl street art on another electrical box. She's on her surfboard awaiting a perfect wave.
Surfer girl street art on another electrical box. She’s on her surfboard awaiting a perfect wave.
A girl and dog overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A girl and dog overlooking the ocean at sunset.
The ocean in this street art seems to be populated by all sorts of odd prehistoric creatures!
The ocean in this street art seems to be populated by all sorts of odd prehistoric creatures!
This fun scene was created by imaginative art teacher Anna Farrell.
This fun scene was created by imaginative art teacher Anna Farrell.
Another colorful side and another toothy monster.
Another colorful side and another toothy monster.
A cool bird of prey painted by artist Rachel Dipasupil Alberto. I believe it might be an osprey.
A cool bird of prey painted by artist Rachel Dipasupil Alberto. I believe it might be an osprey.
These prickly pears seem to be growing beneath the nearby shopping mall's palm trees!
These prickly pears seem to be growing beneath the nearby shopping mall’s palm trees!
A very cool eagle or hawk near the intersection of Fenton Parkway and Friars Road.
A very cool eagle or hawk near the intersection of Fenton Parkway and Friars Road.
A stunning image on another side of the same box. Thousands of motorists enjoy seeing this colorful artwork as they drive east down busy Friars Road.
A stunning image on another side of the same box. Thousands of motorists enjoy seeing this beautiful artwork as they drive east down busy Friars Road.

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

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 sunny day in beautiful San Diego!

A spring day in San Diego that feels a whole lot like summer.
A spring day in San Diego that feels a whole lot like summer.

Many say San Diego has the best weather in the whole wide world. I can’t disagree. Most days in San Diego are comfortable and sunny.

As I walked along the Embarcadero this fine Sunday afternoon I felt like I was on summer vacation. Even though it’s still spring.

Come along with me…

Working up a sweat at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Working up a sweat at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Dancing in some Seaport Village sunshine.
Dancing in some Seaport Village sunshine.
Bubbles and kites at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Bubbles and kites at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Pure joy.
Soaring joy.
A didgeridoo like deep magic by the water.
A didgeridoo summons deep magic by the water.
A sun smiles at Alamo Flags.
A friendly sun smiles at Alamo Flags.
Three lazy dogs in hammocks. It's not quite the dog days of summer--not yet!
Three lazy dogs in hammocks. It’s not quite the dog days of summer–not yet!
Lots of sails between blue sky and gentle San Diego Bay.
Lots of sails between blue sky and gentle San Diego Bay.
Walking by Ruocco Park. It's always a good time for ice cream!
Walking by Ruocco Park. It’s always a good time for ice cream!
Beautiful spring blossoms by the USS Midway.
Beautiful spring blossoms by the USS Midway.
Stopping for a moment on bikes at the end of Broadway Pier.
Stopping for a moment on bikes at the end of Broadway Pier.
Disney Wonder cruise ship at dock in its sunny, welcoming home port.
Disney Wonder cruise ship at dock in its happy, welcoming home port.
A smiling sun on one of the tile benches along the Embarcadero.
A smiling sun on one of the tile benches along the Embarcadero.
My goodness! A large lady bug has landed nearby!
A large ladybug has landed nearby! Fun artwork on the Embarcadero.
It must be another summerlike day in beautiful San Diego!
It must be another summerlike day in beautiful San Diego!

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

Amusing photos taken around town.

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

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

Here are some fun photos…

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

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

Walking in sunshine toward De Anza Cove.

Biking north along the east side of Mission Bay, heading toward De Anza Cove.
Biking north along the east side of Mission Bay, heading toward De Anza Cove.

On Saturday I walked slowly along the east side of Mission Bay on my way to the Shaka Fest. Many were out enjoying the sunshine.

This is living in San Diego.

Resting in some shade.
Resting in the shade of a tree.
Shooting hoops with friends.
Shooting hoops outdoors with friends.
Chasing a Frisbee.
Chasing a Frisbee.
Walking past the De Anza Cove boat launching ramp.
Walking near the De Anza Cove boat launching ramp.
Some boaters come in from a pleasant Saturday out on the water.
Some boaters come in from a pleasant Saturday out on the water.
A sailboat in a corner of gentle blue Mission Bay, the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States.
A sailboat in a corner of gentle blue Mission Bay, the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States.
Enjoying the grass.
Enjoying the grass.
The magic of Mission Bay.
The magic of Mission Bay.
Heading down a path.
Heading down a path with the dog.
Plaque on a park bench. In memory of Bettelu who love the walk (thru life).
Plaque on a park bench. In memory of Bettelu who love the walk (thru life).
Enjoying another day of San Diego sunshine.
Enjoying another day of San Diego sunshine.

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

Golden hour photos in Balboa Park.

Last Friday, before joining a small group at dusk searching for bats by the lily pond, I walked around Balboa Park and captured a series of photos.

The golden hour before sunset is indeed magical.

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

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

A discouraging visit to Harbor Island.

Early this morning I headed to Harbor Island, hoping to capture photos of the sun rising over downtown San Diego. Alas, the sky remained gray and overcast.

Even worse, I observed something that was ugly and very discouraging.

I’ve never seen gang-style graffiti on Harbor Island. Not until today.

Harbor Island, the home of large bayfront hotels, elegant restaurants and marinas, has always seemed immune from any negative influences from downtown San Diego. Growing homeless and drug problems downtown and in neighboring communities haven’t seemed to reach this tourist destination. That appears to be changing.

I seldom post photos of the street people, the drug addicts and drug dealers on stolen bicycles, and the many broken souls that now fill most corners of downtown. I try to keep my blog positive. But this extremely sad and sometimes frightening reality seems to be growing worse.

Fortunately, on my quiet morning walk along San Diego Bay, I also saw much that was beautiful and good.

And I discovered something cool! Fun photos of some colorful artwork on Harbor Island are coming up in my next blog post!

On the bright side, this friendly guy caught some fish at one of the beautiful Harbor Island marinas.
On the bright side, this friendly guy caught some fish at one of the beautiful Harbor Island marinas.
And grass is still green, and flowers still bloom.
And grass is still green, and flowers still bloom.

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