Spectacular flower of a Coastal cholla cactus in San Diego. Seen along a trail near Morley Field Drive that leads into Balboa Park’s Florida Canyon.
I took these colorful photos while walking Sunday through Balboa Park, along one of the rugged dirt trails that leads up out of Florida Canyon. A short hike can be enjoyed through native coastal chaparral and spring wildflowers, between Morley Field and Park Boulevard, just south of Morley Field Drive.
Flat-top buckwheat, or California buckwheat, flower clusters are opening in spring. These native plants grow profusely in arid San Diego.Small red flower clusters of flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum deflexum) that have yet to open.More buckwheat in Balboa Park’s Florida Canyon. Native Americans used the plant to make tea with medicinal properties.Another flower on a very spiny Coastal cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) makes for an interesting photograph.A wild yellow prickly pear cactus flower near the rim of Balboa Park’s Florida Canyon, just across Park Boulevard from the San Diego Zoo.These buckwheat flower clusters have turned brown. Perhaps that’s why the plant is sometimes called skeletonweed.These flowers that I randomly photographed along the trail have me stumped. I tried to identify them, but without success. If you know what they are, please leave a comment!A profusion of red and white buckwheat beauty.
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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.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.
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A seagull flies above San Diego Bay as the sun illuminates fantastic, stormy clouds.
San Diego’s weather today was stormy. So the clouds were more amazing than usual. Late this afternoon, they were simply magical.
As I walked along the Embarcadero, gazing out across San Diego Bay, my small camera filled up with images. Here are my best shots!
Amazing clouds above tall ships on the water. The weather has been unsettled lately, creating rare opportunities for the camera.A cruise ship docked next to downtown San Diego seems small and rather bland compared to the sunlit clouds mounting high above it.Magic seems to crown San Diego’s Broadway Pier. The sun is falling as day comes to a close. Light shines through clouds gloriously.A simple photograph taken one spring day in wonderful San Diego.
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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 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 face of Johnny Cash spray painted in Ocean Beach.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.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 bold, swirly psychedelic artwork.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 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 joy. Ocean Beach is a place where a laid-back, carefree lifestyle is celebrated.
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Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India’s masts rise in the background.
A sunny spring Sunday. So I just walked along the Embarcadero. To no place in particular. I started late this morning at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where Earth Day on the Bay was taking place. I checked out the exhibits for a few minutes, talked to a few cool people, then walked around outside. And I just kept on walking. Life is good on San Diego Bay.
Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they’re undertaking to protect the environment.It’s Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum. If I heard correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway.
In the above photo you can see the rear of the Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque. As you might recall, that plaque’s mysterious origin was revealed in detail by a few of its creators here!
Some folks out fishing on the Tuna Harbor pier were catching spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching those folks fishing nearby!Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego’s always lively Embarcadero.Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.Just some bright yellow flowers.A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He often hangs out between Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is: “Peace and love. No drama.” Sounds wise to me!Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying passengers enjoying a unique adventure on the Big Bay.And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!
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The sun rises behind trees atop Cortez Hill, the neighborhood where I live in downtown San Diego.
Yesterday morning, just after sunrise, the clouds high above San Diego were absolutely amazing. They were delicate and windswept, like angels’ wings and painted dreams. The clouds were so swirly and curly, it seemed the wind knew not which way to go.
I took these photos during a short walk from Cortez Hill to Bankers Hill.
Eucalyptus trees at the southwest corner of Balboa Park, beneath glowing, fantastic morning clouds.Mother Nature put on quite a sky show for those who thought to look upward!Swirly, curly, windswept clouds high in the blue San Diego sky, like a delicate dream.Morning clouds above Bankers Hill make for a truly cool sight in San Diego, the beautiful city I call home!
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Making fresh tortillas for people walking down the sidewalk. Eat these hot with melted butter and you’re in heaven.
I enjoyed an exhilarating walk through Old Town today.
Here are some colorful photos of what you might discover while strolling down San Diego Avenue, just south of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
You’ll find all sorts of shops, Mexican restaurants and cantinas, a few historical sights, and sidewalks full of smiling tourists and locals enjoying one of San Diego’s favorite destinations.
A guitarist walks down a sidewalk in Old Town. You’ll find plenty of music and energy up and down San Diego Avenue.There are tantalizing sights everywhere you turn. The commercial part of Old Town is a popular destination for tourists visiting San Diego.Many colorful items for sale at shops up and down San Diego Avenue are from Mexico, or have a Mexican theme.I love rocks and minerals, so of course I had to poke my nose in here.Just a riot of color in one window! Mexican culture adds a great deal of life to San Diego and this region.I blogged about this public art a while back. Beyond the crazy cowboy shootout is the entrance to the Old Town Chamber of Commerce.
I stepped inside the Old Town Chamber of Commerce Information Center and checked out a few cool exhibits. In the event you ever visit Old Town, make sure to stop here to grab a map, brochures, and a bunch of valuable coupons for nearby restaurants and businesses!
A cool model of a Spanish galleon (I believe) and some useful free literature inside the Visitor Information center.Several interesting historical photographs can be found inside the Old Town Chamber of Commerce. This one from 1898 shows tiny Old Town San Diego at the base of Presidio Hill.Vintage photo of the famous Whaley House, the oldest brick house in California, built in 1854. (That’s what it reads. Every source I’ve seen says the house was actually built in 1857.)The Whaley House as it appears today on San Diego Avenue. It’s reputed to be the most haunted place in America! (Just to be careful, I stayed across the street. Those spooks didn’t have a ghost of a chance!)The Sheriff’s Museum on San Diego Avenue. I’ve yet to visit this place! So much still to do!The El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is where many of San Diego’s earliest residents are buried.Many curios and crafts for sale in Old Town shops are related to Mexico’s traditional Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.A festive banner in a perfect San Diego sky.Rounding a corner, searching for more unique discoveries!This shop contains all sorts of Old West-themed stuff for sale. There’s so much on display, it boggled my mind!A walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego is never dull!
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A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.
Early this morning I headed through Little Italy. The streets were still wet after a slight rain in the night. I was admiring all the brightly damp flowers up and down one sidewalk, when it occurred to me I should pull out my camera. So I did!
I love springtime in San Diego. Lots of walking and photos ahead!
Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy’s friendly streets.Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It’s about a month away.Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego’s streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!
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Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.
My random walks around San Diego are full of surprises. I’m always excited to stumble upon one of those immensely fun sculptures that used to be part of the Urban Trees exhibitions on the Embarcadero.
From 2003 to 2011, seven different Urban Trees projects were funded by the Port of San Diego. Each exhibition featured about 30 unique sculptures, standing downtown at intervals along San Diego Bay. This public artwork was made from a whole range of different materials, including wood, copper, glass, tiles and steel. The fanciful pieces were selected by juried artist competitions, and when the Urban Trees exhibitions came to an end after about one year, many of the creations were sold by the artists to various collectors, institutions, businesses and public entities.
So there are times when I just can’t help smiling, because I happen to encounter one of the transplanted “trees” during a walk.
Perhaps you’ve already seen a few of these highly creative sculptures on my Cool San Diego Sights blog. If not, then click here.
My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego’s fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It’s called A Different But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It’s made of handmade tile and mosaic.Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building on Pacific Highway.Visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It’s now seen by many people.My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!
UPDATE!
Here are a few more photos of three Urban Trees in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal! (I took the following pics in early 2017.)
Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Trees exhibitions in past years.Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee. I can’t find a year.Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.
ANOTHER RANDOM UPDATE!
Some of the Urban Trees that have been acquired by the Port of San Diego are moved around from place to place. I’ve observed that the Sea Dragon was moved to Pepper Park in National City in early 2017.
I’ve also noticed from the window of the trolley that the Fish Tree by Zbigniew Pingot and Tobias Flores, which used to stand with those three other sculptures in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal, is now located in the northwest corner of the Port of San Diego’s parking lot! A Different But Loving Pair no longer occupies that corner of their parking lot! Where it is, I don’t know!
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Dinghy landing’s colorful boats by San Diego Bay. One end of Coronado Tidelands Park’s popular beach.
Yesterday I took another fun, leisurely walk! I went from the Coronado Bay Bridge end of Tidelands Park up the sunny Bayshore Bikeway to the Coronado Ferry Landing. And I took lots of pics, naturally!
Perhaps you can see why Coronado is one of my favorite places.
I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego. There are so many cool and beautiful sights. And I swear every day is amazing.
A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you’d go under the Coronado Bridge, then along Glorietta Boulevard and the Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water. (A cool glint of light is reflecting off a skyscraper downtown!)Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry is coming in!Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very, very favorite places! I’m so thankful to live nearby!That big group of people in kayaks is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe’s.Now we’re finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.Some more kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe’s, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.
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