It usually starts with...'I need fresh air and a change of scenery. Let's go for a short walk....'…read moreand my partner in crime always finds the best spots. Our short walks usually turn into epic long walks, but with gorgeous scenery...you'll lose track of time. There's no shortage of things to look at whether it's houses, businesses, or just straight up people watching. There's a pretty big parking lot which fills up quickly on sunny days, so get there early. 5 stars!

San Diego County Craft Brewery Road Trip Week!…read more When the beer nerd friend I homebrew with (& fellow Yelp Elite) planned a week vacation down in San Diego with the wife & kids, he asked if I might want to take that same week off & go down there too. Hmmm, a whole week of drinking beer at craft breweries all over San Diego County? Oh Hell yeah! & over the course of that week, I surely did drink an ocean of beer. That was the plan, after all. Packing on pounds of body fat from all those carbs, however, was not the plan. So I got out & ran a few miles every single day. Fortunately, San Diego has no shortage of beautiful places for a little bit of outdoor exercise. Ocean Front Walk is a great example. It's a nice, wide, paved path that runs between the beach & mostly beachfront homes/ vacation rentals. It extends in a straight line, almost the whole way, from the Southernmost end of Mission Beach to Crystal Pier to the South end of Pacific Beach. Surf, sand & multi-million $ homes were engaging scenery while running. But Ocean Front Walk is, in parts, a tourist trap. So there's also the wildlife that shows up out here. Tourists plodding along, on foot or on beach cruiser bicycles, make running here a little more like trail running. A lot of times, I had to dodge to 1 side or another, or quickly speed up, in order to squeeze by or get past clumps of folks meandering about. It was like a moving obstacle course made up of humans. Altogether, though, it made for a more interesting run by breaking up the monotony of a long, constant, steady pace. I guess that's why I also enjoy trail running so much. I liked running Ocean Front Walk enough that I came out here for my daily run a couple times during that personal San Diego beer week. I'm sure when I'm back in SD, I'll be back out here running too.

"Oceanlife", "Sun" and "Waves" are three mosaic sculptures along the 1200-1500 stretch of Garnet…read moreAvenue in Pacific Beach. They may not represent the most cutting-edge art in the world, but (almost) any public art is good art, and so I'm happy to point them out. Actually, these sculptures are the kinds of thing you speed by a hundred times in a car, but never think to stop and look. So, here's your invitation to to just that -- or just to admire them on the internet from the comfort of your home. The mosaics are all by San Diego artist Kim Emerson http://www.kimemersonmosaics.com She's got other pieces at the port, the Sun Harbor Marina, and even at the Children's Hospital, just to name a few. They definitely reflect the 'feel' of America's finest city and, thus, deserve a second look. So, the next time you're speeding down Grand Avenue, take the opportunity to park your car and walk along the median. You won't be disappointed. It might even be a good date idea, provided you're with someone who's appreciates art and ingenuity more than fiscal generosity.

I agree with other poster, Ethan. These are nice pieces that require a bit of driving about to…read morediscover, but once you find them, you will notice them everytime you pass them again. Now if only the community could rally and get the median planted with some equally beautiful and hearty landscaping!

Custom surfboards made by a guy whose entire life revolves around surfing and drinking? Has my…read moreBF's name on it, as well as his grandfather's longshoreman logo? In his favorite colors? A surfer can't ask for more than this: a custom made surfboard to your specifications for the same prices you would buy a surfboard that everyone else has at the store. LOVE his work. He even got me fins, a bag and wrapped it for me to carry onto the plane from SD to SF. It is the best gift my BF has ever had. If you wanna see him in person, Scotty also works at Typhoon Saloon in PB most nights.

I will not be mincing my words with this Yelp. Sometimes I burn with the fire of righteous…read moreindignation, and this is one of those times! This bike crossing is an abomination to the safety and bodily good of all who use it to cross over while accessing the bridge over and under the San Diego River. I have ridden this path and crossed this "pedestrian set-aside" almost daily and it never ceases to amaze me how very DANGEROUS it is! There is only one other Yelp that I have sought to even taken away the lowly 1 Yelp Star rating because of the absolute terribleness of the subject and that would be the despicable DA Bonnie Dumanis! Now-in that closet of abject shame can be added another reprehensible subject: THIS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN BIKE CROSSING! While I will acknowledge that it is a positive that this bike crossing is in place, it really does NO GOOD! You can ride up and wait FOREVER for a car to STOP and let you across during rush hour or holiday weekends. I have sat for 10 minutes waiting for a traffic break to race across. Not only that, there are 2 lanes across the bridge-one that exits only onto the Interstate 8 East freeway ramp entrance and the other lane that goes straight onto Sports Arena Blvd. Many hapless tourists don't realize that and cut across the lanes to go either way-nearly running over people crossing the intersection, myself included. Homeless-including the "Stick Man" I have included a picture of in the photo section-stand along the sidewalk and look around as if in a daze. Riding past them to access the bike crossing can be a lesson in dodging bodies. There are always the shopping carts full of sleeping bags and collected recycling that clutter the area and can make for some hazardous conditions. I do not begrudge these street folks their turf but I have had some near collisions recently and don't wish to add to my collection of leg scars anymore than I have to. Furthermore, using this transition crossing has allowed me to be the WITNESS of several auto accidents since the intersection is so confusingly engineered. In fact, recently I came upon a surveyor measuring the street and bridge as the City of San Diego is (supposedly) this summer planning a retrofit and re-do of the area to make it more "travel-friendly." I would like to be the first among many bike enthusiasts who also request a permanent Sports Arena Bridge pedestrian and bike crossing be built ELEVATED above the street traffic lanes. Many accidents and near-accidents could be avoided with this simple solution. As I get ready to hit up the bike trails, I would ask that those of you who drive in the area, please be on the look-out for those of us who sit patiently at this corner of terror and wait for some kindly soul or fellow bike-rider to hit the brakes and allow us to cross. We do not want you to stop suddenly and cause a chain reaction mess (which I have also witnessed) but gently brake and allow fellow travelers to continue on our ways. This is not only the Law but also common courtesy. Thank you.

F*CK YOU city council. No, life's not about having fun and enjoying yourself, it's about being…read morejudgmental, tyrannical, and telling other people what's good for them. OF COURSE! I had a great time at Floatopia when I went. Everyone was friendly, drunk and happy. We didn't even have a real flotation device; we used an air mattress with oars. It was f*cking cool. If glass is a problem, punish people who bring glass. If fighting is a problem, punish people for fighting. If littering is a problem, fine people for littering. This new law is goddamn absurd, even more absurd than the original ban on drinking on the beach. No one knows how to have just a little bit of fun anymore, and even worse, they don't want anyone else to have it either. It's just another ploy to keep the cops and politicians busy, and the people unhappy. F*CK YOU, SAN DIEGO!

Floatopia. As…read moretortured as I am about the current no-drinking-on-the-beaches law, I think there are a lot of things wrong with this year's Floatopia Thing 1: The beach/ocean got littered. Way to go bros of PB, for leaving your natty ice cans floating around in our beautiful bay like little aluminim zits on her ocean-blue face. Thing 2: Thanks alot for buying ALL boyant objects from every retailer in a 20 mile radius. Me and two friends had to visit 4 different spots just to at last find some floating swim noodles from target. Floatopia, you get 2 stars for having the right idea. Minus 3 for effing up our beach, being too crowded, and completely destroying the already tarnished image of beach drinkers. I earnestly am considering organizing a similar event this summer with a mandatory trash(ed) walk before and afterwards. What do you think?

Green Flash is a meteorological optical phenomena that you can see during sunset or sunrise. It is…read morevery rare to be able to see. Given the right conditions, you can see a distinct green spot above the sun's upper limb, that usually only lasts for no longer than two seconds. It is even more rare, the green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset or sunrise point. This sculpture is the work of Malcolm Jones and is dedicated to that phenomenon, but it in no way aids you of viewing. You will find it on the Mission Beach boardwalk. The piece is made of a solid cast acrylic archway that is supported by two concrete pillars. There is also a bronze plaque describing the green flash phenomenon located on the sculpture and another title plaque. It was made in 2002 and is in fair shape, especially considering its age. Some has put stickers on it and the plaques are show signs of corrosion. It is unique and I actually learned something new in the process. It definitely sticks out. I have come to the terms that I will probably not ever see a green flash. It takes masterful planning, precise timing, and patience. I have 2 of the 3 (you can figure out which one I am missing). Parking here is simple. There is a free parking lot right by it. You can park, get out and talk a closer look. Well, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. The beach, a park, and an amusement park are in walking distance if you are looking for ideas.

I walked under this on my way to Mission Beach in San Diego and wondered what it was. It looked…read morelike something out of the 1970s!!! What is the Green Flash?? Well, it happens at sunrise or sunset, right before the sun drops out of view or starts to appear, it is said that a green flash appears for about 2 seconds. So this SoCal local flavor arch is a tribute to those 2 seconds!! Don't blink or you might miss it, literally, lol!!!!!

Wonderful little speck of a wildlife preserve on mission Bay right next to campland on the bay! A…read moreperfect place to bird watch (from a new birder) and enjoy the scenery. There is a bench to sit in and overlook it. It is ran by UCSD and it looks like they have new hours to walk it! I was here on Monday and enjoyed the sights and spotted quite a few birds with my binoculars! A great little spot!

Kendall Frost Wildlife Preserve is that little swath of set-aside Marsh land right next to…read moreCampland-on-the Bay. If you drive by too fast, you might blink and not notice it. The Preserve is small and heart-shaped but still an important ecological niche that allows endangered birds and plant species to somewhat flourish in the confines of heavily trafficked Mission Bay. Adjacent also to Crown Point Shores beach, Kendall Frost is fenced off with an information kiosk right at the front. Not as user-friendly as Famosa Slough in Ocean Beach-it is more of a passive preserve and all you can do technically-is observe. Still it is nice to see the mudflats, coastal salt marshes, and acres of eelgrass that offer protection to so many skittish birds and environmentally-touchy plant species. I will ride by on my bike and gaze out on the marsh-hopeful that this little bit of nature preservation on northern Mission Bay will help keep Mission Bay ecologically-competitive. UCSD seems to be the one in charge here and I have seen Mission Bay High students at the Preserve-doing clean-ups and study groups. I am of the inclination, that no nature set-aside such as this can be anything less that 4 Stars on Yelp. I just wish it didn't feel so "roped-off" and had friendly paths that people might stay on for some up-close observations.

Vista Point is located on Camino De La Costa and Chelsea. An area north of Pacific Beach and south…read moreof La Jolla. Primarily, it's a scenic spot featuring the ocean, wildlife, and a promontory. It's a parklet, smaller than the average public park. Only about 4 parking spaces along the curb. There's a small rocky area with complimentary poop scoop bags for dogs to relieve themselves and wonder on their leash of course. There's a dirt and rock stairway which is uneven, to get to the cliff and vista point. Once there, you're looking downward at the cliffs, beach and ocean. Very limited in terms of activities to do here but relax and take it all in. Some benches facing the ocean to sit, relax and enjoy the views open to the public and it's Gratis. Recommend

I can't say enough good things about this airbrush artist! I found Mr. Chris on Google and messaged…read morehim, and within just 2 hours, he had my outfit looking perfect. When another seller failed me, Chris came in and saved the day--my birthday, to be exact! His attention to detail and creativity were absolutely stunning, and his professionalism under such a tight deadline was impressive. If you need quality work with exceptional service, I highly recommend him!

This is the best thing you will have at your event! Chris, besides being such a reasonable and…read morehonest guy, is RIDICULOUSLY talented! So much so that after seeing him at a friend's bat mitzvah, I had my son take air brushing lessons with him! The hats and shirts he does are SICK. All of our guests loved them, not just the kids. After the event, Chris informed me that I had over paid (I would have never known!). Who does that?? Chris does! This is the way to go for your next event if you want something totally different and really awesome!

Super fun event! I've kayaked before, but never during the evening and so close to seals! They were…read moreso cute! For this evening kayak event, we met at Aqua Adventures where our guides Gunner and Jordan led us out to the bay area. We were able to go at our own speed, but stopped at resting points for everybody to catch up. This was a really fun, chill event out on the water. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a camera so no pics of the seals. Thank you Christel L. for putting this event together!

While I LOVE food, it was nice to see some events that were more activity based and I am so glad I…read moregot into this one! While the 2 hours of kayaking was a bit strenuous towards the end, you can't beat the $15 price. Especially when we got to see the red crabs floating in the bay (that seem to be all over the news now) and sea lions super up close! Thanks to Christel L. for hosting such a wonderful event!