You will find this historic fountain in Horton Plaza, where it is the centerpiece. It is the self…read more-proclaimed "Broadway Fountain for the People." It was designed by Irving J. Gill who completed it in 1910 and modeled it after the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, Greece. The fountains 1910 dedication was scheduled to coincide with the opening of the US Grant Hotel, which is located just across the street. It was primarily funded through the generosity of local banker Louis J. Wilde, who donated $10,000. The fountain received the California Historic Resource designation in 1971 and is owned by the city The fountain is unique and has 5 marble pillars holding up a dome that is made of prismatic glass with bronze filigree. There is water spraying upward from fountain pool meeting in between the pillars. It is interesting to note that this was the first fountain to combine flowing water and electricity for its colored lights. Originally, the fountain was topped with a gilded eagle. However, it was stolen and replaced with a smaller eagle made of zinc. If you were wondering, the original eagle was eventually recovered. The park is currently undergoing renovations and the majority of it is closed, However, the fountain and the section it is located in remains open and is operational. However, it was vandalized in December 2005 though, and had to be shut off until repairs are complete. A large rock was thrown into the fountain, breaking an expensive glass panel inside. It reopened in 2016. This is a nice fountain with a bit of history behind. I hear that it is known for having homeless people bathing in it, even though I did not see it happening while I was there. It is still worth checking out if you are in the area. There is metered street parking and commercial parking garages within a reasonable walking distance from fountain. Thee is also public transportation stops available nearby too.

4/1/26 update: We…read morevisited here after going to the USS Midway Museum. I would recommend walking over here since you already paid for the parking at USS. There are also parking spots closer to the statue, not sure if it's free. You can also go to Seaport Village for lunch or dinner. This statue gets busy during the afternoon and evening. If you want nobody photo bombing your picture, aim for the early morning before 10 am or go late at night. This is open 24 hrs.

Stopped by the Unconditional Surrender Statue in San Diego which was located to the left of the USS…read moreMidway. Pros: -free! -there's a paid parking lot next to the statue. -there are a few benches if you want to sit and stay a while and enjoy the water/views Cons: -n/a

Great place to peruse art and the artists. The artists were invariably friendly…read more Beautiful spot in Balboa park. I highly recommend making Spanish Village Art Center a part of your itinerary when in San Diego.

Fun village to explore, in the northeastern part of the park. Note that the village opens at 11, so…read moreif you want to see artists in action, the earliest I would arrive is 12, 12:30. One studio's sculpture garden was my favorite. The sculpture used a lot of mirror shards in his pieces. Got some unique necklace pendants etched using technology originating with NASA. Enjoyed talking to some artists as well. Lessons for children and adults available. A lot of work is pricey, reflecting handmade work. The village has an unexpected history, too. It is common knowledge that the park was the site of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. During World War II, the park also served as training grounds for soldiers and the Spanish Village were barracks. Fun time here with a good coffee place here as well.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is honestly one of the most impressive history museums I've…read morevisited because the artifacts are the museum. You aren't just looking at history -- you're surrounded by ships that actually survived it. The Star of India, launched in 1863, survived mutiny, violent storms, collisions at sea, and decades carrying immigrants across dangerous oceans. Some sailors believed the ship was cursed after captains died during early voyages, yet somehow she survived long enough to become the oldest active sailing ship in the world. HMS Surprise shows the brutal reality of naval warfare during the Age of Sail. Ships like this once carried enough cannon firepower to destroy enemy vessels while sailors lived packed below deck surrounded by gunpowder, disease, and fear of battle. The Berkeley steam ferry even helped evacuate survivors during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake while much of the city burned. One of the most fascinating exhibits is the Soviet B-39 submarine from the Cold War. The inside is unbelievably cramped and gives you a real sense of what life was like beneath the ocean during one of the most dangerous periods in modern history. The USS Dolphin may have been my favorite. This experimental deep-diving U.S. Navy submarine helped test advanced underwater technology and launched the deepest-fired torpedo in naval history. The museum also includes the San Salvador, recreating the ship that explored California's coastline in 1542 -- long before America existed as a country. What makes this place incredible is the timeline it creates: 1500s exploration... 1800s global sailing... steam-powered industry... world wars... Cold War submarines... All sitting together in one harbor. This place doesn't just teach maritime history -- it shows how ships shaped exploration, immigration, trade, warfare, and entire empires.

What an absolute gem. The Maritime Museum is a collection of floating ships available to tour…read more We enjoyed the add-on ($10) 45 minute, docent-led, bay tour on the Pilot. We learned so much. The Museum is well-organized with plenty of memorabilia and artifacts to enjoy. There are several boats to explore. There's also plenty of seating along the boats, to just enjoy the scenery. The Maritime Museum is a must!

You will find this sculpture in Waterfront Park. You can not miss it. It sticks out like a sore…read morethumb. It is in a little circular area with benches around it. It has two names. Arbre de Serpents or its English translation, Serpent Tree. it was made in 1988 by Niki de Saint Phalle, who is known for colorful sculptures. It depicts a tree looking structure, with snakes where the branches would be. It is very colorful and made stained glass, mosaic tiles, polyester, and mirrors. It should be noted that de Saint Phalle adopted serpents as her signature motif for a perfume she produced to finance her Tarot Garden. There are a few of these these around the country Including New York and Washington DC. Th one in Missouri sits in the middle of a fountain and spits out water. I am not sure if this one has that capability, but it sure would be cool if it did. I really like this piece. It is creative and has some awesome artwork. The sculpture definitely grabs your attention with its bright colors and reflective glass. Parking to get a closer look is easy. There is metered street parking in front of the park where the sculpture is located. Anyway, 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. Maybe coordinate it with a visit to Waterfront Park or some of the many attractions on the Pier across the street.

I love public art in random places and this qualifies! The huge sculpture is actually a mirrored…read moremosaic which had to have been a labor of art love to create! It's made of zillions of pieces of mirrored glass so it sparkles in the San Diego sun! Stop by and check it out if you are in the area! Definitely unique! Life is good with one of a kind art works!

Love this San Diego landmark. My friends and did an urban hike here around Balboa to this 375 foot…read morelong bridge. You can also drive to this bridge and park nearby.

Fun bridge if you're in the area. Neighborhood street parking is easy. The bridge ends are wobbly…read more The oldest suspension bridge in San Diego, it's sturdier than expected but still cool. I couldn't appreciate its 70 foot height but fortunately the natural area is respected, didn't see any garbage or human made etchings. Quince Street Bridge is a few blocks away, so might want to check that out too and do a hike underneath.

Quite worth the $40 if you are into this stuff. The price may be a bit high for museums but there…read moreare lots to see in the different levels of the ship. Guided tours are also included with the bridge of the ship. The best part is going on to the top deck on a nice day. You can probably occupy a few hours of hunger does not get you first.

Great unique experience. Was a lot more interesting than we imagined and definitely educational…read more Well worth a visit. Warning: Some areas may be difficult for folks who have trouble with stairs and confined spaces. Especially the island tour requires going up and down multiple flights of steep ladder style steps. There are elevators available for the main deck levels. They offer a free self-guided audio tour in multiple languages which they say you can spend upwards of six hours to see everything. Talk to the docents/staff. Many are veterans and some are even recovered POWs who served on this ship. They offer fascinating stories and insights and are really friendly. There are many different planes and helicopters to explore in the hangar and atop the flight deck. Inside, you can get a look at the variety of living and working spaces and operation centers that drove an immense vehicle like this. Within the hangar there is a gift shop, cafeteria style restaurant, and a fast service counter. There is also a large outdoor patio with great views located on a plane elevator.

Small free area with lot of plants to look at. Multiple entrances and exits so you don't have to…read morecrowd in one area. It looks like a green house from a distance but the whole building has air gaps to allow breeze.

What do you mean no lilies in the lily pond?…read more Zero. Also, pay parking is awful. I can forgive the no lilies, but the parking situation - abhorrent.

Absolutely one of my favorite spots in San Diego! The Japanese Friendship Garden is such a…read morepeaceful, serene escape right in the middle of the city. From the moment you walk in, everything feels calm, quiet & beautifully maintained. Hubby & I spent the morning at a museum around the corner & decided to walk over to check out the garden. I could have spent hours wandering through the winding paths, admiring the stunning koi ponds filled with colorful fish, listening to the soothing sounds of the waterfalls & taking in all of the lush greenery surrounding the garden. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous & smelled heavenly. I especially loved all of the vibrant leafy greens, bamboo, trees & delicate plants that made the entire space feel so tranquil & immersive. There are so many little hidden corners & scenic spots to sit, relax, meditate & just enjoy the sounds of nature. It is definitely the kind of place that instantly lowers your stress level. The garden is beautifully designed with traditional Japanese touches throughout, making it feel both elegant & welcoming. Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon, a romantic stroll, beautiful photo opportunities or simply a break from the busy city, this place is a gem. We left feeling refreshed & relaxed. Highly recommend.

I wanted to love it like I loved the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park is San Francisco…read more Layers. Color. Amazing. Go look online. Balboa Part iteration just wasn't it. Pretty but also ho-hum when you grew up with something so magical. Also, the parking g sucked!! Not only do you have to pay, but there is one single machine to pay. Huge and pack lot. There are better ways to spend the afternoon....which I hate saying because at my core, I like a park/museum situation and look to those venues fir food times in any city where I'm a tourist.

This is an older public art piece that is the work of Beverly Pepper and was made in 1976. It was…read morecommissioned through the Art in Architecture Program Fine Arts Collection of the United States. It now belongs to GSA and you will find it in front of Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building. It doubles as a jungle gym for kids waiting to enter the building with their caretakers. The sculpture is showing signs of its age and the many years that it has spent in the elements. It could really use a refresh. The paint is peeling in many places, it is severely faded and it is starting to rust. The sculpture is made of three pieces of steel that are painted black. It stands 40 feet tall and is 41 feet wide and 24 feet deep. It is surrounded by a very low barrier. To get the full effect of the sculpture, you must view it from different angles, to see its various forms. There is very limited metered street parking within walking distance to this sculpture and there are a few commercial garages close by. This is not a long stop and not even a destination piece. I recommend checking it if you have business at the federal building or making a stop here, part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time.