4/1/26 update: We visited 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. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Stopped by the Unconditional Surrender Statue in San Diego which was located to the left of the USS Midway. 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 read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Beautiful statue! Beautiful view! It's right near the USS Midway. I saw many couple trying to replicate the statue. So cute. read more

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A 25-foot tall statue of the famous image of a sailor kissing a nurse from WWII. The statue is based on a famous photograph taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 14, 1945, the day Japan surrendered to the Allies. It is well done and beautiful with the sunset or the USS Midway in the background. We visited here during our recent trip to San Diego. It was just a short walk along the boardwalk west side of the USS Midway. A charming, well-maintained little park with beautiful views - and if you plan to visit Tuna Harbor Park, don't miss the Unconditional Surrender statue. read more

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Whether you live in San Diego or you're just visiting you should definitely visit the Unconditional Surrender Statue at least once Essentially, this is a park that overlooks the bay. There are benches, and it's a nice place to relax. The statue depicts a famous photo from the 40s. It is larger than life, and is a great place to snap a picture of your own. That being said. This is a popular attraction for tourists The USS Midway museum (aircraft carrier) is directly to the North of the statue, and Coronado Island is directly across from it. Sit on one of the many benches and watch the ships as they pass by or catch the sunset. There is also a Bob Hope memorial in walking distance Some tips: Try to recreate the famous kissing pose with your significant other. There will most likely be others in the area doing the same. Offer to take their picture, and they will most likely take yours for you as well. There is a walking/running trail nearby, there's parks, plenty of restaurants in walking distance, and there's a market or two in the area Cheers!! read more

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The Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace, is one of the best historical landmarks in San Diego!!! Located in Tuna Harbor Park along the Embarcadero, this famous statue is where all the tourists come to take photos, and some even reenact the famous pose!! The parking lot here was crazy crowded, fortunately we were staying nearby and just walked here. The Bob Hope Salute to the Military exhibit is literally right next to this statue, and with the USS Midway right across the water, you can best believe this place is usually pretty crowded!! read more

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Unconditional Surrender in San Diego is a striking and memorable sculpture -- a beautiful art piece that really catches your eye, even while passing by on a bus. It's a popular photo spot with a lot of charm and historical significance. There is parking nearby, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you're driving. The area itself is scenic and well worth a quick stop or a leisurely stroll if you're exploring the waterfront. Overall, a great public art landmark and definitely worth checking out when in San Diego! It's a nice walk from hotels in downtown . Nice breeze and few restaurants around . 4 stars read more

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An iconic park near USS Midway. We were staying nearby so we didn't have to try and find parking by the statue. The park is nice to visit while getting to see the battleship as a backdrop. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Located right next to the USS Midway, this huge statue is very iconic. It was a perfect sunny day on the day I went and I loved all the great photos I got. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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"Surrender Surrender But don't give yourself away" (Cheap Trick) Dedicated in 2013, Embracing Peace is a 25-foot-tall painted bronze sculpture depicting one of the most famous and iconic moments in the history of the United States. You've seen that iconic photo a zillion times - the kiss between a sailor and a nurse marking the surrender of Japan that ended World War Two. That famous photo conveyed the ensuing joy and spontaneous celebration in New York City's Times Square in August 1945. We saw this awesome statue in San Diego's Tuna Harbor Park on the waterfront in front of the USS Midway Museum. A steady parade of couples were waiting in a line to snap a selfie with the statue in the background. The statue was crafted by sculptor Seward Johnson and various replicas of the statue are scattered across the US. Some are in Styrofoam/plastic, some are in aluminum, and some are in bronze, like the one in San Diego. PRO TIP Seward Johnson (April 16, 1930 - March 10, 2020) was an American artist known for his life-like painted bronze statues. I recognized his name because I've written about his artwork twice before. Once in a traveling exhibit in Simsbury, CT and once about a statue in Edmonton, Alberta. Here are links to those two reviews. https://www.yelp.com/biz/simsbury-art-trail-simsbury https://www.yelp.com/biz/sir-winston-churchill-square-edmonton read more

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After walking around Seaport Village , on our way on foot to dinner we found ourselves at this beautiful statue. We had seen it while driving a few days before so we were glad we got to see it up close. Dedicated in 2013, the statue celebrates Americans learning World War II has ended. It is located in Tuna Harbor Park. We visited at almost 6pm on a weekday and somewhat busy with other tourists like us. We did see a young woman surprised, being asked to prom. It was an upbeat vibe with a nice view, with the USS Midway behind it. read more

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I always love visiting here. This last time we happened to be in the area as fireworks were popping off for, I believe, The Midway. It was an epic moment and one you only see on TV. I saw many couples striking the famous pose and capturing the statue and fireworks behind them. Very cute moment! It was beautiful and one I'll never forget. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such a cool spot. Lot of tourists, but definitely a great view and a very inspired statue. Bet it has a great sunrise/sunset view as well! read more

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https://www.portofsandiego.org/experiences/where-go/embarcadero/tuna-harbor-park With in the Tuna Harbor Park. Public parking lot available , streets and metered parking. Or park at the Seaport Village public parking lot and continue on foot on the pier to the monument . In the same vacinity as the USS Midway museum, A National Salute to Bob Hope & the Military sculptures . On weekends tend to get pretty crowded here. So for a better picture I recommend to come early in the morning right when the park opens . Either way to read about the history , really tugs at my heart . I am most grateful to all the men and women in service and who served. Thank you!! read more

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The Unconditional Surrender/ Embracing Peace or better known as the "kissing sailor statue" in San Diego depicts a famous photograph taken in NYC following the end of WWII. While the events that inspired the creation took place on the other side of the country many years ago, the monument has found a home nestled beside the USS Midway. The 25 foot statue is a nice stopping point for a short walk from the USS Midway Museum or the Seaport Village shopping center. read more

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I have been to San Diego many times and had always wanted to visit this sculpture, but never had the time to go until my most recent trip there. It's truly beautiful and worth the visit at least once! I went during the week early in the day, so there wasn't a lot of people around. After taking a couple of pictures of the sculpture and just standing there taking it in we went for a walk around the area. This sculpture pays tribute to WWll veterans and there to a story behind it as well. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

This statue is even better after you know the history of it, to see the immense gratitude of being safe and back home. I understood that the sailor didn't even know this woman and grabbed her and kissed her. The statue nicely captures the photo that inspired the statue perfectly. It was an amazing candid photo. We were here over a decade ago. It was also good to see this statue again closer to home when it was exhibited at the memorial park for a time. read more

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I was so happy my niece took me to this well-known San Diego tourist attraction, affectionately known as the "Kissing Statue." It was so much larger in person versus what I've seen in pics and videos. Night time was magical with the USS Midway as a backdrop. The evening air was crisp but felt great! And just a few feet away was the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military. This was a pretty busy spot, but when we went after dinner, it wasn't too crowded. I suggest going later in the evening. This is a must-see spot if you are visiting San Diego! read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

We got a good look at the UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER STATUE, on our last visit to the USS Midway Museum. It's a pretty impressive thing, and I remember when it came to San Diego. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - After WWII, there was a famous kissing scene that was photographed that was immortalized in a statue, and it's in San Diego. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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This statue just draws you in. It sits in the shadow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier. There is a commercial parking lot right in front of it to park. Or you can go the more economical route and try to find metered street parking in reasonable walking distance. The piece is the work of Seward Johnson and resembles the iconic 1945 photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt titled V-J day in Times Square. However, Johnson claims it resembles another photo, because of copyright issues that have come up with the similarity. Johnson claims that his inspiration for the statue was actually from another photograph of a sailor kissing a woman that was taken by Victor Jorgensen, which is in the public domain. The two phots are actually the same, except from different angles. The 25 foot statue is huge and is made weather-resistant bronze. It is very detailed and looks life like. Very realistic (except for the height of course) It was funded mostly by Midway Museum, who raised $1 million and was installed on February 11, 2013. The current statue replaced one that was installed in 2007 and was on loan. That one was computer generated and made of a foam core with a urethane outer layer. The statue looks great, especially considering its age. You will find some benches around the statue to sit on and it is illuminated at night by lights shining up on it from the ground. The statue is very popular among tourist and gets a lot of photos taken in front of it. San Diego is a fitting home to the statue as the city is also home to the Pacific Fleet Surface Navy and USS Midway Museum. This is something that you must see and should be on your San Diego tour itinerary. I understand that this is not a long stop, I was there less than 10 minutes. It would probably be nice to be incorporated as part of a larger itinerary with a tour or a visit to the USS Midway Museum and/or other nearby attractions.. read more

Also known as the Kissing Statue, I had to at least stop by this sculpted oversized dramatic display of affection, while in the area. It's so simple yet quite impressive. And I loved learning about the historical significance behind the sculpture, the joy and celebration of WW2 ending. There are lovely and unique trees and a grassy area adjacent to this exhibit, it would be a great spot for picnicking. And it's easy to add to your itinerary if visiting the USS Midway Museum or Seaport Village shops/eateries nearby. Also, apparently, a lot of couples pose and kiss in front of this statue... that could be you! :) read more

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Such a beautiful statue/symbol of the end of WWII. Wow. I am blown away at the beauty and power of this piece. It actually made me emotional seeing this for the first time ever in person! Wow. It was so much bigger than I imagined, and learning the background of what it meant was so beautiful. Thank you to everyone who made this statue come to life. Very cool; a must-see in San Diego! read more

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It is a beautiful statue that represents welcoming your love. Happy that war was ended. Also represents an actual nurse kissing a sailor coming back from war. It's well known and visited. People come and take pictures and go. Some people just stay and seat in front of it just to admire the big pair of figures. There is a street with souvenirs vendors. The weather is nice. We my family and I enjoyed the visit. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - A quick visit. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Another one off my Yelp Bookmarks This is a nice spot to visit I had no idea it'd also located next to the salute to Bob Hope and the USS Midway Museum Not to mention beautiful views of the bay The original statue was removed in 2012, but in 2013, a replica was installed back in San Diego, and it now rests there permanently. The USS Midway Museum raised $1 million to fund the replacement. This replacement version of the statue is indeed bronze, even though the copy that had been there previously was foam-urethane. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Embracing peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Beautiful statue! Definitely add it to a stop on your next trip to San Diego. The water is beautiful as well. read more

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The historical "kissing statue" located in the heart of San Diego next door to the USS Midway attraction. Yes, we copied the statue ha. But it was the other way around (; We were finally able to take this picture with no people in the background (thank god). Great location near one of the historical ships, meter parking available too! read more

Located off 55 Tuna Ln in San Diego. It's a 25 feet tall statue The statue is a symbol of the end of World War II. This place is a tourist attraction many people come to see this statue and the surrounding area of the ships in the water. There are attractions around this area to see so traffic and bottle up around the area. Overall a very cool statue to see. read more

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This statue reminds me of being unconditionally in love. This is outside the USS Midway. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Unconditional Surrender Statue - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

It was our first time in San Diego. So we had to stop by this iconic statue. It was very easy to get to. We got there really early in the morning, so parking was not a problem. They do charge for parking in the parking lot. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

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One of my favorite statues. Located just past the USS MIDWAY, you really can't miss it since it's 25 feet tall. In full color, it reminds me of the infamous V Day picture in New York City where the sailor was kissing a girl in the street. That cover of Life magazine photo was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The sculptor of Unconditional is J. Seward Johnson. Walk just a bit past the statue and enjoy a tribute to Bob Hope entertaining the troops. A great trio for the area, Unconditional, Hope and Midway. There is a nearby paid parking lot. We just followed the Striped Path into Tuna Park. read more

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A photo op fave in the harbor [San Diego] The "kissing sailor" statue known as The Kiss is located at the Tuna Harbor Park in San Diego. It stands mighty on the grassy knoll at G Street beside the Bob Hope Memorial in the shadow of the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier. I've seen smaller versions elsewhere but this is the biggest one! This giant statue is 25 feet tall and weighs 6,000 pounds. There is a plaque right in front and is titled "Embracing Peace" by J. Seward Johnson. HISTORY: The sailor and nurse kissing was captured in an inspiring photograph for Life Magazine (published in a black & white photo). The photo was taken in New York's Times Square and captured the joy people felt upon the war's end. I'm sure there were so many kisses that day but none like this one, that iconic moment that came to symbolize the end of World War II in 1945 (known as V-J Day, the day Japan surrendered to the U.S.). A sailor saw an unsuspecting nurse, spun her around and kissed her. According to an interview with the nurse "It was just somebody celebrating. It wasn't a romantic event." LoL! But I love the sculpture... it's a beautiful image :) There are only four of these statues in the world. Funny how many couples joyfully recreate the famous, dramatic pose in front of the sculpture as their photos were taken. Very cool. Review #2225 read more

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The many years that the city of San Diego the City has been one that has been the center of the largest force that was sent to help with the great war that had lost so many service men that had joined from across the world and the great City of San Diego and the many workers that repaired the many ships that had returned. When you take the walk along the Bayside area where the Midway Aircraft Carrier is parked is the many ships that have come from the many docks of the bay and the Island of Coronado while the war was raging across the many men that had trained and the city was time of rest and baseball. The one man that was the greatest comedy that energized the many service men and the women that had worked on the front lines helping as nurses and the many that drove the ambulances and worked in the many MASH hospitals that all of the great history that is from the statue. The walk along the Seaport area around the many buildings and the and the many Naval History statues you see the many that of the ships that had left from San Diego and the many great men that had gave their lives to protect our freedoms. The great many countries during that time you can see the many faces as the ships come back the many hands waiving as they have come back to the many cities across the United States. Then when the wars had come to the end of the First world war there was so much joy and adulation that flooded across the united State to the streets of New York. When the news broke the many that had the world in one big celebration when the opposing armies had surrendered and gave up. When you see the many statues that are at the Seaport area and the long walk past the many display that make up the many years of the wars pat that was part San Diego Seaport and the Embarcadero which has the most world history and showed the greatest strength of the United States Navy. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer, the many great places that you see when you take the scenic tours have so much history and to the many that the State of Calif was there on the front lines when the many came back there were many that were there to help repair ships and help with welcoming so many home. read more

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The Famous "V-J Day in Times Square" photo as the "Unconditional Surrender/Embracing Peace" twenty-five foot sculpture fittingly located near the USS Midway. A moment captured in time by two photographers, the more famous by Albert Eisenstaedt and second taken by Navy photographer Lt. Victor Jorgensen, as New York celebrated on August 14, 1945. World War II was finally over. Inspired by this iconic image, artist J. Seward Johnson recreated the photo with a series of foam and urethane temporary statues that were exhibited in cities around the world, including New York City, Pearl Harbor, and Caen, France. San Diego commissioned a permament bronze to commemorate and pay tribute to a unique moment in time. Nice to visit on a sunny day. Located in Tuna Harbor Park near the USS Midway and the Salute to Bob Hope Park. read more

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Another MUST see in San Diego. This is the second time that I have been here. It doesn't get old taking pictures with the statue as the back ground. It is fun to watch the tourists recreate the act. It was still pandemic when we went but no social distancing and not all are wearing masks. We didn't have to circle a lot to find a parking. read more

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This giant "Kissing Statue" is next to the USS Midway and Bob Hope statue and a couple blocks from Seaport Village. There are many of these "Unconditional Surrender" statues in the world and they are modeled after the famous photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The photo is called "V-J day in Times Square" and was taken after WW2 when a sailor kissed a nurse during the Times Square celebration. The USS Midway museum raised funds to purchase this statue in 2013 and changed its name to "Embracing Peace". It's a nice tribute to the many veterans in San Diego. I love this park because it's so relaxing to sit in the grassy area and watch the boats cruise by. The statue is perfectly situated in the park with the Midway museum right behind it. It makes for great photos and I always see lots of couples recreate the kiss for their photographs. The statue is 25 feet tall and was made by Seward Johnson. The only bummer is that birds have made quite a mess on top of the statue. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Beautiful scenery and easy parking definitely don't skip out on it you won't regret it read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

I feel like this is a landmark you must come and take pictures with when visiting San Diego. Surprisingly, I've been here several times and this was my first visit to the monument. Many people like to pose like the statue. read more

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Beautiful statue located right by the bay. The Midway ship museum is right here too. There is a memorial for Bob Hope located a few feet away. We came by on a Saturday to show some out of town friends some sights! The boardwalk is also close by and had a lot of different vendors. Cookies, elote, hats, jewelry. Etc. This location is prime. Lots of trees for shade too. The only down is how there are homeless tents now in the grass. Not great to look at. read more

I'd seen this photo many times, but whoa! This statue brings it to gargantuan life. We all know and love the famous photo of the sailor kissing the nurse. Next time you're in San Diego, take 20 minutes to jet by and check out this statue. Huge and kitschy, it'll bring a smile to your face. read more

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I love the story behind this statue. The weather was amazing. The view was breathtaking . The people were great. So much to do in San Diego but had to come see this. read more

Unconditional Surrender Statue - Embracing Peace - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California