Like many others, I've walked past this monument on the Embarcadero without noticing it. On…read moreweekends, its blocked by souvenir stands. Driving by, it doesn't really stand out. But this is IMHO one of the most important memorials in San Diego, located just southeast of the USS Midway (CV-41). San Diego is the birthplace of U.S. Navy Aviation. This black marble obelisk lists the names of all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and their hull numbers, regardless of size. It honors the personnel who served on, fought from, and, in many cases died flying from these flattops. I highly recommend stopping at this Memorial.

This small memorial commemorates the use of the aircraft carriers from WWII and beyond. It was…read moresponsored by the Aircraft Carrier Memorial Association and dedicated in February 1993. You will find it at the end of the pier that the USS Midway Museum is located. It has two sculptures and a tall monument structure. The monument is an obelisk and is 9-feet tall. It is made of polished black granite engraved with the names of all the nation's 165 aircraft carriers. The sculptures are the work of TJ Dixon and James Nelson and were added to the memorial in 1995 and 1996. One of the sculptures, titled "Young Recruit", depicts a young man in his US Navy Dungaree Uniform, displaying a big smile and carrying a big. The other sculpture, the "Seasoned Aviator", depicts a Navy lieutenant pilot crouching down. There is a commercial parking lot right in front of the museum that you can park. It is not operated by the museum though. There is other lots and limited metered street parking nearby that you can also park and would be more cost effective, be it a bit of a walk. Either way this is not a very long stop and would be best coupled with a trip to the USS Midway Museum or other local attraction.

Went on the Coronado walking tour. It took about an hour and the guide Izzy was very prepared and…read moreprofessional. She gave a good overview of Coronado history and the area near the Hotel Del has stunning architecture.

Our group of 9 ladies really enjoyed a private History of Coronado Walking Tour with Robin on June…read more10, 2226. She was a wonderful guide, very enthusiastic and informative! We learned a lot about Coronado on our tour and Robin was very knowledgeable about the architecture in the town, pointing out many interesting features of the beautiful old buildings and houses, including the Wizard of Oz house. We highly recommend this walking tour! We also enjoyed visiting the museum at the Coronado Historical Association. Christa R.

A 23 foot sculpture that can't be missed by anyone as it is prominently located right in the middle…read moreof Balboa Park. The statue is facing the Museum of Art with the back against the Spreckles Organ. While the sculpture was undoubtedly a masterpiece, I wonder who is El Cid after all. So I did some research and found out, he was a Spanish warrior that has nothing to do with American history. Also while doing my research, I came across an article by Leah Ollman for the Los Angeles Times with a poem by Raymond White Madden which pretty much sums up his feeling towards the statue. I can't help but share... They've planted his statue In Organ square Shows a guy on a 'hoss' Stuck up in the air. . . . They say it is Spanish And maybe it is, But you never could tell, By the cut of his phiz; And if Spanish trimmin's 'Twere needful to show, Why not Senor Cabrillo, Or Mr. Balboa Or the gentle Fra Serra And the wonders he did, We could then understand, But who is El Cid? There is Queen Isabella Who did a great deed, Or Don Miguel Cervantes With Rosinante for steed, Or that father of proverbs, Sancho Panza, the small, The glory of Spain, Beloved by all. To enshrine them on high Would be fitting, instead, Of this gallant they call By the name of El Cid. . . . Truly these mean something, And I don't mean 'maybe,' But this CID, whatta kid, He means nothing to me."

Covid review #103 I…read morejust started the series "El Cid" just recently. Im only on episode 1...haha...but I'm learning more on YouTube. El Cid was 'history's greatest knight'. Pretty cool that we have this original in San Diego and that there are copies throughout the world. Including Spain, Argentina and New York. Who says San Diego has no culture? Built in 1927, dedicated in 1930. It's quite awe inspiring to behold. I love how this imposing bronze statue can depict a flag waving high in the wind.

THANK YOU USS SAN DIEGO! This memorial summarizes the massive military culture that is part of this…read morecity. It's a staple within the Midway area and is wonderful tribute to the troops who have served the US. I'm always appreciative of these brave souls who continue to risk their lives and fight for liberties not found elsewhere. The memorial is part of San Diego's history so I would definitely check it out if you're visiting the Midway museum or even if you're taking a walk. The best part: It's FREE. Tip: Please don't be that person taking selfies in front of this memorial, be respectful

This is a wonderful memorial to soliders from WWII. I recommend coming to see this in daylight, as…read moreit is much harder to see the details (or anything) once it gets dark out. It shows history with names and maps carved into the ground. Very interesting.

After 46 years there is finally a memorial plaque on the site where 144 people perished on…read moreSeptember 25th, 1978 when PSA Flight 182 collided with a Cessna 172. This plaque is a memorial listing the names of all people on board PSA 182, the Cessna 172, and on the ground that lost their lives on that day along with a poem called High Flight by John Gillespie Magee Jr. The plaque is located on the southwest corner of the intersection.

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.

This is a very special sculpture that you will find on a prominent stair landing of the San Diego…read moreConvention Center, overlooking the Marina. It is a gift from Mexico and is the work of Leonardo Nierman, who made the piece in 2000. In Spanish it translates to Flama De La Amistad. The piece is made of stainless steel and it represents the friendship between the two countries. It is an abstract piece that resembles a shiny stainless flame reaching for the sky. Without the base, it stands 10 feet 5 inches high. You will see a stainless-steel plaque of the sculpture's base that gives information about the artist and its dedication. The plaque has seen better days though. When speaking of the piece, Nierman says "this is a flame, but it's also an embrace. It is my hope for mankind that one day we will feel like brothers, act like brothers and love like brothers, instead of like adversaries." There is no immediate parking to see this sculpture, but there is metered street parking and commercial garages/lots within walking distance. Most people viewing this sculpture would either have business at the convention center or walking/jogging the marina area. It may not be a destination piece, but it is definitely worth a look. I do like the piece and especially what it stands for. The way the sun beams down on it only enhances it. Unfortunately, it was not a real sunny day when I was visiting, so I did not get the full effect. 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 planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. You could start with either Embarcadero Marina Park, North or South, or stop by Seaport Village.

This sculpture is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is located along the Martin Luther…read moreKing, Jr. Promenade, near the Children's Museum's playground. It is actually 5 life-sized bronze hands with arms coming up from a base, spelling out the word DREAM in American sign language. The sculptures were dedicated in 2001 and are the work of Roberto Salas starting to show signs of their age and has corroded a bit. They still look decent enough though. If you can not read sign language, don't worry, they have the corresponding letter posted under it on the base. There is a bronze plaque on the ground in front of the sculptures that reads, "DREAM, A TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Artist: ROBERTO SALAS Five bronze hands celebrate the spirit of Dr. King's vision as they silently yet boldly speak to us with the symbol of sign language. Collectively they spell the word . It is a word that is both a noun and a verb, a word that symbolizes hope and idealism, a word that reaches deep into the pockets of our humanity and creativity. The word is D R E A M. Commissioned for and the citizens of San Diego through the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency and the Centre City Development Corporation. January 2001" The plaque has seen better days but is easily read. There is metered street parking nearby if you want to park and get a closer look. You will find commercial lots/garages within a reasonable walking distance and there is a tram stop nearby as well. I am really feeling the art along this promenade and the dedications to MLK. This one is no exception. It is very creative and well put together. Great job. 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 planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. You could start with the Seaport Village or the Children's Museum.