This 25 foot high sculpture has become a landmark along the waterfront and the location next to the USS Midway is a good one. It's great for photo-ops and is an amazing work despite what all the critics say. Best time to go is very early in the morning or at night. That is when there are the least amount of people. read more

I'm appalled at how people are okay with celebrating assault. The original story is that this man was on a date with a DIFFERENT woman. Then the news of the end of the war broke and he went out and grabbed a random young woman (NOT his date) and kissed her WITHOUT her consent. Afterwards he just left, never stating his name. Celebrating the end of a war is NOT an excuse to be physical with someone without their consent. read more

Fitting that this statue is here. With the large military presence in town, mainly the Navy & Coast Guard have bases in San Diego. Noticed it while touring the USS Midway right next store. The plague reads... "Embracing Peace" This sculpture depicts one of the famous & iconic moments in the history of the United States. Reflecting the joy of American people upon learning World War 2 had ended. It was inspired by the spontaneous celebration in New York City Times Square August 1945. Dedicated February 16th, 2013. Very cool. read more

Embracing Peace - "Embracing Peace" - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

You can make a quick stop here for a pic or walk around and visit some of the ships. We had to circle around a bit for the metered parking but that was expected. There are also a lot of street performers here so there is plenty of live music around. There isn't a large variety of restaurants so maybe go elsewhere if you're coming here solely to find a place to eat. read more

Embracing Peace - Our best attempt - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

Footsteps away from the tribute "A National Salute to Bob Hope & the Military" is this giant sailor statue. This thang was huge! The back drop is the pacific ocean and the USS Midway museum. Bring your cameras... Hooyah! read more

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

Universally panned by art critics, this majestic work of art has become a favorite of San Diegans, as well as the the numerous tourists who see it. Talk about well located, it's midway (almost) between the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. Walking distance, for most people. Iconic, appropriate, evocative, historic, and loved by all except smug art critics, or those pretending to be. The perfect photo op is the statue in the foreground and the USS MIdway as the background. Or maybe the statue up front, and one or two of the current nuclear carriers at the North Island quay in the background. Can't go wrong with either. Now, I'm ready for the Marilyn Monroe Standing Over the Ventilation Grate statue. Any time, now, guys. read more

Well First of All you might want to arrive here early because the parking here fills up quickly. But if you want to snap a Photo with the Unconditional Surrender Statue you might have to wait a little bit because every tourist tends to put this on there Bucket List . Just wait and if your lucky you might get a photo with no one inside of it but it is rare . It does get crowded here because it is located next to the USS Midway And lots of Tourist go there also . But I do enjoy coming here because it is a good place to take photos and you can enjoy the Beautiful Waters while just relaxing and taking in that beautiful feeling Of Sunny San Diego !! There are little Carts around where some people set up for you to buy Snacks such as Soda , Water , Chips or even Candy . That's if you did not bring your own . Just Munchies and also you will notice some people set up little tables where they are selling Bracelets and little novelties for you . It is also just a few walks away from Seaport Village and also the Embarcadero they all kind of Connect. That's why I enjoy coming here !! Just remember to Pay the Meter !! It is 2.50 an Hour and Max Of 3 Hours !! Overall Great For Picture Taking And I do Suggest you add this to your Bucket List !! I shall Return and Enjoy More !!! read more

5/23/14 A site to see the infamous "THE KISS" statue based on the picture at Times Square in New York! It's HUGE!!! But so beautiful and cool to see! It is near the USS Midway. There were many couples posing and taking pictures under the statue. Very cute. Think it is a great tourist site to visit. It is also near the Bob Hope memorial and two great restaurants that you can dine at. We found some benches that we took a seat at to enjoy the view of the water and sunset. Just beautiful! read more

See all

Nice statue to visit. Hung out and took a break from all the site seeing in the grass area w shade. Beautiful view to look at.

I've been wanting to visit this historical landmark and finally we did. All I wanted was a photo in front of the statue and I thought parking would be a hassel but it was not that bad. Everyone was there with the same motive. You can easily find meter parking and if your lucky the person before you can leave just enough for you as well. Definitely a must visit when in San Diego. I was sad to see someone graffiti the ladies leg on the statue. What a jerk.. everyone please be considerate of these properties or else they will take it away. read more

See all

Beautiful date spot. Very cute spot. I stopped by with the husband after I toured the USS Midway Museum (which was great, I have also reviewed) and it was gorgeous. There were a lot of other tourist but everyone was pretty generous with staying out of your pictures. There were a bunch of little vendors around that sold souvenirs for San Diego and the pier, it was kind of expensive but then again, it's meant for tourist. There was also a huge restaurant next to the statue, I heard mixed reviews about it but it seemed very romantic. Near the statue was a very talented gentleman that was playing a flute. There is a large parking lot next to the statue, it was free parking but limited to 2 hours. Very nice stroll through the park and the statue was perfect for pictures. And it was free! Also located next to the Bob Hope statue! It gets pretty packed during holidays so beware:) Guys, take your girls here on a picnic, trust me, extremely sweet gesture and lots of grassy areas for relaxing. Just be aware of when you're going as it can get pretty packed with tourist. read more

Another "must-see" attraction when visiting San Diego (in addition to the adjacent USS Midway and Bob Hope memorial). Difficult to miss because: 1. It's GIGANTIC. For those who are not familiar, it's an enormous statue depicting the famous kiss between a returning US sailor and a young woman at the end of WWII. 2. It's surrounded by throngs of tourists posing and snapping souvenir photos. Makes for a nice stop when taking a stroll along the waterfront. read more

This statue is so romantic. I love it. It's not as big as I thought and we came here at night. I would like to come back in the daytime to see it. We posed under the statute as close as possible to the original, but it looked a little awkward. Overall great experience since we arrived in a bicycle taxi for 5 people that had neon lights and clubbing music bumping from the speakers! Short walk back to the gaslamp on the way back. I'd recommend seeing it if you are in town! read more

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

Pretty cool statue, and in my own backyard no less! Seriously, this is a cool (free) thing to see in San Diego, and it even offers up a bit of history. Also, it's right by the Midway, so why not make it a day and see both? Then dip over to Seaport Village for a delicious seaside lunch? Sounds pretty good to me. read more

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

What a cool way to commemorate that famous kids we all know so well!! This giant statue is something to behold. Towering above us, the soldier and the gal are forever locked in a kiss! Absolutely beautiful. read more

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

See all

I love coming here to see this beautiful and romantic statue with San Diego Harbor, USS Midway, Point Loma, and Coronado Island as its backdrop! It's such a romantic piece sculpted by Seaward Johnson. I love when tourist or natives come and just enjoy this piece of art gracing San Diego waters saluting it with their own poses imitating the statue! This statue captures the romanticized emotion of elation everyone was feeling when World War II ended. From a single photograph, it emerges onto San Diego's Tuna Harbor Park as a piece attracting millions of people around the world! There are lots of metered parking next to the statue or you can valet your car and dine at the Fish Market a few feet down and also pay tribute to Bob Hope at a national salute memorial to this well revered comedian and the military nestled between the kissing monument and the Fish Market restaurant. I LOVE coming here just to reflect and remember as well as to enjoy the views and share this beautiful setting with friends and family! read more

Embracing Peace - 8.28.19 "Embracing Peace" Statue by Seaward Johnson - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

What an absolutely beautiful statue! To have this gem sitting right by the USS Midway, it makes for a great photo op.

This is definitely one of the most well known landmarks in San Diego. The statue is ginormous, beautiful, and leaves such a heartfelt story behind it. And its located in a very nice area of the bay with nice ocean views, and nearby other restaurants and attractions. read more

It's nice to see, but quite crowded. Parking is by meter (which does take cards). In that area they do have a few restaurants and street venders. If you're just trying to take a walk and enjoy yourself this is the place to go. read more

Really beautiful place and one can make it romantic. Walk around or jump in the ship's tour.

Great area to walk around and enjoy the views. Check out the Bob Hope Tribute just a few steps away. read more

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

See all

Located near the USS Midway and Bob Hope tribute. Definately worth seeing if you are in the area. The statue of the iconic picture is beautiful read more

Embracing Peace - Great spot in San Diego located near the USS Midway and the tribute to Bob Hope definitely worth seeing in person if your in the area. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

I have been wanting to see this forever! It's so pretty in person and in the background you see the USS midway! It's packed with people but it's a must if you're in the area. They have the little shops for snacks and little gifts to bring home. This statue travels all over the world and I was happy I was able to track it down when I was I. Cali! read more

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

Three words: Tacky as hell. I'm a native and I was crushed when the news came out that this statue was going to be permanent. I'm an artist, and to me it just looks like a tacky charicature. There are some fantastic statues in that area, look a little east of this tacky statue at The Homecoming. THAT'S art. read more

Well well well, it has been quite a long time since I've reviewed anything on Yelp. Its okay though because I will get back to it because I enjoy writing my reviews for places I've been to! I'll start with my experience at the Unconditional Surrender Statue! When I first arrived at the statue, I thought it was pretty cool how they made it from a picture! Its also pretty awesome how the guy is in the Navy and where the statue is based in. I can definitely understand why they decided to have the statue there! However, my gf and I had a hard time taking a selfie with it because its such a tourist attraction. But its alright because I enjoyed the view! Now you're asking me if I would recommend this to you? The answer is if you have any extra time when you're in town because its a refreshing view! But I wouldn't recommend it if thats the goal of your trip which is to see the statue only. A little fun fact, there are delicious restaurants nearby too if you're interested!! read more

Such a cute statue ! However extremely difficult to get a good picture because all the tour buses drop of hundreds of tourists. Make sure to tip the performers if you are taking photos with them and even of them. They work hard and are extremely skilled. Parking was 1.75 for an hour and not packed. read more

Hardly an attraction by itself. Bigger than life bronzer... historical, beautiful, something to see. read more

See all

So iconic! Who doesn't want a picture with Unconditional Surrender ! Best stand on a park bench and have the photographer kneel down to capture the whole length. read more

Embracing Peace - Statue by the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite statue located next to the Midway in a nice little park but parking can be hard to come by because it's also the parking for a busy restaurant. But it makes for a great picture with the aircraft carrier in the background read more

Adam and I loved visiting this statue! I know it is a replica, but it is cool and a great look and conversation started for the past and war. It can be very crowded which will make it difficult to get a good picture, but everyone there was really friendly and everyone was willing to take a picture for other people. I loved seeing the love in other couples as they copied the statue. There is some other stuff to look at such as the Bob Hope stand up statues and the view itself. There is a parking lot right there which is metered. There was ample parking and we had no issues finding a spot and we never have issues whenever we are in this area. I highly suggest visiting - It gives you an excuse to smooch your love. read more

When I was a child I saw a photo of this in an almanac, and so seeing this warms the heart. The statue is huge and I liked it with a sunset backdrop. Several tourists taking selfies or couples posing next to the statue. read more

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

Parked at Seaport Village. It's much easier. 5 minutes walk. Unless you're going to see USS Midway it is not worth fighting to find a park spot. read more

I love SD, I've been coming here since i was little. This is right near SeaPort Village. (Another must do) this was so neat, went at sunset it was so pretty! Definitely a must see! read more

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

The statue gets a lower rating from reviewers who try to wow us with their art criticisms instead of actually grading this for what it is - a remembrance of one of the greatest moments of American elation in history. Seriously, art snobs, get over yourselves. You lose this battle and you will lose them all. The statue fits right in with the rest of the waterfront theme, which is all Navy, all the time. And that's from the Bob Hope dedication to the USS MIDWAY to all the other monuments to people who did amazing things not just for America but for civilization in general. Everything about this location is beautiful, from the bay views to the history. It's fun to simply stand there and watch all the tourists take different types of pictures. I wouldn't consider the statue one of San Diego's top 5 attractions, but, it is without a doubt in the top 5 places to take a photo while you're in town. read more

This is such a tourist trap but yet everyone should stop here. Just watch the parking lot because there are still some drivers that seem to have just passed their driver's test. Don't forget to feed the meter when you actually find a spot. Just watch out for those parrots in the trees. I don't see the owners but I'm sure they are nearby to charge you for taking a picture with their birds. Everyone and their mothers are taking pictures here. Just be courteous and take turns. Better yet, help each other take pictures for each other. It's one of those statues you have to see as a destination across America on a road trip. On the East coast, there is a huge Marilyn Monroe statue which for some reason, I thought was here near this statue. Just like right out of the Times magazine is this beautiful image. I've seen the photos where most couples try to re-enact the same kissing scene for their photo next to it. Be extra careful walking back to your car, there are still drivers that don't look around as they are backing out of their spaces or pulling into one. read more

See all

This statue is so inspirational. Very romantic place to take photos with your loved ones. Very fun to recreate(if you are daring someone of course)! read more

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

Love the statue and sad to see it leaving San Diego on 5/29/12 bound for New Jersey. Well I hear that they will be sending a bronzed replacement to replace it and that it will be painted to look the same way as this one before the end of 2012. San Diego is a Navy town and it is a recreation of a picture taken after the World War II war. It's very nostalgic and also the Bob Hope tribute nearby is also a nice tribute. Being located next to the Midway Museum is a nice touch. Some people think it's tacky, but I like it. read more

Embracing Peace - Taken on 5/28/12 (Memorial Day) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

An adorable statue of love that is located near USS Midway and San Diego Harbor. My parents and I were out celebrating Father's Day at USS Midway when I noticed the statue from the boat. I didn't realize how close we were to it so we made the quick 5 minute walk from the boat to the statue. Lots of couples were taking pictures and posing with the statue. Nice photo op if you're ever in San Diego! Lots of parking and things to do around this area, too. read more

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

A picture for dawn or dusk and it's ok, but it is incredibly badly lit at night. What are they thinking? If you are going to spend this much on a piece of populist art, at least light it properly so that the tourists can photograph it at night. read more

Embracing Peace - THIS IS THE BEST THEY CAN DO TO LIGHT IT??? - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Diego, California

It was a classic piece, that will always be an iconic imagine in american history. We stood under it and it was an amazing piece. it brings a huge piece of history back to San Diego. It reminded me that San Diego is a military city. This was a great statue to visit and defiantly added a great memory to the trip A MUST SEE read more