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 was literally one of my favorite attractions in San Diego. It's just to perfect, it's next tot…read morehe Uss Midway Museum & we go at least one time to visit here while in San Diego It's huge many photo opps great parking

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.

This was my first time stopping by Spanish Village Art Center, and I thought it was a fun place to…read morewalk around for a bit if you've never been here before. What stood out to me right away were the colorful tiles covering the ground throughout the village. They make the whole area feel bright and cheerful as you walk around. The place itself isn't very big, but there's quite a bit to look at. I saw a lot of artwork and paintings displayed in the different studios, and some of them were really beautiful. It's easy to spot because of the colorful tiled walkways and the small colorful shops scattered throughout the village. There's also a cute coffee cart tucked in the back with a nice selection of unique drinks. For parking, I noticed there were some spaces near the front, and you can also find parking along the roads nearby. It may take a little looking around depending on when you visit, but I didn't think it was too difficult to find a spot.

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.

Ok so I will split this into two reviews:…read more 1: the ships and actual adventure 2: the reservation process and customer service 1: booked a trip for the Spanish replica ship adventure the San Salvador and really loved it. The ticket also got you access to the other ships to walk around which was cool. But the coolest part was that San Salvador was sailed like they would have sailed it waaay back when. We got to see real rigging masts sails steering all being done by a crew and it was a totally amazing experience and such a perfect day. Bonus: we saw dolphins and it was a perfect day. Drawback: the gentlemen speaking throughout didn't talk into his mic often so missed a lot but oh well - who's really going for history?! such a good time!!. 2. I had a good with my tickets and called and tried to talk to folks in person and could never get someone. The tickets were cancelled but not refunded which was a bummer and staff in the kiosk even said they phone lines were messed up. A bummer. :(

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.

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!

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.

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.

Navy/Top Gun fan or not, this is a must see when in San Diego…read more Its an easy walk from Gaslamp and along the harbor. Tickets are reasonably priced. Its a self guided tour with a mechanism you get when you walk in that allows you more information at each spot. There's a 15 minute movie option. I do suggest you start with that then head up to the flight deck before it gets too hot. Tons of picture options, including an iconic Maverick & Goose shot. From there they'll lead you to a part of the tour you can only see with a guide, the rest is on your own. There will be several spots where you'll be like hmmm this was in Top Gun. Definitely don't skip this tour.

Who in their right mind leaves a review less than 5 stars for a museum that allows us to walk in…read morethe shoes of the brave soldiers who came before us? Midway is anything BUT mid. Great success!

A beautiful conservatory that houses over 2,000 plants. It's humid and feels like you have just…read morestepped into a mini jungle. It's very photogenic and the best part is that it's free to everyone. Weekday mornings are the best time to visit because this place is popular and gets very crowded. I always leave wanting to purchase more plants for my home.

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.

The Japanese Friendship Garden was a stunning place to get married. We got married on the koi pond…read moredeck this past Saturday. The location felt very private and serene with the way Marina sections off garden paths. Plenty of beautiful photo opportunities throughout the garden. Marina, as venue manager, was professional, communicative, and very warm and friendly. She made us feel comfortable and confident that we would have a beautiful wedding, and we did.

Dropped in during a Tuesday which had donation based admission for SD residents (aka it was busy!)…read more Had a great time walking the different paths and taking in the beautiful scenery. You can really see the intention behind the art and arrangements. I think if you are looking for a more quiet and peaceful experience, avoid the 3rd Tuesday of the month so you can take your time. Love that this is another gem tucked into Balboa Park. Worth checking out if you appreciate nature and art. Will be back!

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.