Location: San Diego
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The 10 Best Monuments & Statues in San Diego, California (CA)
San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Restaurants in San Diego
1. Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum
2. 52 Boats Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Garageninja1 - Murrieta, United States
Very somber place to go. If your into history or Naval history it’s a must see. “They were iron men who took steel ships to sea and left an unparalleled record of courage and duty faithfully performed. The San Diego Chapter, U.S. Submarine Veterans of WW II is building a memorial to our shipmates on Eternal patrol.” Per their website. 52 U.S. Navy submarines were lost at sea during World War II. 3,505 submariners lost their lives. This memorial gives tribute to all lives lost and submarines. There are 2 walk ways and this memorial consists of 52 American Liberty Elm trees, 52 flags and 52 black granite markers with the history of each submarine and the names of lost crew members it was built for future generations to remember.
3. Pacific Soul Sculpture
4. Cabrillo National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,818 reviews
Stately monument honoring Cabrillo, discoverer of San Diego Bay, is located in Point Loma that overlooks the city and the Bay.
Reviewed By randyg280 - Frederick, United States
When we have people visiting, we like to take them to Cabrillo National Monument. On your way to this National Park, you pass by Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery where there is over 100,000 graves. Once you get to Cabrillo, the views are amazing of San Diego, the ocean and the surrounding areas. There is also ample parking, a wonderful historic lighthouse you can visit, exhibits, displays, an interesting monument, a visitor center, walking tours, a gift shop and movies. The movie I would strongly recommend is "In Search of Cabrillo". It is currently shown three times a day at !0:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. These times could change so you should check the website for current information. This movie is about the explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was the first European to navigate the coast of California and is credited with discovering San Diego Bay. There are also Ranger-guided walking tours which are informative and interesting. When you combine the wonderful setting, the amazing views, the lighthouse, the walking tours and all the history you learn, this is a very special place that everyone will enjoy.
5. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,449 reviews
Reviewed By vchristen - Roy, United States
The views are worth the drive, the memorial is a great tribute to our nations veterans. Watch the traffic on the drive up .. the locals are rude and drive like they are at Indy
6. California Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
A city landmark located inside San Diego's Balboa Park, this 200-foot tower announces its presence every fifteen minutes with a carol of chimes.
Reviewed By MollyMcLolly - San Diego, United States
I've been on the Tower Tour twice now and highly recommend it. It currently costs $23 for adults and $16 for youth with discounts available for students, seniors, and military. The tour lasts about 40 minutes and you have to place your purses, etc. in small, secured lockers during the trip. You can bring water bottles and cell phones/cameras along for the tour though. Climbing up through the old tower is taken at a slow pace, so although there are may stairs (125 or so?), it is manageable for most. The tour stops at each level where your tour guide will give you a bit of information about the tower, the history of Balboa Park, how the carillon works and the like. You can also put in a request for a song on the carillon! I loved learning about the one stair-step dedication (little lighted sponsor panels on many of the stair risers) that isn't in English, the fake lagoon filled with gondolas in the promotional art for the Panama-California Exposition, and the stairs up the side of the dome (!!!) for window cleaners. The tour groups are small, so it's easy to ask questions. And when you reach the top, there's a good amount of time to look around, take photos, and just enjoy. A great addition to a Museum of Man visit. And I've heard they will do special tours for proposals (in case anybody needs a great proposal idea!). :)
7. A National Salute to Bob Hope & the Military
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By TennesseeFlorence - Johnson City, United States
It is a great tribute to a great American performer who risked a lot to entertain our troops and bring a little enjoyment to the military. I am pleased that this memorial gives a new generation the opportunity to experience the comedy of this wonderful man
8. The Homecoming Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We walke the waterfront and saw the very pretty homecoming statue. Its a very nice tribute to the military and to family life.
9. The Unconditional Surrender
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 878 reviews
Reviewed By bucketlisttravellers - Sydney, Australia
The photograph of the couple kissing at the end of WWII is an iconic image and it had been recreated in larger than life size and full colour in the Unconditional Surrender Statue. The statue is located in a nice park area overlooking the USS Midway Museum.
10. Japanese Friendship Bell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
What can we learn from history? At the west end of Shelter Island stands a monument to peace and friendship that emerged after the devastation of WWII. You can safely visit this outdoor site for a calming moment to the memory of the Japanese fishermen who plied the nearby waters. Surrounded by the waters of the Pacific there's hope that we too will emerge from this global pandemic stronger and more aware of our ties to the world.
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