This picture story was submitted by Ron Craig, Wasaga Beach
While visiting friends in Arizona in 2019, we decided one day to take a “day trip” to San Diego, California. It actually turned into a day and a half, with an overnight stay. On our journey, we passed through Yuma, Arizona, and some amazing scenery through the mountains along the way.
Upon arriving in San Diego, we discovered a fascinating mixture of old and new architecture, and iconic sights.
The Hotel del Coronado, also known as The Del and Hotel Del, is a historic beachfront hotel, in Coronado, which is just across San Diego Bay from San Diego. When the wooden hotel opened in 1888, it was the largest resort hotel in the world. It has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities, and been featured in numerous films and books.
This iconic 25-foot statue depicts the famous photograph “V-J Day in Times Square” that was taken on August 15th ,1945, celebrating the end of World War II. Often referred to as Unconditional Surrender the “official name” of this particular statue, according to the plaque, is Embracing Peace.
It stands in Tuna Harbor Park, with the USS Midway as a backdrop. The WW II Aircraft Carrier is now a museum, with proceeds supporting the operation of the park and surrounding area.
The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is in present day San Diego and was founded in 1769 by Spanish Friar Junipero Serra. The mission and surrounding area were named for the Catholic saint Didacus of Alcalá, a Spaniard more commonly known as San Diego. The mission is now a museum featuring many interesting artifacts recovered from excavations in the area.
