Monuments & Statues in San Diego

THE 10 BEST San Diego Monuments & Statues

Monuments & Statues in San Diego

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Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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15 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • Carrie D.
    Cleveland, OH1,987 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a beautiful National Monument! We enjoyed the film on the migration patterns of the gray whales. We walked up to see the lighthouse and the views from up there, which were as lovely as we expected. We loved the coastal trail and the tide pools. Cabrillo was an absolutely gorgeous place to spend a few hours in the morning—we’re just a little bummed that in the few hours we were there we didn’t spot any gray whales off the coast as we’d hoped.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terri Defilippi
    Reno, NV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This monument is beautiful. It is so nicely maintained. We were lucky enough to speak with a docent who showed us all the well known people on the plaques. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. I highly recommend it.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • daniel f
    Kemble, Canada824 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    How many of us remember the history picture showing the couple kissing at the wars end, I am sure a lot! Because of those 2 this statue was made to remind us that good always overpowers evil, a must see , to remember what it must of been like, and the feeling of Iam home, cherrs
    Written February 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • traveltheworld012
    Rochester, MN13,849 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On Saturday, November 18, 2023 we walked down to Tuna Lane to Tuna Harbor Park from our hotel. We came to see the statue Embracing Peace. As we were there I could hear music and a voice talking...it sounded exactly like Bob Hope. We went to investigate. Up a small rise and behind some bushes we came upon this memorial. We knew nothing about its existence, but it is quite interesting. You will find quite a few statues of veterans, some able bodied, others injured or in a wheelchair. In front of them is a statue of Bob Hope as if he were doing comedy at a USO show. Yes it is his recorded voice telling jokes. I am sure some veterans visiting will find this memorial compelling, especially if they had actually been at one Bob's USO shows. I really liked it, and I am not even a vet. I do remember seeing Bob on TV at one of these USO shows. It's cool, check it out if you are in the area.
    Written December 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • shabaron
    Rockville, MD120 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tower is worth the visit, especially since it was closed from 1930 to 2015 for refortifications against earthquakes. The views are beautiful at the top and the climb of many stairs is easy because your guide stops at each floor to tell you information, I was disappointed that the narrative at each stop wasn’t about the tower itself or even about Balboa Park, but rather was about the history of particular cultures of peoples around the area of San Diego and of their oppression, I didn’t really see why that was part of the tour of the tower.
    Written November 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • simply-peregrinating
    Waddington, UK2,758 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although on a smaller scaler than some of the other statues in the area this is still worth seeing. It is quite charming.
    Written March 10, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA2,011 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The bell is within a little pagoda. There is a statue of “The Girl in Red Shoes” next to the bell. Both of these are worth a stop and a few pictures if you walk along the ocean side of Shelter Island, but not worth a separate trip. Note near the Friendship Bell is an osprey nest. The nest is high up on a pole and there is signage in front of it. You might be lucky and spot the parents near the nest.
    Written January 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4,994 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located in NTC Park, we came across this memorial during our walk from our hotel.

    With jet planes taking off overhead we paused at a number of the 52 total marble commemorative markers. Each represented one submarine and detailed their successes as well as their final mission. Furthermore the names and rank of all sailors were also recognized.

    The memorial and park were located in the former Liberty Station naval training center.
    Written November 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tiberiu_Baranyi
    Timisoara, Romania12,986 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    In the harbor usually all the eyes are set on the USS Midway , still close by in small plaza / square - I don't know exactly what would be the name - is the USS San Diego Memorial.
    It is quite tall and shaped somehow to resemble a ships bow and on the side of it there is an effigy of a battle ship fighting aircraft - not perfectly and historically accurate since the San Diego was a light cruiser - nonetheless it does not take away the idea behind the memorial.
    On the walls you can find names of those who served with honor on the USS San Diego.
    In the middle you have the description of the USS San Diego's battle record - this was one of the most decorated ships in the US Navy during WWII - and also the listing of the major campaigns where this ship was taking part. Also at your feat there is the map of the Pacific region and you can follow the battles of WWII on this map.
    That's about it - I recommend you take a few minutes and stop here and remember those who served with honor.
    Written October 18, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheDocIsOut
    Portland, OR397 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok, I stopped because of the wonderful blue dome with gold stars I saw from the MLK Hwy 94 in San Diego. It is beautiful, magical, delightful. Check out the photos.

    This very large cemetery and mausoleum is filled with wonderful artwork.... sculpture, gravestones, bas-relief, stained glass, and wonderful architecture. If you find yourself fascinated by cemeteries, I suspect you will love this Catholic Diocesan cemetery that includes history, art and memories from a broad range of people.

    The cemetery (not the office) is open 7 days per week, including holidays. As a photographer, I found this place delightful.
    Written April 28, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • permia
    Ireland40,931 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A spectacular representation, by the Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa, is monumental at 25 ft tall. It is a most engaging depiction of a human form.

    Comprising slivers of material in characters from eight different alphabets, it reflects diversity in the city and beyond. It has apparently also been inspired by the adjacent Pacific.
    Written November 21, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • WickedCakes
    Columbus, OH1,320 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My friends parked next to the federal building, where this statue is located. Love the style and thought it was beautiful.
    Written May 13, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colin Archibald
    Kingston, TN4,468 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many people don't know that San Diego has a Tuna Fishing Fleet and that there is a Memorial to those who helped build this industry and those who were lost at sea. The Statue which is near the West end of Shelter Island depicts three men pulling in a large tuna. The back (towards the road) has a plaque with a tribute and names of those who are honored. A fitting tribute to some fine people that started the industry here and those who gave their lives to provide us with food source.
    Written March 31, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Calverton H
    Nelson, Canada11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    excellent on time service, clean seat and attentive staff.
    food was decent for the price, bathrooms were fresh,
    (unlike air canada)
    Written March 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tiberiu_Baranyi
    Timisoara, Romania12,986 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    In the shadow of the mighty USS Midway along Tuna Wharf you will find the Memorial erected in the memory of battle of Leyte Gulf, Admiral Sprague and the sailors and airmen of Task Force 77.4.3 (Taffy 3).
    It is a memorial consisting of 13 stone blocks listing the ships of the task force , the battle stars commanding officers and flight squadron leaders. In front is the bust of Admiral Sprague the officer who was commanding the Taffy 3 during the battle of Leyte Gulf.
    For those of you who are into history this is a place of interest for the others is a memorial where you can stop for a few min, pay the respects for the sailors and pilots who were fighting in the battle at Leyte.
    Entrance is free of charge , you can park nearby and if you are in the area for sure it is worth to take a few minutes and some pics at this memorial.
    If you are visiting the USS Midway and the Bob Hope memorial you can also stop here for a few minutes.
    Written March 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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