A good friend recently moved to East Village, and I’ve been enjoying walking around town with her and her two dogs, Clyde and Chloe. One of our favorite loops involves a stretch parallel to the trolley and train tracks called the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
This flat, paved pathway is restricted to those on foot or mobility devices. Faster, wheeled traffic like bicycles, pedicabs, and scooters are supposed to take the paved pathway sandwiched between the trolley and train tracks.
Without the added chaos of bikes and scooters, the MLK Jr. Promenade is a safe spot for a slow stroll, which is great because you may want to take this one at a snail’s pace to admire the public art.
The Trail’s History. Originally called Marina Linear Park, this space was designed by landscape architects Martha Schwartz and Peter Walker. It was dedicated as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade in 1992. This three-quarter-mile walkway goes from the intersection of State Street & Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station. Be sure to look down occasionally for the plaques set in grass with words of inspiration from Dr. King.
Public Art. Along your journey you’ll spot various installations inspired by Dr. King. In the western section of the promenade, there’s Shedding the Cloak. Designed by the artistic trio of Jerry Dumlao, Tama Dumlao and Mary Lynn Dominguez, a “beacon” stands at the center of a hedge maze.
In the central section, you’ll find Dream by Roberto Salas. This work consists of five hand sculptures, with each hand spelling out the letters in the word “D-R-E-A-M” in sign language.
Near the Convention Center trolley station is Breaking the Chains by Melvin Edwards. This massive 25-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture not only commemorates the struggle of African Americans in the U.S. but also celebrates the artistic work of a Black artist.
Getting Here. You’re likely in for sticker shock if you drive and park downtown– especially if it’s a Special Events Parking Day and surge pricing is in effect at meters. Consider public transit. There are three trolley stops along or very close to the promenade: Seaport Village, Convention Center, and Gaslamp Quarter, all on the Green Line.
Other Nearby Attractions. At the promenade’s eastern end is Petco Park. The San Diego Padres’ season is wrapping up and the playoffs are likley!
The popular Children’s Park is midway along the promenade. The area has a dog park, adult fitness stations and restrooms. It’s the best spot along this route to find a shady seat or picnic table and sit for a while.
Here’s to less device scrolling and more sidewalk strolling in downtown San Diego! SDSun
Deanna Ratnikova is the creator of The GO Deck – grab a deck today and be inspired to Get Outdoors and GO on new adventures.
