With summer upon us, more people choose to move their workout outdoors, taking full advantage of the not-too-hot but not-too-cold San Diego climate. Find out how to enhance the experience by incorporating art into a workout, simultaneously exercising both mind and body. Known by residents and tourists alike for the variety and abundance of public art exhibits, San Diego’s downtown provides the perfect backdrop for this 2.5-mile walking tour along the San Diego Bay. For runners trying to find a unique course to keep them from getting bored or parents looking for an educational summer activity to get their children off the couch, this tour will stimulate both heart rate and brain activity. Walking, running or biking is encouraged, with intermittent stops to appreciate public art — and to admire the literal translations and contemplate abstract interpretations. With considerations for both parking and scenery, North Harbor Drive is a great place to begin an art walk. While strolling along the promenade, pedestrians will not only take in breathtaking views of the harbor and Coronado Island, but immediately take notice of the Urban Trees 7 exhibit — 30 sculptural “trees,” commissioned by the Unified Port of San Diego. This annual exhibit aims to capture the essence of the port’s maritime, environmental and civic character. For one-half mile along Harbor Drive between Hawthorn Street and the cruise ship terminal, pedestrians enjoy the artistic expressions of several artists’ work, placed in actual tree planters lining the waterfront. San Diego resident Franklin Lee Cota captured the spirit of the vibrant downtown nightlife through his shimmering sculpture of a dancing woman in “Bayside Dance.” During the dedication ceremony last October, he chose the sculpture as the background for which to ask his muse, Nicole Moreno, to marry him. “It seemed like perfect timing,” said Cota, “I couldn’t think of a better stage to be able to propose to her.” Hoping to see more public art crop up around the city, Cota is no newcomer to the local art scene. He previously collaborated with two different artists on other “trees” in years past, before taking the liberty of creating his very own sculpture this year. His work is currently on exhibit at the Samuel Collection in La Mesa, and on Aug. 27 he’ll be featured at the HeART of Mt. Helix event — spending the day creating a sculpture to be auctioned off during the park foundation’s annual fundraiser. Following the sculptural “trees” along the harbor, pedestrians will pass by the USS Midway, Maritime Museum of San Diego, various harbor cruise lines and several waterfront dining options. In between the USS Midway and The Fish Market is one of five sculptures in the Greatest Generation series of U.S. military art, “Unconditional Surrender.” A recognizable image for most Americans, this 25-foot sculpture by J. Seward Johnson depicts the famous photograph taken in Times Square of a sailor embracing a young nurse, kissing her during the announcement of the end of World War II. Continuing past the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military, and the USS San Diego Memorial, boats and yachts fill the scenic marina with their creative and often clever boat names. Nearing the bustling businesses of Seaport Village, Embarcadero Marina Park displays Donal Hord’s black granite sculpture, “Morning,” a 6-foot rendering of a muscular man stretching his arm, as if arising after a good night’s sleep. Following Harbor Drive even further, the San Diego Convention Center comes into view, extending for several bocks. Embellishing the steps of the convention center’s bayside entrance is Leonardo Nierman’s sculpture “Flame of Friendship,” showcasing lustrous flames made of metal. Rounding the south end of the convention center at Eighth Avenue and Harbor Drive, rotating steel trees near the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel offer a serene resting spot, while the new Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge ribbons through the nearby skyline, reminiscent of a nautical wind sail. At 550 feet, the bridge is one of the longest self-anchored pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. “Public art can also be functional,” said Derek Danziger, vice president of marketing and communications for Centre City Development Corporation, the leading agency behind downtown’s redevelopment efforts. “It evolves neighborhoods and creates meaningful experiences, giving people a specific destination to visit and more of a community identity. “Arts and culture are important to any great city,” he said. “Many times public art even serves as an economic generator, since people tend to patronize the shops nearby.” On the lawn of the convention center is world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s 38-foot sculpture, “Coming Together,” creating a larger-than-life human face divided in half, with one side mirrored and the other side multi-colored ceramic, representing the integration of the self. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Garden spans 12 acres in Iris Sankey Arboretum (Kit Carson Park, Escondido), and is home to nine of de Saint Phalle’s freestanding sculptures. It represents the only American sculpture garden in existence and the last major international project created by de Saint Phalle before her death in 2002. Her work can also be seen in Balboa Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Concluding the tour — for those fortunate enough to gain entry to Petco Park — is the infamous 10-foot Tony Gwynn statue by William Behrends. Located in Park at the Park, the former “Mr. Padre” is shown in action swinging a bat, presumably during one of his 20-year career games with the Padres. To avoid retracing steps and trekking back down Harbor Drive (unless you’re really looking for a workout), take the trolley directly from Petco Park. While waiting for the next trolley to roll in, visit the sparkling waters of the Children’s Park Fountain or utilize the playground at the Children’s Museum Park, located along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade on Island Avenue at Front Street. Downtown San Diego is full of free art, and this is just a sampling of what’s available, free of charge. Follow this route or create your own. For more information, visit www.portofsandiego.org/public-art or www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/publicart.