Best Things to Do in Coronado: A Locals Guide

Nestled just across the waters from downtown San Diego lies Coronado Island, affectionately dubbed the “Emerald City.” This enchanting enclave, though small in size, boasts a rich history and allure that captivates visitors from near and far. At its heart stands the illustrious Hotel Del Coronado, a beacon of luxury and timeless elegance, drawing guests to its storied shores. Nearby, Balboa Park offers a historical and cultural experience, with its notable architecture contributing to the area’s rich legacy.

Coronado exudes the essence of a quintessential Southern California beach town. Its streets are imbued with an undeniable charm that harkens back to simpler times. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil family retreat, a romantic sunset picnic, or a day of exploration amidst breathtaking views, Coronado offers an idyllic setting to fulfill every traveler’s desires. The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the Ferry Landing neighborhood, provides picturesque views of the San Diego skyline and convenient access to local attractions.

Within this guide, I unveil the best things to do in Coronado. From its sun-kissed beaches to its vibrant cultural scene, I aim to illuminate the best experiences and hidden gems, ensuring that your trip to this coastal paradise is nothing short of spectacular. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through Coronado’s enchanting landscapes and intriguing history, as we uncover the essence of this captivating destination.

History of Coronado

Coronado Island is technically not an island but a peninsula off of downtown San Diego. It’s a popular San Diego travel spot and you can reach the island by driving across the Coronado bridge, driving down the Silver Strand, or a ferry. There are two main hubs on the island:

The first is the Coronado Ferry Landing where there are multiple shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of downtown San Diego. Then there’s Coronado Beach (located in front of the Hotel Del). It was named one of the top beaches in the world because of the wide stretches of flat beach space and golden sand.

Orange Avenue is the main street of Coronado. Orange Ave connects the two hubs of town and is lined with shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater! You can take Orange Ave through Coronado, and it eventually turns into the Silver Strand where the views will leave you speechless (you can even see Mexico from this beach). Glorietta Bay Inn, a historic property near the Hotel del Coronado and Glorietta Bay Park, offers a tranquil waterfront experience while being close to the vibrant Coronado Village.

Things to Know Before Visiting Coronado

• You can take a ferry from downtown San Diego tickets are $9 per ride and you can find the schedules here (children under 3 are free). It doesn’t operate all day so make sure you’re aware of the return times.
• The traffic can get busy during rush hour being that the navy base is located on the island and there is one main road in and out of the island.
• On the north end of Coronado Beach, there is Coronado Dog Beach, a leash-free environment that allows pets to roam freely year-round. It offers a more relaxed experience compared to the more crowded Coronado Central Beach.
• Alcohol is prohibited on most beaches and the beaches have an 11 pm curfew.

Getting to Coronado

By Car: The Coronado Bridge

Driving to Coronado Island is a breeze, especially when you take the iconic Coronado Bridge. This architectural marvel not only connects Coronado to downtown San Diego but also offers some of the most breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline. As you drive across, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The bridge is easily accessible from Interstate 5, leading you directly to Coronado’s main thoroughfare, Orange Avenue. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the drive over the Coronado Bridge is an experience in itself, setting the stage for the charming adventures that await on Coronado Island.

By Ferry: A Scenic Ride

For those who prefer a more leisurely approach, the Coronado Ferry offers a scenic and relaxing ride from downtown San Diego. This 15-minute journey provides stunning views of the San Diego skyline and the picturesque Coronado Island. The ferry docks at the Coronado Ferry Landing, a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of the city. It’s a delightful way to start your visit, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the bay and the skyline before you even set foot on the island. Plus, the ferry landing is conveniently located near many of Coronado’s attractions, making it a perfect starting point for your adventure.

Historic Downtown (Coronado Village)

At the heart of Coronado Island lies Historic Downtown, also known as Coronado Village. This charming neighborhood is a delightful blend of historic allure and modern vibrancy. Strolling through Coronado Village, you’ll encounter the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a beacon of luxury and history. The area is brimming with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, each adding to the neighborhood’s unique character.

Orange Avenue, the main street, is lined with boutiques, eateries, and attractions, making it a bustling hub of activity. Whether you’re exploring the historic sites, enjoying a meal at one of the many Coronado restaurants, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Coronado Village offers a quintessential Southern California experience. And with Coronado Central Beach just a stone’s throw away, you’re never far from the sun, sand, and surf that make this island so special.

What is Coronado Famous for?

Since the early 1900s, filmmakers have been coming to Coronado to use as a backdrop for movies. But in 1958 the iconic Hotel Del made Hollywood history by becoming the filming location of “Some Like It Hot”. Marilyn Monroe and the entire crew stayed at “The Del” during the duration of the shooting. You’ll notice most of the shops in the hotel will have Marilyn Monroe souvenirs. Learn more about the filming of the movie.

Did you know Emerald City in the classic novel and film “The Wizard of Oz” was inspired by Coronado? The famous author L. Frank Baum frequently rented a home here from 1904 to 1910. During those summers, he wrote 3 of his Oz series books in said home. Finally, you can also visit the house. This quaint yellow historic home is located at 1101 Star Park Circle. You can still spot the wicked witch above the door (pictured above – it’s a private residence so be respectful when visiting).

Fellow book nerds: you can view the first editions of the Oz Series books located at the Coronado Library.

The Hotel Del Coronado

Constructed in 1888 The Hotel Del Coronado is one of the main reasons people visit Coronado. Also, the most iconic San Diego hotel. It is a premier destination for a luxury hotel experience and the locals call it “The Del”. In 1977, it was marked as a historical landmark, and it is located right on the main beach in Coronado. It has more than 400 rooms, private suites to rent located right on the beach (named Baby Village), and five restaurants. Finally, Celebrities have been flocking here since the early 1900s. Some of the most famous are Marilyn Monroe, President Franklin Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, and Charles Lindberg.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE HOTEL DEL

Not only that but the hotel is suggested to be haunted. Back in the day a woman checked in under a fake name and was found dead a few days later. The authorities marked it as suicide but there was some skepticism surrounding that verdict. People have been known to experience some paranormal activity at The Del and in 1992 the hotel launched a 12-month investigation with a paranormal expert. You can learn more about that study here.

Dining at The Hotel Del

• Serea: Opened in 2019, offers sustainable coastal cuisine set against a coastal/boho decor.
• The Sun Deck: casual eatery located right on the beach with great cocktails and small eats.
• Babcock & Story Bar: featuring the hotel’s original mahogany bar.
• Taco Shack: located on the beach this casual shack serves cocktails and tacos.
• ENO Market & Pizzeria: Grab-and-go foods for the beach and delicious coffee.

Christmas at the Hotel Del

One of the most magical places during Christmas in San Diego is the Hotel Del. People flock here for the experience, ice skating rink, and winter village. There are multiple Christmas trees throughout the property, an actual ice skating rink on the beach, and artisanal stands selling hot chocolate and snacks. For more Christmas Activities in San Diego head to this blog post!

LOCALS FUN FACT: There is a historic home in Coronado that resembles the Hotel Del. The locals call it “Baby Del”. It’s one of San Diego’s most historic landmarks and is located at 1144 Isabella Avenue.

Best Things to Do in Coronado

Visit the Hotel Del: Stating the obvious here a visit to Del is a MUST and has many activities to enjoy especially during the summer months. Hotel Del is one of San Diego’s largest beach resorts with a rich history.

Rent Beach Chairs at The Hotel Del: Enhance your summer experience by lounging in style with chair rentals starting at $25 at the iconic Hotel Del.

Visit the Ferry Landing: The Coronado Ferry Landing offers a plethora of activities from shopping to dining. Relax on the serene beachfront, savoring treats from our favorite haunt, Coronado Coffee Company, all while relishing unparalleled views of the San Diego skyline.

Take surfing lessons: What is more quintessential California than a surfing lesson? The Coronado Surfing Academy offers tons of lessons for each type of surfer.

Take a Gondola Ride: Indulge in the romance of a Venetian-style gondola ride through the scenic Coronado Cays. Packages start at $119, promising an enchanting excursion through tranquil waters.

Rent Bikes: Explore the island’s beauty effortlessly by renting bikes, offering a leisurely means to discover the cities charm within an hour or two. Explore the island like a local with the quintessential beach cruiser experience, reveling in the island’s allure.

Have a Picnic in Spreckels Park: Escape to the serene oasis of Spreckels Park, nestled along Orange Avenue. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst lush surroundings, with the bonus of Sunday summer concerts to elevate your experience.

Historic Walking Tour: Delve into Coronado’s rich history with a captivating walking tour, unveiling the island’s storied past and notable landmarks. Immerse yourself in the essence of Coronado with one of the best tours San Diego has to offer.

Go to the beach: Experience the bliss of Coronado’s pristine beaches, including the renowned Coronado Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and dog-friendly shores. Embrace the sun, sand, and surf, soaking in the coastal splendor of this idyllic destination. Visitors can also explore other hotels like the Hotel Del for a luxurious stay.

Best Restaurants in Coronado

The Henry ($$): My favorite restaurant on the island that is great for brunch, walk-up coffee, or dinner! Get the French toast and thank me later.

Serea ($$$): located at the Hotel Del this restaurant serves Mediterranean and Portuguese-inspired cuisine. The patatas bravas are INCREDIBLE!

Little Frenchie ($$): Parisian-style restaurant serving delicious cocktails and French-inspired meals. Also great for brunch on the weekends!

Miguels Cocina ($$): Delicious Mexican food with a casual atmosphere – get the queso, it’s famous in San Diego.

Il Fornaio ($$$$): Italian fine dining with beautiful views of downtown San Diego.

Buona Forchetta ($$): Casual Italian restaurant serving Napolean-style pizzas and delicious pasta. Loews Resort also offers fine dining options with oceanfront views.

Best Photo Spots

• The Hotel Del
• Bayview Park
• Coronado Bridge Viewpoint
• Centennial Park
• Coronado Beach
• Ferry Landing Pier

Well, that about covers it friends! Thank you for reading my Locals Guide to Coronado Blog Post! I hope you’ve found some useful information to use for your trip and don’t forget to check out my Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide.

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