Founded in 1885 by Hampton Story and E.L. Babcock, Coronado sits on a peninsula just 5 miles from downtown San Diego.
If you’re staying downtown, you can reach Coronado Island via the 2 1/2-mile long Coronado Bridge, or hop aboard the Coronado Ferry, which departs Broadway Pier nine times daily.
Start your visit at the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the world’s most beautiful Victorian seaside resorts. Built in 1888, the Del remains one of the hottest vacation spots in California, complete with luxury vacation villas, gourmet dining and stunning ocean views.
The Coronado Historical Association offers walking tours of the Hotel Del and some of Coronado’s famous buildings. Don’t miss a peek at Wizard of Oz author L Frank Baum’s home on Star Park Circle (1101 Star Park Circle), or the infamous Spreckels Mansion (1043 Ocean Blvd.), built by Hotel Del owner John Spreckels in 1907. President Clinton vacationed in the historic Crown Manor estate (1902), which overlooks Coronado Beach (1015 Ocean Blvd.). At 20,000 square feet, it’s the largest home in Coronado!
Consistently named one of the best beaches in America, Coronado Beach is known for its gentle rolling waves and expanses of soft sand that are perfect for surfing, swimming and volleyball. In between sunbathing, you can head into Mootime Creamery for some hand-scooped gourmet ice cream, then come back at sunset for a signature Coronado Margarita at the Hotel Del Cabana Bar.
Coronado Village runs along Orange Avenue, a chic little shopping district that’s packed with luxury boutiques, theaters and charming restaurants. It’s a great place to ride your bike, linger over a frozen yogurt, or join a Coronado Segway Tour.
A few miles south, Silver Strand State Beach beckons visitors with its breezy winds that are perfect for kite surfing. For something more laid-back, the Gondola Company offers romantic sunset gondola rides in Coronado Cays.