Coronado Island, San Diego's Best Attractions
Coronado Island has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike since it was first discovered on Coronado Bay almost 100 years ago. In this vibrant community, you'll find a fabulous list of family-friendly vacation activities supported by a rich history.
You can easily spend a whole day at Coronado, especially if you're in my city.
With my affiliations, you can save on tickets, tours, and hotels. In exchange for the links in this post, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
1. Visit a Coronado Beach
Coronado beach lifeguards look out over the ocean from their towers.
As the best beach on the island and a free attraction, Coronado's shoreline takes precedence when visitors arrive. A mile and a half stretch of golden sand at Coronado Central Beach is actually covered with mica particles. This beach, protected by Point Loma, enjoys mild waves that are ideal for families. The beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado.
4 miles south of Hotel del Coronado is Silver Strand State Beach in front of Loews Coronado Bay Resort, which is a popular beach for everyday beachgoing. Parking fees are charged by the state since the beach is operated by the state. There are nature walks and Junior Ranger badges available for kids 7-12 on weekends. The site also allows RVs and tents to be pitched.
You can also visit Dog Beach, also known as North Beach, just north of Hotel del Coronado. San Diego offers one of the few off-leash beaches in the city. Bring your dog or watch other dogs play and enjoy the day.
A tour of the Hotel del Coronado
In Coronado, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach with red and white striped lounge chairs in front of Hotel Del Coronado.
There are Del Beach lounge chairs for rent.
Don't miss the Hotel del Coronado, one of the most iconic buildings in all of San Diego County, if not all of California. Over the course of the building's 130-year history, there are mentions of dignitaries, celebrities, and even royalty. In addition, it is one of San Diego's haunted hotels because of the interesting ghost story.
If you're not a hotel guest, you can rent a cabana, cabanette, or lounge chair at Del Beach. Food and drinks like Del Margaritas are available to order right on the sand.
It's fun to staycation at this legendary San Diego hotel. My detailed Hotel Del Coronado guide keeps you updated on the renovation and how it might affect your stay.
3. Go Tide Pooling
The Hotel del Coronado's front lawn is a fantastic place to see tide pools at low tide. Aside from lots of sand dollars tucked into the sand along the shoreline, you'll generally discover sea anemones, hermit crabs, small fish, and more here.
A little girl walks by Coronado tide pools in front of the Hotel Del Coronado.
Kids will enjoy exploring these tide pools.
Kids love these tide pools for exploring. The sand is pretty steady and you don't have to climb rocks to see sea creatures. And, its a free activity.
4. Keep an eye out for or learn from the Sandcastle Man
There's something fun about stumbling upon The Sandcastle Man's creations when we're staying at Hotel del Coronado. Its sort of mysterious sometimes. There's an unexpected sand sculpture waiting for you when you wake up.
He also gives lessons. This is a great way to enjoy a beautiful beach in America.
5. Visit a Sunken Ship
Coronado had anchored the famous SS Monte Carlo, a boat known for its prostitution and gambling. As a result of a storm in 1937, the anchor was lost, and the boat drifted to shore. The boat was not claimed by anyone as it had been used for illegal activities onshore.
At the lowest tides, the outline of the boat becomes visible in the sand. In the vicinity of the Hotel del Coronado, it's located about a quarter-mile away. The sighting is rare, but it is exciting if you can time your visit properly.
Above Coronado beach, the remnants of the SS Monte Carlo can be seen peeking out from the sand.
I am Jamie Lantzy, Owner or CC BY-SA 30, Creative Commons (http://www.creativecommons.org/) This image is a part of the Wikimedia Commons and has a GPL license [licenses / by-sa / 30)
Visit Coronado Island by foot
Despite its fame, the Hotel del Coronado isn't the only structure worth seeing in San Diego. Coronado's architectural history has resulted in an eclectic array of home styles. Take a stroll (or a bike ride) through some residential areas and see decedent Spanish styled homes, Mediterranean villas, and the 100-year-old Sacred Heart Church designed by Irving Gill.
With Coronado Heritage Walks, the Coronado Historical Association explores both the island's history and its famous buildings.
Let Your Sweet Tooth Have Its Way
Vacations are perfect excuses to indulge your sweet tooth, and Coronado has a variety of delicious sweets to choose from. With ice cream at Moo Time Creamery, savory cupcakes at Coronado Cupcakery at the Ferry Landing, and sweet pastries at Tartine, you'll find your indulgence on the island.
With sprinkles and whipped cream, it's the perfect ice cream brownie sundae.