Coronado Island Travel Guide:

The Top 5 Can't-Miss Things To Do and See in Coronado Island, California

Sometimes you just need a break from everything. A place where you can relax, enjoy the sweet sunshine and salt air of the ocean, and forget about the rat race. While you might think those kinds of places are only figments of our imaginations, I am here to tell you that there is such a place of tranquility that isn’t as far away as you think.

Coronado Island has been offering its peaceful delights to thousands of tourists and residents for almost a century. Nestled on the other side of the San Diego bay across the curved Coronado Bridge, this beautiful little community has many options, from restful getaways to family-friendly fun adventures. No matter what you seek or what your soul needs to be refreshed a bit, you will find it on Coronado Island.

But where to start? It is impossible to pick just five must-see things to do, but we will try.

Relax on the Beach - Sleep in the Sun and Salt Air

There are several beaches to choose from, but most people are attracted to Coronado Central Beach, which is situated just near the Hotel Coronado. The beach is one of America’s Best, has consistently won awards, and is perfect for family outings with its moderate wave action. The beach is large and wide, with plenty of spots to choose from, so you won’t have to worry about sharing your space with strangers. Activities include rentals, boogie boarding, wave paddling, or even resting while working on your tan. You can rent a cabana at the Hotel Coronado and have food and beverages served - even if you aren’t a hotel guest. Pretty cool, huh? Parking is easy (either at the Hotel Coronado or in one of the public lots), and as you might expect, lifeguards are present.

If you need to find a beach where Fido is welcome, just north of the Central Beach is a North Beach where doggies can run unleashed and frolic in the water. North Dog Beach is a great place to spend the day letting your pet enjoy the water. (Be sure to clean up after your pet so others can enjoy the scenery).

A couple of other beaches are worth mentioning. Silver Strand Beach is state-run, with a daily parking fee of 10 dollars on weekdays and 12 dollars on Saturdays-Sundays. Check with the State Parks and Recreation Division for any price increases over a holiday weekend. If you are staying at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, it is an easy walk from the resort to the beach. Both South Beach and Silver Strand are generally less crowded than their northern counterparts, and the wave action is less, so if you have any water phobias, this is the beach you should explore.

Walk around Hotel Del Coronado - It’s Filled with History

Hotel Del Coronado is a beautiful example of the vibrant life of the jazz days when the rich and famous wriggled their toes in the sand. This resort has been serving clients of all kinds for nearly 130 years with its upscale amenities, including the likes of movie stars, presidents, and British royalty. There are rumors of ghosts wandering the halls (including a haunted room you can stay in if you dare). The resort is just steps from the beach, where you can rent cabanas and firepits or just walk around exploring countless shops and restaurants. If you stay, expect to pay resort fees and higher prices because this place is popular. (Self Parking is $40 per day, for example).

While visiting, indulge your palette in some of the best food on the planet. The best are Serea Coastal Cuisine for an evening in the ocean breezes or breakfast at Sheerwater. If you need a sugar rush, walk around the corner toward Orange Ave and get some made from scratch ice cream at MooTime Creamery (my favorite is white chocolate strawberry in a homemade waffle cone). Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for this deliciousness; by the way, you’ll probably have to wait in line - it is that popular.

Catch a Show at Lamb Players Theatre

Lamb Player’s Theater is a glorious intimate non-profit theater serving the Coronado community for years. This company is artist-led, with educational activities designed to support San Diego artisans and actors trying to find a venue to showcase their talents. From concerts to plays to everything in between, the small theater offers an up-close experience. Located inside the 1917 Spreckels building, the theater only seats a limited number of people, and while tickets are not that expensive ($24 - $92), the experience is well worth it. The theater has several dining partners close by, but we suggest you might want to check out ChezLoma for a romantic meal before the show.

During the pandemic, the theater offered only two productions during the 2020 season, but the troupe is back up, offering a full lineup for 2022. You will need to procure tickets in advance; because of the theater size, there is minimal seating.

Shop til You Drop on Orange Avenue

If you are a shopaholic, there is no better place than the quaint boutiques of Orange Avenue. A mile-long stretch from Hotel Del Coronado to the Bayside Coronado, there are many shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. Many boutiques are locally owned small businesses that aid the local community. There are many ways to explore, spend money and do your part to keep the local economy thriving. The shops at Orange Beach are an easy walk, but you should allow plenty of time to explore and eat.

Be sure to stop by Miguel’s Cocina for a margarita with lunch. Or, if an espresso or mocha latte is more your style, try any number of great coffee shops like Clayton’s Coffee Shop, whose old-time diner feel (complete with red upholstery) will transport you back in time.

Make a Hole In One

Coronado Island has a very playable municipal golf course that won’t rob your wallet with overpriced green fees. The Course has some great views of the Coronado Bridge and Bay. The course is relatively flat, while several holes run along the water's edge, so be sure to keep your tee shots straight and true. Rated as one of the best golf courses in the county, this 18 holes - 72 par course will not challenge serious golfers, but it has enough risk/reward decisions to make many shots nailbiters. After your round, swing by Feast and Fareway for a beer to cool down.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Coronado Island?

There are many ways to get from place to place on the island, from car to trolly bus to sedan rental. Many locations rent bikes or golf cart rentals if your group is small, and the local Trolley runs all day and lets you hop on and off. A party bus or limousine is the best transportation method if you need to get your group from place to place with minimal fuss. Rental companies such as the San Diego Charter Bus Service can offer many worthwhile suggestions. Interested parties can call a customer service consultant for details on this and many other options.

BOOK NOW