Everyone knows about the beautiful white beaches and blue water of San Diego, CA. But there is a lesser-known (and equally gorgeous) area close by called Coronado. This large island is home to many resorts, parks, and even a lighthouse! If you’re in the mood for warm water, beautiful beaches, and relaxing bike rides along the coast of sunny California, check out Coronado and all the fun and peaceful things there are to do there. Read more to find out all these activities and start planning your visit.
1. Escape to the Hotel Del
There’s no mistaking Coronado for Kansas, but you might be surprised to find that the Hotel Del (one of Coronado’s biggest attractions) was the inspiration for the Emerald City in Wizard of Oz. The hotel itself is quite large and incredibly beautiful, but you don’t have to stay there to enjoy this ‘playground by the sea’. The hotel houses a salon and spa as well as a number of fun activities. Movies on the beach, painting by the sea, and even mermaid fitness are some of the unique activities the Hotel Del hosts. So swing by and check them out!
Hotel Del
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Telephone Contact: +1 6194356611
Website: Hotel Del
2. Work on your tan at the Coronado Central Beach
After you’ve tried out some mermaid fitness at the Hotel Del, go and work on your tan at the Coronado Central Beach! Take your favorite beach towel and lay out in the sun while the rest of your family runs and splashes in the turquoise waves. The sand is also incredibly soft and great for building all sorts of sand castles. Plus while you’re lounging on the beach you can get some amazing photos for your Instagram, because the water is some of the bluest on the West Coast.
Coronado Central Beach
Address: 919 Ocean Blvd., Coronado, CA 92118
Telephone Contact: +1 6194351867
Website: Coronado Central Beach
3. Go shopping at Ferry’s Landing
Take a break from running around on the beach and playing in the ocean to visit the shops and restaurants of Ferry’s Landing. Try seafood or Mexican/French fusion food at one of the many great restaurants along the pier, or go shopping in the picturesque shopping village. On Saturdays and Sundays Ferry’s Landing has a free weekend concert series. Take your whole family and get a glimpse of lovely San Diego while you’re at it!
Ferry’s Landing
Address: 1201 1st Street (at B Ave), Coronado, CA 92118
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm
Website: Ferry’s Landing
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4. Head over to Centennial Park for the perfect San Diego skyline shot
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The entire West Coast is unbelievably photogenic, but if you head over to Centennial Park you’ll be able to see the skyline of San Diego. Photographers love this spot at sunset, because it’s perfect for capturing the city of San Diego bathed in the spectacular pinkish orange light which is postcard worthy, even if you didn’t bring your good camera. Centennial Park has a sandy beach for sitting on and watching the sunset, but if you decide to take your dog with you they have to stay on the path winding through the park’s flowers.
Centennial Park, Coronado Landing Park
Address: First Street and Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Fees: free parking
Website: Centennial Park
5. Visit the Coronado Tidelands Park with the family
Take your entire family to play at Coronado Tidelands Park. This park is perfect for the family, and has a volleyball court for playing a quick game near the sea. There are also picnic tables if you’re planning on spending the afternoon eating while your cousins run and swing on the sand pit playground. After you’re done eating, make your way down to the beach and build some sandcastles with the soft sand.
Coronado Tidelands Park
Address: 3165 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone Contact: +1 6196866200
Website: Coronado Tidelands Park
6. Go biking and kayaking on the beach or island trails!
Bike and kayak tours: there are lots of bike trails on the beach and at various parks and shopping centers, so why not grab a bike and try your hand at riding around the island? Or perhaps you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to row around the river with your family. You can also find multiple kayak rental and tours and bike rentals in Coronado for a relaxing bike around the island.
Guided Kayak Tour
Price Range: From 56.85 USD per person
Departure point: Cabrillo Isle Marina
Departure time: on the hour between 9 am and 4 pm
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Website:
Bike and Kayak Rentals
Address: 1201 1st St, Ste 215, Coronado, CA 92118, b/t Orange Ave & C Ave, Coronado, CA
Contact: +1 8584541010
Website: Coronado Bike Rentals
Above all, have an incredible time!
In the land of warm beaches, beautiful sunny weather, and hotel resorts, there is no way you can really go wrong. But all the above activities are sure to bring you and your family some well deserved relaxing on the shores of Coronado, CA. Try for a beach movie and some shopping one day, a bike ride and swimming session another, and maybe throw in some kayaking or mermaid fitness if you have time for it. No matter what you decide to do in Coronado, the beautiful landscapes and abundance of good weather is sure to make your vacation a peaceful and memorable one. And who knows, maybe you’ll even come back with a tan!
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