How to Spend 1 Perfect Day at Coronado Beach
Are you looking for a beach destination that has it all? A place where you can enjoy the sparkling sand, the historic charm, and the fun activities? Then it would help if you visited Coronado Beach, one of the best beaches in the US.
Coronado Beach is located on the island of Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego. It is famous for its stunning views, iconic hotel, and dog-friendly area. Whether you want to relax, explore, or play, Coronado Beach has something for everyone.
This article will show you how to spend a perfect day at Coronado Beach. We will cover how to get there, what to do in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and what to pack for your trip. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your Coronado Beach adventure.
Ready to discover the beauty and charm of Coronado Beach? Let’s get started!
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How do you get to Coronado Beach from San Diego?
There are four options for getting to Coronado Island from San Diego:
- Driving across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge
- Taking a ferry or water taxi across The Big Bay
- Driving across the seven-mile Silver Strand peninsula
Here are some details on each option:
Driving across the Bridge
The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is a 2.12-mile long and five-lane wide bridge that connects San Diego and Coronado. It has a distinctive curve and a clearance of approximately 200 feet, allowing the tallest ships to pass beneath it. The bridge offers scenic views of the bay and the city skyline.
The bridge is accessible from Interstate 5 and State Route 75. There is no toll to cross the bridge.
Taking a Ferry or Water Taxi for Coronado Beach
The Coronado Ferry, operated by Flagship Cruises, leaves from downtown San Diego: the Broadway Pier and the San Diego Convention Center. It travels to and from the Coronado Ferry Landing, just a few minutes across the bay.
The ferry runs every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The fare is $5 per person one way, and children under three ride for free.
The Water Taxi offers on-call service to and from the Ferry Landing Marketplace, the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, and the Glorietta Bay Marina across from the Hotel del Coronado. The Water Taxi operates from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the fare is $10 per person one way.
Driving Across the Silver Strand
The Silver Strand is a narrow strip of land that connects Coronado to the mainland. It is also known as State Route 75 and runs along the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The Silver Strand offers views of the beach, the wildlife, and the naval base.
The Silver Strand is about seven miles long, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to drive from one end to the other. There are several parking lots and access points to the beach along the way.
Things to do in the Morning at Coronado Beach
Here are some suggested activities for you:
Take a Walk or Bike Ride along the Beach
Coronado Central Beach is a 1.5-mile-long beach that sparkles with mica in the sand. You can enjoy the views of the ocean, the city skyline, and the Hotel del Coronado. You can rent a bike downtown on Orange Avenue, at the Hotel del Coronado, or at the Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Have Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Many options for a delicious morning meal in Coronado, such as Clayton’s Coffee Shop, Cafe 1134, or Tartine. You can find a variety of dishes, from pancakes and eggs to croissants and quiche.
Visit the Coronado Museum of History and Art
This museum showcases Coronado’s rich history and culture, from its origins as a resort town to its role in the military and the arts. You can learn about the famous guests of the Hotel del Coronado, the naval aviation history, and the local artists and celebrities. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is $5 for adults and free for children under.
Activities to do in the Afternoon at Coronado Beach
Based on our research, these are some must-do activities for you:
Tour the historic Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado is one of the most iconic buildings in San Diego County, with a rich history of hosting celebrities, royalty, and even a ghost. You can explore the hotel’s architecture, gardens, and shops or join a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating stories.
Shop and Dine on Orange Avenue
Orange Avenue is the main street of Coronado, where you can find a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can browse for souvenirs, books, art, clothing, and more, or enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many eateries.
Try some Water Sports on the Bay
Coronado Beach offers many options for water activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, or surfing. You can rent the equipment from the Ferry Landing Marketplace, the Hotel del Coronado, or other vendors and have fun on the water.
Evening Activities at Coronado Beach
Here are some possible activities that you should do in the evening:
Watch the Sunset on the Beach
Coronado Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. You can bring a blanket, a picnic, or a bottle of wine and relax on the sand as the sky turns into a colorful canvas.
Have Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant
There are many options for a delicious meal with a view in Coronado, such as Il Fornaio, Peohe’s, or Candelas on the Bay. You can savor the cuisine, the ambiance, and the scenery of the bay and the city skyline.
Catch a Show at the Lamb’s Players Theatre
This is one of the leading professional theatres in San Diego, featuring a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. The theatre is located in the historic Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue, and it offers a cozy and intimate experience.
Packing list for the Coronado Beach.
- Bathing suits: You will need them to enjoy the sparkling sand and water of the beach.
- Beach cover-up: This will help you protect your skin from the sun and provide quick coverage when needed.
- Sunglasses will shield your eyes from the sun’s glare and make you look stylish.
- Hat: This will protect your face, chest, and shoulders from the sun’s rays. You can choose from a baseball hat or a big floppy sun hat.
- Beach towel: You need this to dry off after swimming or lounging on the beach. Some hotels or resorts may provide beach towels, but you can check beforehand to be sure.
- Beach bag: You will need this to carry your beach essentials, such as sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, books, etc.
- Sunscreen and aloe vera: These are important to prevent sunburn and soothe your skin if you get one.
- Light layers: Depending on the weather and the time of the day, you should bring some light clothing, such as a cardigan, a wind jacket, or a sweater, to keep you warm and comfortable.
- Designer duds: If you plan to visit some upscale places, such as the Hotel del Coronado, Orange Avenue, or the Lamb’s Players Theatre, you may want to bring some elegant outfits, such as a dress, a suit, or a pair of heels.
- Hiking gear: If you want to explore the natural beauty of the island, such as the Bayshore and the Coronado Beach, you should bring some hiking gear, such as boots, activewear, and a reusable water bottle.
Some Tips for the Maximum Fun
- Check the water quality before you go. Sometimes, the ocean water may be closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels.
- Bring your dog to the North Beach. This is a dog-friendly beach where you can let your furry friend run and play off-leash. Just make sure to follow the rules and clean up after your pet.
- Visit the Hotel del Coronado. This historic and iconic hotel has hosted celebrities, royalty, and even a ghost. You can tour the hotel, shop at its stores, or dine at its restaurants.
- Try some water sports on the bay. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats, or surfboards from various vendors and have fun on the water. You can also take lessons or join tours if you are a beginner.
- Watch the sunset on the beach. Coronado Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. You can bring a blanket, a picnic, or a bottle of wine and relax on the sand as the sky turns into a colorful canvas.
FAQs
Coronado Beach is famous for several reasons, such as:
- It is next to the Hotel del Coronado, a historic and iconic hotel that has hosted celebrities, royalty, and even ghosts. The hotel was also featured in Marilyn Monroe’s 1958 film “Some Like it Hot”.
- It’s dog-friendly North Beach, where locals and visitors can bring their furry friends to run and play off-leash.
- Its various activities and attractions include water sports, shopping, dining, museums, and theatres.
Coronado Beach is located on the island of Coronado in San Diego County, California. Coronado is connected to the mainland by the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the Silver Strand peninsula.
Coronado Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the US, with its sparkling sand, historic hotel, and dog-friendly area. You can reach Coronado Beach by driving, taking a ferry, or using public transportation.
Yes, anyone can go to Coronado Beach. Some beaches in Coronado, including Gator Beach and Breakers Beach, are closed to the public. These are inside the island’s Navy bases for military families and guests.
Del Coronado is a historic beachfront hotel in Coronado, California, famous for several reasons. Some of them are:
- It is one of the rare surviving examples of the wooden Victorian beach resort genre, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
- It has hosted many celebrities, royalty, and presidents, such as Marilyn Monroe, Edward VIII, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- It was featured in the 1958 film” Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.
- It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan, a maid who died mysteriously at the hotel in 1892.
Conclusion
You’ve just learned how to plan a perfect day at Coronado Beach, one of the best beaches in the US. You’ve discovered how to get there, what to do in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and what to pack for your trip. Now, you’re ready to enjoy this beautiful island’s sparkling sand, historic charm, and fun activities.
