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Coronado Beach

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Highlights | Logistics | Getting There | Insider Tips

Highlights

Coronado has perfect beaches to spend an entire day or weekend sprawled out under an umbrella until the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Swim, surf, sail, bodyboard, fish, or just fall asleep in the sun. Other activities include beach volleyball, tide pool exploration, and kite flying. There is also a bike path south of the Hotel Del Coronado. Additionally, in early winter, watch for migrating whales.

For some, the elegant Hotel Del Coronado— a cultural centerpiece of San Diego — is the primary reason for visiting the City of Coronado. But this tiny upscale island city, separated from downtown San Diego by bridge, also boasts flat sandy beaches, stately homes, boutiques, restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego.

This naval community is home to the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base and the North Island Naval Air Station. Coronado Municipal Beach, popular with locals, families, and tourists, is located on the ocean side of Coronado island, south of the naval air station, continuing past the Hotel Del Coronado. Just south of Coronado City Beach is the Silver Strand State Beach.

Logistics

Beach areas have fire rings, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Also, there is an off-leash dog area to the north. Park free on Ocean Boulevard, but plan to arrive before 11 a.m. on summer weekends to beat the crowds. Also, try the free parking lots on Avenida Lunar and Avenida de las Arenas.

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Getting There (Coronado Map)

Coronado is a short ferry ride or car trip across the San Diego Bay Bridge from downtown San Diego. From the Bay Bridge, travel several blocks on Third Street. Turn left onto Orange Avenue. Turn right onto R.H. Dana Place, which will take you to Ocean Boulevard. Coronado Municipal Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard from Avenida Lunar in the south to Naval Air Station North Island Gate 5 to the north. For those making their way leisurely across the bay, the ferry departs from downtown San Diego at the Broadway Pier. Bicycles are allowed onboard. You can get to Silver Strand State Beach by traveling south on I-5 from San Diego and exiting at Palm Avenue / Highway 75. Then go west on Palm and follow signs to Highway 75 and Silver Strand State Beach.

Insider Tips

For walking and biking, visitors will discover that Centennial Park (near the ferry landing at the end of Orange Avenue) is an excellent starting point. A wide concrete pathway runs east-west, affording dramatic views of downtown San Diego. You can rent bicycles near the Coronado Ferry Landing. Bike riders looking for a more challenging route can follow the same path south and east. At Tidelands Park, follow the pathway under the bridge, continue to Glorietta Boulevard, turn left, and continue until you see Pomona Avenue. Turn left on Pomona and continue to Silver Strand Highway, where you’ll soon see an asphalt pathway on the bayside. This pathway runs all the way to Imperial Beach! Riders of all abilities will enjoy this path. Stop along the way at Silver Strand State Beach. Round trip is over 20 miles, so be prepared with water and snacks.

Glorietta Bay Beach, south of the Hotel Del Coronado, is a nice alternative for families, offering the choice of both beach and playground in a park-like setting, with views of San Diego and the Coronado Bridge.

While visiting Coronado, be sure to take a gander at the upscale restaurants and shops at the corners of Orange and Pomona Avenues… and if you’re not already staying at the Hotel Del Coronado, drop by at sunset for drinks on the water.

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