Highlights

Coronado Beach, popular with locals, families, and tourists, is located on the ocean side of Coronado Island, south of the Naval Air Station and continues south to the Hotel Del Coronado and beyond.

Swim, surf, sail, bodyboard, fish, or just fall asleep in the sun. Coronado Beach is the perfect beach to spend an entire day or weekend sprawled out under an umbrella until the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Other activities include beach volleyball, tide pool exploration, and kite flying. There is also a bike path south of the Hotel Del Coronado that runs all the way to Imperial Beach. Also, January through March, you can see migrating whales on their journey to Baja California.

Logistics

Coronado Beach has public 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.

Getting There (Coronado Map)

Coronado Beach 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 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.

Insider Tips

Coronado has the widest expanse of sand of any beach in San Diego County. There’s always plenty of room for the kids and adults to play catch, fly a kite, or simply run in the sand. While parking can be challenging in Coronado, arriving early in the day generally guarantees a good spot close to the beach.

Along with its beautiful beach, Coronado features outstanding parks that are perfect for a quiet day in the sun. Glorietta Bay Park offers a boat ramp, children’s area, and small sandy beach. Spreckels Park, located in the middle of the island, frequently hosts art and craft fairs on weekends and holidays. We enjoy a day at the park in Coronado as much as the beach.

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

Coronado Bike Riding, Cycling