Coronado Island is one of the top most-visit areas in southern California due to its pristine sandy beaches, rich downtown district, and the numerous watersports that it features. Even though it is located directly across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado feels like a quaint beachside town, separate from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Whether you are looking for a vacation for the whole family, or a quiet romantic getaway with just the two of you, Coronado Island is a gorgeous place to take a trip!
Things to Do in Coronado Island
Like many seaside cities in California, the beaches on Coronado Island are a highlight that you don’t want to miss! The wide, sandy beachfront that lines the coast of the island offers plenty of things to do in Coronado, like space to spread out with a beach towel, throw a frisbee, or play a game of beach volleyball. The signature sparkling sand of Coronado comes from the mineral mica, giving it a unique reflective quality that you won’t find anywhere else! Rent a bike and ride down the coast, or better yet, get in the water and have some fun! Coronado is also known for its water sports, and there are plenty of opportunities to kayak, surf, snorkel, sail, and more all around the island!
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado Island, however, is more than just beautiful beachfront. The Hotel del Coronado is a beautiful part of Coronado’s history, and is perhaps why the island is known as such an amazing vacation destination. Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado was built in just 11 months and was the largest resort hotel in the world at the time it was built. President, princes, and socialites have graced its halls during its storied history. Now, Hotel del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark and a fun place to visit, both for its architecture and decor, as well as its legendary status.
Downtown District
Coronado Island has a few places that could be considered a downtown district. Orange Avenue is the main drag on the island, and it is lined with local shops and restaurants, as well as museums, galleries, and theaters. Here you’ll find the Coronado Museum of History & Art, a great place to stop and get a taste of the island’s history. However, across the island resides Coronado’s Ferry Landing, which also boasts a fair number of restaurants, shops, and galleries, and also offers breathtaking views of the San Diego coastline.
Coronado Island is a fun place to spend an afternoon, a weekend, or longer in this fun and quiet beachside vacation spot! Visit some of our favorite Coronado beaches below:
(Image by Bernard Gagnon (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)
