Discover Coronado, Ca.
Coronado Ferry Landing Fountain
Gondola Cruise along Coronado
Situated just across the Big Bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is most notably known for two famous structures, the historic Hotel del Coronado and the distinctive San Diego-Coronado Bridge. But beyond these architectural marvels, the quaint island community of Coronado offers visitors an experience that is a world apart.
Consistently ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the U.S., Coronado's coastline offers gentle surf and sparkling sand beaches (courtesy of the mineral Mica) that draw in visitors from around the world. Add to this a charming small-town quaintness, with elegant gardens, old-world mansions, unique shopping experiences, and dining options with spectacular ocean views, no wonder it's been dubbed as "The Crown City" (Coronado is Spanish for "the crowned one").
Spend the day relaxing on the beach or rent a bike and tour the island via Coronado's beachfront boardwalk. Take a stroll down Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters and the Coronado Historical Museum. At the other end of the island, Coronado's Ferry Landing offers a collection of over 20 shops, art galleries and restaurants boasting stunning views of San Diego's downtown skyline. The Ferry Landing also offers low cost Ferry service across the bay to Seaport Village on the edge of downtown.
And no trip to Coronado would be complete without a visit to the Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark, the hotel has a fascinating and colorful past which includes royalty, politicians, scandals, ghosts and celebrities. It's also widely believed to have been the inspiration for the Emerald City in L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz.
For more information on Coronado activities and events, check out the Coronado Visitors Center.
Getting to Coronado
From the North: Coronado is just a bridge away. The San Diego-Coronado Bridge (California route 75) can be accessed from Interstate 5. Once across the bridge, Orange Avenue is the main thoroughfare on the Island.
Note: Walking to Coronado from San Diego is not an option. The bridge is for vehicles only: pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards and skates not permitted are not permitted. The only exception is during the Navy's Original Bay Bridge Run/Walk when you can actually run across the bridge.
From the South: Coronado is connected to the mainland by the Silver Strand. Silver Strand Boulevard (California route 75) begins off of Palm Avenue in San Diego's South Bay and becomes Orange Avenue once you hit the central area of Coronado.
By water: Visitors can also get to the island via a 15-minute ferry boat or water taxi ride from downtown San Diego.
What to Know
- Traffic on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge can get a little congested during morning/late afternoon rush hours and weekends so best to check ahead and plan accordingly. No toll to be prepared for though!
- Avoid bridge traffic with a 15-minute ferry or water taxi ride - a great alternative to driving
- The speed limit is 25 mph on the island to ensure safety with cyclists who also share the roads
- Friendly beach lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 am to dusk
- Smoking is banned on all of Coronado's beaches and parks
What to Love
- Coronado's famous beaches are known for their fine white sand that sparkles in the sun thanks to the mineral mica
- Coronado's clean beaches are perfect for families. In 2011, Parents Magazine named Coronado Beach the #4 Best Beach in the U.S. for Families
- A Golf Digest writer called Coronado Golf Course "a gem I consider the best value in the United States"
- The popular Coronado Flower Show has been held annually since 1925!
- When viewed from the air, the sand dunes along Coronado Beach spell Coronado
- Spreckels Park sits in the heart of Coronado - a perfect spot to picnic and people watch
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