arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

A Walk Through Coronado’s History

A place of rich modern and ancient heritage

The modern history of Coronado began in 1886 with the formation of the Coronado Beach Company, which for many years was the driving force behind the development of the peninsula as a town and resort destination. But for generations before that, the area had been inhabited by the Kumeyaay (Iipay / Tipai), who were the San Diego region's first peoples. They established fishing villages in Coronado and used the area for hunting and gathering. The last of the Kumeyaay inhabitants were forcibly removed from Coronado in the early 1900s.

The Story of Coronado's Modern History

Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado became one of California’s most beloved seaside destinations, with its Queen Anne architecture, wedding cake trim and famous red roof turrets. The resort community increased its popularity with the rise of Tent City, a large summertime campground that sprung up at the foot of The Del and grew to encompass over 1,000 tents. Recreation included swimming facilities, carnival booths, a Ferris Wheel, aquaplaning, sailing and numerous activities for the entire family. Tent City remains a fond memory for some residents of Coronado and vacationers worldwide who visited the peninsula between 1900 and 1939.

Treasured Traditions

Many of Coronado’s treasured modern traditions began in the first quarter of the 20th century. The founding of the Horse Show, Annual Flower Show, the arrival of the Prince of Wales and the early experiments in aviation on Naval Air Station North Island, including the departure of Charles Lindbergh for his epic transatlantic flight in 1927, established Coronado as a city with fascinating tales.

Prominent Personalities

Coronado has long been a haven for prominent personalities, including the Duke of Windsor, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, more than a dozen U.S. presidents and many celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, Douglas Fairbanks and more. Coronado has also hosted numerous movie productions, including Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, and The Stuntman with Peter O’Toole, Barbara Hershey and Steve Railsback.

Getting There

Until 1969, Coronado could only be reached by ferry or by driving along a narrow, seven-mile isthmus called the Silver Strand, which attaches Coronado to the mainland. Ferry service became more limited with the opening of the sweeping $50 million San Diego-Coronado Bridge. This graceful, two-mile bridge is the only officially dedicated scenic highway of its kind.


Learn more about the story of Coronado on a fascinating heritage walk through the Museum of History and Art. After exploring the museum, tour historic Orange Avenue, the neighborhoods of Coronado’s grand homes and Hotel del Coronado.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Stay 5 Save 25%

Surfer Beach Hotel
Valid: Jan 22 - ongoing

Stay longer, save bigger. Non-refundable reservation. 

Restaurants

Couple's Night

The Butcher's Cut
Valid: Apr 19, 2024 - ongoing

Experience culinary bliss at Couples Night at The Butcher's Cut! For $75 per couple, revel in shared moments over Lobster Bisque for 2. Indulge in the Trio Special featuring a 6oz New York, Lobster...

Accommodation

Elevate your Event with Andaz and Save!

Andaz San Diego
Valid: Feb 21 - ongoing

Promotional concessions available for corporate and social events occurring between November 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

Events to check out

Event

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

Event

Electric Bike/Train Coastal Tour

Dynamite Electric Bike Tours
Aug 7, 2024 - ongoing

Want to ride the rails and explore on your electric or road bike? The tour begins at the Solana Beach Train Station where you will board the train, with your bike, headed to Carlsbad Village. ...

Event

Parade of Lights Premier Dinner Cruise

City Cruises
Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024

Watch the festively decorated local boats as they make their way around the San Diego Bay for the San Diego Parade of Lights Premier Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet dinner with freshly...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish