Discover Coronado Beaches

Set against the backdrop of the storied Hotel del Coronado (featured in the classic Marilyn Monroe movie “Some Like it Hot”), Coronado is the quintessential San Diego postcard experience and a great place for a romantic getaway or fun-filled family beach vacation. The broad, sandy beaches here are stunning and literally sparkle, thanks to the mineral mica in these golden sands. It's just one of the reasons Coronado regularly lands on lists of America's top beaches.

A drive across the sweeping, 200-foot-high San Diego-Coronado Bridge treats you to one of the best views in all of San Diego, as you descend into the charming and picturesque oceanfront community of Coronado. A day at the beach is a must, along with a stroll along Orange Avenue and its many shops and restaurants, plus a pint of local suds at the award-winning Coronado Brewing Company. And you can try such fun activities as a gondola cruise with The Gondola Company, which offers private cruises through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Coronado is also a popular stop on the Old Town Trolley Tour and can be accessed from Downtown San Diego aboard the Coronado Ferry or a water taxi.

Popular Activities

• Surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, sunbathing
• Bodysurfing and swimming in gentle waves facing west, or tranquil waters facing the bay
• Tidepools during low tide at Coronado Central Beach

What to Know

• Some beaches have curfews starting at 11 p.m.
• Alcohol and smoking are prohibited at all beaches and parks.
• Traffic can be heavy. Like any popular area, Coronado’s streets can fill up with cars and pedestrians alike.

What to Love

• Tidepools during low tide at Coronado Central Beach.
• Making s’mores on the beach at the many fire pits located throughout Coronado’s beaches.
• Fishing from the Ferry Landing Pier.
• Beach volleyball at Coronado Central Beach.

• Coronado Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard, with a backdrop of fine homes and mansions and the Hotel del Coronado at the southern end.
• North Beach is dog-friendly, frequented by locals and their canine companions.
• Glorietta Bay offers a unique view of the Glorietta Bay Inn and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. With a large, grassy park, restrooms, a playground and a small beach area, Glorietta Bay Beach is a great spot for families.
• Silver Strand State Beach is located 4.5 miles south of Coronado Village along the Silver Strand. There is plentiful access along this stretch to bayside beach and picnic areas as well as the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
• The Coronado Ferry Landing boasts a small sandy beach just off the fishing/ferry pier. Backed by a grassy lawn, this is an excellent place to take in views of San Diego Harbor and Downtown San Diego while enjoying the tranquil waters of the bay.

Lifeguards

• Lifeguard stations are staffed seasonally depending on weather conditions and the number of beach patrons.

Bathrooms and Showers

• Restrooms and shower facilities are available at most beaches in Coronado and on the Silver Strand.

Directions

• From Interstate 5, exit onto the San Diego-Coronado Bridge (state Route 75) just south of Downtown San Diego and travel over the bay to Coronado. The bridge opens onto Third Street. Turn left on Orange Avenue and follow it toward the Hotel del Coronado.

Parking

• Free parking on Ocean Boulevard, near Coronado City Hall and Community Center and at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
• Designated lots for those staying at Coronado hotels or resorts.