“The Crown City”

Set against the backdrop of storied and iconic Hotel del Coronado, featured in Marilyn Monroe’s 1958 film “Some Like it Hot,” Coronado is the quintessential San Diego postcard experience and a great place for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family beach vacation. The long sandy beaches here are special and literally sparkle, thanks to the mineral mica in its golden sand, which is one of the reasons Coronado is consistently voted one of America’s finest beaches by The Travel Channel, Dr. Beach, and many others.

A drive across the 200-foot tall Coronado Bridge treats you to one of the best views in all of San Diego, as you descend upon the charming and picturesque oceanfront community of Coronado. A day at the beach is a must, along with a stroll along Orange Avenue shops and restaurants, and a pint of local suds at the award-winning Coronado Brewing Company. Coronado is also a popular stop on the Old Town Trolley Tour and can be accessed from Downtown using the Coronado Ferry or a water taxi.

Coronado named one of the Top Beaches for Families in 2014 by Family Vacation Critic.  Read more here. 

Where to go

• Coronado Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard with a backdrop backdrop of fine homes and mansions and the Hotel del Coronado at the southern end.
• North Beach dog-friendly, frequented by locals and their canine companions.
• Glorietta Bay offers a unique view of the Glorietta Bay Hotel and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. With a large grass-filled park, restrooms, playground equipment, and a small beach area, Glorietta Bay Beach is a great beach for families.
• Silver Strand State Beach is located 4.5 miles south of Coronado Village along the Silver Strand. An underpass allows access to bayside beach and picnic areas and Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
• Ferry Landing Marketplace offers a sandy beach area adjacent to fishing/ferry pier. With a grassy lawn and sweeping views of San Diego Bay, this is a great place to take in views of downtown San Diego while enjoying the tranquil waters of the bay.

Parking

• Free parking on Ocean Boulevard and Ferry Landing Marketplace
• There are designated lots for those staying at the hotels or resorts.

Bathrooms & Showers

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

Lifeguards

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

Popular Activities

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

Directions

• From the 5 freeway just south of downtown San Diego, take the Coronado Bridge (now toll-free) over the bay to Coronado Island. The bridge lets out onto to 3rd Street. Turn left on Orange Avenue and follow it down past the Hotel Del Coronado to Coronado Bay Road and look for signs to parking.