Summer Fun in Coronado

With its palm-lined streets, 25 miles of sparkling beaches and average summertime temperature of 75 degrees, sun-kissed Coronado is an ideal summer travel getaway, located a bridge away from downtown San Diego. In addition to enjoying a plethora of beach activities like surfing, standup paddleboarding and volleyball, visitors to this popular island paradise can choose from a number of signature summer events, including a spectacular star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, entertaining outdoor concerts and the nation's original surf dog competition. . Following are some fun-filled events that will shine this summer and showcase the small-town charm of the "Crown City":

. RED, WHITE & BLUE

Coronado's Fourth of July Celebration is the most popular Independence Day event in San Diego County. As one of the nation's original Navy towns, tracing its military roots back to 1911, Coronado takes great pride in its Navy heroes and military heritage. Today, the city is home to Naval Air Station North Island and three aircraft carriers along with the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado where the elite Navy SEALs train. .
On July 4th, locals and visitors alike converge for a full day of festivities, including a 5K/15K run/walk beginning at 7 a.m. at Tidelands Park, a rough-water swim at 9 a.m. at Central Beach and a patriotic parade at 10 a.m. down Orange Avenue, complete with military bands, floats and Navy aircraft. Tens of thousands of Navy personnel, their families and spectators line the parade route with red, white and blue proudly displayed. The day continues with "Art-in-the-Park" and an afternoon concert in Spreckels Park and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. over Glorietta Bay.

. TIME TRAVEL

Coronado's rich and colorful history comes to life at the Coronado Museum of History and Art (1100 Orange Avenue) which explores the Crown City's early days, including the prominent U.S. military presence and history of the Hotel del Coronado. . The museum's current exhibition, "Coronado on the Frontline: 1942-1945," vividly portrays what was happening on Naval Air Station North Island, at the Hotel del Coronado and throughout the island after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Photographs, documents, letters and postcards from the Museum's archive, as well as artifacts representing Coronado during this period are on view. A soundtrack from the era and a 1940s-style living room vignette provide a realistic backdrop, and one poignant component focuses on the Japanese-American neighbors, friends and workers in Coronado. The exhibit is on display through October; admission is free.

. FUN WITH FIDO

The 7th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition takes to the waves 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 16 at neighboring Imperial Beach. This popular tail-wagging event features dozens of dogs hanging 10 in the small, large and tandem (dog and owner on the same surfboard) categories; plus, expert surfers participate in the tandem event and perform radical tricks with their pooches for spectators.

. SPORTING GOOD TIME

On August 26, visitors have a rare opportunity to cycle over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge during the 6th Annual Ride the Bridge-Bike the Bay. This noncompetitive 25-mile bike ride along Bayshore Bikeway also passes through Coronado's Tidelands Park, beautiful Silver Strand State Beach and along Glorietta Bay, as well as through neighboring San Diego, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City. Registration is required.

. LET THE MUSIC PLAY

A beloved local tradition, the Promenade Concert in the Park Series takes place every Sunday evening, May 27 through September 9, in Spreckels Park near the center of town. Visitors can enjoy cool live music while picnicking; admission is free. .
Taking place from 2-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during May 26 - September 30, the Coronado Ferry Landing Summer Concert Series presents free live music concerts on picturesque San Diego Bay. Featured local musicians include the Stiletto's, Don Lee, Teagan Taylor Trio, Crown Island Jazz Band and Coronado Big Band.

. CURTAIN CALL

Lamb's Players' Theatre, Coronado's award-winning, year-round professional theater company with a resident stage on Orange Avenue, presents two productions during the summer. During June 8 - July 29, Lamb's debuts the new World Premiere musical "Joe vs. The Volcano," based on John Patrick Shanley's niche film favorite about a young man who rediscovers his life and learns about love, adventure and the importance of a good set of luggage. .
During August 17 - September 23, "See How They Run" takes center stage. Philip King's hilarious caper is set during war-time Britain and is filled with extraordinary characters, mistaken identities and unexpected visitors. .
The Coronado Playhouse, an intimate, 100-seat cabaret-style theatre overlooking Glorietta Bay, also presents two summer productions: the hilarious comedy, "The Man Who Came to Dinner," during June 29 - August 5, and Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," during August 31 - September 23.

. Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on Coronado or the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/coronado.

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