Spring is one of the most colorful and delightful times to visit the enchanted island of Coronado, located just a bridge away from downtown San Diego. As the weather begins to warm, the “Crown City’s” sun-kissed setting beckons visitors to view gorgeous gardens and spectacular floral displays, as well as participate in exciting sporting events, historic home tours, charming Easter celebrations, popular outdoor concerts and more.

FLORAL FUN

On April 21-22, the city of Coronado presents the 87th Annual Coronado Flower Show – a cherished Coronado tradition since 1922 and the largest tented flower show in the West. Each year this floral fete draws thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. This year’s theme is “A Floral Olympiad.” Flower exhibits are displayed inside tents surrounding a grand central gazebo, which becomes the stage for trophy presentations and live entertainment. There is also a flower marketplace and food pavilion. Tickets are $5 for adults; children aged 12 and under are free. 

Visitors can also visit award-winning “Home Front” gardens throughout Coronado, designated by First (blue), Second (red), Third (yellow) and Honorable Mention (white) ribbons displayed in the yards or windows of the homes. A list of the winners with addresses is available at the Flower Show. 

A number of free events coincide with the Flower Show weekend including: 

• Art-in-the-Park, an outdoor gallery in Spreckels Park, showcases local artists on April 21-22.
• MotorCars on Main Street, a classic car show, features 300 pre-1973 hotrods, trucks and custom cars on April 22.  
• The Friends of the Library Book Fair takes place on April 21 in Spreckels Park, across the street from the Coronado Public Library. 

HOME GROWN

On May 13, guests are invited to step back in time and view several historic Coronado homes during the annual Coronado Historic Home Tour. This popular neighborhood outing features an eclectic mix of architecture and time periods along with stories of World War II and its effect on Coronado life in the 1940s. Tickets cost $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers of the Coronado Historical Association.


HOP TO IT

On April 7, families are in for a hopping good time at the Easter Egg-stravaganza & Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Coronado Community Center, featuring egg hunts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 

On April 8, the Hotel del Coronado joins in the Easter festivities with fun for the whole family, including: 

• Old-fashioned egg hunts on the oceanfront Windsor Lawn from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Easter baskets are provided;
• Craft ‘Egg’Stravaganza fun zone on the south end of the Windsor Lawn from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.;
• Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny who will be roaming throughout the hotel property;
• An Easter champagne brunch buffet with classic holiday fare in the Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room.

HOTEL HAPPENINGS

During March 16-18, the Hotel del Coronado presents its premier “Be Well at the Del” weekend wellness retreat, featuring invigorating yoga classes on the beach with acclaimed instructor Luciana LoPesto. The weekend also includes an ocean-inspired spa treatment at the Spa at The Del, special fitness instruction, an herb garden reception, lunch with The Del’s master chefs, a wine and wellness dinner, breakfast at Sheerwater and two nights of accommodations. Cost is $735 per person. 


TUNE IN

Kicking off on May 27 and continuing through September 9, Coronado’s Promenade Concert in the Park Series is a beloved local tradition that takes place every Sunday at 6 p.m. in Spreckels Park. Performances include Coronado’s Lamb’s Players Theatre and popular bands like the Coronado Community Concert Band, Navy Band Southwest Show Band, Marine Band and Coronado Big Band.   

Kicking off on May 1 and continuing through September, the Coronado Ferry Landing Summer Concerts takes place every weekend, from 2-4 p.m., at the Coronado Ferry Landing shops. Visitors can enjoy performances from local bands and spectacular views of San Diego Bay.   


SPORTING GOOD TIME

The 5th Annual SUPERSEAL Triathlon & SEAL Sprint takes place on March 18. Designed by local Navy SEALs that train in Coronado, the SUPERSEAL Triathlon consists of a 1,500-meter swim in the Silver Strand State Beach Bay, a 40K bike ride and 10K run. The SEAL Sprint consists of a 500-meter swim, 20K bike ride and 6K run.  

The U.S. Navy’s 26th Annual Original Bay Bridge Run/Walk takes place on May 20. This noncompetitive four-mile run/walk offers spectacular panoramic views of Coronado Island and San Diego Bay as participants make their way from downtown San Diego over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Tidelands Park. Registration is required; proceeds benefit the U.S. Navy's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs.

Coronado Municipal Golf Course, one of the region’s most scenic golf courses with stunning views of Glorietta Bay and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, hosts two major golf tournaments this spring: the Coronado Rotary/Jim Laslavic Charity Golf Tournament on March 23 and the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) Annual Tournament on May 5 and 6.

Happiness is calling in San Diego.  For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.  In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego near the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla, or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.

# # #

12/11