With its palm-lined streets, 25 miles of sparkling beaches - including Coronado Beach, the #1 Beach in America - 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 outdoor activities like surfing, standup paddleboarding and golfing, visitors to this popular island paradise can choose from several signature summer events, including a spectacular star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, entertaining free outdoor concerts and the nation's original surf dog competition.

Following are some fun-filled summer events that showcase the small-town charm of the "Crown City."

RED, WHITE & BLUE

• Coronado's 65th Annual Independence Day Parade and celebration is the most popular 4th of July event in San Diego County. As one of the country'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, two aircraft carriers and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado where the elite Navy SEALs train.

  On July 4, locals and visitors alike converge for a full day of festivities, including a 5K run/walk and 15K run beginning at 7 a.m. at Tidelands Park, a rough-water swim at 9 a.m. along Central Beach and a patriotic parade at 10 a.m. down Orange Avenue, complete with military bands, floats and tens of thousands of spectators lining the route with red, white and blue proudly displayed. The day continues with "Art-in-the-Park" and an afternoon concert at 4 p.m. 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, "Kingston Trio: A World of Music," profiles this popular musical group of the 1950s-1960s and explores the important bridge they developed between American traditional and contemporary music and their ties to the communities of Coronado and San Diego. The exhibit is on display now through July 15; admission is free.

  In celebration of the Hotel del Coronado's 125th anniversary, the museum is also presenting a historic exhibit that pays tribute to the resort's contribution to the development of Coronado, including the Del's founders Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story who designed the picture-perfect island community and donated parkland, planted trees and were responsible for building the city's first school and library. The exhibit is on display June through September; admission is free.

FUN WITH FIDO

• The 8th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition-Unleashed by Petco takes to the waves on June 22 at neighboring Imperial Beach. Drawing thousands of spectators from across the U.S., this popular tail-wagging event features dozens of dogs hanging 10 as they're scored on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to "grip it and rip it." Expert surfers also participate in a tandem event, performing radical tricks with their pooches. New this year is an Unleashed by Petco Dog Park and complimentary Puppy Massage/People Massage area. Admission is free; VIP beach viewing is available for $75 per adult.

SPORTING GOOD TIME

• On August 25, 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 the scenic Bayshore Bikeway passes through Coronado's Tidelands Park, 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 26 through mid-September, in Spreckels Park near the center of town. Visitors can enjoy cool live music while picnicking; attendance is free.
• Taking place at 2 and 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during May 5 - September 29, the Coronado Ferry Landing Summer Concert Series presents free live music concerts along picturesque San Diego Bay. Featured local musicians include the Coronado Big Band, Teagan Taylor Trio, Nadro John and Crown Island Jazz 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 May 7 - July 7, Lamb's presents Fiddler on the Roof, one of the world's greatest musicals. During August 9 - September 22, The 39 Steps, a wild theatrical ride through the Alfred Hitchcock classic that is thrilling, magical and very funny, takes center stage.
• The Coronado Playhouse, an intimate, 100-seat cabaret-style theatre on Glorietta Bay, also presents two summer productions. During June 28 - August 4, the whimsical musical Carnival features acrobats, jugglers, clowns and a puppeteer. During August 30 - September 22, William Shakespeare's classic play The Tempest is performed.

Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on Coronado or the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site at www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/coronado.

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