Spring is a colorful and delightful time to visit Coronado, a bridge or ferryboat ride away from downtown San Diego. As the weather begins to warm, the "Crown City's" sun-kissed setting beckons visitors, blooming with gorgeous gardens and spectacular floral displays, as well as exciting sporting events, popular outdoor concerts, a classic car showcase, grunion runs and more.

FLORAL FETE

On April 26-27, the Coronado Floral Association presents the 89th Annual Coronado Flower Show, a cherished Coronado tradition since 1922 and the largest tented flower show in the nation. Each year, this floral fete draws thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. 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, beer and wine garden and food pavilion. Tickets are $5 for adults; free entry for children under 12. www.coronadoflowershow.org

Visitors can walk or bicycle to award-winning "Home Front" gardens throughout Coronado Island, designated with 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 couple of free events coincide with the Flower Show weekend including:

• Art-in-the-Park, an outdoor art gallery in Spreckels Park, showcases local artists on April 27.
• The Friends of the Library Book Fair takes place on April 26-27 in Spreckels Park.

Visitors can join in the festivities as the U.S. Navy commissions its new USS Coronado combat ship - the third to be named after the City of Coronado - on April 5 at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island; a rare and auspicious occasion for the public to view the second of the Navy's sleek new Independence class of trimaran littoral ships up close. Limited tickets are available on a first come first serve basis at www.coronadocommissioning.net.

Now in its 24th year, MotorCars on Main Street on May 4 is a free classic car show featuring more than 350 pre-1973 hotrods, convertibles, roadsters, trucks and other custom cars on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Isabella and Orange Avenues in downtown Coronado; admission is free. www.coronadomainstreet.com

On April 19, families are in for a hopping good time during the Easter Egg-stravaganza & Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Coronado Community Center, featuring egg hunts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. www.coronado.ca.us

Lamb's Players' Theatre, Coronado's award-winning, year-round professional theater company with a resident stage on Orange Avenue, presents two shows during the spring: "Quilters," March 21 - April 27, a musical celebration of the extraordinary pioneer women who helped settle America's West, and Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," May 23 - June 29, the Bard's effervescent comedy of love, longing, impersonation and mistaken identity, set at the Hotel del Coronado in the 1930s. www.lambsplayers.org/season2.php

FINE TUNE

Kicking off on March 9 and continuing through May 18, the Coronado Ferry Landing Spring Concerts take place from 1-4 p.m. every Sunday at the Coronado Ferry Landing shops. Visitors can enjoy performances from local bands and spectacular views of San Diego Bay. www.coronadoferrylandingshops.com/events-sandiego-coronado.htm

GO FISH

During March through June, visitors can observe one of most unique natural phenomenon in Southern California, the grunion runs, when thousands of small silvery fish spawn on Coronado's beaches during the night after the new and full moon. www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunionschedule.asp

GOOD SPORT

7th Annual SUPERSEAL and 4th Annual SEAL Sprint Triathlons take place on March 16. Designed by local Navy SEALs who 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. For a less intense course, the SEAL Sprint consists of a 500-meter swim, 20K bike ride and 6K run. Room packages are available at nearby Loews Coronado Bay Resort. www.superfrogtriathlon.com

The U.S. Navy's 28th Bay Bridge Run/Walk takes place on May 18. 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 programs. http://mwrtoday.com/bridgerun

On May 18, the 18th Annual Loop Paddleboard Race, a 12-mile, hands only (no paddles) paddleboard race, launches from south Coronado Beach and loops north around Naval Air Station North Island into San Diego Bay, before finishing in Glorietta Bay. First-timers are welcome. www.eatonsurf.com/Events.htm

Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on Coronado events and activities, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, www.sandiego.org/coronado, download the free Visit Coronado mobile app at http://qr.coronadotourismdistrict.org or call (619) 236-1212.

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