Coronado Beachepitomizes California’s famous mix of glamour, laid-back culture and naturalbeauty. It’s a short drive from downtown San Diego over the Coronado Island BayBridge, accessible by car, water taxi, or a 15-minute ferry ride. The area,known for its white sand beach that sparkles with jet-black mica, has been apopular vacation destination with Hollywood celebrities and families alikesince it was established in the late 1880s.
Coronado, which means“the crowned one” in Spanish, is a regular on “best beach” polls. You’llunderstand why once you leave the city behind, kick off your shoes and dip yourfeet into the gentle waves. Try your hand at water sports including fishing,boating, body-surfing and jet-skiing. Or, splash around in one of the manyshallow pools that form in the sand when the tide is low. Ocean Boulevard,facing Central Beach, is lined with glamorous mansions, chic shops andexpensive restaurants. Have a drink or just take in the beautiful lobby at theregal Hotel del Coronado, madefamous in the films Some Like it Hot (1959) and The Stunt Man (1980). Theclassic Victorian-style architecture of this 1888 mansion is still impressivetoday. The hotel’s guest book reads like a who’s who of America: Thomas Edison,Magic Johnson, Bill Clinton and Babe Ruth to name a few.
Thereis free parking along Ocean Boulevard but you’ll need to get there early tofind a spot. To explore a little further afield, head to the nearby beaches ofGlorietta Bay and Silver Strand. From Glorietta Bay you will have a good viewof the striking San Diego-Coronado Bridge. If you come to Coronado by water,take some time to explore the Ferry Landing area. Browse art galleries,boutiques and gift shops, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings whiledining at one of the cafés or restaurants here. Come on a Tuesday for thefarmers’ markets, which showcases fresh, locally grown produce.
