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Across the bay from downtown, San Diego's iconic beach community.
The exclusive beach community of Coronado is just across the bay from Downtown San Diego. It's where my readers and clients ask to stay the most, thanks to the iconic beachfront Hotel del Coronado.
Coronado also makes an excellent day or half-day trip on a San Diego itinerary. Below, I've collected my best Coronado travel tips, guides to Coronado Island attractions, and information about where to stay.
Pretty beaches, Hotel del Coronado, and more near downtown San Diego.
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Good to know
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The Hotel del Coronado is located in Coronado Village. This central neighborhood is the heart of Coronado Island and is known for its historic charm, vibrant shopping and dining options, and close proximity to Coronado Central Beach, where the hotel is situated. Staying in Coronado Village provides easy access to many of the island's attractions, with the Hotel del Coronado being one of the most iconic landmarks in the area.
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The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa is located in the Ferry Landing neighborhood. This area is known for its stunning views of the San Diego skyline, easy access to the Coronado Ferry, and a vibrant selection of waterfront shops and restaurants. Staying at the Coronado Island Marriott offers a blend of resort amenities and convenience, especially for those looking to explore both Coronado Island and downtown San Diego.
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Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located in the Coronado Cays neighborhood. This area is a bit more secluded compared to other parts of Coronado Island, offering a resort-style experience with beautiful waterfront views and close proximity to Silver Strand State Beach. The Cays are known for their luxury homes, marina access, and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful and upscale stay.
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The Glorietta Bay Inn is located in the Glorietta Bay neighborhood. This area is adjacent to Coronado Village and offers a scenic, peaceful environment with beautiful views of the bay. The inn itself is a historic property, providing easy access to nearby attractions such as the Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Yacht Club, and Glorietta Bay Park. It's an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy a serene waterfront experience while still being close to the amenities and activities in Coronado Village.
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The North Island Naval Air Station area primarily caters to military personnel and their families, offering lodging options such as Navy Gateway Inns & Suites and Navy Lodge North Island. These accommodations are available to those with military connections and provide convenient access to base amenities. For general public accommodations, nearby neighborhoods like Coronado Village or Ferry Landing offer a wider selection of hotels.
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The South Island neighborhood offers a more residential and less touristy experience, ideal for visitors who want to enjoy Coronado like a local. It's a peaceful area with fewer crowds, hidden dining gems, and easy access to outdoor activities at Tidelands Park and the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy biking, jogging, and a quieter atmosphere.
A few notes
We seek out
Coronado's beaches
Coronado Beach Alerts. Ocean water is tested with a rigorous system. When bacteria levels are high, the County closes the ocean for swimming. Warnings and closures can occur after rainfall, but can also trigger without rain. Run-off from the Tijuana River can impact Coronado beaches, especially Silver Strand State Beach, about four miles south of Coronado Main Beach. The ocean opens and closes without warning, so the hotels do not keep guests (and it is difficult for us to do the same) up to speed on the status of ocean swimming. Always check sdbeachinfo.com for the latest. The sand on the beach remains open when the ocean is closed, so you can still play beach games and sunbathe.
Why families love it
Save up to 50% on over 50 attractions including Coronado Ferry and water sports rentals.
View offer ›Includes San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and a few others people staying in Coronado tend to see.
View offer ›The Old Town Trolley can pick you up on Orange Avenue not too far from Hotel del Coronado and take you to Old Town and multiple other stops.
You don't have to go to Venice; you can take a fun ride with a gondolier in Coronado Cays near Loews.
Head over by car across the famous Coronado Bridge or through Imperial Beach. Uber works well from the airport.
Skipping cars is encouraged on the island. Riding bikes or renting golf carts to get around anyway is more fun. Try Holland's Bikes, Wheel Fun Rentals, or Coronado Golf Carts (reserve a four-person, six-person, or eight-person cart).
Circuit offers free, sometimes shared, rides across the island and even down to Silver Strand. Download the app.
Stop in to ask questions and tour the museum (free) at 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118.
Most people who stay in Coronado have rental cars. However, it's possible to go carless using the methods listed above. You can also rent from the Enterprise on Orange Avenue or Avis inside Loews Coronado Bay for the day.
Street parking in Coronado is free, but it's timed. If you plan to stay all day, look for paid lots.
For weather, come between July and October. For price, come in the shoulder seasons of September (after Labor Day) to early November, or January to mid-March.
You still need to read my guide before you go, which has everything to know before you book plus access to my VIP benefits.
Yes. It's technically a land-tied island connected to Imperial Beach by a sandy isthmus called a tombolo you can drive on.
Can I visit Hotel del Coronado without staying there?
Yes! The shops, restaurants, beach, and some activities like s'mores roasts and beach chair rentals at Del Beach are open to the public. Also, locals LOVE to attend the holiday events like ice skating in the winter, Halloween pumpkin carving, and roller skating in summer.
Where can I rent beach gear?
Hotel del Coronado offers chair, umbrella, lounge chair, and cabette rentals on their Del Beach area. Coronado Golf Carts also rents beach chairs and umbrellas. If you're renting baby gear from a place that delivers to Coronado hotels, like Toddlers Travel or BabyQuip, they often have beach chairs and umbrellas you can add to your order. Some convenience stores sell beach chairs, but here's a hot tip: Little Sam's Island and Beach Fun inside El Cordova Hotel rents beach chairs and umbrellas for an EXCELLENT price (for San Diego). You need to call because you can't book online.
Can I walk from the ferry to Hotel del Coronado?
You can. It's a flat walk, but it might take you 30 minutes. A lot of people take Uber. In the summer, there's a free shuttle that runs between the ferry terminal in 15-minute intervals. The buses run along the existing San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) 904 around the downtown Village area. And there's also Circuit, which we mentioned above.
How well does Uber work?
Uber and Lyft are fairly easy to use in San Diego. Many people who visit Coronado use Uber between the ferry terminal and beach. A lot of our clients rely only on Uber to get around when they stay in Coronado.
Where can I find free parking?
Free parking in Coronado is limited. It's free but timed on Orange Avenue. It is impossible to avoid paying for parking if you're spending the night at Hotel del Coronado. There are paid lots in multiple places on the island.
Most Hotel del Coronado reviews are based on a single stay. This one draws on 25 years of repeat visits, hundreds of client stays, and an ongoing relationship with the resort team across the property’s five neighborhoods.
A detailed guide to seven Coronado beaches on the ocean and bay including amenities, parking, things to do and more San Diego fun.
Why El Cordova Hotel, a Spanish-style boutique hotel in Coronado, may be right for your San Diego beach vacation. Hint: The location & suites.
A guide to the best Coronado restaurants from take-out to waterfront on San Diego’s island paradise. All are family-friendly.
I’m a San Diego-based luxury travel advisor with firsthand experience living in a luxury hotel. I specialize in booking Beach Village — with exclusive VIP perks.
See what it’s like to spend a morning enjoying a massage and the facilities at The Spa at Coronado Island inside the Marriott.
My expert guide to a fun day trip to Hotel del Coronado—no room key required. This plan is for day visitors only. For my review of rooms and overnight stays, please see my other guide.
What you need to know about spending the day at Del Beach at Hotel del Coronado where rentals are available for day and overnight guests.
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