There are so many dynamic, gorgeous and hospitable destinations throughout the Southwest. These are the places to stay, not just for a day, but for at least a few days to get a taste of culture, culinary gems, outdoor adventures and more. Coronado Island, often called the “Crown City,” is a picturesque Southern California vacation spot known for its wide sandy beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant waterfront. 

Just across the bay from San Diego, the island offers relaxation, local charm and a sense of sophistication.

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Traveling to Coronado: The best of coastal beauty and history

Coronado has a relaxed, coastal feel, with tree-lined neighborhoods that mix historic homes with colorful public art and one-of-a-kind shops. Parks and piers make it easy to slow down and take in sweeping views of the bay and Pacific, while tide pools offer a peek at sea life just offshore. Sailboats drift by, historic hotels invite long stays, and the whole island carries a laid-back elegance that feels idyllic and timeless.

A conveniently located Southwest destination

 Less than 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport via the sweeping San Diego-Coronado Bridge, visitors can also arrive by ferry, which provides stunning skyline views of the city and harbor. Once on the island, quiet streets, pedestrian paths and bike-friendly routes make exploring easy.

Where to stay: From Victorian charm to stunning waterfront views

Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado is the crown jewel of the island, blending Victorian charm with modern luxury. Guests can spend the day on the wide private beach, gather around a fire pit for evening stories, or participate in guided historic tours that tell the hotel’s storied past. 

Depending on the season, the hotel offers family-friendly activities such as movies on the beach, holiday light displays, and special spa experiences, along with a heated pool year-round.

Glorietta Bay Inn

Across the street, Glorietta Bay Inn offers a unique boutique retreat with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The property, housed in a 1908 mansion, features spacious rooms and suites, many with private balconies or patios, along with lush gardens, a heated pool, and cozy common areas. 

Families are drawn to the inn for its casual, kid-friendly amenities, including complimentary bicycles for exploring the island. Its central location puts guests close to the heart of Coronado, and each day they can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and unwind with afternoon refreshments.

The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa offers waterfront rooms, multiple heated pools, and a full-service spa, making it ideal for both relaxation and recreation. Guests can take part in yoga, guided bike tours, jet skiing, and seasonal activities, while the private pier provides scenic views of the bay and Coronado Bridge. 

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Loews Coronado Bay Resort sits on a 15-acre peninsula, blending luxury with a relaxed coastal vibe, with a private marina offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and bike rentals. Guests can also unwind by bayfront fire pits or enjoy treatments at the Sea Spa.

Coronado restaurants offer elevated and playful dining options

The island’s dining options reflect the easygoing yet refined character of Coronado, combining upscale restaurants, coastal inspiration and sweet treats. 

Nobu del Coronado

Nobu del Coronado, opened in 2025, serves Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in an oceanfront setting, offering dishes like Black Cod with Miso, Squid “Pasta” with Garlic Sauce, and A5 Wagyu alongside a curated selection of sake and Japanese whiskeys. 

Village Pizzeria

Village Pizzeria has long been a local favorite, delivering hand-tossed pizzas, pasta and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Il Fornaio Coronado

Il Fornaio Coronado serves fresh pasta with views of the San Diego skyline. MooTime Creamery provides a nostalgic ice cream parlor experience with inventive sundaes, homemade waffle cones, and seasonal flavors, perfect for families. For breakfast, locals recommend European-style café Tartine for pastries and paninis. 

Orange Avenue 

Orange Avenue is lined with cafés, bakeries, and fine dining spots, where visitors can enjoy everything from fresh seafood and California-inspired cuisine to coffee shops. Highlights include Clayton’s Coffee Shop for classic breakfasts and pastries, Parisian cafe and wine bar Little Frenchie, and Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar for fresh seafood in a nautical-inspired setting with a lively bar and patio.

Recreation in Coronado: An outdoor lover’s paradise

Coronado’s golden beaches set the stage for long days in the sun, whether it’s swimming, playing volleyball, or taking a long walk along the shoreline. On the water, visitors can kayak, paddleboard, sail, or even join a private eco-tour, while Coronado Dog Beach gives pups a place to splash and play off-leash. 

For a different view, the Coronado Gondola glides through canals lined with waterfront homes and lush greenery. Families often rent surreys, four-wheeled bikes that seat two to six riders, from Wheel Fun Rentals and pedal the island’s scenic streets, or head down the Silver Strand, a seven-mile stretch of sand with the Pacific on one side and the bay on the other. 

Golfers can tee off at Coronado Municipal Golf Course, where 18 holes come with beautiful views of the bay and downtown San Diego. For the artistic crowd, Lamb’s Players Theatre stages everything from classics to contemporary productions, while Coronado Ferry Landing mixes boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and some of the best skyline views in town. 

As for a quieter escape, paths around Glorietta Bay lead to tide pools, birdwatching, and piers that are perfect from sunrise to sunset.

For more information, visit discovercoronado.com.