If you’re huddled up next to the fireplace, wondering where you should book your next vacation, our team of experts here at Travel Off Path has just the place for you!
Sure, Florida is fine and dandy if you like crowds, but now is the perfect time to check out the West Coast.
Home to one of America’s most iconic hotels, where Marilyn Monroe once famously stayed and many other famous faces called home, there may be Starbucks, KFC, and name-brand grocery stores nowadays, but this ‘island’ has somehow managed to keep its timeless charm remarkably intact.
If you love small town charm, sprawling open beaches, endless restaurant patios, and both a sunny bayside and Pacific Ocean to choose from, historic Coronado, California is right up your alley — only 15 minutes from San Diego’s airport.
Cross SoCal’s Most Beautiful Bridge To A Nostalgic ‘Island’
You may have already noticed I bracketed the word “island” twice. That’s because Californians haven’t read a dictionary…
Coronado is well known as “Coronado Island” but it’s really a peninsula oozing island vibes — big difference.
But “Peninsula” doesn’t have the same pizzazz to validate locals’ multi-million dollar homes, whether it’s Hollywood hideouts, Padres players or my dentist overcharging me (yes, I’m a San Diegan).
Regardless, Coronado is truly a gem. From the moment you veer onto the Coronado Bridge and see downtown San Diego’s vibrant skyline, Coronado’s sparkling marina, or distant views of Baja, you know this renowned vacation spot lives up to the hype.
Upon pulling into Coronado city limits, you’ll notice every house offers a different design. It’s long been local legend that no 2 houses are allowed to look the same, many of which are decades old or even dating back to the 1800s.
Orange Avenue is Coronado’s main drag. It’s brimming with storied storefronts, old-school diners, a vintage movie theater, military-themed dive bars (as it’s a massive Navy base), charming boutique hotels, and of course, world-famous Hotel del Coronado, which has fairly recently become part of the Hilton family and now features Nobu.
As you can imagine, this timeless village is a delight to explore, stay, or kick back and wine and dine, but if there’s one thing it’s not, it’s cheap — though winter rates tend to be more palatable.
Coronado’s Beautiful Beaches Are Virtually Spotless Right Now
If you can’t find extra elbow room along Coronado’s white-sand shores right now, then you’ve got some big elbows, buddy.
Beaches are open to the public, even at “The Del”, as us locals call it. You may have to pay for parking, but there’s no entry fee unless you venture down to the end of “The Strand” to Silver Strand State Beach.
I’ve visited Coronado 3 times since Christmas, and as you’re unofficial crowd reporter, I’m happy to say there was very little trouble finding a parking space and even less of a headache scoring prime beach real estate (if that translates to planting an umbrella and a creaky lounge chair).
While The Del’s beach is gorgeous, I prefer to go a bit further south to the unmissable Coronado Shores condos since they all seem to think they’re elite.
Just look back and wave occasionally to remind them you don’t have to pay $1.5 million to enjoy the same sun and sand we all share.
Insider Tip: Check water quality reports before planning beach days. Coronado receives run-off from Mexico, especially after storms, creating unsafe swimming conditions due to bacteria.
The Secret Side Of Coronado: Venice Vibes & Hidden Resort
You know Orange Avenue, you know “The Del”, and we touched on the bayside, but what about Coronado Cays?
Travel + Leisure just ran a feature on Coronado thinking they’re know-it-alls, but guess what they missed?
Yep. The Cays!
In fairness, other publications and other guidebooks do too. The Cays are hidden beyond the touristy side of the island.
Oops, I did it…
But those who skip it are missing out on Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a highly underrated hotel overshadowed by The Del’s popularity, and perhaps all of San Diego’s most unique experience — one I can’t recommend enough, especially since my dog had the chance to enjoy it just as much as I did.
If there’s one experience you can’t miss, it’s a gondola ride across the San Diego Bay with views of the aforementioned bridge, calm waters, and multi-million dollar homes, all led by a true-to-form gondolier, striped shirt, funny hat, and all.
I couldn’t believe there’s no charge to bring your dog along (unless they make a mess or decide to chase a dolphin).
Thankfully, Reyka was more fascinated by the bottle of wine we ordered, hoping she’d score a treat (hey, she’s 21 in dog years)…
Kidding aside — my girlfriend, my dog, and I all loved the romantic 50-minute ride and would jump at the chance to do it again.
They’ve been in business for over 25 years and have a nearly-perfect Google rating for good reason.
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