Situated across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado boasts a unique combination of quaint small-town friendliness and sophisticated luxury.  Defined by two famous structures, the historic Hotel del Coronado and distinctive San Diego-Coronado Bridge, the "Crown City" offers an enchanting island experience that has made Coronado one of California's most sought-after vacation destinations for more than 100 years. The city is famous for pairing a relaxed atmosphere with pristine beaches, first-class accommodations, exciting arts and culture and abundant outdoor recreational activities. 

Following are some of the offerings that make Coronado a perfect year-round destination for a romantic weekend getaway, fun-filled family vacation or relaxing day at the beach.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES 

Known for picturesque coastline views and expansive stretches of white sand, Coronado has several distinct beach experiences to offer visitors.   

Occupying the area between the iconic Hotel del Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado Beach is a 1.5-mile long aquatic wonderland for swimmers, surfers, sunbathers and America's military elite. Popular for its wide, sandy beaches and set against a backdrop of beautiful homes, Coronado Beach is consistently named among the Travel Channel's "Best Beaches in California" and annually ranks among Dr. Beach's "Top 10 Beaches in the US," taking the #1 spot in 2012 (www.drbeach.org).  

Families arrive early in the morning toting umbrellas, beach towels and picnic coolers for an all-day stay. Visitors often fly kites at the southern end of the beach, join pick-up volleyball games on the sand courts behind the main lifeguard station and enjoy romantic strolls along the sand at sunset. Just north of Coronado Beach, North Beach is a favorite site for surfers in the morning and bonfires in the evenings. The northern most section is known as Dog Beach, because four-legged visitors are permitted off leash. In June 2010, Fido Friendly magazine named Coronado's Dog Beach one of their "10 Sizzling Summertime Fido Friendly Beaches."  On a typical day, dozens of dogs can be seen rolling in the sand, splashing in the waves and fetching Frisbees. 

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay along the isthmus that connects Coronado southward to Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach is a popular spot for swimming, biking and RV camping. The name references the tiny, iridescent seashells that sparkle along the shoreline. 

SUMPTUOUS SLEEPS

           
Catering to travelers who seek one-of-a-kind properties, seaside escapes, decadent dining and top-quality modern amenities, Coronado's resorts and boutique hotels make for the perfect home away from home. Following are just a few of the Crown City's accommodation options:

Famous for its peaked red roof, classic Victorian architecture and serene ocean vistas, the Hotel del Coronado is an iconic landmark offering something for everyone. Guests can play in the expansive swimming pool, browse an eclectic collection of stores, pamper themselves in the spa and partake in active pursuits ranging from beach yoga to surfing lessons. Delectable dining options include dinner at 1500 Ocean, the Del's signature fine dining restaurant; Sheerwater, a more casual all-day option; wine, chocolate and cheese tasting at ENO; and decadent Sunday brunch in the Crown Room. The recently opened Beach Village ups the ante on luxury, offering private beachfront cottages, pools and enhanced amenities.  www.hoteldel.com  

Located directly across from the Hotel del Coronado, the Glorietta Bay Inn was built around John Spreckels' historic private mansion and has been lovingly restored to reflect the house as it looked in the 1920's at the height of the sugar baron's influence (Spreckels was one of the original owners of the Del). In addition to 11 spacious rooms in the main house, this boutique hotel features 89 rooms in the adjacent contemporary wing, an expansive music room and spectacular views of picturesque Glorietta Bay.  Guests of the property enjoy daily complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon refreshments, a hot tub and heated pool.  www.gloriettabayinn.com  

Situated on a private peninsula on San Diego Bay just across from the Silver Strand State Beach, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a relaxing resort with a bevy of exciting activities. Guests can opt for a dive-in movie, watched on a big screen while floating in one of the resort's pools, make s'mores on the nearby beach, tour the resort's on-site herb garden or escape for rejuvenating treatments in the spa.  When hungers strikes, options include dinner at Mistral, the resort's signature restaurant with views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and the more casual Market Café overlooking the resort's private marina.  Each Sunday, the Market Café boasts a Brews, Blues and BBQ brunch featuring local craft beer and live music. www.loewshotels.com/en/Coronado-Bay-Resort
    
With a bay-front location adjacent to the Coronado Ferry Landing, the Coronado Island Marriott Resort boasts astounding views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.  Three heated swimming pools, six lighted tennis courts, an outdoor whirlpool, the rejuvenating Spa Coronado and Current restaurant, serving fresh coastal California cuisine, make the hotel a great vacation escape within easy walking distance of Coronado's charming downtown.  www.coronadoresortmarriott.com

CULTURAL PURSUITS

Coronado's rich history, eclectic art offerings and engaging cultural diversions are on display in galleries, theaters and community events year-round.

The Coronado Historical Association Museum of History and Art features three galleries highlighting Coronado's unique relationship with the U.S. Navy, the history of the landmark Hotel del Coronado and rotating special exhibits. Located on Orange Avenue, the museum also boasts a lecture hall and museum store where visitors can purchase mementos of Coronado's enchanted history. On display through January 2012, "Wings of Gold: Coronado and Naval Aviation" celebrates the National Centennial of Naval Aviation. www.coronadohistory.org

A professional, non-profit, artist-directed company, Lamb's Players Theatre performs a five-play season February through November plus special holiday productions each December at its 350-seat Resident Stage in the historic Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue. Over the last 20 years, Lamb's Players has produced more than 38 world premieres and 35 regional premieres along with presenting classics and lesser known gems of the theatre.  www.lambsplayers.org  

Opened in 1946, the Coronado Playhouse is the longest running community theater company in the San Diego region. Housed in a state-of-the-art new 100-seat cabaret style theatre overlooking Glorietta Bay, the Playhouse presents a year-round season of classic and modern productions plus free Shakespeare in the summer and exciting original works by local authors. www.coronadoplayhouse.com

Coronado's mild summer temperatures make for enjoyable outdoor concert performances during the annual Coronado Promenade Concerts in Spreckels Park. Visitors can pack a picnic and join local residents for this free, family-friendly event, held every Sunday evening in the summer from Memorial Day through mid-September.  www.coronadovisitorcenter.com  

Spreckels Park is also host to "Art-in-the-Park,"occurring the first and third Sunday of every month. Each show highlights more than 50 local artists specializing in oil, acrylic, watercolor painting and a variety of other art forms.     www.coronadoartassn.com   

SHOPPING DELIGHTS

Coronado is one of San Diego's most desirable shopping districts known for sophisticated, upscale, designer apparel boutiques, art galleries, jewelry shops and more.

Coronado Ferry Landing, located on the San Diego bayside of Coronado, is a popular retail and entertainment complex featuring waterfront dining and one-of-a-kind shops surrounded by tree-lined walkways, swaying palms, sparkling ponds and wonderful views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego's skyline.  Shoppers can find everything from novelty gifts and memorabilia to seashells and fine jewelry. www.coronadoferrylandingshops.com 
     
Coronado's historically-preserved downtown also offers one-of-a-kind specialty shops, especially along Orange Avenue which is lined with bookstores, antique shops, home and garden stores and gourmet food shops. Orange Avenue is Coronado's charming main street - originally named after the numerous orange trees that were once planted down the median.  www.coronadochamber.com       

At the Shops at the Del, visitors can find a unique shopping opportunity with an exquisite variety of 20 shops and boutiques featuring upscale women's apparel, including Karen Kane, Trina Turk and other name brands; men's apparel, including Tommy Bahama and Greg Norman, as well as fine jewelry, bath and spa products and a full collection of Del merchandise. www.hoteldel.com/shopping.aspx
       
CULINARY ADVENTURES

Coronado offers a mouthwatering array of dining options. Whether the mood calls for a romantic candlelit dinner or a casual post-beach bite, visitors are guaranteed meals as memorable as the "Crown City" itself.

Ideally situated between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, Coronado offers some serious dining with a view.  Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of San Diego Bay and the striking San Diego-Coronado Bridge, www.dineatmistral.com.  Equally impressive are the panoramic bayside views from Current at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort, www.coronadoresortmarriott.com.  

Romance is always in the air at 1500 Ocean, the Hotel del Coronado's signature restaurant, www.1500ocean.com, and the intimate Chez Loma French Bistro, located in a charming historic house just off Orange Avenue, www.chezloma.com.  

For more casual eats, the Coronado Brewing Company serves up great burgers, classic brewpub fare plus award-winning craft beers, www.coronadobrewingcompany.com. Danny's Palm Bar & Grill serves up a "dive bar" burger considered by many to the best in the region, www.yelp.com/biz/dannys-palm-bar-and-grill-coronado.
    
For a fabulous brunch, nothing beats the scrumptious spread at the Hotel del Coronado's Crown Room on Sundays - also a top-rated local favorite! www.hoteldel.com/crown-room.aspx

Making waves on the seafood menu are Peohe's, specializing in fresh tropical seafood and Pacific rim cuisine, www.peohes.com; The Brigantine, a Coronado tradition, www.brigantine.com, and the Del's Sheerwater overlooking the Pacific Ocean, www.hoteldel.com/Sheerwater-dining.aspx.
    
South of the border flavors can be found at Miguels Cocina, known for their award-wining Mexican food, www.brigantine.com/locations_migcor.html; Candelas on the Bay, offering upscale Mexico City-style cuisine, www.candelas-coronado.com, and Costa Azul, a perennial favorite for classic Mexican fare, www.costaazulcoronado.com.

To satisfy one's sweet tooth, Tartine, a French bakery and bistro, is the perfect place for a light meal and sweet treat, www.tartinecorondo.com. Mootime Creamery is another sweet sensation for frozen yogurt and homemade ice cream, www.mootime.com.     

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities in Coronado, from surfing on the Pacific Ocean to biking along scenic San Diego Bay to enchanting waterfront golfing.

The Bayshore Bikeway, a scenic bike path along the shores of San Diego Bay, provides cyclists, inline skaters and walkers an invigorating route that spans 11 miles from the Coronado Ferry Landing, down along the eastern shore of the peninsula and then parallel to Silver Strand State Beach south toward Imperial Beach.  www.portofsandiego.org/recreation/bike-san-diego-bay.html
    
At Tidelands Park, visitors can frolic on a sandy shore nestled below the mighty span of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.  Encompassing 22 acres, the park is the largest green space on the shores of San Diego Bay and boasts a fitness course, children's play equipment, ball fields, picnic tables, restrooms and free public parking.  http://www.portofsandiego.org/coronado-tidelands-park.html
      
Just north of the Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado Landing Park offers panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline plus a petite beach, play equipment, picnic tables, fishing pier and restrooms.  www.portofsandiego.org/coronado-landing-park.html
    
For visitors who feel the call of the sea, Coronado boasts two full-service marinas, the Glorietta Bay Marina and Loews' Crown Isle Marina, located on San Diego Bay across from the Silver Strand State Beach. Both offer rentals ranging from paddleboats and sailboats to jet skis and deep sea fishing.

With dramatic views of the San Diego- Coronado Bridge, the legendary Hotel del Coronado and picturesque San Diego Bay, the Coronado Municipal Golf Course is known as one of the best waterfront golf values in San Diego County. With immaculately manicured greens, the 18-hole, par 72 facility offers advanced reservations with a $30 green fee on weekdays and $35 fee on weekends. www.golfcoronado.com  

Located on Glorietta Bay, the Coronado Tennis Center offers eight tennis courts and a Pro Shop under the direction of USPTA Professional Phillip D. Hopkins along with private lessons and clinics, racket stringing, ball machine rental, a complete line of tennis merchandise and video stroke analysis available on site.  Court use is free of charge and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. www.coronado.ca.us/department/division.php?fDD=13-159
    
For those who want to hang-ten, options abound in the Crown City. Coronado City Beach faces due south with gentle swells that make it perfect for the novice to intermediate surfer. Silver Strand State Beach also offers a gently sloping break and fun and forgiving surf for beginning surfers. Beginners can take lessons with expert instructors at the Coronado Surfing Academy, www.coronadosurfing.com, or the Executive Surfing Club www.executivesurfingclub.com.
    
Guests can indulge in the most romantic of outdoor activities, cruising in an authentic, private Venetian gondola through the canals of the Coronado Cays with The Gondola Company. The one-hour cruise includes a complimentary appetizer or dessert plate. Gondolas can accommodate up to six passengers, and guests are welcome to bring their own beverages. www.gondolacompany.com

JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY

Part of the charm of visiting Coronado is the journey.  Options include driving across the beautiful San Diego-Coronado Bridge, taking a ferry or water taxi across San Diego Bay and driving along the seven-mile long Silver Strand peninsula. 

The San Diego-Coronado Ferry leaves from the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego daily on the hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and travels across San Diego Bay to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Return trips to San Diego happen on the half-hour, and the ferry also runs every two hours between downtown San Diego's Convention Center Marina and the Coronado Ferry Landing. All trips take 15 minutes; cost is $3.75 one-way for adults, and children ride free. www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html
    
Docked across from the Hotel del Coronado at the Glorietta Bay Marina, the San Diego Bay Water Taxi offers on-call transportation service around San Diego Bay between marinas on Coronado and those in downtown San Diego.  Embarkation options on Coronado include the Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Loews
Coronado Bay Resort. One-way fare is $7 per person.  www.sdhe.com/san-diego-water-taxi.html 
     
The breathtaking San Diego-Coronado Bridge became an area landmark the moment it opened in August 1969 during San Diego's bicentennial.  Then-California governor Ronald Reagan became the first person to drive across the span.  The distinctive curve and soaring sweep of the bridge made Coronado widely accessible by vehicle traffic for the  first time in the city's history. Over two miles long and five lanes wide, the bridge has a clearance of approximately 200 feet that allows massive merchant and military ships to pass easily beneath it. 

Happiness is calling in Coronado.  For more information on Coronado or the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website, www.sandiego.org/coronado, or call (619) 236-1212.

MEDIA CONTACT
Robert Arends
T +1 619-557-2834
E rarends@sdcvb.org


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