Coronado Island
Coronado Island
4.5
About
Featuring miles of spacious beaches, a pretty main street, and a historic seafront resort, Coronado Island makes a pleasant day trip from San Diego. Walk along Orange Avenue to browse the boutiques and try great food, from cozy bistros to burger joints. Head off to the waterfront to explore the dunes and lounge on the soft sand of the island’s several beaches. For an exclusive experience, stay in the luxurious Hotel del Coronado, which has hosted presidents and royals. You can drive to Coronado Island through Coronado Bridge or take a 15-minute ferry ride from Broadway Pier in San Diego. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- LetsGetGoneVancouver, Canada424 contributionsGreat way to spend a dayAn enjoyable day trip from San Diego. If you are staying near the Bay in San Diego, you can easily walk to the Ferry dock. We bought our tickets online so had no need to get them at the kiosk. The ferry ride is short, but you'll have your cameras out as the views are tremendous. Uncovered seating is on the top level of the ferry and on the bottom are some tables and chairs protected by an enclosed area. Bicycles are allowed on board and that looked like a fun way to explore the island. We walked along the water and past the golf course then visited the Coronado hotel and walked back to the ferry along Orange Avenue - tourist shops, restaurants and a grocery store with sandwiches for those of us on a budget. The route we took to and from the hotel is not a short walk so wear good walking shoes.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 20, 2023
- Dave OMadison, Wisconsin31 contributionsA Must Go When in San DiegoWe went over for an evening. Had dinner and went to Hotel de Coronado. The hotel was beautiful and decorated well for Christmas. I know there is an ice rink there during Christmas time but we couldn't find it. It is a big property and there were a lot of people so it was hard to move around. But the Coronado Island experience was a great one and a must go when in San Diego.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 2, 2024
- DocksidetravelerLiberty Lake, Washington31 contributionsLoved Coronado IslandWe met our don and 4 year old grandson in SanDiego. We spent one afternoon on Coronado Island and loved it. We walked on the beach and had lunch at a darling Mexican restaurant. We all loved the island and it is on the top of our list for our next visit.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 11, 2024
- StevenBerlinChino Hills, California716 contributionsBeautiful beach area near San Diego.We love coming here. They have a beautiful beach that is very clean and spacious, and there are lots of shops, eateries, and good restaurants. They also have the famous Hotel del Coronado, which looks like a palace. The streets are congested, and traffic is usually bad, but it's not too far to get from place to place. They have an amazing taco stand just near the hotel at the beach. The Sheerwater restaurant and Spreckles Sweets shop are fantastic. If you enjoy Mexican food, then check out Miguel's. Great atmosphere and good food. Overall, this is one for the bucket list. We loved coming here and relaxing.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 15, 2024
- OttermomSioux Falls, South Dakota109 contributionsYou can walk pretty much everywhere, always beautifulWe hadn’t been back to Coronado since 2019. There were so many fun things that we enjoy visiting that are still there. Moo Time, Burger Lounge, the adorable movie theatre, etc. We were sad to see La Salsa didn’t make it through Covid. Lots of changes happening/happened at Hotel Del Coronado. The Garage was new to us & fantastic. If you want to visit Balboa Park/zoo it’s just a quick ride over the bridge. The best thing is you can pretty much walk everywhere. There are bikes to rent if you want to go that route. We were sad to see you cannot swim in the ocean right now due to sewage contamination.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 16, 2024
- Odyssey200118606 contributionsGreat Times in CoronadoCoronado is a quaint little beach and bayside town that feels like a dream. As soon as you get off the Coronado Bridge from San Diego you feel like you’ve stepped back in time fifty years. Stroll along the shops, galleries and restaurants on Orange Avenue, head down to the Landing for shopping and a meal, take the ferry ride over to Seaport Village, or spend the day at the beach in front of the world famous Hotel Del Coronado built in 1887 and opened in 1888. Unless I’m mistaken it’s the largest all wooden structure west of the Mississippi River. There are many great hotels and resorts to stay at though are favorites are the Hotel Del and the Glorrieta Bay Inn right across the street. Watch for Art in the Park, shows at the Lambs Player Theatre, and other special events and activities during holidays and weekends. La Jolla, SeaWorld, Old Town and the zoo are all thirty minutes or less from Coronado so it’s a great place to set up for a visit to San Diego. Enjoy!!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
- Sandy WPhoenix, Arizona489 contributionsGreat restaurants, and great walking.We just love Coronado Island. There are so many fantastic restaurants and shops, though some are pretty pricey. However, it is easy to get around, and the ferry to the mainland is very convenient. We walked a lot and it is so easy to find one's way around. Highly recommended to visitVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 24, 2024
- Elise P1 contributionChanges afoot. Still love the Island.I love Coronado Island and the Del section of the city. The beach is great. The Del has finished the entry, front porch and lobby area of their renovations. However, the rest of the Victorian section is under construction and covered with scaffolding and coverings. It is due to be done Spring of 2024. There is a new three story hotel with rooftop bar going up across the street.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 22, 2024
- LadyN516Atlanta, Georgia102 contributionsGreat for a short day tripI took Lyft across the bridge and took the ferry back. Definitely recommend the ferry for much better views of Coronado and the San Diego cityscape during your ride. The 'island' was nice. Several shops and eateries as well as a small beach near the ferry landing.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 27, 2024
- Local50313 contributionsAnother Gorgeous Place to Wander in San DiegoDon't miss this gorgeous spot in San Diego. We walked along the path by the hotel and surrounding areas. The vegetation was amazing, the hotel a beautiful grand lady (don't miss going inside the lobby - it will take you back in time). However, I'm not sure I would recommend swimming at the beach there due to the sewage issues from Mexico that have recently plagued the area.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
3,064 reviews
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18
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6
MLouise4015
Houston, TX11 contributions
Mar 2021
"We have spent two nights here. We are supposed to be here six nights. The hotel is beautiful. We especially appreciate the elevator system. However, the service is terrible. For the following reason: 1.) At check in, the clerk had a very strong accent. Between the mask, the plexiglass barrier, and her accent, it was extremely difficult to understand her. 2) We received a call while we were out that there was a gift for us at the desk. Because we came in late, we didn't check on it that evening. The next morning at 7 (8 the first day of DST), we were awakened to come get the gift at the desk. When we went to pick it up about 9:30, we were told that we would have to stand in the long line of people who were checking out. Instead, I found a lady who went behind the desk to look for it. She said it wasn't there and they were out delivering the gifts. I told her that we were going to leave and wouldn't be there. She said it was ok because it was just an envelope and they would put it under my door. Then why would they wake us up to come and stand in line to get it if they could have just put it under the door? We have just arrived at 1:00 and the gift isn't here!!! 3.) They are using the pandemic as an excuse to do practically nothing in housekeeping. When we requested some upkeep on our room after two nights, they said they would bring bedding and we could do it ourselves. The only thing they did was to drop off clean towels. We had to request them to come back. So we should pay for six nights and not have any housekeeping done except towels? We are very disappointed.”
Written March 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate B
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Hotel del Coranado is an atrocious hotel. There is MASSIVE construction going on, which we were not informed about upon booking. They have turned the open spaces into massive low-end money making tourist attractions. There is nothing high end about this hotel. We had no hot water in our hotel room and were told that it could not be fixed. We checked out early. We were offered zero compensation for the construction noise. We offered to pay for a room upgrade upon arrival and were told there was nothing available, but then when checking out early they offered us a corner ocean view room, that was ten feet away from out Kristina’s room. This was after repeatedly telling us zero upgrades were available. We were done left early, there were also safety concerns as the buildings away from the main building have no security and the key swipes on exterior doors on buildings allowing anyone from the beach to loiter in the lobbies. The rooms are atrocious and the service is worse. The people on the phone are rude and condescending, specifically Joesph. Do not waste your time and money.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori B
Mount Airy, MD98 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Free parking on street right along the beach. Few places to eat or shop right on beach except for hotel del area. Tacos at beach shack yummy and bar selections good but very pricey($6 coke) nice to sit on beach and enjoy tacos and beer.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewRecipesForLife
654 contributions
Jul 2021
Park your car and take the free shuttle all across Coronado. While street parking is everywhere, unoccupied slots are difficult to come by.
The quaint, picturesque island is home to several blond-sand beaches, including at the fabled Del Coronado hotel, delightful boutiques, charming residential neighbourhoods, and massive military operations.
A ferry ride to the San Diego main land costs only $5! Make sure to visit the beach parks and ferry landing. Particularly at night the view of the San Diego skyline is brilliant.
The quaint, picturesque island is home to several blond-sand beaches, including at the fabled Del Coronado hotel, delightful boutiques, charming residential neighbourhoods, and massive military operations.
A ferry ride to the San Diego main land costs only $5! Make sure to visit the beach parks and ferry landing. Particularly at night the view of the San Diego skyline is brilliant.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
treeface
Ambler, PA394 contributions
Dec 2019
The weather was perfect the day we visited. There was a lot of construction going on around the Hotel Del, so parking wasn't easy. The hotel was as beautiful as I remembered it from a visit 26 years before. We loved the little shops and the ice cream parlor. The lobby was decorated for Christmas and the Christmas tree was stunning. The beaches were clean and not crowded and the town of Coronado was highly walkable with nice shops and restaurants.
Written April 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin T
Beverly Hills, CA7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This is one of San Diego's great place to visit. The hotel del Coronado is definitely worth staying at or just to go and visit. The beach is pristine and beautiful at sunset for that loved one to walk with,With the sand on your feet and a dog beach at the far end near the base. There is a shopping area called Coronado ferry landing,were there is a place to eat and shop and see downtown San Diego. At night is a beautiful site when San Diego is lite up and a perfect spot for fireworks on the fourth of July.You can take the ferry to downtown San Diego and take a pedy cab to seaport village or downtown San Diego or walk. You can just take a round trip on the ferry back to Coronado. there is a bike rental at the Coronado landing,were you can bike all over the island,the walkway at the landing is very relaxing and it will take you to the park if you head towards the Coronado bridge. If you rent a car I suggest a convertible as you can see a lot more and is great for picture taking and live that California life style. You can take a lovely drive on the strand to imperial beach just drive past the Coronado hotel were they have the famous sand castle contest.Check on the internet to find out when it is.Downtown Coronado has up scale restaurants and nice places for having coffee to relax and people watch. On Tuesday there is a farmers market at the ferry landing.And a lovely golf course with the beautiful views of san Diego for that golfer.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen M
Phoenix, AZ435 contributions
Jun 2021
We come to Coronado at least three times a year. We love being here. It is very casual and has a small town vibe even though it is just over the bridge from San Diego. The main street is Orange Ave and it has cute shops, lots of restaurants and a park. Orange Ave goes straight to the Hotel Del which has the best beach in front of it. The sand is super soft. We always use bikes from the hotel we stay at The Crown City Inn and ride all over the neighborhoods. It is just a fun and relaxful time.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bondgirl135
New York City, NY8 contributions
Dec 2021
We loved spending time on Cornado Island over this past holiday break. We stayed at the Del Cornado. I'd suggest the following activities and sites: Vist (not stay) at the Del Cornado Hotel to ice skate, see the light show and eat and their amazing taco stand. Eat in town at garage buona forchetta for the most amazing Pizza and great service! Enjoy gelato at Nado Gelato. Check out the shops on Orange Avenue, the dog beach, and a nice walk on the beach! It's also convenient to all the fun sites in San Deigo such as the zoo, La Jolla and Balboa park for museums.
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindaKayC
Fresno, CA616 contributions
Oct 2020
It was our first visit to Coronado and we truly enjoyed it! We stayed at the Marriott and had a wonderful view of the water and San Diego across the way. Found some great restaurants and enjoyed being able to walk to most places. The Coronado Golf course was great - rent clubs for only $60! We did not rent a car but used Uber when needed. Can't wait to go back! Enjoy!
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
regis k
Arcadia, CA1,678 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Coronado Island is one of the must visit places in San Diego. We have seen San Diego from sea with Sunset cruise and from the air with a private plane ride. But actually walking here on the island is a completely different feeling.
The beautiful park and the hotels here made the island garden paradise. Many people come to just enjoy the natural beauty of island and others would come to ride their bikes. We came to just enjoy nature and to eat here.
We love the restaurants here. For coffee and tea, there is the Coronado Coffee Company is right next to the ferry terminal. This shop services amazing coffee. They also provide soy or oak milk options for your coffee.
For food, we ate at the Peohe's Coronado. The foods were fantastic and very reasonably priced. The California style foods they offered were amazing and tasty. I had a Japanese bento with Teriyaki chicken.
There are two ways to get here. One is by driving through the Coronado bridge and the other way is to get on a ferry.
Parking is a bit tough here. So the best option is to ride the ferry here. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from the convention center and every hour from the Broadway Terminal. You can get you tickets online or get them at the terminal kiosk.
We had a fun day by just walking around and visited the the famous Del Coronado Hotel.
The beautiful park and the hotels here made the island garden paradise. Many people come to just enjoy the natural beauty of island and others would come to ride their bikes. We came to just enjoy nature and to eat here.
We love the restaurants here. For coffee and tea, there is the Coronado Coffee Company is right next to the ferry terminal. This shop services amazing coffee. They also provide soy or oak milk options for your coffee.
For food, we ate at the Peohe's Coronado. The foods were fantastic and very reasonably priced. The California style foods they offered were amazing and tasty. I had a Japanese bento with Teriyaki chicken.
There are two ways to get here. One is by driving through the Coronado bridge and the other way is to get on a ferry.
Parking is a bit tough here. So the best option is to ride the ferry here. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from the convention center and every hour from the Broadway Terminal. You can get you tickets online or get them at the terminal kiosk.
We had a fun day by just walking around and visited the the famous Del Coronado Hotel.
Written January 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BJ
Swartz Creek, Michigan
Can you just rent bikes for the whole day without a tour?
Written March 10, 2021
How do you get from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island?
Written October 6, 2019
Più che altro sono parcheggi dove, stando ai cartelli, la sosta è consentita per max 1 ora o 2 ma tutti lasciano le auto anche per intere giornate senza problemi, abitanti inclusi.
Noi non abbiamo mai avuto problemi di nessun tipo parcheggiando lungo la strada.
Written August 20, 2019
So sorry not to be able to help as we only viewed the beach, did not spend time there....as we live in SW Florida w/some of the most gorgeous beaches anywhere, so it wasn't of interest to us, I hope you have a wonderful visit and I am sure that other TA members will provide you with the info you need!!
Written August 11, 2018
How handicap friendly is it? Are there any paved paths to the beach?
Written June 10, 2018
No. There is a path at the edge of the sand, but none to the water. This concrete path runs along the edge of the sand between the hotel and the edge of the sand.
Written January 28, 2019
Is it possible to hire a bike near to the Santa Fe terminal early on a Sunday morning (say 9:30 am) and then cycle over the bridge and around the island?
Written May 24, 2018
Call the hotel you are staying at on Coronado. They should be able to help you.
Written May 25, 2018
How long do people typically spend here? Or is it a case of 'if you prefer relaxing you could send all day' ?
Thank you.
Written May 16, 2018
We usually spend most of the day starting with the ferry from San Diego. Then we walk the residential streets past the naval base working our way either over to the ocean or to the downtown retail district. Once we get to the Del Coronado we wander the shops and grounds, walk the beach (or rent chairs and an umbrella for the day). Prices for everything at the Del are ridiculous so we usually make our way back along the main roads to eat and stroll back to the ferry. If we’re spending a week in San Diego we make the trip to Coronado twice!
Written May 16, 2018
alphamom
Londonderry, Vermont
5 contributions
Where did you find free parking? Im visiting in July
Written May 11, 2018
1906 Lodge has free guest parking underground.
Written May 12, 2018
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