Coronado: San Diego’s Crown Jewel

We always love heading to San Diego, where the weather rarely disappoints and the multitude of activities are excitingly anticipated.

by DON AND ANN JACKSON

Our country’s eighth largest city—with its invigorating downtown, gaslight, and marina districts, and nearby destinations like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Mission Bay—offers many world-class hotels and resorts. As much as we enjoy visiting and staying in all those areas, our inclination is to think first about making reservations on Coronado. And why not? Even though it’s just a short drive, ferry trip, or water taxi from downtown, you’ll feel a million miles removed from the traffic and bustle of this major metropolis called San Diego.

First let’s set the record straight. The sign as you enter this serene beach community says “Welcome to Coronado Island” and some town folk refer to themselves as ‘islanders’, but a true island it’s not. Many years ago landfill was added from the southern tip of the island to the mainland just north of the Mexican border, making it a land connected peninsula. Let’s face it, a travel brochure touting an island getaway sounds much more glamorous than promoting a peninsula vacation, but Coronado really does have the look and feel of an island. One of California’s most majestic bridges connects the city to nearby San Diego; the bridge itself adds greatly to Coronado’s island image.

What to see and do:

Before flying or driving off, be sure to check CoronadoVisitorCenter.com for all things Coronado, and SanDiego.org for anything you need to know about the entire county. Both are easy to navigate and will provide detailed information about events, lodging, dining, activities, shopping, and attractions.

Our favorite thing to do in Coronado is to walk the unbelievably wide and usually un-crowded 28 miles of beach that often sparkle due to their mica mineral content. The San Diego area has long been referred to as the outdoor recreation capital of the United States, and Coronado can provide most of the sports activities that might be included on the area’s master list. A beautiful 18-hole championship municipal golf course alongside Glorietta Bay awaits avid golfers (www.golfcoronado.com), and over 15 miles of dedicated paths are available for ardent bicyclists. Other activities on this small 5-square-miles of island bliss include all types of boating, water sports, tennis, lawn bowling, swimming in their municipal pool, jogging, rollerblading, a state-of-the-art skateboard park, and much more. A historic walking tour (www.coronadowalkingtour.com) we took on our most recent trip was enlightening and recommended.

How about imagining you’re in Venice, Italy? The Coronado Cays is one of the few places in the U.S. that provides a genuine Italian gondola experience complete with a gondolier who’ll oar you through the Cays’ canals and waterways (www.gondolacompany.com). If you feel the absolute need to escape to a more cosmopolitan setting, world-famous attractions and museums are just a few miles away in San Diego. The San Diego Zoo (www.sandiegozoo.org) has been lauded as the best on the planet, and numerous other fine museums can also be found around Balboa Park, one of the largest and most beautiful center-of-the-city-parks known to man (www.balboapark.org). Sea World, in the nearby Mission Bay area, home to famous special event ‘Brunch with Shamu’  (the killer whale), is another first-rate attraction for families (www.seaworld.com).

Where to stay:

When thinking of Coronado, the first thing that comes to mind is the resplendent and renowned Hotel Del Coronado, a true legend in the tourism universe. This Grande Dame of elegant Victorian architecture has provided honeymooners and romantic vacationers with countless memories for over 120 years.   

The Hotel Del Coronado, or ‘The Del’, if you wish to call it by its popular nickname, is a historic landmark that stands for much more than celebrated architecture, famous visitors, and memorable movie set locations (one of Hollywood’s most famous comedies, Some Like It Hot, with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis was filmed here.). Luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining choices, professional service, and her gorgeous beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean are its other hallmarks. If your pocketbook can afford the hit, you should definitely consider reserving a suite in their new ultimate piece of heaven, Coronado Village (www.hoteldel.com).      

Coronado offers two other first-rate choices when it comes to lodging. Another of our long-time favorites is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort (www.loewscoronadobay.com), and like ‘The Del’ it’s also a four-diamond property. Their idyllic setting a few miles south of town provides guests tastefully decorated accommodations, an upscale spa, championship tennis facilities, and superior amenities. Situated next to the Coronado Cays, the Loews offers incredible daytime views of the yacht harbor and nighttime vistas of the San Diego skyline. Beautiful Glorietta Bay Inn (www.gloriettabayinn.com), across the street from ‘The Del’, which includes the historic Spreckels mansion (once home to the famous sugar baron, financial entrepreneur, and philanthropist), is another recommended pick. For those that prefer a smaller inn-type property with more moderate prices including complimentary continental breakfast, parking, and wi-fi, the Glorietta should fit just right.

Where to dine:

The best dining we had on our most recent visit was Mistral, located at the Loews Resort. Their bistro-inspired menu and astonishing views created an unforgettable five-star culinary piece d’resistance, and a new chef promises even better gastronomic adventures in the future. Restaurants at ‘The Del’ include the newer 1500 Ocean and the Sheerwater and both were exceptional, but for special occasion dining, 1500 Ocean would be the clear choice of the two. Sunday brunch in ‘The Del’s’ majestic Crown Room is considered a tradition by many San Diegans.

Other restaurants in town to consider: Candelas on the Bay (www.candelas-coronado.com) with highly-recommended savory Mexican fare and great views at the Ferry Landing location; Brigantine (www.brigantine.com), both a well-known seafood spot and locals pick for best happy hours; Coronado Boathouse (www.coronado-boathouse.com), built one year before ‘The Del’ in 1887 with the same Victorian architectural ambience and noted for their sumptuous steaks; and McP’s Irish Bar and Grill (www.mcpspub.com), for night life, pub grub, and live entertainment. There are more than 70 restaurants and cafes in this small town so plenty of options will entice.

Where to shop:

There are three distinct shopping area options: the shops at ‘The Del’; downtown along Ocean Avenue; and the Ferry Landing (www.coronadoferrylandingshops.com). All are within walking distance of the Glorietta and ‘The Del’ and we always stroll and browse through all three. When asked to choose our favorite, we usually lean toward ‘The Del’. Downtown shops are charming and the Ferry Landing has the views, but the shops at ‘The Del’ are notably unique. We especially like the Babcock and Story Emporium, featuring a wonderful variety of gift items, and Spreckels Sweets and Treats, where anyone’s sweet tooth will find it tough to leave without satisfying that sugar urge.

The ‘island’ is a picture-perfect place to keep those love fires burning, especially when staying at the ultra-dreamy Hotel Del Coronado, or the perfect place to bring the whole family— it really is a one-of-a-kind vacation getaway. [SJM]