25 Best Things to Do in Coronado, California

By VI Staff on August 1, 2019

Coronado is a sunny resort city set on a peninsula in San Diego Bay and is renowned for its beautiful beaches which draw surfers and sunbathers from all around. Founded in 1888, the city lies on an island connected to the mainland by a tombolo called the Silver Strand, which was named by the explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602.

1.Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is a 1.5 mile-long, wide sandy beach in Coronado that is popular for swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and beachcombers. The stunning beach is set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, which boasts classic Victorian architecture, a peaked red roof, and glorious ocean views and runs all the way along Ocean Boulevard which is lined with fine homes and elegant mansions. The sand on Coronado Beach has a silvery sheen because due to the presence of mica and offers the perfect conditions for skim-boarding and fishing in front of the Hotel del Coronado. There is free parking on Ocean

Boulevard, and dogs are allowed at the north end of the beach.919 Ocean Blvd., Coronado, Ca. 92118, Phone: 619-435-1867

2.Lamb's Players Theatre

The Lamb's Players Theatre is an iconic theater one of San Diego's leading professional non-profit performing arts organizations that present an exciting variety of work year-round on an intimate 350-seat stage. The theater is home to a multi-talented team of actors, directors, designers, and craftspeople, as well as a contingent of full-time staff and circle of associate artists and hosts five significant productions through the year. Performances are produced in a beautifully restored theater space in Coronado’s historic 1917 Spreckels Building which boasts a dynamic performance space, with European amphitheater-style seating surrounding a thrust stage and uninterrupted sight lines from every angle in the theater.

1142 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-437-6000

3.Coronado Dog Beach

Coronado's Dog Beach is a leash-free beach on the western end of Coronado Beach that is open year-round. The beautifully scenic beach can be found by signs along Ocean Boulevard that run from Sunset Park on Ocean Drive to the border of the U.S. Naval Station, and parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. The beach offers space for dogs to run and play leash-free, along with fire rings, tidal pools to explore, sunbathing, surfing and more. Views from the beach take in the elegant Hotel del Coronado and the striking Point Loma skyline to the north.

Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-7342

4.Coronado Visitor Center

Located in the Coronado Museum of History and Art, the Coronado Visitor Center is a modern space which offers a wealth of information about the city of Coronado for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of downtown, the Visitor Center has a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff who are on hand to provide information and answer any queries about the city and its attractions and activities. The center offers complimentary maps, resources, brochures about Coronado, as well as discount tickets to many of the city’s top sights and attractions.

1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-437-8788

5.The Coronado Ferry Landing

The Coronado Ferry Landing is an upmarket shopping center that overlooks the water and features many shops, boutiques, casual and elegant restaurants, and art galleries. Exquisite fine dining and award-winning international cuisine can be enjoyed at one of three premier waterfront restaurants - Candelas on the Bay's, Peohe's, and Il Fornaio, while the first-class shopping village of the complex boasts an array of upscale boutiques, brand stores and more. For the more adventurous type, bikes, kayaks, surreys, and stand-up paddleboard can be rented for some outdoor fun.

1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-8895

6.Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand, or The Strand, is a low, narrow, seven-mile sandy stretch of sand called an isthmus or a tombolo that lies partly within the Silver Strand State Beach. The stretch of sand connects Coronado Island with Imperial Beach and together with the Point Loma peninsula it embraces San Diego Bay. Silver Strand State Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach on the tombolo which encompasses both the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean on either side and offers a quiet and tranquil place for those looking to escape the crowds of Ocean and Mission Beaches. The beach is named for the silver shells that can be found on the 2.5-mile coastline on the ocean side of the strand and offers many activities including swimming, surfing, body boarding, sailing, jet skiing, water-skiing, beach volleyball, camping, and fishing.

San Diego Bay

7.Spreckels Park

Spreckels Park is an eight-acre park in the center of Coronado that features an open grassy lawn, picnic tables, and a children’s playground. Named after the iconic J.D. Spreckels, the beautiful park is also home to a lovely gazebo where concerts and performances are held every Sunday in the summer, and there is a large jungle gym which families can enjoy. The park is surrounded by amazing trees that are so unique they garner their walking tours and a host of Coronado community events, such as the Coronado Flower Show and holiday shows for children are held throughout the year.

601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-7342

8.Glorietta Bay Park

Glorietta Bay Park is a public park with a small north-facing beach on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado Island with breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and the Coronado Bridge. Located just south of the newly-built Coronado Recreation Center, the park has a small sandy family-friendly beach, a children’s playground, and ample parking for visitors. There are also open grassy areas with picnic tables birthday parties and play dates, and The Coronado Clubroom & Boathouse offers kayak and SUP lessons and hourly rentals seven days a week.

1975 Strand Way, Coronado, Ca. 92118

9.Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a small grassy park overlooking San Diego Bay with a sandy beach and beautiful skyline views. Located where Orange Avenue ends at 1st Street in Coronado, Centennial Park has palm trees lining the beach near the Coronado Ferry Landing Pier, which make for spectacular sunset photographs. There is a second smaller and quieter beach a little farther away from the pier for those wanting to escape the bustling vibe of the Coronado Ferry Landing Pier, and the Bayshore Bikeway passes right through the park as it meanders around the island.

1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-7342

10.Coronado Tidelands Park

Tidelands Park is a large park with impressive views of the Coronado Bridge and a small sandy beach, grassy areas with picnic tables, recreational fields, and a paved path for biking, rollerblading, and walking. Coronado’s largest park, Tidelands Park is packed with areas for playing, running, biking or swimming in the bay and is very busy on the weekend when baseball, soccer, and other sports teams use the park for their games. The park also features a jungle gym and a workout area, several impressive sculptures, and ample parking for visitors.

2000 Mullinex Dr, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-686-6200

11.The Gondola Company

The magic and tradition of gondola rides in Venice are brought to Coronado with the Gondola Company who offer romantic gondola rides through the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays. Visitors can choose from several packages, range from the Pasaporto Cruise and the Sunset Cruise to the Carolina Cruise, or the Fleet Cruise, all of which include soft blankets, ice buckets and wine or non-alcoholic beverages, wine glasses, and wine openers. Cruises can be upgraded to include music from a professional mandolin or violin player. Cruises are available weekdays and weekends, last about 50 minutes and need to be booked in advance.

503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, California 92118, Phone: 619-429-6317

12.Miguel's Cocina

Miguel's Cocina is a traditional Mexican restaurant that has been serving regionally-inspired cuisine to the community of Coronado since 1982. The family-owned and operated restaurant serves a menu of classic dishes that true spirit of Mexico such as sizzling sirloin fajitas, grilled swordfish tacos, and spicy, rich chicken mole, along with handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and crispy nachos, all of which are prepared from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of libations including hand-shaken margaritas, an array of tequilas, craft beers, and casual wines. Miguel's Cocina is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour, seven days a week.

1351 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA92118, Phone: 619-437-4237

13.Coronado Municipal Golf Course

Opened in 1957, the Coronado Golf Course is renowned as being one of the best public golf courses in the country. Located just minutes from downtown San Diego and accessed over the iconic San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge, the well-maintained golf course measures 6,590 yards from the blue tees, is a par 72, and boasts spectacular views of the San Diego harbor. Immaculate greens, wide, inviting fairways and dramatic views draw residents and celebrities alike and tee times are available on a daily basis, year-round. The golf course also has pros on hand to offer golf lessons for juniors and adults and expert advice on improving the game.

2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-6590

14.Coronado Food Tour

Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey around Coronado with a three-hour walking tour that takes in the delicious and mouthwatering cuisine along with the rich culture and history of the island. The culinary experience begins in Ferry Landing and winds through the streets of Coronado taking in the beauty of the island's spectacular architecture, magnificent skyline, and pristine beaches and its rich history as told by an expert guide. The tour visits three restaurants where visitors can taste succulent barbecue hot off the grill, hearty Italian fare, and an array of sweet desserts, accompanied by samplings of two locally brewed Coronado beers. Other attractions on tour include a bus ride around Millionaire's Row, and the iconic Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado, and National Historic Landmark. Tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from October through May.

1701 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 480-510-2023

15.Emerald C Gallery

The Emerald C Gallery is an outlet for local artists and enthusiasts from the Baja Norte to Southern California to share their love of art. Located next to the historic El Cordova Hotel and across the street from the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the gallery showcases an outstanding collection of diverse regional artworks in an open and airy space. In addition to a wealth of eclectic artworks, the gallery also has a consignment corner of high-end apparel featuring a wide selection of gently used designer apparel and accessories, exclusive to the island. An expansive outdoor patio and event space have been transformed into an enchanting and one-stop Garden + Design Center where visitors can observe demonstrations or enjoy an art lesson.

1331 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-996-3315

16.The Coronado Playhouse

The Coronado Playhouse is an intimate, award-winning 100-seat cabaret-style community playhouse that produces a variety of theatrical plays, cabarets, musicals, and other performances. Established as the Coronado Players in 1946, the theater was initially housed in several World War II WAVE barracks and an adjoining U.S. Navy Quonset hut before moving to the Coronado Community Center where it is housed today. The playhouse is the oldest, longest-running community theatre in San Diego County and provides quality entertainment with a mix of classic and modern comedies, dramas, and mysteries; toe-tapping musicals; and exciting original works by local authors throughout the year. The Coronado Playhouse also features a full-service bar and catered dinners can be arranged at an additional cost.

1835 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-4856

17.Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument

The Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument is dedicated to honoring those Navy and Coast Guard sailors who died in Vietnam, whether at sea, in the air, on inland waters or in POW camps. The monument is set in a pristine park-like setting on the Naval Amphibious Base on Coronado and features a large, flag-adorned memorial wall and three ‘brown water’ Navy boats – a beautifully restored Swift Boat, PBR and CCB craft in honor of the Navy and Coast Guard personnel who died while supporting Naval operations during the Vietnam war. The Memorial grounds provide a fitting background for many types of ceremonies such as graduations, award ceremonies and other special occasions, and access to the memorial is with a Department of Defense ID or a military escort.

Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-464-4047

18.Downtown Coronado

Located a few blocks from Coronado City Beach Downtown Coronado is a favorite spot for shopping, dining out and relaxing. Running along Orange Ave on the west side of Coronado, the area has a slow-paced, village-like atmosphere with many local, mom-and-pop stores, casual cafés, and eateries. The area is fantastic for strolling around and exploring and at night, the store rooftops light up with twinkling white lights. The area has a beautiful grassy garden median, with differently themed gardens dotted about the median with each garden funded by private donors and the south end of the shopping district ends with the iconic Del Coronado Hotel, and just beyond that, The Silver Strand and the Downtown Coronado.

Orange Ave. between 10th St. & Dana Place, Coronado, CA, Phone: 619-437-0254

19.The Silver Strand Nature's Bridge to Discovery

The Silver Strand Nature’s Bridge to Discovery is an interactive environmental concept that runs along the narrow, eight-mile-long environmentally significant stretch of land known as Silver Strand. The Bridge to Discovery is a paved pathway running the length of the Silver Strand and featuring interpretive panels with information on the area on the way, along with subtle artistic touches such as relief and granite sculptures, engraved messages in railings, and laser etched tiles. Organic shapes are inspired by the beautiful natural landscapes of eelgrass, marshlands, and the ever-present wind and discovery points along the trail aim to educate and inspire visitors about the ecological riches of the Strand. Other features include a wooden deck in the shape of a bird’s wing overlooking a California Least Tern preserve.

Coronado, CA

20.Coronado Surfing Academy

The Coronado Surfing Academy offers surfing lessons and surfing experiences for all ages and levels, as well as a surfboard and gear rental for experienced surfers. Based at Coronado Beach on Avenida Del Sol, the Coronado Surfing Academy offers lessons for surfers of all abilities from the ages of six years and above, including beach and water-based instruction. Surf instructors are expert surfers and fully qualified in First Aid and CPR and are fully insured and licensed with the City of Coronado. A variety of equipment from surfboards and bodyboards to wetsuits can be rented by the hour or day.

1880 Avenida Del Sol, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-293-3883

21.Coronado Public Library

The Coronado Public Library is a public library that is home to a wide range of books, DVDs, and other literary material that the community can enjoy in a quiet, classic atmosphere. Founded in 1880 by the Coronado Library and Free Reading Room Association, the Coronado Library is housed in a Classical Revival building on the West Plaza Park which was designed by Harrison Albright in 1909. The library includes a 40,000 square foot Spreckels Reading Room, study space at tables and carrels, comfortable lounge seating, a large public meeting room and smaller conference rooms, a separate Children's Library and Teen area, public-access computers and collections, an Exhibit Gallery, and wireless Internet throughout the building. The library also has used bookstore called the Second-Hand Prose.

640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-7390

22.Chez Loma

Housed in a charming converted Victorian house, Chez Loma is a romantic bistro that serves classic French fare in an intimate and relaxed ambiance. Opened over 30 years ago, the award-winning French bistro has been serving locals and visitors alike ever since with a menu of traditional French-inspired cuisine prepared using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features signature dishes such as Foie Gras Terrine, Escargot, Mussels a la Mariniere, Bouillabaisse, Boeuf Bourguignon, Rack of Lamb, Duck Breast, and decadent desserts. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of fine French wines that can be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass. Chez Loma is open for brunch and dinner, seven days a week.

1132 Loma Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-0661

23.Crown City Inn & Bistro

Located in the Crown City Inn on Orange Avenue, the Crown City Inn & Bistro is an intimate 45-seat restaurant that serves French-American menu in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Serving breakfast and lunch daily and dinner Monday through Saturday, the Bistro is renowned for hospitality and excellent cuisine and has been hailed as one of the best spots to head to in Coronado for breakfast. Executive Chef-Owner Jerry Tovar serves a menu of fine gourmet French and American accompanied by an array of libations from mimosas to fine French wine. Diners can enjoy inside and outside dog-friendly patio dining in a pretty courtyard with bubbling fountains, tiled walkways, hand-painted murals and tiles, and well-maintained flower gardens.

520 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-3678

24.Sacred Heart Catholic Church

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a Spanish Colonial Revival church that was built in 1920 and has been serving the community for 120 years. Designed by Gill, Louis J., Architects, the Church serves as a gathering space for the community to come and worship, as well as an educational institution for both youth and adults who want to learn more about faith, religion, and devotion.

655 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-435-3167

25.Crown Room Brunch at Hotel del Coronado

Set in an elegant Victorian-era room with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers in the Hotel del Coronado, the Crown Room Brunch is a popular Sunday spot for a delicious brunch. Offering a veritable feast for the senses, the lavish Sunday brunch features a chilled seafood bar with an array of freshly caught fish, oysters, and shellfish, carving stations heaving with prime meats and organic vegetables, internationally and regionally inspired dishes, and a full-service bar serving gourmet Bloody Mary’s, and made-to-order mimosas. A mouthwatering candy and dessert bar provides cakes, pastries, fine confectionery, and sweet treats and freshly brewed Fair Trade coffee is always on the go.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-522-8490