While Coronado Island may just be a short way across the bay from San Diego, it may as well be a completely different world. While San Diego is known for its wide variety of attractions, Coronado Island boasts a charming village atmosphere, pristine white sandy beaches and captivating rich history. This spectacular island is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. If you’re looking for things to do on Coronado Island, you’re in luck.
The are plenty of options when it comes to getting to Coronado Island. You can drive across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, take a ferry or water taxi across the bay or drive across the seven-mile silver strand peninsula. While the Coronado Bridge is the most efficient way if you have a car, the Silver Strand Peninsula is a beautiful drive, with beaches on both sides of you as you approach Coronado.
Filled with a wide range of outdoor activities, stunning shopping destinations and one of the region’s most exquisite food scenes, there is something for visitors to do around every corner. Take a look at these options find out what to do on Coronado Island to plan the getaway of your dreams.
1. Visit the Historic Hotel
Affectionately known as “The Del”, the historic and iconic Hotel del Coronado is one of the island’s most beloved landmarks. Located right along the beachfront, a stop by this one-of-a-kind hotel is an opportunity not to be missed. A staple of Coronado life since 1888, this vintage hotel offers guests glamorous Victorian architecture, breathtaking ocean views and some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the region. There are things to explore even for visitors not staying in the hotel, such as a walk through the gardens and grounds, or a shopping trip to the various stores onsite.
2. An Outing on Orange Avenue
For visitors looking to experience the essence of Coronado Island, a stroll down Orange Avenue will be a true treat. The island’s main street, the mile-long Orange Avenue is filled with sophisticated souvenir shops, exceptional eateries and glorious galleries showcasing the talent of local artists. Whether you’re looking for a tasty cone of ice cream or a vintage piece to bring back home, this vibrant street has it all.
3. Bask on the Beautiful Beaches
The entire San Diego region is renowned globally for its sensational ocean beaches and Coronado Island is certainly no exception. With several beaches spread across the coastline, visitors are guaranteed a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle usually found in cities like San Diego. Coronado Beach is brimming with sparkling white sands and gentle waves that make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing and sandcastle building. However, there are also a wide variety of water sport rentals for visitors looking for more of an exciting island adventure.
4. Savor a Scenic Bike Ride
With numerous bike paths, a relatively flat landscape and scenic San Diego views, Coronado Island is a cyclist’s paradise. There are several bike shops offering hourly or daily bike rentals throughout the island, allowing visitors to explore this beautiful destination at a more leisurely pace. A great option could be the Fat Woody Beach Cruiser Experience, which you can book directly on Trip Canvas.
5. Discover the Island’s Rich History
For visitors looking to learn a bit about this stunning island’s intriguing past, a visit to the Coronado Museum of History and Art is an absolute must. Showcasing the numerous events that led the island to what it is today, this unique museum offers guests an in-depth look at the island’s history from its Spanish beginnings through its thriving whaling industry and its modern military contributions.
6. Enjoy Exquisite Dining
Filled with some of the region’s most adored dining spots, Coronado Island is a verifiable culinary mecca. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite at one of the local seafood shacks like The Islander or are looking for a more innovative experience like those found at renowned Coronado restaurants like Chez Loma French Bistro or Seréa Coastal Cuisine, this island offers delicious bites to satisfy every craving.
6. Take a Ride on a Gondola Cruise
If you’ve always wanted to wander down the river on a whimsical gondola cruise but haven’t had the opportunity, then you’re in luck. There’s no need to travel to Venice for a chance to enjoy this beautiful boating experience. Coronado Island can offer you its very own magical gondola moments. With cruises through the Coronado Cays and the San Diego Bay this is the perfect way to create magnificent memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Capture the Coronado Bridge
More than just a means to connect the island with Downtown San Diego, the Coronado Bridge has been an iconic local landmark since its completion in 1969. While the bridge itself is a striking structure all on its own, the best experience is found up close with visitors either driving or walking across to take in the bridge's unbelievable panoramic San Diego Bay views.
8. Visit the Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Taking advantage of the incredible local bounty, the Coronado Island Tuesday Farmer’s Market, located at the Coronado Island Ferry Landing, is a weekly event that’s not to be missed. Bringing together an abundance of fresh local produce, incredible artisanal goods and handcrafted works from over 6000 vendors from around the region, this treasured marketplace is a brilliant way to capture and taste the feelings and flavors of San Diego.
9. Stop By Spreckles Park
If you’re tired of Coronado’s sunny beaches and San Diego’s buzzing streets, then a visit to the island’s cherished Spreckles Park may be just the ticket. One of the most well-known parks in Coronado, Spreckles is located in the heart of the island and is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon. With large green spaces for lounging and a fun-filled play area for children, this park is a fantastic way to unwind after days filled with San Diego adventures.
10. Re-center with Yoga on the Beach
Bask in the picturesque shores of Coronado Beach for an exclusive private group yoga class. This personalized, immersive wellness journey is led by an expert instructor who caters to each client's skill level. Experiencing the transformative power of yoga in an idyllic setting will help you find serenity and peace as you enjoy your trip to San Diego and Coronado Island.
11. End Your Day with a Beach Bonfire
A long-standing tradition in Coronado and one of “The Del’s” favorite institutions, ending your day’s excursions with a beachfront bonfire is as quintessential Coronado as it gets. Locally known as the nightly Roast, guests can enjoy sticking their toes in the sandy shoreline, nibbling on platefuls of delectable smores and taking in the picturesque Pacific Ocean sunset from the hotel’s private beach.
Plan Your Visit to Coronado Island
Whether you’re a nature lover, a dedicated foodie or someone just looking for that peaceful California escape, Coronado Island is a paradise just minutes from the heart of San Diego. Between the island’s bewitchingly beautiful beaches, vibrant village atmosphere and rich cultural history, this is a destination with a little something for everyone.
What are you waiting for? Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your visit to Coronado Island. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets. Not only will you plan an amazing trip to Coronado Island, but you'll save as a AAA member too.