Coronado

The Basics

You may hear Coronado called an island, but it's actually a peninsula, connected to the mainland by a long spit of sand known as the Silver Strand. Most visitors arrive, however, via the 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) Coronado Bridge. There are a variety of ways to see Coronado, from a quick visit during a San Diego city tour or a more in-depth Coronado Segway tour to a brunch cruise or sailing tour where you can admire the enclave from the water.

Popular destinations include the Coronado Museum of History and Art, Coronado Ferry Landing, Silver Strand State Beach, and shopping along Orange Avenue. If you only do one thing, though, it must be a visit to Hotel del Coronado, the grand dame of the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The town is only about 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) wide—it’s best explored on foot or by bike.

• Bike rentals are available around town; children are required to wear helmets.

• If you want to spend time on the beach and visit some of the attractions, plan for a whole day in Coronado.

• Metered parking and paid parking lots can be found around town.

How to Get There

Coronado is roughly 15 minutes by car from downtown San Diego via the bridge. You can also take the Coronado Ferry for a 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay. By public transport, bus 901 travels between San Diego and Coronado.

When to Get There

Go on a weekday to avoid crowds of locals who descend on the weekends for beach time or brunch. If you’re returning to San Diego on the ferry, pay attention to the schedule, as it does not typically operate late at night. Popular events in Coronado include the summertime Tuesday farmers market at the Ferry Landing and the Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado.

Hotel del Coronado

“The Del,” as it’s known, is Coronado’s top attraction—a National Historic Landmark built in the Victorian style in the 1880s. Admire its architecture and design inside and out, from the elegant, polished wood lobby to the recognizable red rooftops. Former guests include Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, and several U.S. presidents. If you’re not staying there, go for drinks or a bite to eat, or take a docent-led tour.

Ways to explore

There are a variety of ways to see Coronado, from a quick visit during a San Diego city tour to a more in-depth private tour that focuses on just Coronado and its most important attractions. If you want to catch views of the peninsula from the water, you can take a harbor cruise or even a romantic gondola ride. Other fun ways to go include e-scooter tours and food tours, combining great eats with stunning Coronado views.

Accessibility

Most sidewalks, beachfront pathways, and downtown areas are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, camera

What to wear

Swimwear for the beach, cover-up, sandals, layers

Not allowed

Smoking in public spaces such as parks or on beaches, littering, using drones without a permit

Amenities

Beach showers, cafés, restrooms, bike rentals

Address 

Coronado is about 15 minutes by car from downtown San Diego. You can drive across the scenic bridge, or take the Coronado Ferry for a 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay. Buses are another easy option, along with joining a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

From San Diego International Airport, take the CA-75/Coronado Bridge toward the island. Free street and paid parking are available near the village and beach, though traffic and parking can be tight during peak hours.

Public transportation

Hop on bus #901, which travels between San Diego and Coronado, or take the Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier to the Coronado Ferry Landing.

Best times to visit

Come to the island in the morning if you can, when it’s much calmer than in the peak afternoon times. Also, sunset is a beautiful time to visit.

Best days to visit

If you want to avoid crowds, then come on a weekday, particularly Monday through Thursday.

Best months to visit

Good months in San Diego are March–June and September–October, when the weather is mild and tourist numbers are lower than during the summer.

Special events

Special events include Fourth of July celebrations, the Coronado Island Film Festival in November, and December’s Holiday Parade.