Named by the Travel Channel as the fourth best beach in the country in 2003 and rated number three by Travelocity.com as one of the country's most romantic beaches, Coronado Island is one of Southern California's most sought-after vacation destinations.

Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand called the Silver Strand, the city of Coronado is often referred to as The Island. Coronado, meaning "the crowned one" in Spanish, is accessed from the mainland via the stunning and architecturally-unique San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. In this small beach community, you'll find world class resorts, beautiful beaches and the Coronado Golf Course, an 18-hole course with inviting fairways and immaculate greens.


Experience the best of Coronado when you stay at the charming Coronado Beach Resort located in the southern part of the city. The Coronado Beach Resort has beach access, a rooftop spa deck, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and complimentary Monday breakfasts. These spacious condo suites include fireplaces, kitchens and private balconies. Guests can enjoy resort activities like Monday sundaes and guided tours of historic Coronado, downtown San Diego and Baja California.

During your stay, discover the most scenic attractions in Coronado with a variety of tours. The Old Town Trolley Tours is a two-hour guided tour takes you through the best of historic Old Town San Diego, downtown San Diego and Coronado, as well as past some of Coronado's legendary Naval installations. For a romantic Coronado tour, try cruising in a private gondola through the enchanting canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays with the Gondola Company.


No trip is complete to Coronado is complete without visiting historical landmarks like the Hotel del Coronado. Notable guests include 15 presidents, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison and other important historical figures. The Hotel del Coronado Tour, the only tour inside the hotel, runs Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and is $15.

Take a glance into the city's foundation by visiting The Museum of History and Art off of Orange Avenue. Learn about Coronado's rich history including back to the days when the community was commonly called "Tent City" because of the beachside tent village that sprung up during the summer months. The "Through the Past Walking Tour" departs from the Museum every Wednesday at 2 p.m. The $10 tour takes guests to some of the more famous buildings and sites in Coronado.

There are plenty of places to visit in this charming community. Check out a play or two at the local favorite, Coronado Playhouse where you can enjoy a brunch or dinner show at the 100-seat cabaret-style theatre with a full service bar or attend grande performances at the Lamb's Players Theater, a 350-seat theater located in the historic Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue.

Check the freshest produces in town at Coronado's Farmers' Market held every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m-6 p.m. Located at the Ferry Landing, this gives visitors the opportunity to sample some of the choicest and freshest fruits and vegetables that Coronado has to offer.

Golfing enthusiasts will want to head to the Coronado Golf Course for its beautiful greens and dramatic views of the Coronado Bay Bridge, Hotel Del Coronado and the San Diego Bay.

Coronado's beaches are world-renowned and deservedly so. A walk along them will afford beautiful views of the San Diego skyline, Mexico and, off the island's south end, the hull of a sunken gambling ship called the Monte Carlo. Coronado Beach along Ocean Avenue has seasonal lifeguards, fire rings available to use, and, on occasion in the early mornings, visitors may see Navy SEALS training there. Dog owners can head to Dog Beach, at the north end of Ocean Boulevard, and let man's best friend roam and romp leash-free. Silver Strand State Beach, located to the south of the village, has lifeguards, picnic areas and fire rings.

Coronado has over a dozen parks to explore, including the eight-acre Spreckels Park in the center of town. Celebrate Art-In-The-Park put on every first and third Sunday of the month by the Coronado Art Association. Art-In-The-Park lets buyers and browsers peruse pieces of art from more than fifty top artists who reside in San Diego County.

Coronado is the ideal place for family fun! In April, blooming spring means time for the annual Coronado Flower Show. For over 80 years, the show attracts exhibitors from across San Diego County that includes horticulture, design and a children's section. An admission fee is charged. For music lovers, from May to September, the village holds the Summer Concert Series in the Spreckels Park every Sunday evenings. Feel the need in speed? Take the whole gang to the annual Coronado Speed Festival located on Coronado's North Island near the Naval Air Station. Held in September, this is a must-see for car racing fans. 10,000 people per day are expected to attend as 225 of the world's top classic racing machines are expected to race on a 1.7-mile course in eight different classes. A car show is also held at the festival.

Experience a remarkable array of dining places in Coronado's elegant eateries or take a quick ride across the bridge for some of downtown San Diego's hippest restaurants. Find different cuisines represented in Coronado, including steak, seafood, Asian, Italian and Chinese. The Brigantine, a San Diego tradition since 1969, has earned many accolades over the years, including "Best Swordfish in the World" from USA Today. Best known for our great Happy Hours and bustling Oyster Bars, the Brigantine is a San Diego favorite for fresh seafood, steaks and chops, for friendly and always knowledgeable service, and for the warm and inviting facilities.

Another local favorite is the Sunday Brunch at the Crown Room in the Hotel del Coronado has continuously been voted San Diego's best by San Diego Magazine and The San Diego Union-Tribune readers. For home-brewed beer and fresh pizza and calzones, a trip to the Coronado Brewing Company is in order. Located at the Ferry Landing, Peohe's is Coronado's Tropical Island Paradise with a sushi bar and fresh seafood classics. Head to San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter for more fine dining choices like the Napa Valley Grille in the architecturally exciting Horton Plaza. At the rooftop Grille, you'll have the opportunity to sample the fine wines of Napa Valley and dine on culinary classics. For waterfront dining, try the intimate Molly's Restaurant or the tropical-themed Buster's Beach House and Longboard Bar. Adult visitors who want a club theme will want to visit Ole Madrid for some dinner and dancing with a Spanish flair.

Sports, clothing, art and gift stores are sprinkled throughout the downtown area of Orange Avenue. Crown City Antiques and Tea Parlor on Orange Street offers visitors afternoon and high tea in an antique tea parlor. Check out the shops, stores, art galleries and restaurants at the Ferry Landing Marketplace, off of "B" Avenue, for breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and San Diego Bay. While there, explore the fishing pier and nearby beach. Family visitors will also want to visit Seaport Village, located on the San Diego side and overlooking Coronado Island. This waterfront attraction features several four-star restaurants, shops, street vendors and performers and a classic carousel.