Coronado was incorporated as a city in 1890. Being an island, separated from the San Diego metropolis, Coronado is a small beach community that maintains its island feel. From the panoramic views of the Coronado Bridge to the golden sands of Coronado Beach and the boutique charm of Orange Avenue, we’ve mapped out the 5 best things to do on Coronado Island in a logical, step-by-step route. Whether you’re visiting the historic Hotel Del Coronado or strolling through Glorietta Bay Marina, this guide ensures you experience the very best of the island without wasting time.
Having family who reside in nearby San Clemente, we often make the short drive down to Coronado. Whether we’re enjoying the skyline views or spending a day at the beach, it’s a place we know very well. Based on our many trips, here are the best things to do on Coronado Island. While parts of Coronado are walkable, a car is the best way to see the “span” of the island from the Bridge to Coronado Hotel. In this article we’ll explore Coronado in a step-by-step way so you don’t waste your time.
Navigating Coronado: Route & Highlights
Coronado Island offers visitors a great place to play golf, bike along the coastline, swim, sail, surf, take in a play, and shop local at one of the various shops, hotels and restaurants. Coronado also houses the Naval Amphibious Base which was formally commissioned in 1944 and is one of two Navy amphibious bases located in the US.
The imposing Coronado bridge connects the city of San Diego to Coronado and contains five lanes: two eastbound, two westbound and a reversible middle lane.
Coronado At a Glance
If you are planning your day trip to Coronado Island, here is the recommended route in order of travel to maximize your time on the island:
- The Start: Drive across the iconic Coronado Bridge for a 180-degree view of the bay and San Diego skyline.
- North End: Visit the Coronado Ferry Landing for shopping, bike rentals, and views from Centennial Park.
- The Icons: Head south to the historic Hotel Del Coronado and the gold-dusted sands of Coronado Beach.
- Relaxed Stroll: Take a peaceful walk through the Glorietta Bay Marina area to watch the boats.
- The End: Loop back to Orange Avenue to park and explore the heart of the town; enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and browse the boutique shops before heading back across the bridge.
Coronado Island Driving and Walking Route Map
Red: See, Blue: Walk
1. Coronado Ferry Landing
Watching the San Diego skyline from Ferry Landing is one of the charming things to do on Coronado Island
See my photos from Coronado Island
As we’re driving over the Coronado Bridge we turn right on Orange Avenue toward the Ferry Landing. We easily find parking at the Ferry Parking Area.
Visiting the Coronado Ferry Landing has become a favorite among things to do on Coronado Island for us. This picturesque location rents paddle boards, kayaks, single bikes, and surreys. You can take a boat across the bay, or with a bike you can ride all the way to Coronado Bridge. Take in the view of the San Diego Skyline from Centennial Park for a postcard setting.
The Flagship Ferry has been running for more than 100 years, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy its timeless and well-run services. It begins service from San Diego to Coronado at 9am and leaves every hour on the hour. You can also walk from the Ferry Landing to Coronado Tidesland Park for beautiful views of downtown San Diego, the bay, and Coronado Bridge, giving many opportunities for fun things to do on Coronado Island.
Book a San Diego Bay Tour | Ferry Schedule
2. Hotel Del Coronado
Palm trees surround the iconic Coronado Hotel
See my photos from Coronado Island
From the Ferry Landing area we go back on Orange Avenue and follow it to the iconic hotel bearing the island’s name. Hotel Del Coronado is high on the list of favorite things to do on Coronado Island.
Built in 1888, this is a beautiful and romantic hotel that is also known as Coronado Hotel. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, such as Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey. A great option is to walk through the main lobby and visit the ritzy hotel shops at the basement.
You can walk all the way to the back of the hotel towards Coronado Beach, which is cool as one of the things to do on Coronado Island. The Hotel Del Coronado is timeless and is a living legend which continues to inspire those who visit and take in its beauty. Guests rave about the stunning views, delicious foods, proximity to the ocean, and exquisite history that it boasts.
Where to Park at Coronado Hotel?
You can easily find street parking on Orange Avenue or at the Marina parking lot across the street.
There are a variety of restaurants and bars to enjoy the beautiful view from, and the Old Town Trolley has a pickup station right outside of the hotel, which is great if you do not want to spend your time driving and want to enjoy the views and what the city has to offer. The fleet of orange and green trolleys travel over the Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop and make 11 destination stops.
3. Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach with Coronado Hotel and newer apartments in the background
See my photos from Coronado Island
We walk through the beautiful Coronado Hotel all the way to the beach and enjoy the view. Visiting Coronado Beach located behind the Coronado Hotel, is one of the relaxing things to do on Coronado Island. The water is shallow, making it great for children, and is not very crowded.
Coronado Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard and has a backdrop of beautiful homes. There is free parking located on Ocean Boulevard, as well as Ferry Landing Marketplace. During low tide, the tide pools are visible. Lifeguards are staffed year-round, making it very safe for children. This beach is one of the wonderful things to do on Coronado Island with your family.
4. Glorietta Bay Marina
Boat house at Glorietta Marina
See my photos from Coronado Island
We exit the hotel and start a short stroll by the beautiful Marina. Small children enjoy looking at the boats and sometimes they can spot fish. Glorietta Bay Marina allows the visitor to walk around the marina and take beautiful pictures, as one of the cathartic things to do on Coronado Island.
It is centrally located, near Coronado’s downtown with Coronado City Hall here, and one can walk from the Marina, past City Hall to Glorietta Bay Park right along the ocean front. It has been suggested as a beautiful place to boat watch. It is within easy walking distance of Coronado’s shops and restaurants. The staff are fantastic, and it is adjacent to the historic Hotel Del Coronado, making it a conveniently one of the things to do on Coronado Island.
5. Orange Avenue
Cheese platter at Little Frenchie restaurant on Orange Avenue
After a relaxing stroll, we hop back in the car and drive up Orange Avenue and park on the street near one of the many restaurants. Orange Avenue has many shops and restaurants to enjoy and offers a boutique charm with over 50 stores to explore, boasting itself as one of the pleasurable things to do on Coronado Island. Strolling on Orange Avenue and enjoying some of the favorite restaurants should always make it on your list of cool things to do on Coronado. Some favorite local restaurants on Orange Avenue are: The Henry, Miguel’s Cocina, The Islander, and Little Frenchie.
The Henry is enjoyed for the location, vibe, service and food. The kimchi rice and burgers are something to try. Miguel’s Cocina does not disappoint, with fried lobster tacos and Mexican fried corn on the cob as two of the many delicious and unusual items on their menu. They also have a great vibe and wonderful service. The Islander has been described as fun with an islander vibe. Portions are large and items to enjoy include Todos Santos tostadas with mahi mahi, pineapple fried rice with chicken, bonfire s’mores and a Blue Hawaiian drink. Little Frenchie restaurant is a pleasant French bistro in Coronado, definitely a must as one of the delicious things to do on Coronado Island. The buckwheat crepe with salmon is phenomenal, cocktails are delicious, the herb omelet boasts eggs cooked like a crepe and folded over. The Frenchie is an amazing brunch spot and offers wonderful people watching on the patio.
Is it Worth Visiting Coronado Island?
Absolutely! Visiting Coronado Island is one of my favorite things to do in San Diego with kids. Every time we visited Coronado Island, we found it to be very relaxing, not crowded and it gave us a great time. From the Ferry Landing, with its beautiful views, to the ritzy Coronado Hotel and the beautiful beach, we found Coronado Island to be a great place to visit. Whether you come with your family or by yourself, you will have a fun and relaxing time in this gorgeous California beach town.
