Coronado Beach

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Location: Coronado (6 Miles / 15 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)

Features: Top 10 Beach in America with Calm Surf; Great for Relaxing and Strolls Along the Beach

Coronado Beach Highlights: Coronado Beach is generally ranked the best beach in California and among the best beaches in America. It is the perfect beach for those who just want a place to relax. Wide sandy beaches serve vacationers and the residents of this small community. The waves coming from the north are muted by the Point Loma Peninsula (and Cabrillo National Monument). As a result, the calmer waters attracts families and those who want to play in the ocean without big waves. Relative to other San Diego beaches, there are very few distractions for those who want to read a book or enjoy the peaceful view. A couple blocks away are retail shops and restaurants where you can take a break from your relaxing day at the beach.

What to Expect

  • The main beach area in Coronado is nearly a mile long and runs along Ocean Boulevard from the North Island Naval Air Station to the Hotel del Coronado.
  • There are volleyball nets and restrooms near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Isabella Avenue, which is near the middle of the beach area.
  • Dogs are allowed to run unleashed at the very northern end near the Naval Air Station, so take that into account as you decide where to bask in the sun.
  • You will also find fire pits in the northern end where you can set up an evening bonfire.
  • Military planes do fly overhead on occasion. Thus, visitors are not allowed to fly kites in the main beach area.
  • For those strolling south past the main beach area, you will see the start of a boardwalk behind the Hotel Del. It runs for about three-quarters of a mile behind the Hotel Del and a High-Rise Condominium Complex before ending at Avenida Lunar. Here, you can look out at low tide and view the Monte Carlo, a sunken gambling ship that washed ashore in 1936.
  • Don’t be shocked if you see Navy Seals along the beach, especially as you head south towards the Silver Strand. The Navy Seals train on Coronado.
  • Coronado Beach does get busy on weekends during the summer, especially holiday weekends.

Bike Rides – You can rent bikes and surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals at the Hotel del Coronado. Although there is not a bike route in front of Coronado Beach, there are plenty of nearby routes and dedicated bike trails to enjoy. The most notable route starts just south of the Hotel Del and runs along the Silver Strand. You will find a 7-mile dedicated bike path that takes you down the peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.

Beach Weather – Visitors can enjoy the beaches in San Diego year-round. However, finding ideal beach weather during the winter and spring is hit or miss. The best beach weather occurs from July to October. Ocean water temperatures are usually around 70 degrees during the summer and 60 degrees during the winter. Learn more about San Diego weather.

Food – You will find several dozen options along Orange Avenue, which is the main street that takes you through Coronado and within a block of the south end of Coronado Beach. Those lounging near Dog Beach at the north end will have about a half mile walk to reach the restaurants.

Information on Visiting Coronado Beach

Directions from Google Maps to Ocean Boulevard in Coronado, CA 92118. Street Parking is free along Ocean Boulevard. Some of the nearby streets are also free while others have parking meters that will cost you about 25¢ per hour (except on Sunday) with a limit of 2 hours for most spots. Keep an eye out for any signs noting the restrictions on how long you can park in a spot.

Traffic -On weekdays, traffic on the Coronado Bay Bridge is very heavy entering Coronado in the morning (around 7AM) and leaving Coronado during the afternoon (around 3PM). Otherwise, you should not face any traffic problems getting in and out of the area. (Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)

Transit – Buses do serve Coronado Beach from San Diego and from the Coronado Ferry Landing. The San Diego-Coronado Ferry takes passengers on a 15 minute ride from downtown San Diego to the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace. From here, visitors can rent a bike, take a cab or bus, or walk the 1.5 miles to Coronado Beach. (See San Diego Transit Information for bus schedules and information for the online Transit Planner.)

Find More Attractions with Similar Themes or Location: Beaches & Surfing, Coronado, Walking / Jogging |

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