Lots To Love About Coronado, CA
The Hotel del Coronado, an easily recognizable landmark, is one of the best hotels in the world.
Coronado, California is a popular travel destination located between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay in the southwest corner of the state. It is connected to the much larger city of San Diego by a beautiful arching bridge.
Most visitors arrive via this four-lane iconic structure, however cyclists and pedestrians have the option of taking a 15-minute ferry across San Diego Bay. The San Diego – Coronado Bridge provides a wide view from La Jolla (San Diego’s northernmost neighborhood) to Mexico.
The Hotel del Coronado is Coronado’s most beloved landmark. Built in 1888, the turreted icon sits on 28 oceanfront acres. USA Today (and others) says it’s one of the top hotels in the world. The fanciful building was author L. Frank Baum’s inspiration for the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz, and the community is often still called “The Emerald City.”
The San Diego – Coronado Bridge spans two miles across San Diego Bay.
Notable past guests at the Hotel del include movie stars and numerous U. S. Presidents, including Bill Clinton in 1995. While he played golf, Hillary and Chelsea went for a bike ride and the Coronado police cited Chelsea for not wearing a helmet. The other big news that day was that President Clinton broke 80 for the first time. (He played the Coronado municipal course again in 2009.)
Beaches are a huge draw to this almost-island. In 2012, Dr. Beach said Coronado’s long stretch of fine white sand was the best beach in the U.S. Since I live in La Jolla, I wouldn’t drive to Coronado just to go to the beach, but when I go there to cycle or dine I always allow time for a good long gaze.
Coronado is ideal for bike riding because it’s flat and, except for the main streets, it’s relatively free of traffic. In fact, it sometimes reminds me of the small town in the Midwest where I grew up. A few streets are lined with historic mansions and others with cute cottages, and almost all have very nice gardens. Many visitors wisely opt to do a guided walking tour with Coronado Touring and others choose the Coronado Beach Buggy.
Gondola ride in Venice? Nope. Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort.
The most romantic “tour” is offered by The Gondola Company which departs from Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Yes – I said gondola, as in Venice, Italy, but these boats travel through the canals of the Coronado Cays, a small upmarket community about four miles south of Coronado village. The Gondola Company provides plush lap robes, complimentary appetizer or dessert plate, ice and glasses.
Coronado’s Best Restaurants
Speaking of Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Mistral Restaurant here is one of Coronado’s best. Chef Cho prepares Mediterranean meals with fresh local produce and diners enjoy a view of the San Diego skyline, as well as sunsets over the Pacific.
Chez Loma, a French bistro located in the central area of Coronado, is another top spot. Diners enjoy their meals in various small, cozy rooms in an historic house. Escargot is a popular starter and boeuf bourguignon is a favorite main.
Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge is a hip, farm-to-table restaurant – as urban and modern as Chez Loma is quaint. Craft beer and signature cocktails complement the globally-influenced menu.
The casual Current (California Coastal Cuisine) at Coronado Island Marriott Resort offers a stunning view across San Diego Bay – especially nice when seated outside on a sunny day.
Other Great Coronado Hotels
While the Hotel del Coronado gets the most attention, its nearby neighbor Glorietta Bay Inn also enjoys a loyal following. The boutique hotel is comprised of 11 rooms in the historic Spreckels Mansion (1908) and an additional 89 contemporary rooms. The hotel has a pool and spa; guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and afternoon refreshments.
In addition to these two historic properties, Loews Coronado Bay Resort – on 15 bayfront acres south of central Coronado – and the Coronado Island Marriott are both beautiful.
With all the options that Coronado offers, it isn’t surprising that many visitors admire the San Diego – Coronado Bridge, but don’t feel the need to cross it once they’ve arrived in the Emerald City.
You can win a free 4-night stay in Coronado. Enter contest here.
Cheers,
Coronado’s Glorietta Bay Inn is a boutique hotel with wonderful guest amenities.
Category: Hotels, Southern California
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I was born and raised in San Diego before there was a coronado bridge built, you could only get to Coronado was by ferry.