Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach
4.5
About
This beautiful beach in San Diego is the perfect beach getaway spot, located next to the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Take a stroll along the expansive shoreline and spot kids building sandcastles, couples enjoying a romantic dip, and even dogs running around on the dog-friendly beach. Make sure you stick around for sunset—it's absolutely breathtaking. The beach can get busy, especially during summer, so try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. You can explore Coronado Island and the beach on a segway or bike tour, or drop by on an Old Town Trolley Tour of San Diego.
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- jwpreacherPonca City, Oklahoma69 contributionsBest Beach in California!This is our favorite beach in California. We love to rent the chairs and umbrella and sit on the beach and read. The food at the different food courts at the hotel are wonderful as well. We sometimes grab lunch on the deck and then head to the beach when we are finished. It is a great day with the family!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 12, 2023
- AroundTheWorldIn80kDaysBangkok, Thailand290 contributionsI love this beach enough to want to move hereOne of my favorite beaches in the world. It's big, beautiful, westward facing (for sunsets), clean, well life-guarded, not too crowded, and accessible to Hotel Del Coronado amenities and the restaurants of Orange Avenue. There's a reason why the houses nearby are some of the most expensive in the world. I hope to afford one some day.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 1, 2024
- Odyssey200118643 contributionsLovely Coronado BeachOne of our favorite spots in San Diego and one of the best beaches in the area. Fantastic views looking down towards Mexico, out towards the point, and at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Lots of free parking on the street fronting the beach but if that’s all taken you can pay for parking at the Del or across the street. Good swimming if the waves are down but check for advisories or check with the lifeguards to be sure. Great beach for a picnic. Expect to see and hear loud jets doing practice take offs and landings at the Naval Base at North Island. Be sure to check out the Del while you’re there. Pricey restaurants but good food and there are a few grab and go options at more reasonable prices.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
- MMCSan Francisco, California526 contributionsOne of the best beachesCoronado beach is one of my favorite beaches. Clean, wide, and with the added charm of the historic Del Coronado resort. Great for runners, tan seekers, and anyone who just wants to relax by the water and have a good time.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2024
- SoymoosemomOakville, Canada427 contributionsBeautiful BeachVisited Coronado Island and Beach in July 2023 and July 2024. This year the water was off limits (red flags) but the beach was still open to sun worshippers. Nice to walk along with boardwalk past the grand Coronado Hotel. Lots of people but not too crowded. Bring lots of sunscreen as the sun is very strong once the morning marine layer burns off. Close to Orange Ave and area restaurants if you get hungry. The pictures attached are from my visit in July 2023. A must visit if you are in San Diego.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten July 30, 2024
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, California2,121 contributionsGreat place to visitThis is a great place to visit. You can go for a walk along the long (paved) promenade near the beach or, of course, on the beach itself. The beach is huge and when we were there, fairly crowded. There are a number of places along the beach to sit and/or eat with live music. We also saw an amazing sand sculpture and it appeared that the guy who created it was more/less a regular at that spot.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 12, 2024
- GPhadnisMumbai, India98 contributionsWhite sand beach in San DiegoIt's a white sand beach around san diego. The water is clean and due to white sand the beach aopears golden in colour. Left side is all san Diego city and the enroute to beach is also amazingVisited August 2024Travelled soloWritten September 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Steve T
Port Angeles, WA19 contributions
Apr 2020
We have stayed at the Coronado Shores for four years. Most of the residents are over 60 years old.
We are planning to leave ASAP because the Management does not enforce the social distancing orders of the Governor of California. Their lack of enforcement puts the health of residents at risk, especially the elderly population. In addition dogs run wild barking so loud that you cant leave your windows open.
We are planning to leave ASAP because the Management does not enforce the social distancing orders of the Governor of California. Their lack of enforcement puts the health of residents at risk, especially the elderly population. In addition dogs run wild barking so loud that you cant leave your windows open.
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,525 contributions
Jan 2020
If you're looking for a beautiful beach setting, this might not be your choice. This stretch of beach is on the island just across the bridge from downtown San Diego. It's a public beach, but is dwarfed by the rather tacky Hotel del Coronado. Also, the beach is buffered by a couple of military installations. Careful not to park in the hotel lot unless you're staying there and know about the fees. But there usually is street parking available along or near Ocean Blvd. The hotel has some al fresco bars and restaurants for you to choose from and you can stay for the sunset, particularly good with high clouds. I think the locals like to drive a bit south to the less impacted Silver Strand Beach. But you can walk that direction from Coronado if you like. For me, I'd rather hang out across the harbor at Point Loma.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
il0vehawaii
Salt Lake City, UT80 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This is definitely one our favorite Southern California beaches!! Soft sand, lots of space to spread out the crowd, beautiful water. The hotel Del Coronado makes a lovely backdrop to this beautiful beach!! A talented Sandcastle artist often has a beautiful sandcastle near "the Del". It's always fun to talk to him and see his art.
The US military base is south of the beach and training helicopter flights often flyover the beach which is always neat to see.
The US military base is south of the beach and training helicopter flights often flyover the beach which is always neat to see.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Reedsburg, WI716 contributions
Oct 2021
We were on four different beaches in the San Diego area and this was the best of the bunch. The water was nice as it rolled in. The beach is large. The sand along the edge of the water sparkles like it has gold flakes in it.
Overall it just was a great beach to spend our last few hours in the area before heading home. We even found a few sea shells while we walked down the beach.
Overall it just was a great beach to spend our last few hours in the area before heading home. We even found a few sea shells while we walked down the beach.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trvl8176
Texas398 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This is a lovely very wide beach with plenty of room for the many people who flock to it. The sand is great and my children really enjoyed building sand castles on it. They are also lots of places nearby to grab drinks or food.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anantha
Cheshire, CT215 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Broader beach with plenty of seating options right in front of Hotel del Coronado. Perfect spot to see sunset, but there was a big clod right close to the water when the sun set on the day we went. The hotel del Coronado is architecturally stunning and to view that while strolling on the sand is quite a feel. My son enjoyed building a sand volcano.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth K
Shawnee, KS1,665 contributions
Feb 2020
There is somethig special about this beach....maybe it is the backdrop of The Del Hotel, or maybe it is the glittery sand....but it is magical.
The beach itself wasn't very crowded (but we were there in February), and we enjoyed walking along the beach and on the rocks. We found a few seashells and even a whole sand dollar.
The beach itself wasn't very crowded (but we were there in February), and we enjoyed walking along the beach and on the rocks. We found a few seashells and even a whole sand dollar.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,571 contributions
Feb 2021
During our 2 day stay at the Hotel Del, we walked the beach regularly and enjoyed the water views immensely. Two large cruise ships were offshore quite a ways while their crews were waiting to finish out a long quarantine and return home. Just a constant reminder that this Covid mess is still not over.
It was really too cold in February for any meaningful beach time but the fire pits, brisk walks, and beautiful scenery still made for a really pleasant trip. We walked all the way down to the military barricade at the end of the beach (passing Dog Beach on our way). We figured it is at least a mile (maybe one and a half?) from one end of the beach to the other.
Beautiful beach!
It was really too cold in February for any meaningful beach time but the fire pits, brisk walks, and beautiful scenery still made for a really pleasant trip. We walked all the way down to the military barricade at the end of the beach (passing Dog Beach on our way). We figured it is at least a mile (maybe one and a half?) from one end of the beach to the other.
Beautiful beach!
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnLil
933 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Coronado might be “a fairytale,” but it is not a swimmer’s paradise. The water was polluted, had big waves, and was too cold to enjoy. Only women in bathing suits strolled the sand but stayed clear of the shore. Besides being expensive, there are crabs and stingrays right by the water’s edge, so you have to wear water shoes on the beach. It’s about 50 minutes to walk from the half-hourly ferry dock/ $9 from San Diego Conference Center—better than the expense of parking. From the Convention Centre Hilton Bayfront, it was easy to catch a shuttle as well (for hotel guests). To walk to Coronado Beach, disembark and cross the island toward Orange Ave. There’s a crosswalk: from the Ferry dock we walked clear across in 45 minutes past houses to Ynez-Adelle street, which leads directly to the public beach/hotel beside Shores condos—North of the naval guard tower. Surfboards are for rent behind the patio bar of the Hotel del Coronado. Except in the winter, calling a free Express bus can also take you to different hotels/sites.
The beachfront Hilton-managed Hotel del Coronado is across from Glorietta Bay Inn where the Hilton shuttle stops.
From the airport there’s the #902 bus or Green line trolley to reach the Convention Center and marina/ferry. Be sure to arrange a shuttle or seat back to the mainland or concrete of San Diego by 7 pm.
The beachfront Hilton-managed Hotel del Coronado is across from Glorietta Bay Inn where the Hilton shuttle stops.
From the airport there’s the #902 bus or Green line trolley to reach the Convention Center and marina/ferry. Be sure to arrange a shuttle or seat back to the mainland or concrete of San Diego by 7 pm.
Written November 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LnS2004
Cypress, CA8,892 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We came here on a late Saturday morning. Unable to find street parking we parked in the Hotel Del Coronado garage. It was a short walk to the beach from there. The windy condition and chilly weather did nothing to deter beach lovers. The wide open beach with soft white sand under a picturesque blue sky seemed so inviting. We picked a spot practically in front of the iconic hotel. It’s nice that we could access the hotel for restrooms and shop at its many stores. We were able to apply validation from purchases at the hotel stores to defray the expensive parking charge. There’s a popular taco stand conveniently close by for food and drinks. We’re glad that our grandkids could walk on the beach and put their little feet in the ocean water.
Written April 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is a good breakfast place near the beach for 9 people?
Written June 9, 2021
My first suggestion would be "The Sun Deck" as it is part of the Hotel Del Coronado (right by the beach) and really is a nice experience but it is a bit pricey. They have this clause in the info: "All parties of 8 or more will be charged an 18% automatic gratuity." That takes care of the tip pretty well.
I would imagine you'd like to be at this end of Coronado because there is so much to see and do and the Main Street (Orange Avenue) part of Coronado is right here.
However, if you travel down Orange Avenue to the other end of Coronado, there you will find a Marriott property with a breakfast buffet. Although it isn't particularly view-oriented (the restaurant), it is close to the San Diego Ferry landing and the surrounding views of the high rises in San Diego itself.
I am making an assumption here that the 9 of you are celebrating something special and want a really nice experience. Because The Sun Deck Bar & Grill sits up high with open-air views over the beach and water, it would be memorable.
Maybe weather conditions at the time you visit will be the determining factor if you want to eat outside or prefer an indoor experience. The Sundeck has a very nice location but it is outdoors.
I am not suggesting any of the many little places near the Hotel Del Coronado on Orange Avenue because they are a bit away from the beach and maybe a little small for a party your size.
Also consider Coronado Ferry Landing at the other end of Coronado but most of the nice places are lunch and dinner places.
Enjoy your visit! Coronado is our favorite place in San Diego (with Gas Lamp as a second-best). Lots to see and do!
Written June 10, 2021
Is the water cold in September? Is Coronado Beach swimmable or are the waves too big?
Written October 29, 2019
Water is fine for awhile then cold all year.
Written November 1, 2019
Most of the restaurants with a patio will allow dogs on a leash. Bluewater Grill (have a dog menu), McP's, Cafe 1134, Burger Lounge, Wine a Bit, Leroy's, Coldstone, Hotel Del Coronado, Miguel's Cucina. Very dog friendly town!
Written May 15, 2019
Hi Fred,
We see more fishing from the Ferry Pier and there's a site called sdfishing that gives great info. Here's an excerpt:
The Coronado Ferry Landing Pier is the only public fishing pier located on the west side of San Diego Bay, and offers a pretty unique set of fishing opportunities.
The primary purpose of the pier is for boarding of the ferry that runs between downtown San Diego and Coronado, but a portion of the pier is available for fishing.
With a bottom composition of sand and soft bottom, partially covered in eel grass and clam beds, this area provides good to excellent fishing for halibut, spotted bay bass, mackerel, and even corvina.
There are public restrooms available, but no other immediate facilities. The ferry landing sits right next to the Ferry Landing Marketplace, a shopping center featuring several restaurants and small shops.
The park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm. It is located at 1201 1st St., Coronado, CA.
*****
I hope this was helpful. In our opinion, the beach can have some rolling surf that may make surf fishing kind of tough. You'd have to cast out a long way. The beach normally has a lot of people running around in the surf.
Think about venturing down to the pier at the other end of Coronado. The San Diego views are amazing and, when you need a break from fishing, that shopping center has everything from Burger King on up.
I don't know if you need a license to fish there but fishermen normally do need them, I believe, unless they go to a private fish farm.
Coronado is a wonderful place. How lucky you are to be planning a trip!
Written September 13, 2018
There are several nearby hotels from the Del, to the Glorietta Bay Inn to bed and breakfast places within walking distance to the water.
Coronado is a small island that you can walk from one end to the other in less than an hour.
Written April 22, 2018
Can someone tell me the sea temperature in August please? Thank you
Written July 4, 2017
Hola Lola hay una aplicación que te da las temperaturas por día, así la pasaras genial. Está en weather . Com suerte en tu viaje
Written July 5, 2017
I've never stayed at the hotels on the island but have heard they're exceptional rooms and have great service although quite expensive.
Written January 22, 2017
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