Ditch the car and embrace the ferry.
Just off the coast of California and relate to San Diego by bridgework posture Coronado Island , full of Americana business firm and historical California charm . It ’s an easy place to spend the weekend and even easier to dump the cable car after you get there to delight the very walkable island . ( It ’s worth noting that general parking on the island is notoriously difficult . ) you could also take one oftwo ferriesfrom San Diego to Coronado : one leaves from the San Diego Convention Center and take around five minutes , the other is approximately 15 proceedings to the Broadway Pier , near the USS Midway .
Stay in the Hotel del Coronado
No trip to Coronado can be complete without some acknowledgment of theHotel del Coronado , the historic and iconic resort by the sea . A sprawling layout of red and white buildings , the hotelisCoronado , as its construction in 1886 led to the maturation of the island . There ’s several accommodation options at the hotel , called Neighborhoods , that hunt down from room in the main construction to beachfront rentals . endeavor to be there during the holiday when the property goes all out to keep and keep an eye out for the ghost ofKate Morgan , whose presence is said to still grace the property . And if you do n’t stay there , at least stop over for a drink or a stroll through the store to hit it up in the air .
Take in the brews
channelize to the local watering hole , McP ’s Irish Pub , which has been stream beer for over 40 years . The establishment was founded by a former Navy SEAL , Greg McPartlin , with a informal interior that pay homage to the Irish pilot . Take a backside at the well-situated bar to peer at all of the personalized beer gull flow from the ceiling . McP ’s massive terrace is also the perfect office to bring your pooch and watch people cover Orange Avenue .
On the other side of the island , not far from the ferry landing place , is theCoronado Brewing Co. earlier open in 1996 by the Chapman crony , who dreamed of having a brew pothouse in their hometown , the location has exposit over the years , alongside their craft brewed offerings . Their award - advance selection admit the Orange Avenue Wit beer , which has been brew since 1996 . The food bill of fare admit classic coastal pothouse cuisine , from fish taco to flatbreads and Warren E. Burger , all of which couple well with whatever is on water tap .
The Hotel del Coronado ’s prime placement on Coronado Beach makes it an unbelievable positioning to keep an eye on the sundown from theBabcock & Story Bar . It ’s nominate after the two father of “ The Del , ” Hampton L. Story and Elisha Babcock Jr. and imposingly showcases the original burnt sienna bar . But the out-of-door patio is where it ’s at , with consummate sea and destruction of daytime views . adjudicate the Some Like It Haute ! cocktail as a nod to the film that cemented the hotel ’s iconic condition .
Hotel del Coronado|aimintang/E+/Getty Images
Start the morning right
As you take the air up Orange Avenue , you will come across the iconicNight & Day Cafetucked against the pavement . Since 1927 , the late Nox location has served Coronado locals and tourist traditional diner food , add together Mexican item to the fare in 2012 . in spite of appearance , only a small number of can are crammed around the counter ; with only a duo of mesa outside , snag a space on a busy Saturday morning takes some effort . If you’re able to , attempt to get a seat at the heel counter to watch the cooks quickly dish up meal on the 100 year old matted - top grillwork .
If you have n’t gotten your fill of diner dishes , headspring toClayton ’s Coffee Shop , a Coronado best-loved for over 80 years . Home to the last original horseshoe retort in San Diego County , Clayton ’s does comfort food like no other . Expect to see from - clams corned squawk hash and plenty of home base that include gravy , including a Chicken Fried Steak Biscuit Sandwich .
For a perceptiveness of Paris in SoCal , saunter over toLittle Frenchie , powerful in the heart of the bunko game and bustle of town . This popular bistro propose a beautiful weekend brunch and strength pastries not usable during the calendar week . Traditional French classics like snail , croque madame and quiche disperse the menu alongside short costa hash and steak and eggs .
Hotel Del Coronado
Soak up the sun
With gorgeous views and that San Diego conditions , the best room to go through Coronado is outside . A sizable part of the island is menage to the North Island Naval Air Station basis , which is off - boundary to non - military personnel . However , you may spy Navy seal grooming on and around the beach and bay tree .
If you stick to the primary Coronado Beach , it ’s divided into 3 sections : North , South and Central . TheNorth Beachis perfect if you ’ve institute your pooch along , as there ’s a great off - leash section for dogs and a dog shower . Central Beachis the main section that also includes a lifeguard place . The South Beach surgical incision runs past where The Del ends all the agency to the Navy SEALs grooming facility .
To see a unlike side of Coronado , foreland over toSilver Strand State Beach , which stretches out on the sand - spit that creates the outer of San Diego Bay . The beach is open to a variety of activities , from fishing to volleyball , with spectacular views of the bay . There ’s even an RV camping ground usable . Active or retired military can also book reservation to encampment at Fiddler ’s Cove .
Coronado Brewing Co.
Absorb a dose of culture
Take advantage of Coronado ’s leisurely to stroll set - up to bask some of the culture on the island . The Coronado Public Art app ( usable onAndroid and iOS ) map out the approximately 100 pieces contained in the Coronado Public Art Collection with info and photos to steer you on your walk of life .
you may also stop by the Coronado Historical Association’sMuseum of History & Art . Alongside heading with piece of Coronado history , the museum is constantly updating its exhibit . late exhibitions have included AView from the Periscopeabout hoagie andWings of atomic number 79 : The Centennial of Naval Aviation . Even effective , accession to the museum is completely free .
If you want to combine your love of history and the open air , try taking one of the association’sHistoric Walking Tours . Offered a duet times a week , the easy pace walking brood two miles and lasts about 90 minutes , taking visitant past historical homes that have help oneself determine Coronado . Tickets for adults are $ 20 and proceeds help patronise the association .
Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Courtesy of Discover Coronado
Museum of History & Art|Courtesy of Coronado Historical Association
