Coronado Island has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike, as this vibrant but chill community delivers both rich history and fun-filled adventures. Are you looking for an amazing day at the beach? Most people visit Coronado for the beautiful, ivory sand beaches that have earned their place on many top-ten beach lists. That’s not all Coronado has to offer, either – the simplistic, laid back, and charming island life, as well as the gorgeous views of the San Diego skyline, draw people to the island again and again. Keep reading to find out how to spend a perfect day on Coronado.
When To Visit Coronado
Coronado Island is beautiful no matter the time of year, and thanks to its location the island experiences warm temperatures year-round. Although it does get a bit cooler during the winter months with an average temperature of 56℉. The best time of year to visit Coronado is from early June to mid-October when average temperatures hover around a perfect 78℉.
Where To Stay
A day trip is the perfect way to experience Coronado Island, making Arrivls Rockaway House and Makai, both located in beautiful Mission Beach, a great place to stay. At only 19 minutes from Coronado Island, you can’t beat these Arrivls vacation rentals in terms of beauty or location.
The Rockaway House
This Mission Beach duplex can be rented as individual units (Rockaway North with 1 bedroom/1 bathroom, and Rockaway South with 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom) or in combination to sleep up to 8 guests. While staying at The Rockaway House you’ll be steps away from the Mission Beach boardwalk. Rockaway South – a 1930s beach cottage – is full of charm and is perfect for your next beach getaway. Upstairs, Rockaway North is thoughtfully designed and inviting. Whichever space you choose you’ll love the bright interior and the coastal boho vibes that The Rockaway House offers.
Makai Mission Beach
Makai, the Hawaiian word for “towards the sea,” is a fantastic choice for your trip to San Diego! You’ll love the 2nd floor patio and ocean view from this beachy duplex home. With its laid-back charm, thoughtful amenities, and an absolutely unbeatable location, you won’t regret staying at Makai. Makai North is a spacious one-bedroom, and Makai South is a two-bedroom. The home comfortably sleeps 8 if you rent the entire duplex. Makai offers garage parking and all of your beach essentials – towels, an umbrella, chairs, and sand toys. We look forward to hosting you soon at Makai!
Did you know that The Rockaway House and Makai are next-door neighbors? So groups traveling with up to 16 guests can rent out both duplexes – perfect for multiple groups or families traveling together, as you’ll be close by but everyone still has their own space to relax and unwind at the end of the day.
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Coronado
Grab Breakfast At Clayton’s Coffee Shop
A fan-favorite of locals and travelers alike, Clayton’s Coffee Shop is a morning staple on Coronado Island. Their vast menu has a great variety of traditional breakfast foods. You’ll most likely have a slight wait, but the delicious food and great service are worth the wait!
Clayton’s Coffee Shop | 979 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 | 619-435-5425
Hit The Beach
You can’t spend a day on Coronado Island without hitting the beach! The beaches of Coronado boast ivory sand stretches of beautiful oceanfront that are very rarely crowded. Coronado Central Beach is one of San Diego’s best beaches with its wide, clean, and white fine sand. Enjoy a walk along the water’s edge or take the paved path. You can also find the Sandcastle Man on Coronado Central Beach. The award-winning artist, Bill Pavlacka, creates stunning sculptures out of sand, and you don’t want to miss them!
Explore The Hotel del Coronado
You’ll notice “The Del” as you are crossing the Coronado Bridge. The red-shingled turret of this Victorian-style hotel will capture your attention as this masterpiece of a hotel steeped in Hollywood history comes into view. Known for hosting some of Hollywood’s most famous and infamous celebrities, you may recognize the Hotel del Coronado from the classic Some Like It Hot.
A National Historic Landmark, the Del was established in 1888 and history lovers will want to explore and discover all of the rich history here. Some even say this historic hotel has a resident ghost. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel you can still explore the history exhibits, and photography, or even grab a meal on the terrace.
Hotel del Coronado | 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-6611
Bike Around The Island
For a quintessential Southern California experience, rent a classic beach cruiser and bike around Coronado. The island is mostly flat and a leisurely bike ride is a great way to see all that it has to offer. Bike paths meander around the island but make sure to check out Silver Strand’s 9-mile bike path, as well as some of the beautiful parks in Coronado. Biking is the perfect way to explore Coronado, and there are even surrey rentals that seat up to 6 people.
Bike Rental Shops
Enjoy Dinner At Serea Coastal Cuisine
For a special dinner head towards the Hotel del Coronado and enjoy dinner at Serea Coastal Cuisine. You’ve gotta have seafood on your trip to Coronado Island! This seafood forward restaurant offers coastal cuisine that spotlights the region’s oceans and fresh local ingredients. The global flair of the dishes at Serea makes them unique, you’ll notice a hint of Mediterranean flavors. The indoor/outdoor spaces with beautiful ocean views are an added bonus. Try the Grilled Local Swordfish or the grilled lamb chops.
Serea Coastal Cuisine | 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-6611
Check Out Sprecker Park
Walk off dinner at Sprecker Park, the most well-known park in Coronado. Located right in the middle of the island, this park has a fun “Concerts In The Park” series on Sundays during the summer. There are plenty of beautiful areas to stroll in, a gazebo, and even a great jungle gym for kids!
Treat Yourself To Ice Cream To End The Night
There are several great ice cream shops on Coronado Island. MooTime Creamery is a fan favorite and the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth whether it’s midday or midnight. An Elvis Presley statue greets guests at this 1950s-inspired ice cream shop. MooTime offers a wide variety of delicious flavors including birthday cake, chipped pomegranate, and stracciatella. No matter what flavor you choose, this is the perfect way to end your day in Coronado.
MooTime | 1025 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 | (619) 435-2422
After spending a fun-filled day in Coronado make the short drive back to your Arrivls home to relax and unwind. You’ll love the thoughtfully designed and bright spaces of Rockaway and Makai. If you’re looking for more to do in the area check out 5 San Diego Neighborhoods To Explore, 5 Can’t Miss San Diego Activities, and our Mission Beach Dining Guide. Enjoy your perfect day in Coronado!
