Family Guide With Insider Tips

Over half of the households I e-book into accommodations select Coronado—and for good cause. I spend lots of time on the island (together with proper now, scripting this from my room at Hotel del Coronado!) and really feel it’s time to deal with ceaselessly requested questions.

This information covers what households really want to know: favourite kid-friendly actions, the best way to get round, the place to park, and the best way to take advantage of your time—whether or not you’re visiting for the day or staying in a single day. These ideas replicate not simply my very own expertise as a San Diego mother and journey advisor, but additionally enter from native concierge groups and suggestions from our purchasers who’ve hung out on Coronado Island with children.

Top Things to Do in Coronado with Kids

Whether you’re right here for the day or settling in for per week, these family-friendly experiences are the muse of a fantastic Coronado trip. Some of those standouts for households additionally seem in my full information to San Diego household actions.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Coronado

There are many smaller seashores across the island, however these are the three hottest for teenagers. For extra info, see my full information to Coronado seashores.

Coronado Central Beach
This is the principle seashore fronting Hotel del Coronado, and it’s common for a cause. It has large, flat sand that sparkles gold with mica, very best for sandcastle constructing and lounging. Lifeguards are on obligation, restrooms are close by, and leases can be found via Del Beach. This is essentially the most handy seashore for households staying at The Del, Glorietta Bay Inn, and different locations on this finish of the island.

Silver Strand State Beach
About 4 miles south of the principle village, Silver Strand is quieter and extra spacious. It has each ocean and bay entry. (People say the bay seashore is nice for toddlers, but it surely was a little bit murky the final time I used to be there.) Parking requires a day-use payment, however households love the peace and further area. Loews operates a seasonal seashore rental stand right here.

Glorietta Bay Park Beach
This small bayfront seashore is ideal for very younger children because of its shallow, waveless water. It’s adjoining to a grassy park, playground, and picnic space, with restrooms and parking close by. A strong selection if your loved ones prefers calm over surf.

Beach Activities for Families

Surfing Lessons
Central Beach is understood for its mild waves, making it a great spot for newbie surfers. Local surf faculties like Coronado Surfing Academy and Jamie O’Brien Surfing Experience at The Del provide small-group and personal classes for teenagers as younger as 5. Boards and wetsuits are included, and instructors are expert at working with kids.

Sandcastle Lessons
You can e-book Sandcastle Man San Diego. He’s a legend alongside the Coronado shoreline for ornate sandcastles, and he offers classes on the best way to create your personal sculpture within the sand.

Tide Pooling
At very low tides—particularly in winter—you’ll be able to discover these San Diego tide swimming pools alongside the little jetty close to the south finish of Central Beach. Expect to see hermit crabs, sea anemones, and even small fish.

Shelling
If you stroll the shoreline early within the morning, you may even see some treasures. I’ve picked up lots of entire sandollars right here.

Fun Parks and Playgrounds in Coronado

Spreckels Park
Located within the coronary heart of the village on Orange Avenue, Spreckels Park encompasses a shaded playground, a big grassy area, and picnic areas. It’s additionally house to summer season live shows and Art-in-the-Park occasions. It’s a fantastic cease should you’re strolling between retailers or eating places in Coronado with children, and I actually like that there are shade coverings over the play constructions.

Tidelands Park
Near the foot of the Coronado Bridge, Tidelands Park (pictured in prime photograph) consists of an all-abilities playground, fishing pier, skate park, and entry to the Bayshore Bikeway. It’s spacious, waterfront, and very best for burning off power after lunch.

Glorietta Bay Park
This bayfront park features a calm seashore, a small playground, restrooms, and picnic tables. Families love this low-key possibility for youthful children, and it’s a handy various to the surfside seashores.

Centennial Park
Next to the Ferry Landing, this bayview park options open lawns, skyline views, and backyard paths. It’s extra for strolling or picnicking than taking part in, however nonetheless a scenic and worthwhile cease with children.

Family-Friendly Activities Beyond the Beach

See the Flamingos on the Coronado Marriott
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa has a small flock of flamingos within the lagoons close to the entrance entrance (on the suitable should you’re dealing with the doorway). If you’re staying close by or heading to the Ferry Landing, they’re enjoyable to go to in your option to the waterfront walkway there.

Water Sports in Glorietta Bay
The calm waters of Glorietta Bay are good for attempting paddleboarding or kayaking. Seaforth Boat Rentals gives a wide array of substances, and the bay’s sheltered setting makes it approachable even for first-timers.

Gondola Rides within the Cays
The Gondola Company operates 50-minute family-friendly rides within the Coronado Cays by Loews Coronado Bay. The gondoliers are wearing conventional apparel, and so they usually serenade passengers, simply as they do in Venice. Children below age 3 trip without spending a dime.

Skate Park at Tidelands Park
This is a enjoyable means for older children to burn off power, and there’s loads of area for everybody to unfold out and play.

Village Theater
Village Theater gives snug seating, a family-friendly film lineup, and a contact of old-school appeal inside.

Coronado Public Library
Coronado Public Library supplies a relaxed and welcoming environment, making it a reliable break from busy seashore days.

Old Town Trolley Tours
This hop-on-hop-off tour trolley stops on Orange Avenue. It’s a enjoyable option to enterprise off the island to discover different San Diego neighborhoods like Old Town, Downtown, or Balboa Park, somewhat than for getting round Coronado itself. The cease is on Orange Avenue close to Hotel del Coronado and it’s greatest to get tickets prematurely (use my promo code SAVEMORE).

Coronado Public Art Tour
Turn a easy stroll into an inventive scavenger hunt. The metropolis gives a downloadable public artwork strolling map that guides you to sculptures, murals, and mosaics. Kids love recognizing every bit and checking it off their record.

Kid-Friendly Dining in Coronado

Most eating places in Coronado are kid-friendly, however listed here are some prime picks that households love.

Clayton’s Coffee Shop & Takeout Window
Inside, the restaurant serves traditional diner fare like milkshakes, burgers, and large pancake stacks. But what I like is that you would be able to get some San Diego staples right here to go from their Mexican Takeout Window. Grab a California or carne asada burrito and take it again to the seashore.

Miguel’s Cocina
Great for sit-down Mexican meals close to The Del. It has the standard enchilada, quesadilla, and tacos sort menu but it surely’s well-known for white queso dip. Trust me, it’s addicting. Make reservations.

Village Pizzeria
There are two places, one close to Orange Avenue and one on the Ferry Landing with a spectacular bay view. It’s constant, informal, and nice for choosy eaters. It’s good to keep away from chain pizza!

Burger Lounge
It’s a neighborhood chain, however Burger Lounge is a unbelievable possibility for households who desire a good burger. Their menu gives natural, grass-fed burgers, turkey burgers, and vegetarian choices. Tip: Get the half-and-half (half fries, half onion rings).

Mootime Creamery
No go to to Coronado is full with out a cease at Mootime Creamery, which has been round eternally. The menu options soda fountain floats, Mootacos (sugar cones in taco shapes with toppings on prime), and large sundaes. I really like the peanut butter taste.

Picnic Options
You can choose up provides from Vons, Panera (subsequent to MooTime), or Clayton’s and luxuriate in lunch at locations just like the seashores, Spreckels, Glorietta Bay, or Tidelands Park.

Day Trip Logistics for Families

From parking to snacks, having a plan in place for a household day journey to Coronado makes the outing smoother, particularly if you’re touring with youthful children.

Arrive early
If you’re visiting on a weekend or throughout summer season, purpose to reach earlier than 10 a.m. Streets and seashores replenish rapidly, and early arrival means higher parking and fewer ready at meals spots.

Where to park

• Ocean Boulevard: Free beachfront parking, however areas replenish quick. I inform individuals to not plan on it.
• Orange Avenue: Free two-hour parking, strictly enforced by way of license plate scanners.
• Residential streets: Often your best option for longer visits. Just look ahead to posted restrictions.
• Paid heaps: Look for choices behind Vons, on the Ferry Landing, or the Coronado Plaza Garage. These are dependable, particularly should you’re visiting with grandparents or want additional comfort.

What to deliver
Pack seashore gear, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a change of garments. Wipes, hats, and snacks are necessities. A change of garments for youthful children in case they get sandy or moist.

Restrooms to learn about

• Central Beach Lifeguard Tower 
• Ferry Landing
• Spreckels Park
• Glorietta Bay Park
• Tidelands Park

Overnight Planning for Families

If you’re spending greater than a day, selecting the best kid-friendly lodge could make your keep way more stress-free.

Where to remain
You can confer with my information to Coronado Island accommodations for extra particulars.

• Hotel del Coronado: Iconic and beachfront. Offers family-friendly facilities and seasonal programming.
• Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Less costly than The Del on Silver Strand State Beach. Full-service resort with water sports activities leases onsite.
• Marriott Coronado Island: Located on the bay, with nice pool areas and near Ferry Landing eating. You’d cross the island to the ocean seashore.
• Budget-friendly choices: Try Glorietta Bay Inn (throughout from The Del), El Cordova Hotel (with suites), and Best Western Plus (close to Ferry Landing).

Where to replenish

• Vons: Full-service grocery retailer on Orange Avenue.
• CVS: For fast pharmacy and comfort wants.
• Delivery: Use Instacart or Amazon Prime to have necessities introduced on to your lodge or rental. Loads of our shopper do that!

Baby & seashore gear leases
Services like BabyQuip and Toddler’s Travel can ship all the things from cribs and strollers to seashore chairs and toys to accommodations and trip leases. Many of our purchasers do that.

What to pack
The rule of thumb in San Diego is layers! Even on heat days, the coastal breeze can deliver a chill. Sun safety in Coronado can be important. Rest assured you should purchase something you forgot at retailers on the island.

Theme Park Day Trips from Coronado

This is a standard FAQ I obtain from households staying in Coronado. These distances and occasions are measured from Hotel del Coronado and are calculated with out site visitors, which there could be throughout rush hour. Don’t neglect we’ve got discounted tickets to San Diego theme parks.

• San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park): ~9 miles / ~10 minutes
• SeaWorld San Diego (Mission Bay): ~12 miles / ~18 minutes
• Sesame Place San Diego (Chula Vista): ~15 miles / ~25 minutes
• LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad): ~37 miles / ~43 minutes
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido): ~37 miles / ~44 minutes

Getting Around Coronado (Transportation Options)

Coronado is compact and family-friendly, however having a plan for getting round could make your go to a lot smoother, particularly with little ones in tow.

Walking
The village core (round Orange Avenue) is walkable, with large sidewalks and retailers, parks, and eating places clustered collectively.

Biking
The terrain is flat and very best for bikes! Holland’s Bicycles, Wheel Fun Rentals, and SUP & Saddle provide leases. Surreys and little one trailers are additionally choices.

Golf Carts
Coronado Golf Cart Rentals is a well-liked selection and a enjoyable, straightforward option to get across the island. You’ll want a legitimate driver’s license and have to deliver your personal automotive seat for younger children.

Circuit Shuttle
Anyone visiting Coronado ought to obtain the Circuit app simply in case. Circuit gives free, typically shared rides throughout the island and even right down to Silver Strand in an electrical shuttle.

Ferry
The Coronado Ferry connects downtown San Diego to the Ferry Landing. It’s a scenic, stroller-friendly trip that’s about quarter-hour lengthy.

Summer MTS Shuttle
It operates from July via Labor Day and loops from the Ferry Landing to Hotel Del. It runs roughly each quarter-hour and is stroller-friendly.

Rideshare Services
The “Uber Car Seat” possibility (the place Uber supplies a seat) isn’t presently accessible in San Diego. If you may have your personal automotive seat, these Uber and Lyft apps work properly.

Seasonal Events to Plan Around

Coronado hosts a number of festive, family-friendly occasions all year long.

Fourth of July
Coronado is legendary for its patriotic parade, live shows in Spreckels Park, and fireworks over Glorietta Bay. Parking is a problem, and streets shut early—plan forward.

Skating by the Sea
From mid-November to early January, Hotel del Coronado opens a beachfront ice skating rink. Sessions are booked on-line prematurely, and skates are included. (Last yr, additionally they had a summertime curler skating rink.)

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Held the primary Friday in December, this group occasion features a festive parade, carolers, and Christmas tree lighting at Rotary Plaza.

Summer Concert Series
Spreckels Park hosts free live shows each Sunday night from Memorial Day via Labor Day. Bring a picnic and low chairs—it’s a real native custom.

Family Activities Grouped by Area

If I’m lacking your favourite issues to do in Coronado with children let me know!