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.
– Tripadvisor
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Top ways to experience Coronado Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
64 within 3 miles
Attractions
135 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,476 reviews
Excellent
1,091
Very good
308
Average
55
Poor
14
Terrible
8
bjmellon
El Centro, CA6 contributions
Sep 2022
We live about 90 minutes from Coronado Island and we visit it several times a month. It is a bridge away from San Diego but it’s a world all its own. Clean, quiet, safe neighborhoods filled with beautiful, eclectic homes. No two look alike. It takes a LOT OF MONEY to live here but there is no sense of elitism or snobbery. The island welcomes day visitors with open arms. Everywhere is a friendly face in the most charming setting in So Cal. The beach is beautiful and I’ve never seen it overcrowded
Written September 14, 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.
Carol B
22 contributions
Sep 2022
Our family did not stay at the Hotel Del Coronado, but we wanted to experience the atmosphere and the beautiful beach. We were able to rent chairs (wood and cloth) and umbrellas, and they set them up for us when we arrived. (See the Hotel Del Coronado website to reserve.) Gold is definitely added to the sand, so the beach is absolutely breathtaking. Non-hotel guests can park in the garage for a fee. The elevator from the garage goes straight to the short walkway to the beach. We purchased food at the resort and received a parking discount. Every employee was geared to make visitors feel welcome. Sand artists were working on some phenomenal sand castles. The age spread of our group was wide, and we all enjoyed watching that process. It was a wonderful day!
Written September 28, 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.
Martin H
Hong Kong, China760 contributions
Jun 2022
There is a long section of beach here which is deep and extremely well maintained. Lifeguards constantly patrol the beach. There is plenty of space on a weekday (not such how crowded it gets on the weekend).
If you're on the beach near the Hotel del Coronado you'll have a number of food choices at the hotel or on the main street nearby.
If you're on the beach near the Hotel del Coronado you'll have a number of food choices at the hotel or on the main street nearby.
Written June 8, 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.
LnS2004
Cypress, CA6,134 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.
Anantha
Cheshire, CT169 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.
Jason S
Reedsburg, WI701 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
Texas295 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.
il0vehawaii
Salt Lake City, UT35 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.
David W
Hampton, UK8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Beautiful beach, loads of space, calm, sandy and gentle water. You can hire beach chairs etc from the Del even if you’re not staying there. Beware buying anything from the Del, it’s ridiculously expensive ($9 for an OJ).
Written August 10, 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.
Steve T
Port Angeles, WA17 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.
mmell1
Cleveland, OH2 contributions
Where is a good breakfast place near the beach for 9 people?
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,322 contributions
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!
BarbMontreal
Montreal139 contributions
Is the water cold in September? Is Coronado Beach swimmable or are the waves too big?
Thomas R
York, PA74 contributions
Water is fine for awhile then cold all year.
Barbara L
Palm Springs, CA24 contributions
Dogs allowed?
ct_coronado
Nashville, TN82 contributions
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!
619fredrickm
Humble, TX
Can you fish on the beach?
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,322 contributions
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!
rafy1169
Queens, NY8 contributions
Nearby hotels
Linda O
Silverado, CA167 contributions
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.
Lola G
Madrid, Spain146 contributions
Can someone tell me the sea temperature in August please? Thank you
viajes y buceo (kea_pan)
Panama1,046 contributions
Hola Lola hay una aplicación que te da las temperaturas por dÃa, asà la pasaras genial. Está en weather . Com suerte en tu viaje
4-5 star hotels on the beach
kerriandbobby
8 contributions
I've never stayed at the hotels on the island but have heard they're exceptional rooms and have great service although quite expensive.
Coronado Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Coronado Beach
- We recommend booking Coronado Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Coronado Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Coronado Beach:
- Coronado Island Segway Tour (From $229.00)
- San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley (From $49.00)
- The San Diego Highlights Tour (From $269.00)
- Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in San Diego (From $299.00)
- GPS Talking Electric GoCar: 2 Hour Coronado tour (From $115.28)
- Hotels near Coronado Beach:
- (0.34 mi) Loews Coronado Bay Resort
- (0.30 mi) Newly renovated 2BD+den, 3BA
- (2.59 mi) Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel
- (4.12 mi) 1906 Lodge
- (2.41 mi) Rambler Motel
- Restaurants near Coronado Beach:
- (0.38 mi) Cays Lounge
- (0.40 mi) Crown Landing
- (4.25 mi) Nado Gelato
- (2.80 mi) Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana
- (3.64 mi) Italianissimo Trattoria