Coronado Bridge

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Ahhhh, Coronado. 'The Crowned One' is an island that the locals refer to as 'the island' or 'Nado'. Whatever name is used, life on the island is quiet, civil, and downright beautiful.

One thing about Coronado to remember is that the large military base of North Island is located on its western side. If you are on the beach and are startled by the sight of attack planes flying over your head, fear not! The Navy is just practicing its maneuvers and you get to be lucky enough to see it, hear it and even feel it.

Aircraft Carrier North Island

Not all of Coronado is accessible to the public and the U.S. military gives you plenty of warning to not even think of approaching the base. In fact, as you walk or drive around the Island, pay attention to the high number of U.S. flags that are displayed in front of homes. This level of patriotism comes from the high number of retired military officers that made Coronado their home.

Coronado streets

Coronado's flat landscape makes it a bicyclist's and a walker's paradise. If you come to San Diego often, consider changing your usual place to stay and give Coronado a try. It really is a different world that should be experienced. Don't just take our word for it, experience it!

There are a number of hotels for every budget and if you don't want to stay the night or the weekend, then drive or boat over (on the San Diego-Coronado ferry) and just spend a day. Any guide worth their salt would tell you to book a night at the Hotel del (as the locals call it) but there is also a smaller Spanish-style historic hotel located just across the street from the Del that is worth a look. There are a number of hotels located in Coronado including several representatives of the national chains.

Hotel Del Coronado - If the Hotel del looks historical to you, then you are absolutely correct in your assumption - it was built in 1888 and is a National Historical Landmark. The Hotel Del's history is displayed in old framed photos that are located throughout the grounds so be sure to pay attention if you are interested. The beautiful hotel and grounds welcome its guests to relax on its beach, on the grounds, in the pool and within the many dark wood corridors that twist through and under the hotel. The Del is especially popular during the holiday season when a giant Christmas tree dominates the main lobby.

Hotel Del Coronado

The Hotel Del is a full-service hotel, thus there are many dining and drinking options available on the premises. Many locals like to visit the Del because it is such a beautiful and welcoming place. Locals also like to take their out-of-town guests for a drink, for a meal, or just sometimes to show them the grounds. From fine dining to hot fudge sundaes, the Del has whatever your stomach desires. A note of caution: in addition to the restaurants listed below, the Del also has seasonal dining available poolside and near its beach. So, if you come in the winter after December, then your dining options at the Del will be limited to the hotel itself.

Here are the dining options available on-site year 'round:

• 1500 Ocean - Fine dining; "Southland Coastal Cuisine" Hours: Open nightly 5:30-10:30pm; Bar hours: 5:30pm-12:00am
• Sheerwater - Oceanfront al fresco dining; children's menu is available. Hours: Serving breakfast, lunch, cocktails, light fare and dinner daily.
• Babcock & Story Bar - This is the Del's main bar which features a beautiful interior that looks out to the ocean. Appetizers and cocktails are available.
• Crown Room - The Del's former ballroom is worth seeing even if you aren't there for their fabulous Sunday brunch. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in San Diego, then book your reservations now to enjoy brunch in the Crown Room.
• Palm Court - This dining covered outdoor dining area is strictly for tea. High Tea is served on Sundays throughout the year and every day during the month of December.

Other Coronado Hotels

El Cordova - This little 40-room Spanish style hotel was built as the private residence for the founder of Coronado and the builder of the Hotel Del Coronado. The Hotel Del Coronado is located across the street from the El Cordova. We like the El Cordova because it is well-situated in town. It is close to the main shops, restaurants, and bars of Coronado. Everything is within walking distance, especially the beach and the Hotel Del. During one of our brief visits to the hotel, we saw some of the hotel guests socializing in the court yard and using the charming built-in outdoor grills to cook their dinner.

Marriott Coronado Island - Formerly a Le Meriden property, Marriott took over the ownership but did not do much to change the exterior of the property. The main draw back to this hotel is that it is not within walking distance of downtown Coronado. It is located on the opposite end of the island which provides the visitor with a very different view of Coronado but an amazing view of downtown San Diego. It is located directly on the edge of San Diego Bay so don't expect to see the ocean from this venue! Along with being far from the gentle hustle bustle of downtown Coronado, a guest at this hotel would be advised to take a taxi to get to Coronado's beaches!

Loews Coronado Bay Resort - See how the name of the resort says Coronado Bay? It does not say the ocean and it is actually 4 miles from downtown Coronado. Geographically, Loews is actually closer to the beaches of Coronado than the Marriott. Loews is a very lovely property and if getting away is what you want then this would be a very nice place to settle in.