Coronado Day Trip Guide: Beaches, the Bridge, and the Hotel Del
Coronado feels like a separate town from San Diego, even though it’s a 15-minute drive across the bay — quieter streets, a small-town main strip, and one of the most photographed beaches in California.
What to See
- Hotel del Coronado — the Victorian beach resort that’s been operating since 1888; you don’t need to stay there to walk the grounds and beach in front of it.
- Coronado Beach — regularly ranked among the best beaches in the country, and known for sand that sparkles slightly from mica flecks.
- Orange Avenue — the town’s main strip, with shops and restaurants in a walkable few blocks.
- Coronado Ferry Landing — a smaller shopping and dining spot right at the water, popular for the bay views alone.
How to Get There
- Drive across the Coronado Bridge — the most direct route, about 20 to 25 minutes from Serra Mesa.
- Ferry from downtown’s Embarcadero if you’re already near the harbor — a scenic 15-minute ride, though you’ll still want a car or bike once you land.
Where to Eat
Orange Avenue has the highest concentration of options — casual and upscale both. For something quieter, the Ferry Landing restaurants come with unobstructed downtown skyline views across the bay.
Local Tip
Parking near the Hotel Del fills up on weekends and holidays — arrive early or park a few blocks inland and walk.
Getting There
Coronado is about 20 minutes from Serra Mesa via Highway 163 and the Coronado Bridge.
