Household Information With Insider Suggestions

Over half of the households I guide into accommodations select Coronado—and for good purpose. I spend loads of time on the island (together with proper now, scripting this from my room at Lodge del Coronado!) and really feel it’s time to handle regularly requested questions.

This information covers what households actually need to know: favourite kid-friendly actions, learn how to get round, the place to park, and learn how to profit from your time—whether or not you’re visiting for the day or staying in a single day. The following tips 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 shoppers who’ve hung out on Coronado Island with youngsters.

Prime Issues to Do in Coronado with Youngsters

Whether or not 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. A few of these standouts for households additionally seem in my full information to San Diego household actions.

Household-Pleasant Seashores in Coronado

There are a lot of 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 Seaside
That is the primary seaside fronting Lodge del Coronado, and it’s well-liked for a purpose. It has extensive, flat sand that sparkles gold with mica, perfect for sandcastle constructing and lounging. Lifeguards are on responsibility, restrooms are close by, and leases can be found by way of Del Seaside. That is probably the most handy seaside for households staying at The Del, Glorietta Bay Inn, and different locations on this finish of the island.

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

Glorietta Bay Park Seaside
This small bayfront seaside is ideal for very younger youngsters 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.

Seaside Actions for Households

Browsing Classes
Central Seaside is understood for its mild waves, making it an excellent spot for newbie surfers. Native surf colleges like Coronado Browsing Academy and Jamie O’Brien Browsing Expertise at The Del supply small-group and personal classes for teenagers as younger as 5. Boards and wetsuits are included, and instructors are expert at working with youngsters.

Sandcastle Classes
You possibly can guide Sandcastle Man San Diego. He’s a legend alongside the Coronado shoreline for ornate sandcastles, and he provides classes on learn how to create your individual 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 Seaside. Count on to see hermit crabs, sea anemones, and even small fish.

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

Enjoyable Parks and Playgrounds in Coronado

Spreckels Park
Positioned within the coronary heart of the village on Orange Avenue, Spreckels Park incorporates a shaded playground, a big grassy area, and picnic areas. It’s additionally residence to summer time live shows and Artwork-in-the-Park occasions. It’s a fantastic cease for those who’re strolling between retailers or eating places in Coronado with youngsters, and I actually like that there are shade coverings over the play constructions.

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

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

Centennial Park
Subsequent to the Ferry Touchdown, 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 youngsters.

Household-Pleasant Actions Past the Seaside

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 proper for those who’re going through the doorway). In case you’re staying close by or heading to the Ferry Touchdown, they’re enjoyable to go to in your solution to the waterfront walkway there.

Water Sports activities in Glorietta Bay
The calm waters of Glorietta Bay are excellent for making an attempt paddleboarding or kayaking. Seaforth Boat Leases presents a wide array of drugs, and the bay’s sheltered setting makes it approachable even for first-timers.

Gondola Rides within the Cays
The Gondola Firm operates 50-minute family-friendly rides within the Coronado Cays by Loews Coronado Bay. The gondoliers are wearing conventional apparel, they usually usually serenade passengers, simply as they do in Venice. Kids underneath age 3 journey totally free.

Skate Park at Tidelands Park
This can be a enjoyable approach for older youngsters to burn off power, and there’s loads of area for everybody to unfold out and play.

Village Theater
Village Theater presents comfy seating, a family-friendly film lineup, and a contact of old-school attraction inside.

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

Outdated City Trolley Excursions
This hop-on-hop-off tour trolley stops on Orange Avenue. It’s a enjoyable solution to enterprise off the island to discover different San Diego neighborhoods like Outdated City, Downtown, or Balboa Park, slightly than for getting round Coronado itself. The cease is on Orange Avenue close to Lodge del Coronado and it’s finest to get tickets prematurely (use my promo code SAVEMORE).

Coronado Public Artwork Tour
Flip a easy stroll into an inventive scavenger hunt. Town presents a downloadable public artwork strolling map that guides you to sculptures, murals, and mosaics. Youngsters love recognizing each bit and checking it off their listing.

Child-Pleasant Eating in Coronado

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

Clayton’s Espresso Store & Takeout Window
Inside, the restaurant serves basic diner fare like milkshakes, burgers, and large pancake stacks. However what I like is which you could get some San Diego staples right here to go from their Mexican Takeout Window. Seize a California or carne asada burrito and take it again to the seaside.

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

Village Pizzeria
There are two places, one close to Orange Avenue and one on the Ferry Touchdown 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 an area chain, however Burger Lounge is a improbable possibility for households who need a good burger. Their menu presents 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 ceaselessly. 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 Choices
You possibly can decide up provides from Vons, Panera (subsequent to MooTime), or Clayton’s and revel in lunch at locations just like the seashores, Spreckels, Glorietta Bay, or Tidelands Park.

Day Journey Logistics for Households

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

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

The place to park

• Ocean Boulevard: Free beachfront parking, however areas refill quick. I inform folks to not plan on it.
• Orange Avenue: Free two-hour parking, strictly enforced through license plate scanners.
• Residential streets: Usually your best option for longer visits. Simply look ahead to posted restrictions.
• Paid tons: Search for choices behind Vons, on the Ferry Touchdown, or the Coronado Plaza Storage. These are dependable, particularly for those who’re visiting with grandparents or want further comfort.

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

Restrooms to find out about

• Central Seaside Lifeguard Tower 
• Ferry Touchdown
• Spreckels Park
• Glorietta Bay Park
• Tidelands Park

In a single day Planning for Households

In case you’re spending greater than a day, selecting the best kid-friendly resort could make your keep far more stress-free.

The place to remain
You possibly can seek advice from my information to Coronado Island accommodations for extra particulars.

• Lodge del Coronado: Iconic and beachfront. Presents family-friendly facilities and seasonal programming.
• Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Cheaper than The Del on Silver Strand State Seaside. Full-service resort with water sports activities leases onsite.
• Marriott Coronado Island: Positioned on the bay, with nice pool areas and near Ferry Touchdown eating. You’d cross the island to the ocean seaside.
• Finances-friendly choices: Attempt Glorietta Bay Inn (throughout from The Del), El Cordova Lodge (with suites), and Greatest Western Plus (close to Ferry Touchdown).

The place to top off

• Vons: Full-service grocery retailer on Orange Avenue.
• CVS: For fast pharmacy and comfort wants.
• Supply: Use Instacart or Amazon Prime to have necessities introduced on to your resort or rental. A whole lot of our consumer do that!

Child & seaside gear leases
Providers like BabyQuip and Toddler’s Journey can ship every part from cribs and strollers to seaside chairs and toys to accommodations and trip leases. A lot of our shoppers do that.

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

Theme Park Day Journeys from Coronado

This can be a widespread FAQ I obtain from households staying in Coronado. These distances and occasions are measured from Lodge del Coronado and are calculated with out visitors, which there could be throughout rush hour. Don’t overlook we now have 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 Round Coronado (Transportation Choices)

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.

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

Biking
The terrain is flat and perfect for bikes! Holland’s Bicycles, Wheel Enjoyable Leases, and SUP & Saddle supply leases. Surreys and youngster trailers are additionally choices.

Golf Carts
Coronado Golf Cart Leases is a well-liked selection and a enjoyable, straightforward solution to get across the island. You’ll want a sound driver’s license and have to convey your individual automobile seat for younger youngsters.

Circuit Shuttle
Anybody visiting Coronado ought to obtain the Circuit app simply in case. Circuit presents free, generally shared rides throughout the island and even all the way down to Silver Strand in an electrical shuttle.

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

Summer season MTS Shuttle
It operates from July by way of Labor Day and loops from the Ferry Touchdown to Lodge Del. It runs roughly each quarter-hour and is stroller-friendly.

Rideshare Providers
The “Uber Automotive Seat” possibility (the place Uber gives a seat) isn’t at the moment out there in San Diego. When you have your individual automobile seat, these Uber and Lyft apps work properly.

Seasonal Occasions to Plan Round

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, Lodge del Coronado opens a beachfront ice skating rink. Classes are booked on-line prematurely, and skates are included. (Final 12 months, additionally they had a summertime curler skating rink.)

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

Summer season Live performance Sequence
Spreckels Park hosts free live shows each Sunday night from Memorial Day by way of Labor Day. Carry a picnic and low chairs—it’s a real native custom.

Household Actions Grouped by Space

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