Household Information With Insider Suggestions

Over half of the households I ebook into resorts select Coronado—and for good cause. I spend a variety of time on the island (together with proper now, penning this from my room at Lodge del Coronado!) and really feel it’s time to deal with incessantly 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. The following tips mirror 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 frolicked 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 every week, these family-friendly experiences are the inspiration of an ideal 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 youths. For extra data, see my full information to Coronado seashores.

Coronado Central Seaside
That is the primary seashore fronting Lodge del Coronado, and it’s widespread for a cause. It has broad, flat sand that sparkles gold with mica, preferrred for sandcastle constructing and lounging. Lifeguards are on responsibility, restrooms are close by, and leases can be found by means of Del Seaside. That 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 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 seashore is nice for toddlers, however it 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 Seaside
This small bayfront seashore 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 stable selection if your loved ones prefers calm over surf.

Seaside Actions for Households

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

Sandcastle Classes
You’ll be able to ebook Sandcastle Man San Diego. He’s a legend alongside the Coronado shoreline for ornate sandcastles, and he provides classes on the best way to create your individual sculpture within the sand.

Tide Pooling
At very low tides—particularly in winter—you may 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
If you happen to stroll the shoreline early within the morning, you might even see some treasures. I’ve picked up a variety of entire sandollars right here.

Enjoyable Parks and Playgrounds in Coronado

Spreckels Park
Situated within the coronary heart of the village on Orange Avenue, Spreckels Park encompasses a shaded playground, a big grassy discipline, and picnic areas. It’s additionally residence to summer season live shows and Artwork-in-the-Park occasions. It’s an ideal cease in the event you’re strolling between outlets 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) consists of an all-abilities playground, fishing pier, skate park, and entry to the Bayshore Bikeway. It’s spacious, waterfront, and preferrred for burning off power after lunch.

Glorietta Bay Park
This bayfront park features a calm seashore, 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 enjoying, 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 fitting in the event you’re dealing with the doorway). If you happen to’re staying close by or heading to the Ferry Touchdown, they’re enjoyable to go to in your technique to the waterfront walkway there.

Water Sports activities in Glorietta Bay
The calm waters of Glorietta Bay are good for making an attempt paddleboarding or kayaking. Seaforth Boat Leases provides 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, and so they usually serenade passengers, simply as they do in Venice. Youngsters underneath age 3 experience free of charge.

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

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

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

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

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

Child-Pleasant Eating in Coronado

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

Clayton’s Espresso Store & Takeout Window
Inside, the restaurant serves traditional diner fare like milkshakes, burgers, and large pancake stacks. However what I like is that 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 seashore.

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

Village Pizzeria
There are two areas, 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 a neighborhood chain, however Burger Lounge is a improbable possibility for households who need a good burger. Their menu provides 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 no cease at Mootime Creamery, which has been round endlessly. The menu options soda fountain floats, Mootacos (sugar cones in taco shapes with toppings on prime), and large sundaes. I like the peanut butter taste.

Picnic Choices
You’ll be able to decide 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 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 once you’re touring with youthful youngsters.

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

The place to park

• Ocean Boulevard: Free beachfront parking, however areas replenish quick. I inform folks to not plan on it.
• Orange Avenue: Free two-hour parking, strictly enforced by way of license plate scanners.
• Residential streets: Typically 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 in the event you’re visiting with grandparents or want additional comfort.

What to carry
Pack seashore 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

If you happen to’re spending greater than a day, selecting the best kid-friendly lodge could make your keep rather more enjoyable.

The place to remain
You’ll be able to seek advice from my information to Coronado Island resorts for extra particulars.

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

The place to fill up

• 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 lodge or rental. Lots of our consumer do that!

Child & seashore gear leases
Providers like BabyQuip and Toddler’s Journey can ship the whole lot from cribs and strollers to seashore chairs and toys to resorts and trip leases. A lot 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 carry a chill. Solar safety in Coronado can be important. Relaxation assured you should purchase something you forgot at outlets on the island.

Theme Park Day Journeys from Coronado

This can be a frequent FAQ I obtain from households staying in Coronado. These distances and occasions are measured from Lodge del Coronado and are calculated with out site visitors, which there may 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 broad sidewalks and outlets, parks, and eating places clustered collectively.

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

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

Circuit Shuttle
Anybody visiting Coronado ought to obtain the Circuit app simply in case. Circuit provides 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 experience that’s about quarter-hour lengthy.

Summer time MTS Shuttle
It operates from July by means 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 presently out there in San Diego. When you’ve got your individual automobile seat, these Uber and Lyft apps work effectively.

Seasonal Occasions to Plan Round

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

Fourth of July
Coronado is known 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. Periods are booked on-line prematurely, and skates are included. (Final yr, in addition 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 time Live performance Collection
Spreckels Park hosts free live shows each Sunday night from Memorial Day by means of Labor Day. Deliver 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!