Best Things to Do on Coronado Island, California [Updated 2026]
Just across the bridge and a world away. This is Coronado Island, widely regarded as the crown jewel of the San Diego waterfront and the playground of princes and presidents. And there is a reason why it is a favorite among the rich and famous just as much as for the locals.
There are so many things to do on Coronado Island, California, that no matter what your budget is, you will never get bored.
My husband and I love visiting Coronado for a little local getaway. It is just a short drive from our house, but it feels like a little mini-vacation once you step foot on the island. We are instantly in vacation mode and love trying new things there, from riding fat tire beach cruisers, joining a walking tour, or visiting the Hotel Del Coronado. We love Coronado, and we are sure you will too!
| Tour | Best for | Duration | From | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gondola Cruise Through Coronado Cays | Couples — the most romantic hour on the island | 50 min | $74 | 4.9★ (230+) |
| Coronado History and Highlights Small Group Walking Tour | First-timers; history lovers (gelato stop included) | 2h 45m | $64 | 5.0★ (80+) |
| Explore Coronado on a Scooter Tour (Photos Included) | Covering the whole island without walking — vacation photos included | 1.5 hrs | $75 | 5.0★ (60+) |
| GPS Talking E-GoCart Tour of Coronado | Self-guided fun — drive your own electric GoCar over the Coronado Bridge | 2 hrs | $106 | 4.6★ |
| Guided Coronado E-Bike Tour | Budget-friendly active option | 1.5 hrs | $59 | 4.7★ |
| Guided Kayak Tour of Coronado | Paddling Glorietta Bay with a guide | 90 min | $89 | 5.0★ |
| San Diego Food Tour & Ferry to Coronado | Foodies — tastings + round-trip ferry in one booking | 3 hrs | $113 | 5.0★ (70+) |
| San Diego Harbor Cruise | Budget pick — see Coronado & the bridge from the water | 2 hrs | $37 | 4.5★ (3,200+) |
Also read:
Best Coronado Island Hotels
Fabulous Vacation Rentals on Coronado Island
Must-Try Coronado Restaurants
Fun Things to Do at Coronado Ferry Landing
There are several ways to explore the things to do on Coronado Island, but if it is your first time, take a look at these fun tours that will let you explore Coronado in a fun way:
Located only 15 minutes from the heart of downtown San Diego, this captivating beach hamlet has a unique, classy, magical vibe all its own.
Getting to Coronado means crossing over the impressive arching Coronado Bridge with its dramatic curves and 360-degree views. My personal favorite way to get to Coronado is taking the ferry from San Diego, though, as I will never say no to a boat ride. And that’s only the beginning of the allure of this magnificent isle.
Coronado is utterly charming. Possessing a lovable small-town USA feel, this quaint coastal village invites visitors and locals to ‘sit a spell’ and take in the many blessings bestowed upon the isle by Mother Nature. Its beaches are renowned as some of the most beautiful in the United States.
But this postcard-perfect community is more than its stunning sandy beaches, palm trees, and sunsets. It’s filled with a myriad of wonderful experiences and active pursuits.
Best Things to Do on Coronado Island You Have to Try
Go on a Tour of Coronado
There are several ways to explore the things to do on Coronado Island, but if it is your first time, take a look at these fun tours that will let you explore Coronado in a fun way:
Explore the Hotel Del Coronado
The island’s iconic priceless gem is the Victorian architectural masterpiece—the Hotel Del Coronado. Built in 1888, the legendary and quintessential grand lady of the sea has hosted numerous presidents, royalty, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities throughout the years.
This is one of my favorite hotels in San Diego, and even if I am not staying for the night, it is always worth a visit. Whenever we have out-of-town guests, we take them there for a drink by the pool or to watch the sunset.
Fronting the cerulean waters of the Pacific, this famous San Diego landmark has it all — stunning beauty, a dazzling sandy-white beach, swaying palms, incredible oceanfront dining, and what we believe to be the best of the best — its fascinating historical legacy.
Several Hollywood movies were filmed here. L. Frank Baum, writer and creator of the famous Wizard of Oz, did much of his writing here, calling it his personal “Oz.” The Del is also the setting of one of the most famous true love stories of our time — Edward, Prince of Wales, and Wallis Simpson, who met at a grand dinner here in 1920.
Photos and memorabilia located throughout the hotel capture the essence of the Del’s early days and historical characters that once stayed and played at this enchanting resort. Click here if you want to book your room at the Hotel Del Coronado.
Check out Coronado Ferry Landing
I simply love this charming waterfront village filled with boutique shops, eateries, and yes, a tantalizing ice cream shop. Coronado Ferry Landing is located in one of the most picturesque settings on the island and provides a stunning panorama of the San Diego skyline. Read our full article on things to do at Coronado Ferry Landing here>>
The ferry landing is also a means to getting across the beautiful San Diego Bay to downtown San Diego on the San Diego Coronado Ferry. The cost is $8 one-way courtesy of Flagship Cruises. Children 3 and under ride free. And the best part is there’s no charge for bringing bicycles or Segways on board.
Boats also drop off in this spot for riders to dine in one of our favorite Coronado restaurants—Peohe’s. Famous for its fresh fish, seafood, steaks, prime rib, and other island-inspired dishes, it offers one of the most picturesque and memorable dining spots in all of San Diego. Also, read about our other favorite restaurants in Coronado here>>
Browse the Coronado Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
If you’re on the island on a Tuesday afternoon, the Coronado Farmers Market at the Ferry Landing (2:30–6:00 pm, year-round) is worth timing your visit around. Local produce, flowers, cheese, and prepared food — grab something delicious and eat it on the waterfront with the skyline across the bay. It’s small-town Coronado at its best.
Rent a Boat, Jet Ski, or Kayak at Seaforth (Glorietta Bay)
If you want to get out on the water without joining a tour, head to Seaforth Boat Rentals at the Glorietta Bay Marina (1715 Strand Way), right across from the Hotel Del.
We’re Seaforth members and rent from them regularly — it’s our favorite way to see Coronado from the water. You can rent everything from kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats to jet skis, powerboats, and sailboats, and the calm, protected water of Glorietta Bay makes it beginner-friendly. Greg and I usually rent from the Seaport Village location, but the Coronado location is perfect if you want to explore the South Bay. It is also much quieter and more peaceful, with much less boat traffic.
Cruising past the Coronado Bridge with the skyline ahead of you is an experience you won’t forget — and San Diego’s boating weather works pretty much year-round.
Spend a Day on Coronado Beach
One of our favorite seashores is the award-winning Coronado Beach, also known as Central Beach. We love coming here during the summer for a fun day at the beach, some swimming, and endless beach walks in the winter.
Stretching nearly two miles along Ocean Boulevard, it’s an ideal place to soak up the sun, swim, tide pool, and watch the impressive sandcastle builders create awe-inspiring sand sculptures. Beach volleyball is also a super popular pastime. My whole family loves this beach, as there is something to do for everyone.
And here’s a little insider tip on what makes the cashmere-soft sand sparkle: those flecks of gold in the sand are mica crystals that create a glittery appearance when touched by the sun’s rays. And sunsets here are simply incredible.
Other notable Coronado beaches include Silver Strand State Beach and Glorietta Bay Beach. North Beach is a fun dog-friendly beach for our canine companions to run and play in the surf.
Get Ice Cream at MooTime Creamery
No Coronado day is complete without a cone from MooTime Creamery on Orange Avenue — a local institution with house-made ice cream and old-school soda-fountain vibes. Perfect fuel for browsing the boutiques, or take it to go for the sunset at Centennial Park.
Drive Your Own GoCar Around Coronado
If you’d rather be the driver than the passenger, this one’s for you: a private, GPS-guided electric GoCar that talks you through the route as you drive it yourself — starting in Old Town, cruising past the Gaslamp Quarter and the USS Midway, and then the part everyone raves about: driving your own tiny open-air car over the Coronado Bridge before looping the island’s highlights, from the Hotel Del to Coronado Beach.
Reviewers call the bridge crossing a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I believe them — that view from the top is spectacular even in a regular car.
Each GoCar seats two (book separate cars for bigger groups), it’s completely self-guided so you set the pace, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. It’s a splurge at around $106 per person, but it earns Viator’s Badge of Excellence with a 4.6-star rating, and it’s the most fun way I know of to combine downtown’s waterfront sights and Coronado in a single two-hour adventure. Book your Coronado GoCar tour here>>
Kayak the San Diego Bay
Kayaking is one of my favorite activities in Coronado. For a perfect aqua adventure and some great exercise to boot, kayaking in Coronado is a wonderful activity. The Coronado Bay Channel, located between Coronado and downtown, offers beautiful views of both the island and the unmistakable San Diego downtown.
For those who don’t have their own kayaks, it’s not a problem. Several places in Coronado have 1- and 2-person kayaks available to rent or you can book a guided kayak tour of Coronado.
Go Ice Skating on the Beach at the Hotel Del (Winter Only)
Yes, you read that right — every holiday season, the Hotel del Coronado sets up Skating by the Sea, an open-air ice rink right next to the sand with the Pacific as your backdrop. It runs from late November through early January (Nov 21 – Jan 4 this season), and a portion of the proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Tickets run about $30–35 with skate rental. Skating in the ocean air with the Del’s red turrets glowing behind you is one of the most magical holiday experiences in San Diego. Book ahead for December weekends — they sell out.
Bike around the Island
Biking in Coronado is an absolute delight. I love the flat bike path right by the ocean and feeling the salty breeze in my hair. I sometimes feel like I have to pinch myself that I live in such a beautiful place.
Unlike much of San Diego, the island is fairly flat, so even beach cruisers are great for getting around and exploring. Biking with a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, we love the wide bike path running along this coastline.
If you don’t have a bike, that’s ok. For a small town, Coronado has several bike rental places at your disposal. Low speed limits and respectful drivers allow for safer biking, as many residents here bike as well. If you prefer to go on a guided tour, check out this Coronado bike tour!
Go on a Gondola Ride in the Coronado Cays
No, you did not teleport to Venice, but you can still experience a romantic gondola ride through the back channels of Coronado. Each Gondola is for a private party of up to 6 people, but this activity is especially popular among couples. I mean, what could be a more romantic date idea than that? Click here to book it now!
Take in a Show at the Lamb’s Players
We recall the first time a friend invited us to a production at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. The set was impressive, and the acting quality was superb.
For a small-town boutique theatre, plays here in this live venue are first-rate. Past stage shows in this intimate setting include performances of notable productions like The Miracle Worker, Le Misérables, and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few.
Hop-on-Hop-off Trolley Tours
Clang, clang, clang goes the trolley, and it’s an absolutely fun and nostalgic way to get around to some of Coronado and San Diego’s best sites. Even as locals, we love trolleying around America’s Finest City and hearing anecdotes, stories, and historical revelations we wouldn’t otherwise have known. It’s also the perfect way to enjoy Coronado and San Diego with visiting family and friends without having to worry about driving or parking. Book your trolley tour here>>
The 25-mile trek by Old Town Trolley Tours includes a full narration of 12 stops around San Diego and Coronado, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off one- and two-day privileges, allowing riders to choose to stay in any location for as long as they want.
Golf in Coronado
Opened in 1957, the Coronado Municipal Golf Course is likely one of the most beautiful courses you’ll find on the West Coast. Not only is it a public course, but green fees are reasonably priced. The 18-hole, par-72 course offers almost distractingly beautiful views of the Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay, and the San Diego skyline.
Take a Coronado Walking Tour
Coronado is such an easily walkable village. Why not take a leisurely stroll and see the island in a whole new way?
With this walking tour, you won’t only see the main attractions but also try popular dishes and snacks. Guides will tell guests local stories about movie stars, tycoons, as well as the famous island’s connection to films like ‘The Wizard of Oz ‘.
Shop on Orange Avenue
One of the most charming aspects of Coronado is the collection of small boutique shops lining the main drag of downtown Coronado — Orange Avenue and its picturesque side streets.
From vintage finds to the latest trends, nautical to beachy décor, soft cotton clothing and colorful beachwear to jewelry, artwork and so much more, the island’s 50-plus shops are literal eye candy offering an irresistible allure for the shopper.
Play in the Parks on Coronado Island
Coronado boasts 18 beautiful parks on the island, scattered throughout the downtown and its environs.
Centennial Park near the Coronado Ferry Landing has beautiful gardens, paths, benches, and an extraordinary view of the bay and skyline. Perfect for a sunset or nighttime skyline photo shoot.
Spreckels Park, located in the heart of Coronado, features a playground, gazebo, picnic tables, and restrooms. But its most known for its summer concerts centered around the park’s gazebo bandstand. This is where you’ll find both locals and visitors pulling their wagons packed with blankets, libations, and gourmet goodies for a complimentary picnic while enjoying the music.
Coronado Tidelands Park is fantastic for families. Check out its sandy play area, top-quality playground equipment, picnic area, and loads of grass to run and roll in. Views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge from this site are iconic, providing picture-perfect photograph opportunities.
Step Into Coronado’s Past at the Museum of History and Art
Right on Orange Avenue (1100 Orange Ave), the Coronado Historical Association’s Museum of History and Art is a lovely little stop between shops. Exhibits cover the island’s Victorian beginnings, its deep Navy and aviation roots, Hollywood connections, and, of course, the Hotel Del — including the L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” story I mentioned earlier. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, it takes less than an hour.
Spend a Quieter Beach Day at Silver Strand State Beach
South of the village along the Silver Strand, this state beach gives you two beaches in one: ocean surf on one side and calm, warmer bay water on the other — the bay side is our pick for families with small kids. It’s also the gateway to the Bayshore Bikeway, and there’s even RV camping steps from the sand. Day-use parking is per vehicle; it’s far less crowded than Central Beach in summer.
Seasonal Events on Coronado Island
One of the things we love most about Coronado is that it celebrates something in every season. If you can time your visit around one of these, do it:
Spring
- Coronado Flower Show (mid-April, Spreckels Park) — the largest tented flower show in the US, a village tradition since 1922. About $10 admission.
- MotorCars on MainStreet (early May, Orange Avenue) — hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and lowriders (1975 and older) take over downtown. The 37th annual ran on May 3, 2026. Free to stroll.
Summer
- Sunday Concerts at Spreckels Park (roughly May–September) — free bandstand concerts; locals arrive with picnic wagons. [VERIFY current season schedule]
- 4th of July — Coronado’s famous small-town parade down Orange Avenue, festivities all day, and bay fireworks at night. One of the best Independence Day celebrations in America.
Fall
- Pumpkin Patch at the Ferry Landing (late October) — a festive small-town pumpkin patch with carnival games and craft stations for kids. [VERIFY exact date each year — 2025’s was Oct 26]
- Coronado Island Film Festival (early November; Nov 4–8 in 2026) — 100+ films, filmmaker Q&As, and panels across the island. See the full write-up above.
Winter
- Skating by the Sea at the Hotel Del (late November–early January) — the famous beachfront ice rink. See the full write-up above.
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (two December Sunday evenings — Dec 13 & 20 in 2026) — ~80 illuminated boats cross the bay and finish right at the Coronado Ferry Landing around 7:40 pm. Free, and the Coronado side beats the downtown crowds. See the full write-up above.
- Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (early December, Orange Avenue) — an evening parade capped by the lighting of a 120-foot tree with 18,000+ lights at Rotary Plaza.
Catch the Coronado Flower Show (April)
A spring tradition since 1922, the Coronado Flower Show in Spreckels Park is the largest tented flower show in the United States — two days of spectacular floral displays, garden competitions, live music from the bandstand, and a beer & wine garden, all under canvas in the middle of the village. Admission is about $10. If your trip lands in mid-April, don’t miss it.
Sunday Summer Concerts at Spreckels Park
If you’re visiting in summer, time your Sunday around the free concerts at the Spreckels Park bandstand — locals arrive with wagons full of blankets and picnic spreads, and it’s about as charming as small-town America gets. Bring a picnic (or grab takeout on Orange Avenue) and settle in on the grass.
Watch the Famous Coronado 4th of July Parade
Coronado throws one of the most beloved hometown Independence Day celebrations in America — a classic small-town parade down Orange Avenue, festivities all day, and front-row seats to the San Diego Bay fireworks at night. Locals stake out parade spots early, so arrive in the morning and make a full day of it.
Coronado Island Film Festival (November)
Every November, Coronado turns into a small-town Sundance: 100+ curated films and shorts, filmmaker Q&As, and industry panels across venues on the island (Nov 4–8 in 2026). MovieMaker Magazine has named it one of the top 50 festivals worth the entry fee. Pair a screening with dinner on Orange Avenue for a perfect fall evening.
Watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from the Ferry Landing (December Only)
Location: Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St, Coronado, CA 92118
Dates: Two December Sunday evenings — Dec 13 & 20 in 2026; boats reach Coronado around 7:40 pm
Cost: Free
Website
Here’s a local secret about one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Coronado Ferry Landing is the grand finale of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Every December, on two Sunday evenings, around 80 boats decked out in thousands of twinkling lights parade across the bay — starting at Shelter Island, passing Seaport Village and the Embarcadero, and finishing right in front of the Ferry Landing, with the glittering downtown skyline as the backdrop. More than 100,000 people line the shores each year, but the Coronado side is far less crowded than the downtown viewpoints.
Make an evening of it: come over early, grab dinner at one of the Ferry Landing restaurants (book a window table well ahead — locals know), and bring a blanket for the boats’ arrival. Each year has a theme — 2026 is “Liberty Lights the Bay – Cheers to 250 Years!” Pair it with Skating by the Sea at the Hotel Del and you have the perfect Coronado holiday evening. For the full route, schedule, and my favorite viewing spots on both sides of the bay, see my complete San Diego Bay Parade of Lights guide.
Where To Stay in Coronado
Coronado is one of the most special places to stay in San Diego — you get the beach-town charm, the famous sunsets, and the skyline views without the downtown bustle. These are my three favorite resorts on the island, each for a different kind of trip:
| Hotel | Best for | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Del Coronado (Curio Collection by Hilton) | The iconic splurge; couples & history lovers; beachfront | $$$$ | On Coronado Beach, steps from Orange Avenue |
| Loews Coronado Bay Resort | Families; water sports, pools & a private marina | $$$ | Quiet bayfront peninsula, ~10 min drive from the village |
| Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa | Skyline views; couples & business; closest to the ferry | $$$ | Bayfront, ~5 min walk to Coronado Ferry Landing |
Coronado has various resorts and hotels to choose from for an overnight or weekend stay. You will find bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels to full-service resorts offering dining with a view. We mentioned the enchanted Hotel del Coronado earlier. It’s fun to check out some of the island’s other spectacular resorts offering places to stay, play, and dine.
Perched on a 15-acre peninsula on the southern end of the island, The Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a secluded waterfront oasis. Surrounded by shimmering bay waters and the San Diego cityscape in the distance, it’s a perfect place to escape and enjoy a host of water activities to boot.
Located along the waterfront, Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa offers an idyllic retreat. Enjoy the stunning views and lush tropical courtyard grounds filled with wandering streams and fountains.
Want more options, from B&Bs to boutique hotels? See my full guide to the best Coronado Island hotels.
How to Get to Coronado Island
Coronado sits just across the bay from downtown San Diego, and half the fun is getting there. You have four good options — here’s how they compare:
| Option | From | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coronado Ferry | Downtown (Broadway Pier) or Chula Vista | ~15–20 min on the water | ~$8 one-way (kids 3 & under free) | Car-free visitors; the views alone are worth it |
| Car via Coronado Bridge | Downtown / I-5 | ~10–15 min | Free (bridge toll removed years ago); paid & street parking on island | Families with beach gear |
| MTS Bus 904 | Downtown via bridge | ~25–35 min | Standard MTS fare | Budget travelers |
| Bike | Downtown via ferry, or the Bayshore Bikeway | Varies | Bikes ride the ferry free | Active travelers — the island is flat and bike-friendly |
My personal favorite is the ferry — I never say no to a boat ride, and you get the best skyline views in San Diego on the way over. Check the full San Diego–Coronado ferry schedule before you go. Once you’re on the island, you won’t need a car — Coronado is flat, compact, and made for walking and biking.
A sign in one of Coronado’s charming boutiques reads, “At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but moment to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.”
Ahh, doesn’t this just describe Coronado Island to a T?
Coronado FAQs
How do you get to Coronado Island?
You can drive across the Coronado Bridge (about 10–15 minutes from downtown San Diego), take the Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier (~15–20 minutes, about $8 one-way), ride MTS Bus 904, or bike over on the ferry or via the Bayshore Bikeway. The ferry is my favorite — the skyline views are unbeatable.
Is Coronado Island worth visiting?
Absolutely. Coronado packs one of America’s best beaches, the historic Hotel del Coronado, a walkable village full of boutiques and restaurants, and postcard views of the San Diego skyline into one compact island — it’s an easy half-day or full-day trip from downtown.
Is Coronado actually an island?
Technically no — it’s a “tied island” connected to Imperial Beach by a narrow strip of land called the Silver Strand. But everyone calls it an island, and arriving by ferry, it certainly feels like one.
Do you need a car on Coronado Island?
No. The island is flat and compact — you can walk or bike almost everywhere. Many visitors come over by ferry and rent bikes on the island; if you drive, park once and explore on foot.
How much time do you need on Coronado Island?
You can see the highlights — the Hotel Del, Coronado Beach, and Orange Avenue — in a half day. To add a bike ride, a gondola cruise, or a relaxed beach afternoon, plan a full day. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the island after the day-trippers leave.
Is Coronado Beach free?
Yes — like all beaches in California, Coronado Beach is free and open to the public, including the stretch in front of the Hotel del Coronado. Street parking near the beach is free but competitive in summer, so arrive early.
Can you visit the Hotel del Coronado without staying there?
Yes. You’re welcome to walk the grounds, browse the shops, grab a drink or a meal at the restaurants, and take in the historic architecture. It’s one of my favorite things to do with out-of-town guests, especially at sunset.
Best Things to Do on Coronado Island – Pin for Later:
Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Maria Haase
The post Best Things to Do on Coronado Island, California [Updated 2026] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.
Categories
Recent Posts
![How To Celebrate San Diego Pride: Events, Parties & Things To Do [2026]](https://img.chime.me/image/fs/chimeblog/289037000021392/43411/20260715/16/w600_original_3f985565-cc5b-481d-8eff-4dfecd6beec1-jpg.webp)
GET MORE INFORMATION
