Coronado Island

Coronado Island is not really an island, but shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone. It is essentially a peninsula. Commonly called "Crown City," it is accessible by ferry or the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. This is the place to enjoy a vacation with five beaches which are great for relaxing and enjoying family time together.

With more than 15 miles of bike paths roaming the island is easy. Rent bikes, skates or just walk for a bit, heading down the Silver Strand for amazing views of the ocean.

Stay at one of the island's oldest landmarks, the Hotel del Coronado. This is a restored Victorian lodging that has been open since 1888. The hotel has activities for the youngsters in the winter such as Tent City Kids' Camp and they will enjoy many adventures such as making crafts and scavenger hunts. Ten former presidents have slept here and one may have been in the room in which you are staying.

A cruise is always a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. A 5 ½ hour cruise into International waters is exciting especially when you see the wide variety of natural inhabitants in this area. See the harbor seals, dolphins and over 80 different types of birds that are indigenous to this island area. The kids will love learning about Dead Man's Island and seeing the elephant seal rookeries. This is one of the best ways to learn about the history of Coronado Island.

When visiting Coronado Island, you will find many beaches that are great for spending time with the kids. If your children are small, the Glorietta Bay Beach is just to the south of the Hotel del Coronado. This beach has a spectacular view of the San Diego - Coronado Bridge. There is a park with playground equipment allowing the little ones to play for a while as well as enjoy the beach. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day taking in the surrounding and relax - you are on vacation.

The Museum of History and Art will be a real treat for those who want to learn about Coronado's past. The Native Americans that were the first inhabitants are highlighted by the collection of things they used in everyday life. Learn about others who came to vacation here during the period from 1900 to 1939. They erected tents at the foot of the hotel and were the 'in' spot for vacationing families. Called tent cities, the museum features postcards, photos and programs dating from this exciting time. Do your children think they would have liked to vacation in this manner? Seeing how much things have changed in just a few years will be a very interesting part of the vacation experience.

The museum has three different galleries which are all about a certain era in Coronado's past. The collections on display for the public will give them a very good idea of the way life was not so many years ago. This in turn will foster a deep appreciation for the modern technology we have today.

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