Coronado Island
California Jewel on the Sea

Coronado Island is not really an island, but shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone. It is essentially a peninsula, located in Coronado, California, just minutes from downtown San Diego. 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 white sand beaches, which are great for relaxing and spending family time together.

Coronado California is a hot tourist spot, attracting millions of people every year. Attractions here include:

• renowned public golf course
• shopping
• art galleries
• day spas
• recreation activities like boating, biking, swimming, surfing, fishing, skating and more.
• Coronado Ferry Landing, where you can grab the San Diego Ferry

With more than 15 miles of flat 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. Rumours abound, too, about a ghost that occupies Room 3502, haunting various parts of the hotel.

If you can't stay, at least visit! This gorgeous hotel is a must-see when visiting Coronado California.

Ranked as one of the Top Ten beaches in the United States, Coronado Island has many family-friendly options that are great for spending time with the kids. Mild waves and white sand beaches are appealing year-round and also a great spot to do some San Diego whale watching during winter months.

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.

Check out Coronado Central Beach, too, and watch body surfers, boogie boarders, and swimmers hit the waves. Tide pools dot the beach, too, which is a great way to explore with kids.

For great window shopping, visit Coronado Island's Orange Avenue, and find upscale shopping and restaurants to enjoy. Chain stores are discouraged, so this area has a good selection of unique boutiques. You'll also find the island's Visitors Center here, so stop by and see what current events are happening that you and your family can enjoy.

The Gondola Company's gondola cruise is another fun idea, with tours specifically geared toward families. Seating seven to fourteen passengers, the Caorlina Cruise is one hour and tours the canals and waterways of Coronado Cays. Complimentary appetizer plate or dessert platter is provided. Bring your own beverage, but blankets and wine glasses are provided. This is a special treat to see Coronado Island in a whole new way. The Gondola Company is located at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

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 del Coronado and were the 'in' spot for vacationing families on a budget. 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.

You and your family can easily spend a day in Coronado Island, enjoy the small-town feel with classic old California vibe.

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