Coronado, CA

The seaside community of Coronado is set on a peninsula that forms the western portion of San Diego Bay. With 18 miles of white sand ocean beaches, magnificent resorts, 15 miles of dedicated bike trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, water sports and more, Coronado is an excellent choice for a family beach vacation. Located just 14 miles from San Diego International Airport or a quick ferry ride from San Diego, Coronado has a wide variety of recreational activities that will appeal to every family member. It’s a great spot for learning how to surf or boogie board as well.

Named as the #2 beach in America and the #1 family beach by the Travel Channel, Coronado’s beaches are perfect for children of all ages. Coronado’s waves are generally small enough for little ones, as well as for learning how to surf or boogie board. Board rentals, lessons and equipment are available from local resorts. The half moon bay beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado is perfect for walking, jogging and beachcombing, or for playing with local four-legged friends near the end at “Dog Beach.”

The Coronado Boathouse offers rentals and instruction for sailboats, speedboats, water skiing, and jet skis on Glorietta Bay. Paddleboats and kayaks are also available. Your family can learn how to sail an 18-foot Capri Sailboat in one easy lesson by the Boathouse staff, or your captain can do all the work for you.

The Coronado bike trail, which runs along Glorietta Bay and the beachfront walk, is safe for families and easy to navigate. The Coronado Recreation Department offers the Coronado on Wheels Bike Tour, a two-hour guided tour of historic Coronado. Bikes for all ages, as well as surreys and deuce coupes, are available for rent at PeDel’s.

Other Coronado attractions include the Ferry Landing Marketplace, tours of the Naval Air Station at North Island, and Lamb’s Players Theater. Family oriented attractions in the greater San Diego area include the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Families also enjoy the Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Old Town, Balboa Park, and Seaport Village. San Diego also offers over 70 golf courses, miles of beach and ocean, and a wide variety of recreational sports and activities.

Families vacationing in Coronado can choose from world-class resorts as well as smaller properties. Some of the best options for families include:

The Hotel del Coronado: This breathtakingly beautiful Victorian beach hotel has been named as one of the Top 10 Resorts in The World by USA Today and one of the best family resorts in the United States by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine’s Experts’ Poll. This 31-acre oceanfront resort is a kids’ and teens’ paradise, with an exceptionally broad array of activities for all age groups. While parents pamper themselves at the beach or spa, kids of all ages can have fun with programs designed just for them. Tent City Kids’ Camp entertains children ages 4-12 with full afternoon and evening programs including beach games, scavenger hunts, sandcastle building, bonfires and meals. Kids’ Crafts is a shorter 1-hour program featuring fun arts and crafts for children in this age group. The Del is one of the only resorts in the United States to offer programs for 12-17 year olds. Teens can hang out at the Coast Club Teen Lounge, The Del’s spot dedicated solely to those ages 12-17. The Coast Club features video games, pool, foosball, music, TV’s, computers, food and drinks, and more. The Del also offers teenagers year-round tours and lessons in kayaking, surfing, tennis and biking. For those who want to relax, the Spa at The Del offers spa treatments designed specifically for teens. The whole family will enjoy The Del’s recreational activities including surfing lessons, sailing clinics, kayaking, biking, tennis, and relaxing on the picture-perfect white sand beach. For more information, visit The Del’s website at www.hoteldel.com or call 619-435-6611.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Located on a fifteen-acre private peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort boasts spectacular panoramic water views in a seaside setting with countless unique activities designed for your family’s relaxation and enjoyment. This family-friendly property offers guests a Family Concierge to help plan your vacation. The concierge can provide a list of local family activities, information on the resort’s family oriented programs such as Loews Loves Kids and Generation G for teens, and more. For more information, visit the resort’s website at www.loewshotels.com or call 619-424-4000.

Glorietta Bay Inn: This Edwardian-style mansion is situated right across the street from the Hotel del Coronado and the beach. Hotel amenities include a heated swimming pool, babysitting, board games, complimentary continental breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, and afternoon lemonade and cookies. Dial extension 110 at night and let your kids listen to the storyteller read “Good Night Moon” as you tuck them into bed. For more information, visit the inn’s website at www.gloriettabayinn.com or call 800-283-9383.

Coronado Island Marriott Resort San Diego: Located on 16 waterfront acres on the San Diego Bay, this resort is an excellent choice for families needing plenty of space. The resort’s 300 guest rooms include one- and two-bedroom villas with kitchenettes. For more information, visit the resort’s website at www.marriott.com or call 619-435-3000.

For more information on Coronado Island, contact the Coronado Visitors Bureau at 619-437-8788 or visit their website at www.coronadovisitors.com.