This beach, frequented with locals, families, and tourists, lies on the ocean side of Coronado island, south of the naval air station, past the Hotel Del Coronado. Enjoy here swimming, surfing, sailing, body boarding, fishing, or just sleeping in the sun. It is the ideal beach to spend an entire day or weekend lounged under an umbrella till the sun gets down over the Pacific Ocean. You may as well play beach volleyball, set for tide pool exploration, or kite flying. You may also try out the bike path south of the Hotel Del Coronado. And moreover, watch the migrating whales in early winter.

Coronado area offers fire rings, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. There is also an off-leash dog area to the north. You may park for free on Ocean Boulevard, but arrive before 11 a.m. on summer weekends as there are crowds of visitors. There are also free parking lots on Avenida Lunar and Avenida de las Arenas. The beach is a short car trip across the San Diego Bay Bridge from downtown San Diego.

Coronado boasts of the widest area of sand of any beach in San Diego County. And there’s always ample of room for the children and adults to play catch, fly a kite, or simply run in the sand. Though parking is rather difficult in Coronado, arriving early in the day usually guarantees a good spot near the beach. Coronado takes its pride in outstanding parks that are perfect for a calm day in the sun. Glorietta Bay Park provides a boat ramp, children’s area, and small sandy beach.

On visiting Coronado, make sure to take a look at the chic restaurants and shops at the corners of Orange and Pomona Avenues.