This west coast paradise is a timeless village with sunny, crowd-free beaches

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If you’re huddled next to the fireplace wondering where to book your next vacation, our team of experts here at Travel Off Path has just the place for you!

Sure, Florida is great if you like crowds, but now is the perfect time to explore the West Coast.

Home to one of America’s most iconic hotels, where Marilyn Monroe once stayed and many other famous faces called home. There may be Starbucks, KFC and name brand supermarkets these days, but this ‘island’ has somehow managed to keep its timeless charm remarkably intact.

If you love small-town charm, stretches of open beaches, endless restaurant patios, and both a sunny bay and the Pacific Ocean to choose from, then historic Coronado, California is just what you’re looking for – just 15 minutes from San Diego Airport.

Cross SoCal’s most beautiful bridge to a nostalgic ‘island’

You may have noticed that I put the word “island” in brackets twice. That’s because Californians haven’t read a dictionary…

Coronado is known as ‘Coronado Island’, but it is actually a peninsula that gives off an island vibe – a big difference.

But “Peninsula” doesn’t have the same oomph to validate the locals’ multimillion-dollar homes, whether they’re Hollywood hideouts, Padres players or my dentist overcharging me (yes, I’m a San Diegan).

Anyway, Coronado is truly a gem. From the moment you walk onto the Coronado Bridge and see the vibrant skyline of downtown San Diego, the sparkling Coronado Marina or the distant views of Baja, you know this famous vacation spot lives up to the hype.

As you drive into the city limits of Coronado, you will notice that each house has a different design. It has long been a local legend that no two houses should look the same, many of which are decades old or even date back to the 19th century.

Orange Avenue is Coronado’s main drag. It’s packed with legendary storefronts, old-fashioned diners, a vintage movie theater, military-themed dive bars (since it’s a huge naval base), charming boutique hotels, and of course, world-famous Hotel del Coronadowhich quite recently became part of the Hilton family and now includes Nobu.

As you can imagine, this timeless village is a pleasure to explore, stay in or relax and drink and dine, but if there’s one thing it isn’t: it’s cheap, although winter rates tend to be more palatable.

Coronado’s beautiful beaches are currently virtually spotless

If you can’t currently find any extra wiggle room along Coronado’s white-sand beaches, you’re in for some big elbows, friend.

Beaches are open to the public, even at “The Del”, as we locals call it. You may have to pay for parking, but there is no entrance fee unless you go to the end of “The Strand” to Silver Strand State Beach.

I’ve visited Coronado three times since Christmas, and since you’re an unofficial public reporter, I’m happy to say it took very little effort to find parking and even fewer headaches in scoring prime beach real estate (if that translates into planting an umbrella and a creaky lounge chair).

Although The Del’s beach is beautiful, I prefer to go a little further south to the must-see condos in Coronado Shores because they all seem to think they are among the elite.

Just look back and wave every now and then to remind them that you don’t have to pay $1.5 million to enjoy the same sun and beach that we all share.

Insider tip: Check water quality reports before planning beach days. Coronado is drained from Mexico, especially after storms, causing unsafe swimming conditions due to bacteria.

The secret side of Coronado: Venice Vibes & Hidden Resort

You know Orange Avenue, you know “The Del,” and we touched the bay, but what about? Coronado Cays?

Travel + Leisure just launched a function on Coronado, thinking they’re know-it-alls, but guess what they missed?

Yes. The Quays!

To be fair, other publications and other travel guides do too. The Cays are hidden behind the tourist side of the island.

Oops, I did it…

But those who skip it will miss out on the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a highly underrated hotel overshadowed by the popularity of The Del, and perhaps San Diego’s most unique experience—one I can’t recommend enough, especially since my dog ​​had the chance to enjoy it as much as I did.

The Gondola Company:

If there’s one experience not to be missed, it’s a gondola ride across San Diego Bay with views of the aforementioned bridge, calm waters, and multi-million dollar homes, all led by a real-life gondolier, striped shirt, funny hat and all.

I couldn’t believe that was so no costs to take your dog with you (unless he makes a mess or decides to chase a dolphin).

Luckily, Reyka was more fascinated by the bottle of wine we ordered, hoping she’d score something tasty (hey, she’s 21 in dog years)…

Joking aside, my girlfriend, my dog ​​and I all loved the romantic thing 50 minutes drive and would jump at the chance to do it again.

They’ve been around for over 25 years and have a near-perfect Google rating for good reason.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.