Welcome to Coronado, where you can walk the whole town in an hour and have a higher than usual chance at a celebrity spotting. Mostly at the Hotel Del Coronado, or a dessert shop in the downtown district.
This is probably why Coronado Island is famous. As for how do I spend a day in Coronado? We got you covered with these top 9 things to do in Coronado.
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Dinky Donuts
The Dinky Donut Shack in Coronado has the most adorable, dinky donuts in San Diego. Slightly bigger than a donut hole, these donuts come in all sorts of combinations – sprinkled, m&ms, fruity pebbles, glazed, sugar, bacon, chocolate chip, you name it.
Located in front of The Islander restaurant, this walk up window rarely has a line and always brings the deliciousness. Come before the secret is out!
Visit the Hotel Del Coronado
Listed on our Best beaches in San Diego, Hotel Del Coronado has prime beach access. For a small arm and a leg, you can have the hotel team set up chairs and umbrellas for you. However, the Hotel Del is so much more than the beach.
Come in winter, if you can call it that in San Diego, for Skating by the Sea®. Grab a taco at the Beach + Taco Shack and enjoy live music on the weekends. Wander in the shops for a variety of Coronado apparel. Indulge in their Spa at The Cabanas, pop-up spa experience. Is it San Diego if you don’t visit at least one pop up?
What is the Del Coronado famous for? Well, it unveiled the world’s first electrically lit, outdoor, living Christmas tree. It also was the backdrop to the Marilyn Monroe film “Some Like It Hot.” But in today’s day and age, it’s most famous for the high profile guests it attracts – Kevin Costner, Whoopi Goldberg, Gene Hackman, George Harrison, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.
Dog Beach
On our things to do in Coronado list for our dog parents is dog beach. The fenceless beach is about a mile and a half from the beach front at the Hotel Del Coronado. The City of Coronado installed accessible mats, 6 feet wide at various locations on the beach – one being the path to dog beach.
The mats, meant for wheel chaired visitors, are also expected to be used by wagons, strollers, and YOUR PUP! If the sand is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Use the mat. It should go without saying BUT if you are not in a wheeled chair, yield the way to people who are. Toss the ball, let your dog off leash to play in the water, bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the day for all.
Check out our article for all the dog beaches in San Diego.
Ferry Landing
The best way to get to Coronado for the full experience is by Ferry. It’s a 15 minute ride from Downtown and cost $8. The only thing cheaper is a Costco hot dog. The ferry will drop you off at the Ferry Landing (imagine that!) which has a range of dining and shopping options.
The landing also hosts live music on the weekends in the summer. Hang out on the grassy areas of the landing or splash around in the bay. You can spend a few hours at the ferry landing, answering question is there anything to do on Coronado island?
Jet Ski
Take a jet ski out on the bay and forget your job for just one day. San Diego Jet Ski Rentals have a fleet of brand new jet skis to take out into the bay, located at the Ferry Landing.
With no lengthy 5 mile zones, the fun begins as soon as you hop in. Bring a friend for a splashing good time.
Surrey/Bike around Coronado Island
You surely have to try to surrey when spending a day in Coronado. There are many rental options, but Holland’s Bicycles is the local’s pick.
Holland’s has scouted out the ideal path to make the most out of your adventure with Local Routes. For the most part you can get around anywhere in town, just remember with hills- what comes up must come down.
Lamb’s Theater
For our theater friends, the iconic Lamb’s Players Theatre is on the list of things to do in Coronado. It is an intimate experience with wildly talented performers. Their 2024 schedule is out to schedule your visit.
The semi circle audience seats make sure no one has a bad seat. Light refreshments are available for purchase.
Best Sports Bar – Nikki Rottens
For our sports bar enthusiast, Nikki Rottens is a must. All the UFC fights and major sporting events are shown on the video wall, ceiling screens, and multiple televisions. Walking in, you’ll see the restaurant plaque engraved with the names of patrons who successfully completed their Ultimate Burger Challenge. Feast on a 2.5 pounds of beef (single patty) topped with American Cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and “rotten sauce”. The burger is about 7″ high x 8′ diameter, no substitutions allowed. In addition to being burger heavy and sports focused, it’s also dog friendly on the patio!
If you’re looking for other sports bars around San Diego check out Best Sports Bars in San Diego by Neighborhood.
Spreckels Park
Coronado’s main park is located across from the city’s library and half way down the main street of Orange Avenue. The park features the largest playground in town with a shade structure over the top. The restrooms were reconstructed a few years back to be individual stalls. Most glamorous topic, no. But an important one!
During the summer, Spreckels is home to the Coronado Promenade Concerts on Sundays. Hundreds gather with lawn chairs, many restaurants have food ready to be picked up at the park, AND alcohol is permitted at the concert. This is the only time alcohol is to be consumed at the park so drink up and dance the summer nights away.
