Coronado, CA Tourist Attractions
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The garden town of Coronado is situated on a peninsula. Whilst it has its own town council, it is nevertheless regarded as a suburb of San Diego, to which it is linked by the bridge over San Diego Bay and by the ferry. It was named after the islands of Los Coronados which lie off the shores of Baja California. Because of its majestic beauty it is also known as Crown City, although when he named the islands in 1602, the seafarer Viczaino wished to honor the three Romans who were crowned as martyrs.How to get thereFrom downtown you can reach Coronado in a few minutes by crossing the Coronado Bridge off the U.S. 5. If you are in no hurry you can go on the ferry which starts from Broadway Pier in San Diego.Coronado is home to the iconic Hotel de Coronado. This historical hotel is a destination in itself and is immortalized in many photos because of its red turrets.Coronado has countless recreational opportunities ranging from golfing, to beach activities at one of the three beaches, to walking along one of the many pedestrian trails, or just sitting on a patio having a delightful lunch or dinner. Coronado is a great place for a day trip and offers great views of the city, looking back across San Diego Bay.
Hotel del Coronado
Coronado's only building of interest, but one which is well worth seeing, is the Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888. Its mixture of Spanish and Mexican styles is unique in America today since, in spite of its wooden construction, it is still used as a luxury hotel (almost 700 rooms including those added on).Predominantly Chinese workers with no previous knowledge of building techniques completed the hotel in less than eleven months. The main four-story building, over 100 years old, has had no structural alterations of any kind during that period, although the guest-rooms have been renovated several times. It was the largest building outside New York to be fully served by electricity at that time. Thomas Edison himself supervised the electrical installation.No fewer than thirteen American presidents, film actors, Charles Lindbergh, and many other VIPs have been guests in this famous hotel. Numerous films have also been made here, including "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.Perhaps the most interesting room in the hotel is the 30ft/9m-high dining-room, in the construction of which not a single nail or any kind of supporting beam was used; the pine ceiling is held together by wooden dowels.The gabled 700 room seaside hotel called "The Del" by locals was acquired by the Travelers Group in 1996. It is one of the largest all-wood structures in the United States.
Silver Strand State Beach
The Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado is located between Imperial Beach and Coronado on Silver Strand Boulevard. There are bike paths, camping and picnic areas. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, water-skiing, boating, and volleyball.
Ferry Landing Marketplace
The Ferry Landing Marketplace can be reached from the Hotel del Coronado by ferry. There is a collection of shops, art galleries, fine restaurants and eateries surrounded by tree lined walkways, swaying palms and sparkling ponds.
Coronado Beach Historical Museum
The Coronado Beach Historical Museum is located in a Victorian home and has a small display on the history of the town.
Coronado Bridge
The Coronado Bridge curves gracefully over the San Diego harbor on its way to Coronado Island.
