Coronado Island: Crown Jewel of the San Diego Waterfront

Something magical happens the moment you pass over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and that's because Coronado, San Diego's beautiful resort city, has a unique and special vibe all its own.

Although technically not an island, Coronado is actually connected to the mainland by a thin strand of beach known as the Silver Strand. For years, visitors had to use a downtown ferry to access Coronado before it's towering bridge, with dramatic curves and 360-degree unobstructed views, was completed in 1969.

Every visitor to San Diego should spend at least one day in Coronado, a mere 10- minute drive from the heart of downtown. For those without a car, a ferry or water taxi will have you in this casual Southern California paradise in only 15 minutes.

Without a doubt, Coronado's iconic priceless gem is the Victorian architectural masterpiece known as the Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888, the quintessential and legendary oceanfront beach hotel has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities over the years.

This captivating, elegant and timeless turn-of-the-century resort stands sentinel over a mile and a half wide pristine white-sand beach surrounded by palms and fronting the azure waters of the Pacific. And winter sunsets here are spectacular.

San Diego has a distinguished military history. So much so that when the Coronado Bridge was built, it was specifically designed for its fleet of Navy ships to easily pass underneath.

Located on the northern half of the Coronado peninsula on San Diego Bay, Naval Air Station North Island is home port to several massive nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and multiple fighter and helicopter squadrons. The air station was also the site of Charles Lindberg's departure on the transcontinental flight preceding his famous solo flight across the Atlantic.

Coronado reflects charming small-town USA and its easily walkable main street (Orange Avenue) is filled with a myriad of quaint boutiques, eateries and nautical gift shops.

Period photos and memorabilia celebrating Coronado's past can be found in a museum located inside the Coronado Visitor's Center. Regular walking tours of Hotel Del Coronado and Historic Coronado are given several times per week. Additionally, bikes can be rented from multiple venues to help you explore this beautiful beachside town.

Coronado's famous beaches are routinely ranked among the best beaches in the world. Pristine fine white sand glitters in the sun thanks to its fine crystals of mica. Its surf is usually mild and perfect for swimming.

Like the city of San Diego, all Coronado beaches are open to the public. Those into beach volleyball love joining the casual pickup games held on Coronado Central Beach.

Coronado sand has the ideal consistency for building sandcastles.

There's daily magic on Coronado's sandy shores due to Bill Bavlaka, a retired construction worker known as the King of Sandcastles. Bill just happens to build the most incredible sand-dripped beach castles we've ever seen.

Though much of his work is created for proposals, weddings and other special occasions, anyone can view the castles he often constructs on the beaches fronting Hotel del Coronado. Have your camera ready to catch these amazing works of art!

Coronado's renowned picture-perfect weather is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rated as one of the best public golf courses in the U.S., tee times for the Coronado Public Golf Course should be scheduled in advance. Immaculate greens, wide inviting fairways and dramatic views make Coronado a popular haven for golfers year-round. For those wishing to get back into the swing of things, both individual and group lessons are available.

Located in one of the most picturesque settings on the island, the Coronado Ferry Landing isn't just the place to catch water transport to and from the mainland. The landing hosts a boutique shopping village, waterfront restaurants, kayak rentals, individual and tandem bikes and even a surrey.

For a small island, there's no shortage of places to eat. Visitors will find casual eateries and fine dining, serving everything from Italian and French to Mexican and Thai.

One of our favorites for its spectacular views of the San Diego Bay and downtown waterfront is Peohe's. Indoor and outdoor dining is available (though outdoor tables are preferred and highly coveted). Coronado Brewing Company is the island's premier brewery pub, offering American pub fare in a friendly neighborhood setting.

For a sweet treat, Moo Time Creamery, located on the main drag, serves luscious made-from-scratch ice cream cones, yogurt, and sorbet. Located in a nostalgic building resembling a yesteryear diner and surrounded by swaying palms, this fun eatery is a must-do for the kiddos (big and small).