Coronado Island Day Trip & Stay Itineraries

9:00 AM

Ferry from Downtown San Diego

Take the San Diego Bay Ferry from Broadway Pier to the Coronado Ferry Landing. The ride is scenic — stunning views of the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and bay. About $8–$10 round trip, no reservation needed.

💡 The ferry ride itself is one of the highlights. Sit outside for the best views.

9:30 AM

Ferry Landing & Skyline Views

Explore the Coronado Ferry Landing — shops, restaurants, and the best views of the downtown San Diego skyline across the bay. Rent a bike here if you want to cover more ground.

10:30 AM

Orange Avenue Stroll & Breakfast

Walk or bike to Orange Avenue — the walkable heart of Coronado. The best blocks are between 8th and 10th Streets. Find a cozy cafe for breakfast and browse the boutiques and galleries.

12:00 PM

Hotel del Coronado

Explore the Hotel del Coronado — a National Historic Landmark with over 130 years of history. The public grounds and beach are open to everyone. Dine at the hotel or just take a self-guided history walk.

💡 The beach in front of the Hotel del is one of the most iconic beach backdrops in California.

1:30 PM

Coronado Beach

Spend the afternoon on Coronado Beach — 1.5 miles of wide, flat, golden sand with gentle waves. Free parking along Ocean Boulevard if you drove. Water is calmer than most San Diego beaches.

4:00 PM

Glorietta Bay Walk

Walk the Glorietta Bay waterfront for calm bay views and a quieter, residential atmosphere. Stop at the Coronado Museum of History and Art if time allows.

5:30 PM

Sunset at Ferry Landing

Return to the Ferry Landing for sunset — the downtown skyline across the bay is spectacular at golden hour. One of the best sunset viewpoints in the San Diego area.

7:00 PM

Dinner on Orange Avenue

End with dinner on Orange Avenue or at the Ferry Landing. Upscale-casual restaurants with California fare and seafood. The dining scene is walkable and lively.

8:00 AM

Silver Strand State Beach

Drive 4.5 miles south to Silver Strand State Beach for a quieter, more natural beach experience. Bay-side access has very calm water — great for families. Scenic bike path connects back to Coronado.

10:30 AM

Cabrillo National Monument

Drive about 15–25 minutes to Cabrillo National Monument ($20–$35 per vehicle or free with America the Beautiful pass). Open 9 AM to 5 PM. Tide pools at low tide, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and panoramic views.

💡 Check tide charts for low tide timing — the tide pools are the highlight.

1:00 PM

Lunch at Shelter Island

On the way back from Cabrillo, stop at Shelter Island for lunch with marina views. Worth including for the waterfront dining atmosphere.

3:00 PM

Return to Coronado for Beach Time

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Coronado Beach or exploring any spots you missed. Dog Beach at the north end is worth revisiting.

5:00 PM

Ferry to Downtown San Diego

Take the ferry from the Coronado Ferry Landing to downtown San Diego for the evening. The ride is scenic and the skyline views are beautiful at golden hour.

6:00 PM

Explore Downtown & Dinner

Walk the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy for dinner. Both neighborhoods have excellent restaurants. A fitting end to a Coronado trip — seeing the island from across the bay at night.

8:30 PM

Ferry Back to Coronado

Take the evening ferry back to Coronado. The downtown skyline lit up at night from the water is one of the best views in San Diego.

Day 1 Morning

Coronado Beach

Calm water, wide flat sand, and gentle waves — perfect for kids. Free parking along Ocean Boulevard. The Hotel del Coronado backdrop makes it feel special.

Day 1 Afternoon

Dog Beach

Coronado Dog Beach at the north end is off-leash 24/7. Even without a dog, kids love watching the dogs play in the surf. It is genuinely joyful.

💡 Bring towels — kids will want to get in the water with the dogs.

Day 1 Evening

Orange Avenue & Ice Cream

Walk Orange Avenue for dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. The village has a relaxed pace that works well with kids. Find ice cream or treats for dessert.

Day 2 Morning

Ferry Ride to Downtown

Kids love the ferry ride — stunning views of the skyline and bay. Take the San Diego Bay Ferry from the Ferry Landing to downtown and back. The ride itself is the experience.

💡 Sit outside on the ferry for the best views. The round trip takes about 30 minutes total.

Day 2 Afternoon

Glorietta Bay Paddleboarding

Rent a paddleboard or kayak at Glorietta Bay — calm, protected water that is perfect for families and beginners. Kids can try SUP with no wave worry.

Day 2 Evening

Sunset Beach Walk

End the trip with a sunset walk on Coronado Beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado. Kids can run, collect shells, and enjoy the golden light.

Day 1 · 9:00 AM

Morning Beach Walk at the Hotel del

The beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado before 9 AM — just the two of you, the sand, and the iconic Victorian hotel. One of the most romantic settings in San Diego.

Day 1 · 11:00 AM

Brunch at the Hotel del Coronado

The oceanfront dining at the Hotel del is worth it for the historic atmosphere. Fresh seafood and California fare with beach views. Not a tourist trap — genuinely good.

💡 Book ahead for a window or outdoor table — the view makes the experience.

Day 1 · 1:00 PM

Orange Avenue Stroll

Walk Orange Avenue for boutique shopping and galleries. The best blocks between 8th and 10th Streets have a charming, unhurried pace. Good for unscheduled wandering.

Day 1 · 3:00 PM

Glorietta Bay Paddleboarding

Rent a paddleboard or kayak at Glorietta Bay — calm water, bay views, and a relaxing afternoon activity for two.

Day 1 · 5:30 PM

Sunset at the Ferry Landing

The Coronado Ferry Landing at sunset — the downtown San Diego skyline across the bay is spectacular at golden hour. The best viewpoint for romantic photos.

Day 1 · 7:30 PM

Dinner with Bay Views

Waterfront dinner at the Ferry Landing or a special-occasion restaurant on Orange Avenue. The bay views and village atmosphere set the mood.

Day 2 · 8:00 AM

Ferry to Downtown San Diego

Take the morning ferry to downtown. The ride is scenic and peaceful. Explore the waterfront or Gaslamp Quarter before the crowds.

Day 2 · 12:00 PM

Ferry Back & Beach Afternoon

Ferry back to Coronado for a relaxed afternoon on the beach. The gentle waves, wide sand, and Hotel del backdrop make for a beautiful final afternoon.