When you consider white-sand getaways, Southern California could not come to thoughts. Known extra for chill vibes, splendid sunny climate all 12 months, chiseled abs (sorry to disappoint), and iconic browsing tradition, SoCal usually attracts guests for its laid-back ambiance.
Of course, there is no higher West Coast metropolis for a year-round seaside escape than San Diego, and I’m not simply saying that as a result of I reside right here.
One of my favourite locations to play “tourist” was featured on a list of the ’25 Picture-Perfect Beach Vacation Ideas’, and we at Travel Off Path definitely aren’t placing up a battle about it.
Locals could mislabel this peninsula as an “island”, however it definitely seems like one when you cross the staggering bridge providing panoramic views of San Diego’s vibrant skyline, the glistening bay stretching to the Pacific, and even glimpses into Baja.
Boasting classic attraction on a conventional predominant strip in a city the place there’s truly a metropolis code encouraging no home to look similar, Coronado is genuinely considered one of San Diego’s most unusual locations, anchored by a world-famous resort with ties courting again to Marilyn Monroe’s heyday.
Though with a current glow-up and Hilton rebrand, together with one other thrilling new resort opening, Coronado completely blends outdated and new and should not be omitted in your subsequent San Diego getaway.
New Places To Stay & Coronado’s First Rooftop Bar
Hotel del Coronado:
Let’s begin with a spot that we have held pricey to us for a very long time. I joined Travel Off Path in January 2023, however I did not must fill in the remainder of the workforce about Hotel del Coronado, inarguably San Diego County’s most legendary resort.
We awarded San Diego’s iconic beachside keep as a ‘Top U.S. Hotel’ for our 2024′ Best In Travel Awards.
Circling again to Marilyn Monroe, this was the place she filmed Some Like It Hot in 1958. Since then, it has been a marvel for anybody seeking to splurge on a quintessential SoCal trip mere steps from open white-sand shores with sweeping views of the Pacific, together with Point Loma’s cliffside and Tijuana’s skyline.
I paid a go to this week since a lot of San Diego’s seashores are not on high alert for micro organism, and hopefully will not be for much longer since there’s FINALLY been an settlement reached between the U.S. and Mexico to cease polluted waters from crossing into California.
Time will inform…
The level being, when the circumstances are proper, they usually definitely are actually, Coronado is a must-visit. If you’ll be able to squeeze the worth, “The Del”, as us locals name it, is well worth the splurge.
Rebranded as a Hilton property, this traditional resort has undergone a whopping $550 million renovation.
Speaking of icons, Nobu has entered the chat and now anchors the property’s already spectacular eating scene.
The Bower:
The Bower is Coronado’s latest resort. Set on Orange Avenue, a stone’s throw from The Del, this new boutique keep patched up this charming city’s gaping gap — no rooftop bars!
How might such a fairly trip spot with ocean views on one facet, and bayside views of San Diego’s skyline on the flip facet, not have a rooftop bar?
I haven’t got the reply besides to now say The Bower is the reply. Check out The Dive, serving something from weekend brunch to a handcrafted cocktail to soak up a fiery sundown.
There are 39 meticulously designed rooms on the positioning of this former Japanese tea backyard, in addition to a welcome drink, 24/7 health middle, and free bicycle leases, good for driving down the paved path alongside Silver Strand all the best way to Imperial Beach, America’s southernmost seaside city.
Do be aware there’s a $50 resort fee cost.
Travel Tip: If The Dive is just too crowded, take a look at Stake a block away, with a rivaling second-level patio and superior Happy Hour (get the ceviche tostadas!).
Coronado’s Vintage Charm
Don’t get me mistaken — there is a sure degree of elitism in Coronado. As a vacationer, although, you will not really feel it as a lot as should you have been to reside right here.
Whether or not it’s that each residence seems to be completely different, regardless of if it is a new construct or a century-old cottage, the village-like Ferry Landing retailers alongside the bay and Orange Avenue neighborhood staples, the historical past of The Del, or traditional diners, Coronado proves genuine small city attraction can nonetheless exist, and is a real vacationer vacation spot.
Although, I assure you there’s one spot vacationers overlook — The Village Theatre. To me, there is no higher place to see a film in all of San Diego.
Other than accepting Fandango, this place hasn’t modified a bit through the years, together with concession costs. Popcorn and soda for $5 every (with limitless refills) — the place else can you discover that?
You’ll love the comfy seating and decades-old graphics earlier than the film begins. It’s actually a time capsule.
Keep an eye fixed out for the annual Coronado Island (see what I used to be sayin’?) Film Festival in November.
Speaking of upcoming occasions, it was just lately announcedthat NASCAR is taking up Coronado’s army base in 2026 for an unprecedented, first-of-its-kind race coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
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