Measuring hundreds of yards wide, Coronado’s famed beach has been ranked #1 in the country for a number of reasons, including its undeniably sparkly sand, Mediterranean climate and gorgeous surroundings.  Whether on a romantic getaway or your annual family vacation – or if you’re lucky enough to call yourself a local San Diegan, Coronado is your ideal spot for fun in the sun year-round, but especially in the summer months.  Offering a plethora of outdoor activities, shopping, dining and site-seeing, nothing beats the Coronado Village in the summertime.

Arguably one of the most popular draws to Coronado every year is its famous Fourth of July celebration.  Festivities start early in the morning and the crowd comes even earlier!   Family and friends begin to stake their territory Orange Avenue as early as five AM in effort to get the best views of the parade that is like none other in San Diego County. It is truly a slice of Americana and a hallmark exhibit of Coronado’s small town pride.  Following the parade, take a leisurely stroll over to Spreckles Park in the center of town for a free concert and complete the day’s festivities by taking in an incredible fireworks display over Glorietta Bay.  Watch from the Coronado Golf Course for a great view!  For a lineup of the day’s festivities, visit www.ecoronado.com/4th.  (Tip: if you are coming from Downtown, take the ferry, as parking is essentially non-existent the day of.  Click here for the ferry schedule: null)

Additionally, you can enjoy music in the park every Sunday evening throughout the summer, as Coronado Summer Concert Series kicks off at the end of May and runs through the start of September.  See below for this summer’s lineup!

Coronado Concerts in the Park 2015

Aside from Coronado’s famous Fourth celebration, the island is home to countless activities for adults and children year-round.  Many families from out of state (and from all over the world) come to Coronado to spend their entire summer, as the island is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly locales in Southern California.

The below list is simply a handful of fun ideas to try this summer or next time you are in Coronado:

The Hotel Del Coronado is likely one of the most popular attractions in Coronado, regardless of whether you are a guest or not.  This historic hotel was built in 1888 and has since played host for countless Hollywood A-listers, Presidents and other notable public figures. Simply walk through the grounds along the private beach to experience the history and magic that makes the Del one of the most special resorts in Southern California. Contact the hotel’s “Experience Planners” to secure a private bonfire for you and your family and friends, where staff will provide all you need for a custom S’mores roast in the evening.  For another unforgettable experience, visit during the holiday season when the hotel hosts an outdoor ice skating rink located right on the beach!

Located along the stunning Glorietta Bay, the Coronado Golf Course is rated one of the top public golf courses in the nation, and with 18 holes starting at just $35, this is a true steal and a great way to take in the incredible sights of Coronado Island.

The Coronado Recreation Center offers numerous kids camps and classes for residents, local San Diegans and visitors alike, including:  cooking, art, aquatics, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, golf, tennis and more.  Additionally, the Rec Center offers many classes and sports for adults and also has a gym on-site that overlooks the Glorietta Bay.  Classes do fill up early, so check out the website to sign up as soon as possible:  www.coronado.ca.us.

A most unique way to take in the sights of Coronado is by taking a gondola ride through the Coronado Cays.  Bring a bottle of wine and soak up the views of the Downtown San Diego skyline and the gorgeous custom homes as you ride along the water lanes of the Cays. Note: chocolate covered strawberries and serenades are complimentary, but you’ll need to bring your own favorite beverage of choice.

The Ferry Landing is not only where you hop the ferry to Downtown San Diego. The area is a bit of a tourist hotspot, but the location offers breathtaking views of the skyline, a beach area where kids can play, numerous restaurants, boutiques and a local coffee shop.  (The photo ops alone are worth a visit.)  The Farmer’s Market takes place every Tuesday from 2:30pm-6pm, where you can pick up everything from locally-produced cheese to organic fruits and vegetables straight from the farm.

Last, but not least, take a stroll along Orange Avenue to check out the boutiques, restaurants, wine bars, art galleries and more. Check out what’s showing at Lambs Players Theater, located in the historic Spreckles building.  The theater presents an annual five-play season and offers great views from virtually every seat in the house.

For more ideas and information on Coronado, check out the below sites and find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzannahhauterrealestate 

www.ecoronado.com

www.coronadovisitorcenter.com

www.hoteldel.com