Looking for the best things to do in Coronado Island with kids?
You’ve come to the right place! We live near San Diego and absolutely love Coronado, especially in the summertime when the weather is best. But honestly, there is no bad time of year to visit Coronado Island, which is why I keep going back again and again.
Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is the perfect blend of small-town charm, a premier beach setting, and family-friendly adventures. Although called Coronado Island, it is actually a peninsula. While most easily accessed via the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge, you can also drive there from Imperial Beach south of San Diego through Silver Strand without ever having to cross the water.
Top 5 Picks: Family-Friendly Coronado Activities
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best family-friendly things to do on Coronado with kids, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Check out the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
► Play on the beach – Coronado is home to some of the nicest stretches of sand in Southern California!
► Head over to Coronado Ferry Landing for food, shops, and amazing views of the downtown San Diego skyline.
► Rent bikes or a golf cart and explore Coronado Island.
► Stroll along Orange Avenue, grab an ice cream cone, look at the shops, and pop into the Coronado Museum.
Keep reading for more details on these top five family-friendly activities in Coronado, plus lots more ideas and tips to help you plan a great trip!
Coronado Island Things to Do with Kids
From the famous Hotel del Coronado to the best beaches in San Diego, here are 17 fun things to do on Coronado Island.
1. Spend Time on Coronado Beach
Every trip to Coronado should include plenty of beach time, so let’s start there!
There are five main beach areas on Coronado Island, including Coronado Central Beach, Coronado Dog Beach, Glorietta Bay Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and the beaches at Ferry Landing Marketplace.
The most popular, and our personal favorite, is Coronado Central Beach. It is a beautiful beach and the perfect place for your whole family to spend time enjoying the surf and sand. The sand is soft and white and there is plenty of it, and the waves are big. I always see lots of families camped out here for the day.
► Travel Insight
If you see flecks of gold glinting in the sand, that’s the mineral mica. It makes the entire coastline along Coronado Island sparkle!
The best stretch of wide sandy beach is located in front of the Hotel del Coronado. While the hotel provides an amazing backdrop as well as lots of convenient spots to grab a bite or pick up sunscreen, it’s a public beach for everyone to enjoy. In fact, you can even rent lounge chairs, day beds, boogie boards, and other amenities right from Del.
► Travel Insight
You don’t have to book an overnight stay at the Hotel del Coronado to be enjoy their beach services. You can rent a day bed, sand chairs, umbrellas, and even enjoy food and beverage service on the beach.
If you have little kids are just want calmer seas for your beach day, consider visiting Glorietta Bay Beach or one of the little beach areas near Ferry Landing Marketplace. Theses beaches are on the San Diego Bay side of the island.
Silver Strand State Beach is on the ocean, but further south down the peninsula away from downtown Coronado. It is actually right across from Loews Coronado Bay Resort, making it the perfect beach to visit if you are staying there. We stayed at Loews Coronado Bay Resort last summer and I absolutely loved it!
2. Explore the Hotel del Coronado
We’ve already talked about spending time at the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado, but there are some other cool things you can do at this iconic landmark even if you are not staying there.
Arguably Coronado’s most famous site, the hotel was built in 1888 and has hosted numerous American presidents, foreign dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities throughout the years. It was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1977. You can go inside their recently restored lobby, wander the hotel’s beautiful grounds, dine at one of their restaurants (with views of the beach and Pacific Ocean!), enjoy live music, or just relax on the beach in front of the hotel.
There is also an expansive lawn overlooking the sea where kids – and even dogs – can run and play.
The Hotel del Coronado also has a cool free museum you will want to check out.
The Ice House Museum (located – not surprisingly – in the hotel’s original ice house building) offers a behind-the-scenes look at The Del’s rich history. The space features artifacts, memorabilia, and photos. I especially loved looking at old menus from the hotel’s restaurants. This is such a great spot but it’s almost always empty when we pop by; I wish more people knew to take advantage of this free attraction on Coronado.
They also offer several tours throughout the day and evening, including one of the most unique ghost tours in San Diego! All tours meet and depart from the Ice House Museum at Hotel del Coronado.
3. Stroll Through Downtown Coronado
When you are ready for a break from the beach, spend a few hours strolling through Downtown Coronado.
Coronado Island is home to a mix of historic and modern architecture, making it a fascinating place to explore beyond the beaches. The town dates back well over a century, and that is reflected in the eclectic array of buildings on the island—from beach cottages to Mediterranean villas to the 100-year-old Sacred Heart Church.
Downtown Coronado’s main drag, Orange Avenue, is a fun and vibrant street to stroll with shops, restaurants, and lots of cool historic architecture. One of our favorites and most family-friendly stores to visit is Geppetto’s, an old-fashioned toy store.
4. Visit the Coronado Museum
Whenever we visit a new city, I always make it a point to check out their local museum if they have one! There’s no better way to learn about the history and culture of a region.
In addition to the Ice House Museum at the Hotel del Coronado, there is another great little (and free!) museum right on Orange Avenue. The Coronado Museum of History and Art is fairly small but very well done. It won’t take long to go through but will add a ton of perspective to your visit to Coronado Island. For a quick stop, it is truly one of the best things to do in Coronado.
The museum is located in the landmark Coronado Historical Association building, a historically designated site, right in the center of downtown. It is also home to the Coronado Visitor Center.
Changing and permanent exhibits explore Coronado’s rich history and culture, the significance of the Navy and Army to the island, John Spreckels famed Tent City, and the historic Hotel del Coronado.
5. Get Active on the Water
Coronado Island has an endless number of options for fun in the sun. If your family enjoys being active outdoors, this is the perfect destination.
Paddle boarding in the harbor is one of the most exciting ways to explore Coronado Island! Whether your family enjoys kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or boating, there are plenty of rental options to get you out on the water.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Glide through the bay and under the iconic Coronado Bridge while soaking in breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline. The calm waters make paddleboarding and kayaking safe and enjoyable for all skill levels. The water is calm and makes getting out on the water safe and easy.
Here are some great places to rent SUPs and kayaks:
- SUP Coronado – Offers paddleboard tours under the Coronado Bridge and group events.
- The SUP & Saddle – Provides paddleboard, kayak, and bike rentals for a full day of adventure.
- Coronado Boathouse – A recreation center offering SUP and kayak rentals right on the bay.
Surfing
If you’re looking for something more challenging, consider surf lessons. Coronado Surfing Academy offers individual and group lessons on Coronado Beach, as well as rentals if you are already familiar with the sport.
6. Go Boating
If you don’t want to get in the water, boating is a fantastic way to experience the sea. Glorietta Bay Marina has a public boat launch and also rents sailboats, speedboats, water skis, jet skis, paddle boats, or kayaks for a fantastic day on the water.
If you’re looking for a boating adventure, Coronado has several rental options for powerboats, sailboats, and even private yacht charters.
Check out these boat rental providers:
- Coronado Boat Rentals – Offers powerboats, sailboats, jet skis, and yacht rentals.
- Action Sports Rentals – Located at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, providing a variety of boat rentals.
- Seaforth Boat Rentals – A well-known rental company with multiple locations in San Diego.
7. Go for a Bike Ride
Biking is a fun way to get around Coronado Island. In addition to beating the traffic that tends to mar Coronado in the summer, riding a bike is the ideal way to explore the island.
Coronado itself is not that big, so it’s easy to get around with kids. It has lovely, wide residential streets as well as a six-mile bike path that circles nearly the entire island. There are plenty of spots to lock up your bike so you can stop, shop, snack, and explore along the way!
You can also follow the path down the coast to Silver Strand, all the way to Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
Bikes can be rented at numerous locations around Coronado Island, including near the Hotel Del Coronado and Coronado Landing. Wheel Fun Rentals offers bicycles and surrey bikes that sit up to six people. This is a great idea for families, especially if you have little kids who can’t pedal on their own!
8. Visit Coronado Ferry Landing
On the harbor side of Coronado Island, right next to the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa and Coronado Tidelands Park, you’ll find Coronado Landing. Coronado Ferry Landing is a charming village on the waterfront filled with shops and restaurants. What sets this spot apart though is its stunning panoramic view of the downtown San Diego and San Diego Convention Center.
► Travel Insight
Visit Coronado Ferry Landing at night for a breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline and city lights!
To be very honest, when it comes to the shops and restaurants, Seaport Village San Diego has a lot more to offer. But Coronado Ferry Landing has the skyline view, as well as several small beach areas with calm waters and spots to launch or rent stand up paddleboards and kayaks, and that makes it very special!
Coronado Ferry Landing also offers free live music on summer weekend.
And of course, you can catch the Coronado Ferry here for an inexpensive ride across San Diego Bay. The scenic ride takes 15 minutes and runs every hour. Best of all, the cost is only $9 each way. Children under 4 ride free.
9. Grab a Meal
I’ll be honest – most of the time when I visit Coronado, I grab a sandwich from Panera and bring it to the beach. It’s inexpensive, relatively fast, and always fresh and delicious. The Panera on Coronado Island is just a block up from the water so it’s perfect. There’s also a Subway and Chipotle nearby if those places are more your style when it comes to quick food to go.
But if you want to enjoy a nice meal at a slower pace, here are some family-friendly restaurants that offer great food and a welcoming atmosphere if you are visiting Coronado Island with kids.
1. Village Pizzeria
If your kids love pizza, Village Pizzeria serves New York-style pies with a variety of toppings. They also offer gluten-free options. It is located in an ideal spot – just a block away from both the beach and Hotel del Coronado. I found the prices very reasonable considering its great location.
- 1206 Orange Ave, Coronado
- (619) 522-0449
2. Miguel’s Cocina
Miguel’s Cocina is a local favorite for Mexican cuisine, known for its delicious enchiladas and famous white sauce. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families.
- 1351 Orange Ave, Coronado
- (619) 437-4237
3. Bluewater Grill Coronado
For fresh seafood, Bluewater Grill is a great choice. They have kid-friendly options like fish tacos and grilled cheese.
- 1701 Strand Way, Coronado
- (619) 435-0155
4. Clayton’s Coffee Shop
A classic diner experience with pancakes, milkshakes, and burgers—perfect for a fun family meal.
- 979 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- (619) 435-5425
5. Coronado Brewing Company
While known for craft beer, Coronado Brewing Company has a great kids’ menu with burgers, fries, and mac & cheese.
- 170 Orange Ave, Coronado
- (619) 437-4452
6. The Henry
A charming neighborhood restaurant with a warm atmosphere, The Henry offers delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Their menu includes gluten-free choices, fresh salads, and kid-friendly meals.
- 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado
- (619) 762-1022
7. Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado offers several beachfront dining options, including casual eateries and fine dining. Families can enjoy fresh seafood at Serẽa, wood-fired pizza at ENO Market & Pizzeria, or fish tacos at Beach & Taco Shack. If you visit the Taco Shack during the day, there is often live music playing and you can enjoy your food at the picnic tables right on the beach.
- 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- (619) 435-6611
10. Treat the Family to Ice Cream
Nothing says family beach getaway like enjoying an ice cream break! Luckily there are lots of great spots on Coronado Island to find one.
One of our favorites is Sundae’s at the Del. Discover gourmet gelato and hand-crafted popsicles that you can dip, drizzle, and sprinkle with endless topping and flavor combinations. It is located right at the Hotel del Coronado, so you can enjoy your treat while looking at the ocean.
Another family-friendly place to visit along Orange Ave is MooTime Creamery. This ice cream shop has been part of the Coronado community for many years. There’s a cool cow statue outside the restaurant, so you can’t miss it and kids will love the vibe.
On summer nights, you’ll often find a line to get in. But the delicious ice cream is worth the wait!
11. Visit Spreckels Park
If you are traveling with little kids, you might want to consider a little time at the playground. No matter how much they love the beach, nothing beats being able to climb and swing.
Spreckels Park is located on Orange Avenue, about a mile from the Hotel del Coronado. It’s a very family-friendly spot with shady areas, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. Expect it to be busy on the weekends, but never too crowded.
You’ll likely drive right by it on your way in and out of town, so why not pull over for a pinch and let kids get some energy out? Since it is away from the beach, parking is never a problem.
If you are visiting San Diego in summer, Spreckels Park hosts a Concerts in the Park series. You can find info here.
In addition to Spreckels Park, there more more than a dozen other parks dotted across the area managed by the City of Coronado. These are all great spots to bring kids to play, enjoy the picnic areas, or just enjoy being outside. Here are some other popular parks on Coronado Island:
- Centennial Park
- Coronado Tidelands Park
- Coronado Cays Park
- Sunset Park
- Glorietta Bay Park
- Tidelands Park
Coronado Island is also just a short drive away from Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
12. Go to the Theater
Coronado has one live theater, and the quality of the shows is notably superb. If you are looking for things to do at night in San Diego, going to the theater is a great idea.
Lamb’s Players Theatre is located right in downtown Coronado, and has been entertaining theater-goers for fifty years. As one of Southern California’s leading non-profit performing arts organizations, they work with students throughout the county in addition to their professional cast of performers.
13. Silver Strand Nature’s Bridge to Discovery
The Silver Strand is a narrow, eight-mile long environmentally significant stretch between Coronado and Imperial Beach.
There is a bike path that stretches the whole length of Silver Strand Nature’s Bridge to Discovery, or you can drive it. This is a fun, free, and educational activity to experience with kids in Coronado.
And of course, the best is Silver Strand Beach, a relatively quiet beach (compared to Coronado Beach) that gets its name from the sparkly sand caused by silvery oyster shells.
Silver Strand State Beach is actually a campground too, so you’ll find a full array of facilities available. Day use fees – aka parking – are $12 to $20 (demand based pricing). A valid California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass or California State Park Adventure Pass can be used to get you in for the day, as well.
14. Ice Skating by the Sea
If you are visiting San Diego during the holiday season, be sure to head over to Coronado Island for Skating by the Sea.
From late November through January, glide on ice while watching the surf break at the Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea. This spectacular beachfront ice rink features stunning views of the ocean and benefits Make-A-Wish® San Diego.
You can also reserve a rink side lounge at Frostbite – A Place to Chill, which features plush seating around a roaring fire pit with full food and beverage service.
15. Take a Tour of Coronado
Sometimes taking a guided tour can be the best way to experience a new destination. There are lots of San Diego tour options—both by land and by sea—to get to know Coronado. Here are some family-friendly favorites!
- Coronado Island Bike Tour
- GPS Guided Coronado Electric Scooter Tour
- Coronado Historic Walking Tour
- Coronado Island Segway Tour
- San Diego Harbor Cruise
- Fat Woody Beach Cruiser Experience – Coronado Island Electric Bicycle Tour
16. Ride the Hop-On-Hop-Off Trolley
Speaking of tours, there is one that definitely needs to be highlighted as one of the best things to do on Coronado Island. That is the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour.
If you are staying in San Diego but want to visit Coronado for the day, the trolley is the perfect way to travel without having to worry about driving or parking.
Because it’s a hop-on-hop-off tour, you can simply jump off at the Coronado stop (near the Hotel del Coronado on Orange Avenue) and enjoy as much time as you want on Coronado Island before hopping back on the trolley for the rest of the San Diego sightseeing tour.
The San Diego Old Town Trolley stops at ten locations along a 25-mile loop around San Diego. You can easily explore the city’s attractions, museums, beaches, historic sites, and restaurants. End the day with a stop at Little Italy for the best pizza and pasta in San Diego!
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
17. Roast Marshmallows on the Beach
What better way to end a vacation day than with a bonfire on the beach?
Several beaches on Coronado Island have fire pits that are free to use on a first-come basis. But for a truly special and no-stress experience, make a reservation for the nightly Roast Beach Bonfires at the Hotel del Coronado.
At $295 it’s an expensive outing, but includes fire-pit set up, seating, and all the fixings for s’mores for up to ten people. You can even order cocktails or additional food.
► Travel Insight
If you’re going to splurge for a Roast, be sure to reserve it at a time when you can catch spectacular sunset views!
Parking in Coronado: What You Need to Know
Parking on Coronado Island can be one of the more challenging aspects of visiting—especially during peak travel times like weekends, holidays, and summer afternoons. I am adding this section about parking in this guide to fun things to do in Coronado Island with kids because I have had so many questions about it from other families.
Unless you are staying at one of the hotels on Coronado Island, parking can be hard to find and possibly expensive. If you’re planning a day trip to Coronado Island with kids, here’s what you need to know to make parking as smooth as possible.
Free Street Parking
There is free street parking available throughout most of Coronado, especially in residential areas and near public beaches. However, these spots can fill up quickly, especially near:
- Hotel del Coronado
- Orange Avenue
- Coronado Central Beach
- Coronado Ferry Landing
Here are some tips to help you snag a free spot:
- Arrive early in the day, ideally before 10 am.
- Be prepared to walk a few blocks if needed.
- Pay attention to posted signs—some areas have time limits or street sweeping restrictions.
- If you are going to the beach, bring a wagon to help haul your gear.
Metered Parking
Metered parking is available and will typically cost a lot less than one of the garages. If you got this route, I recommend setting an alarm on your phone for 20 minutes before your meter is set to expire so you don’t get a ticket.
Parking Lots and Garages
There are a few paid lots on Coronado, but in all honesty I would avoid them if you can. You can save a ton of money just taking the time to hunt for a free or metered spot. I once parked in a lot off Orange Avenue for just a few hours, foolishly thinking it was free because it was nighttime and nobody goes to the beach at night, right? Well, we came back to the car after dinner and it cost nearly $50 to pull out of the lot.
That said, I understand that sometimes it is worth the price to have the convenience. You’ll find signs for several paid parking lots and garages along Orange Avenue.
My one important tip however is to avoid parking at the Hotel del Coronado. Self and valet parking are both available for visitors at the hotel, but the rate is $49 for the first 2 hours and $17 each additional hour, with a maximum of $100 per day. There’s a slight (15%) discount if you spend $100 or more at the Del’s shops or restaurants. But if you are anything like me, you’ll agree there are much better ways to spend this kind of money than on parking.
Alternative Transportation Options
San Diego has some great options for getting around without a car. Because parking on Coronado Island can be tough, consider these family-friendly options:
-
Take the ferry from downtown San Diego and walk or rent a bike.
-
Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking altogether.
-
Take the bus. There are two bus options for Coronado: MTS Bus 901 travels from downtown San Diego while MTS Bus 904 travels along Orange Ave to the Community Center, City Hall on Glorietta Bay and the Bayfront and Ferry Landing. One-way fare is $2.50, all day fare is $6.
- Visit Coronado Island on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tour.
Coronado Island FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Coronado with kids.
Is Coronado Island good for kids?
Absolutely, yes it is! While there are plenty of options for nightlife and some upscale restaurants you may not want to take your kids to, Coronado Island is very good for kids. With amazing beaches and plenty of family-friendly activities, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in Coronado with kids.
Can you swim at the beach on Coronado Island?
Yes, you can swim in the ocean at Coronado beaches. In fact, these San Diego beaches have some of the calmest water along the Pacific shore. Coronado Beach is our favorite, and one of the most popular spots for swimming in Coronado.
Does Coronado Beach have a boardwalk?
There is a boardwalk and bike path that runs for six-miles around the Coronado Island. Walking or riding along this trail is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the sights and fresh ocean air!
Are the beaches in Coronado free?
Visiting any Coronado beach is completely free! There are no fees to enjoy a day of sand and surf at these San Diego beaches.
However, keep in mind that parking is limited. Plan to arrive early in the day if you are visiting during peak summer months if you want to snag a free parking spot on one of the side streets. Otherwise, you might end up paying a hefty fee to park in one of the Coronado Island lots.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Coronado with Kids
Packed with fun and family-friendly activities, Coronado is a great place to visit for a Southern California beach vacation. Even though we live near San Diego, every time I go to Coronado Island I feel like I am on a faraway beach vacation. It truly is a wonderful destination.
Whether you love playing in the sand or getting active on the water, you’ll find an amazing array of things to do on Coronado Island.
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