Looking for the best things to do on Coronado Island with kids?
You’ve come to the right place! We live near San Diego and absolutely love visiting Coronado, especially in the summertime when the weather is best!
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, Coronado is actually a peninsula. While it is most easily accessed via the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge, you can drive to it from Imperial Beach south of San Diego through Silver Strand. Packed with fun and family-friendly activities, it is a great place to visit for a Southern California beach vacation. 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.
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– one 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 take a bike tour on 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 Coronado things to do with kids, plus lots more ideas to help you plan a great trip!
Fun Things to Do on Coronado Island with Kids
From the famous Hotel del Coronado to the best beaches in San Diego, are 16 family-friendly things to do on Coronado Island.
1. Spend Time on a Coronado Beach
Every trip to Coronado should include plenty of beach time, so let’s start there!
There are five 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 one of the most gorgeous beaches in Southern California! 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.
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.
There are also plenty of spots to rent beach chairs, boogie boards, and other amenities for a perfect day on Coronado 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.
The one downside to spending a day at one of the beautiful Coronado beaches is parking. If you are not staying at one of the hotels on Coronado Island, parking can be hard to find and expensive. Come early for the best shot at finding street parking that won’t cost a ton; otherwise you may have to shell out a lot more money for a spot in a parking lot.
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
You don’t have to book a room at the Hotel del Coronado to explore this iconic landmark.
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.
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 a Marilyn Monroe selfie spot. I especially loved looking at old menu’s from the hotel’s restaurants.
Wander the hotel’s beautiful grounds, dine at one of their restaurants with views of the beach and Pacific Ocean, enjoy live music, grab a gelato at Sundae’s at The Del, or just relax on the beach in front of the hotel. There is an expansive lawn overlooking the sea where kids can run and play.
3. Stroll Through Downtown Coronado
When you are ready for a break from the beach, spend a few hours strolling through Downtown Coronado.
Downtown Coronado’s main drag, Orange Avenue, is a fun and vibrant street to stroll with shops, restaurants, and lots of cool historic architecture.
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.
Grab lunch or an ice cream cone and visit some of Coronado’s unique shops and boutiques. One of our favorites and most family-friendly stores to visit is Geppetto’s, an old-fashioned toy store.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
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I also recommend booking tickets and hotel packages through authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount tickets to many area attractions, and they offer a variety of ticket types to suit any budget. Use discount code CFT10 to get an additional $10 off any vacation package when you book through Get Away Today.
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 museum right on Orange Avenue. The Coronado Museum of History and Art is free to enter and fairly small, so 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 Coronado 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. 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, shops and restaurants.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
6. 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.
On the water, try kayaking or stand up paddle boarding (SUP). There are plenty of spots to rent equipment or even participate in a group tour.
Paddle through the bay and under the iconic Coronado Bridge while enjoying views of the San Diego skyline. The water is calm and makes getting out on the water safe and easy.
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.
7. Go for a Bike Ride
Biking is one of the easiest and most popular ways 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, adjacent to the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 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 city skyline and San Diego Convention Center.
► Travel Insight
Visit Coronado Ferry Landing at night for a breathtaking view of the city lights!
To be very honest, when it comes to the shops and restaurants, Seaport Village San Diego has a lot more to offer in my opinion. 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 $8 each way. Children 3 and under ride free.
9. 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
10. 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.
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Silver Strand Nature’s Bridge to Discovery
The Silver Strand is a narrow, eight-mile long environmentally significant stretch between Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Discovery points along the trail provide opportunities to educate and inspire visitors with the ecological riches of the Strand; including a wood deck in the shape of a wing, which overlooks a California Least Tern preserve.
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.
15. Play at the Park
More than a dozen parks are dotted across Coronado Island and visiting them is one of the many fun things to do in Coronado. These beautiful places are a nice spots to bring kids to play, have a picnic, or just enjoy the gardens and greenery.
Here are some of the popular parks on Coronado Island:
- Centennial Park
- Spreckels 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.
16. 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 Coronado Beach Roast Bonfires at the Hotel del Coronado.
At $210 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 the sunset!
Where to Stay on Coronado Island
There are lots of hotels on Coronado Island, ranging from historic inns to large chain hotels. Here are our top picks for every budget!
📍 Best Budget Hotel – Best Western Plus Suites Hotel Coronado Island
A clean and comfortable chain hotel on a quiet residential street, just a short walk to Coronado Ferry Landing. There is a nice outdoor pool to enjoy if you don’t want to go to the beach.
- 275 Orange Avenue, Coronado
- (619) 435-6611
📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel – Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
This Marriott-brand hotel (perfect if you like to stay with points!) is located on the bay side on Coronado Island, steps away from Coronado Ferry Landing and all its great restaurants, shops, activities and of course the Coronado ferry. And did I mention cool views of the iconic Coronado Bay Bridge?
- 2000 Second Street, Coronado
- (619) 435-3000
📍 Best Luxury Hotel – Hotel del Coronado
The famed Hotel del Coronado is the obvious choice if you have the budget to stay at a luxury hotel on Coronado Island! It is located on one of the nicest beaches in San Diego, and features upscale amenities, ocean views and direct beach access. The Hotel del Coronado is easily one of the best San Diego oceanfront resorts, and a bucket list experience if you want to splurge.
- 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
- (619) 435-6611
Coronado 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
With one of the best stretches of sand in Southern California, lots of family-friendly activities, and the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado perched on its shore, Coronado Island in San Diego is a dream destination. 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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