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Bike around Coronado Ferry Landing

Off The Beaten Path In Coronado…

Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Coronado

Looking for Coronado beyond the usual beaches and Hotel del? Here are 5 hidden gems locals love — quieter, scenic, and full of character.

1. Coronado Sand Dunes

Coronado Sand Dunes

Just north of Coronado Beach, these man-made dunes spell out “CORONADO” when viewed from above. A fun photo spot and a great place for a sunset walk.

Tip: Visit at low tide for the best visibility and softer light for photos.

2. SS Monte Carlo Shipwreck

SS Monte Carlo Shipwreck

A Prohibition-era gambling ship that ran aground in 1937 — now partially buried offshore. It’s visible during low tide and offers a glimpse into San Diego’s wild past.

Tip: Bring a camera with zoom; best viewed early morning or at low tide.

3. Bayside & Silver Strand Bike Path

Bayside & Silver Strand Path

Ride or stroll along the quieter bay side for views of downtown San Diego across the water. The Silver Strand extension is smooth, scenic, and peaceful.

Tip: Rent a bike near the Ferry Landing and bring sunscreen.

4. Hidden Architecture & Historic Homes Walk

Heilman Villas Coronado

Explore residential streets like 7th Street and Orange Avenue for 1920s Spanish Revival and Craftsman homes. Don’t miss the historic Heilman Villas bungalow court.

Tip: Stroll mid-morning for best light and quiet streets.

5. Tidelands Park (Bayside Picnic Spot)

Tidelands Park Coronado

One of Coronado’s most peaceful areas — perfect for picnics, sunset views, and skyline photos of downtown San Diego across the bay.

Tip: Bring a blanket and snacks; stay for sunset to see the skyline light up.

✨ Want to explore more hidden Coronado gems? Try biking down the Silver Strand or visiting the Ferry Landing Market at dusk for local treats.

Hotel del Coronado - just a 15 minute walk from our rental.

Top 5 Reasons to “Summer” in Coronado

🌴 1. World-Class Beaches

  • Coronado Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in America.

  • Its wide, sparkling sands (thanks to the mica mineral that gives it a golden shimmer), gentle waves, and family-friendly vibe make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building.

  • For dog lovers, North Beach (Dog Beach) offers a fantastic off-leash area right by the ocean.

🏖️ 2. The Historic Hotel del Coronado

  • The Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark, is an icon of coastal California luxury.

  • You can enjoy beachfront dining, spa treatments, rooftop cocktails, and even summer movies on the beach.

  • Its classic Victorian architecture and celebrity history (Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot here!) add timeless charm.

🚴‍♀️ 3. Easy Island Living and Outdoor Fun

  • Coronado is perfect for biking — the entire island is flat, scenic, and covered with bike paths.

  • Rent a bike or surrey and cruise along the Silver Strand or around Glorietta Bay.

  • Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are also popular ways to explore the calm waters.

🌅 4. Perfect Weather and Stunning Views

  • Summer temperatures hover around the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) — ideal beach weather without the extreme heat.

  • The sunsets over the Pacific are spectacular, especially viewed from the Hotel Del’s beach bar or the Ferry Landing.

🍹 5. Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Access

  • Coronado feels like a quaint island village — with boutique shops, tree-lined streets, and charming cafés.

  • Yet it’s just a 10-minute drive or ferry ride to downtown San Diego, giving you easy access to top attractions like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego Zoo. This proximity not only enhances the convenience of urban amenities but also allows for a seamless blend of coastal living and cultural experiences. Residents can indulge in the vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment options that downtown offers, all while enjoying the peace and tranquility of their suburban surroundings. Furthermore, the accessibility of public transportation and major highways facilitates hassle-free commutes for both work and leisure activities.

Why We Rent Out Our “Dream” Coronado Home

In 2014, our dream home was completed in Coronado.  Having lived “on the island” for 25 years, we have always dreamed about designing our “forever home” and were very fortunate to make it happen just a few years ago.  We worked with professionals to design, build and decorate our home.  So, why in the world would we rent to people we have never met?

Here are the top reasons why we rent out our Coronado:

  1.   Income – renting our home allows us to more easily pay our bills, especially our property tax and mortgage.
  2.   “Forced” Travel – moving out of our home for 26+ days is a good thing.  We aren’t the best at making time for vacations.  In the last few years, we have been to Europe, Africa, South America, Canada and many states in America.
  3.   Family Time – related to #2 above, we get to spend dedicated time with our family.  In today’s busy world, it’s harder to make this happen.
  4.   Coronado Escape – we love living “on the island”, but there is a big world to explore.  Renting out our home out allows to travel the world and get out of our comfort zone.
  5.   Letting Go of Material Things – yes, we take a security deposit to cover damages by renters.  However, not only have we rarely had to charge for damages, but it has taught us (and especially our children) that our stuff is just stuff.  Everything can be replaced and if it can’t, it’s just stuff.

We have had incredibly great vacation renters and have had the privilege to call many of them our friends.  Finding a good family to rent our home makes it easier to be away from it.  It truly has been a blessing to our family and hopefully a blessing back to the family that has rented our home.

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