What’s in a Name?
South Beach or Shipwreck Beach
Coronado Shores Beach also goes by a couple of other names. Locals refer to it as South Beach because it’s, well, south of Central Beach. Its other more interesting moniker is Shipwreck Beach, and that’s its main claim to fame.
Shipwreck – SS Monte Carlo
Back in the 1930’s, ships would anchor offshore for use as casinos because gambling was illegal on land. People would ferry out and enjoy their vices, and so many boats were lined up that it was known as “Gambling Ship Row.”
During a storm on New Year’s Day in 1937, the SS Monte Carlo, a former tanker-turned-ship casino, broke free and landed on the South Beach of Coronado Island. No one claimed the ship since it was used for illicit activities, and to this day, it remains where it wrecked.
Did you know?
The SS Monte Carlo was anchored in international waters 3 miles off the coast of Coronado in 1936 before it washed up on South Beach in less than 1 year.
The SS Monte Carlo isn’t visible every day, but when the tide is low, especially in the winter months, the shipwreck emerges. People like to come to Coronado Shores Beach to see the wreckage, take photos, and imagine they are the ones that can find the lost treasure that allegedly went down with the ship.
Swimming & Sunbathing
When the ship is hidden by the sand and tide, the beach is still a fabulous destination that offers visitors lots of fun options. You can walk along the shore or sunbathe on the white sands, and swimming is also popular because the water isn’t too rough.
Another beloved activity at this beach is kite flying; believe it or not, flying kites is prohibited at most of the other beaches on Coronado.
Coronado Beaches deserve multiple days and the 1906 Lodge is the boutique hotel to stay at while you are in Coronado. With 17 handsome and individually designed rooms the 1906 Lodge offers all guests a complimentary reception, coffee or tea in our common area and a full breakfast daily. The 1906 Lodge also provides spa services, free bicycles to borrow and beach umbrellas.