Coronado Island & San Diego Bay

Coronado Island and the San Diego Bay area are perfect for ocean lovers! Spend time sailing, paddle boarding, whale watching or strolling along the boardwalk.
Todd Sarouhan
Coronado Island & San Diego Bay
Overview
Save on Gear
The Neighborhood
Famous For
Beaches
Boardwalk
Cruise Ship Terminal
Sidewalk Cafés
Sailing
Whale Watching
Stay Nearby

See the Shores of Coronado

Beach Boardwalk in Front of the Hotel Del CoronadoAerial View of the Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Coronado Island and the San Diego Bay are perfect locales for anyone who loves being on or near the water!

There’s plenty to do here for locals and tourists alike, including exquisite parks and sidewalk cafés, a boardwalk, many beaches, San Diego’s cruise ship terminal, a vibrant sailing community, and even opportunities for whale watching!

This area offers some of the best beach going conditions in all of San Diego, with typical sunny weather and sandy shorelines. Coronado Island surrounds the bayside beaches, protecting them from tides and the currents. It’s not the best place if you’re looking for some classic San Diego surfing, but swimmers and sunbathers will find a lot to love.

Kids Love Sailing in San Diego Bay
Kids Love Sailing in San Diego Bay

Explore the San Diego harbor and make some long-lasting memories. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out fun nearby attractions like the USS Midway Museum and other historic sites.

While visiting Coronado Island, consider staying a night at one of the most famous and iconic hotels in all of San Diego, the Hotel Del Coronado! This 4-star, Victorian era, beach front hotel is family-friendly and offers full-service accommodations as well as free Wifi.

Impress your friends with a little trivia about the Hotel Del Coronado as it was the inspiration behind the design of the world-famous Grand Floridian Hotel at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Beach Chairs at the Hotel Del Coronado
Beach Chairs at the Hotel Del Coronado

Save on Paddle Boarding!

Coronado - Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Using your Go Pass, head over to Coronado Island and head out for a 90-minute stand-up paddle board ride. Explore the bay on your ride and take in views of the San Diego skyline, the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Petco Park and much more.
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Local Tips
What is the cheapest way to buy a Go City San Diego pass?

The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

Traverse the Bayside Area

Coronado Public Golf Course
Coronado Public Golf Course

Don’t get confused: though it’s called Coronado Island, it’s actually a peninsula that stretches along the San Diego bay, so you won’t need to swim or take a boat to get there! Coronado Island’s southern end connects to the mainland just north of Imperial Beach, while the northern end is near Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Monument.

To get to the main part of Coronado, follow State Route 75. Interstate 5 will bring you along the shoreline of the bay from the Downtown and San Diego International Airport area, which is just a few minutes to the north.

Paddle Boarders Just off of Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay
Paddle Boarders Just off of Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay

While you’re there, consider renting a bike, kayak, or stand-up paddle board so you can get the most out of the beaches, boardwalk, and biking trails. Take a walking tour of the beaches, or visit the Coronado Museum of History & Art to learn more about the area.

You can save on all of these activities and rentals with a Go City San Diego Pass, and enjoy an additional discount when you purchase the pass using our exclusive discount code, GVSD5OFF.

Want to stay in the heart of Coronado Island? Try the family-friendly Loews Coronado Bay Resort, which has its own private beach and fitness center, or check out our picks for the Best Hotels by the Cruise Port nearby!

Explore the Best Attractions Around Coronado Island and the San Diego Bay

Beach Fire Pits
Beach Fire Pits
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Biking
Biking
Boat Launch
Boat Launch
Convention Center
Convention Center
Cruise Ship Terminal
Cruise Ship Terminal
Fishing
Fishing
Jetskiing
Jetskiing
Mexico Nearby
Mexico Nearby
Museums
Museums
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Petco Park
Petco Park
Sailing
Sailing
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
USS Midway
USS Midway

There’s always something fun to do near the bay! Hop on a boat and strengthen your sea legs by sailing, whale watching or going on a cruise from the neighborhood cruise ship terminal. Keep your feet dry with a stroll along the boardwalk, through a park or to a sidewalk café. You can also enjoy the many beaches along the shores of Coronado Island!

Beaches

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of Coronado Island’s many beaches. There aren’t many huge waves for surfing, but sunbathing and swimming are highly encouraged thanks to the minimal waves. These beaches have a laid-back atmosphere, and some are pet-friendly so your dog can enjoy running through the waves too!

Aerial View of the Hotel Del Coronado from the Beach
Enjoy the local breweries and sidewalk cafés before venturing to one of the beaches where you can walk the boardwalk, play a game of beach volleyball, bike, fish, surf, paddle board, or take a day to tour the museums and have a picnic.

Boardwalk

Coronado’s beachfront boardwalk along its southern end is full of fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Play games in the arcades, stop for lunch, or just take a stroll and enjoy the ocean breeze without all the sand. It’s also a great place for an afternoon bike ride.

Aerial View of the Hotel Del Coronado from the Beach
Enjoy the local breweries and sidewalk cafés before venturing to one of the beaches where you can walk the boardwalk, play a game of beach volleyball, bike, fish, surf, paddle board, or take a day to tour the museums and have a picnic.
Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay
Visit San Diego Bay for its wide range of exciting activities! Go on a whale watching tour & enjoy the sunset. Go sailing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding or visit the local cafés & unique shopping boutiques. Stroll the boardwalk, pier and museums including the USS Midway. Your adventure awaits!

Cruise Ship Terminal

Thinking about taking a cruise? Head to the cruise ship terminal for a no-fuss voyage, whether you’re interested in a day trip around the bay or a much longer adventure on the Pacific Ocean. The terminal is conveniently close to multiple hotels and not far from the San Diego Airport.

Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay
Visit San Diego Bay for its wide range of exciting activities! Go on a whale watching tour & enjoy the sunset. Go sailing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding or visit the local cafés & unique shopping boutiques. Stroll the boardwalk, pier and museums including the USS Midway. Your adventure awaits!

Sidewalk Cafés

If you want to enjoy a nice brunch with a stunning view, there’s no better way than eating at a sidewalk café. Take full advantage of the year-round amazing San Diego weather and fully immerse yourself in the San Diego atmosphere while you enjoy authentic local cuisine at many different restaurants.

Aerial View of the Hotel Del Coronado from the Beach
Enjoy the local breweries and sidewalk cafés before venturing to one of the beaches where you can walk the boardwalk, play a game of beach volleyball, bike, fish, surf, paddle board, or take a day to tour the museums and have a picnic.

Sailing

Sailing is a very popular activity in the area thanks to the fairly calm waters. Visit the Coronado Yacht Club, take a sailing tour, or rent a boat if you’re an experienced sailor. This is a great activity for families, as everyone can enjoy a calm day on the bay.

Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay
Visit San Diego Bay for its wide range of exciting activities! Go on a whale watching tour & enjoy the sunset. Go sailing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding or visit the local cafés & unique shopping boutiques. Stroll the boardwalk, pier and museums including the USS Midway. Your adventure awaits!

Whale Watching

Spotting whales off the west coast is a truly unforgettable experience! You’ll have the best chance of seeing the migratory gray whales that pass by the Coronado coastline from December to April. You might even spot some calves if you go later in the season when they head back north.

Winter Time Skyline Over the San Diego Bay
Visit San Diego Bay for its wide range of exciting activities! Go on a whale watching tour & enjoy the sunset. Go sailing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding or visit the local cafés & unique shopping boutiques. Stroll the boardwalk, pier and museums including the USS Midway. Your adventure awaits!

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Coronado Island & San Diego Bay
are Known For:
Beaches
Beaches
Bike Riding
Bike Riding
Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Breweries
Breweries
Cruise Ship Terminal
Cruise Ship Terminal
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Parks
Parks
Sailing
Sailing
This Month's Forecast
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February
Mar
56°F / 69°F
Sunny in March

Stay Nearby

Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
from $302 / night
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Hotel del Coronado
Beachfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hotel del Coronado
from $374 / night
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1906 Lodge
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
1906 Lodge
from $229 / night
View Hotel
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
from $185 / night
View Hotel
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