PLANNING THE PERFECT CORONADO BEACH DAY
Coronado Beach appears on lists of the nation's most beautiful beaches time and again for good reason. Here's how to make the most out of your Coronado Beach day!
TIP #1 - KNOW THE BEST TIMES TO GO
Coronado Beach's official open hours are from 6am - sunset. That's a lot of time to lounge, play, and explore! But is there a best time of day to go?
Summer is undoubtedly the busiest time of year here, but Coronado Beach can get pretty crowded throughout the day anytime of year. It's good to keep in mind that the beach is a little over a mile long; so even on the busiest of days in Coronado, you're likely to find a spot to hang out. The beach is one long strip split into Coronado Central Beach, Dog Beach, and North Beach - all open to the public!
If you're trying to beat the crowds, your best chance of doing so is usually right at sunrise. There's much more parking open at the beginning of the day, and a lot more open sand to claim your spot! It's also not uncommon for parking spots to be filled by 9am during those hot summer days - I'd definitely recommend making time for parking, or plan to walk on over if you're visiting in the summertime.
TIP #2 - WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
Bring along the beach essentials!
I always make sure to toss some sunscreen, snacks, and water into my bag so I don't have to leave to grab some food in the middle of the day. Coronado is filled with delicious restaurants, but it's hard to leave the beach once you've been soaking up the sun!
If you plan on spending the day tanning or lounging, have some beach chairs or towels ready as the sand can get hot. Most people choose to relax on Coronado's Central Beach, but I also love hanging out at the Dog Beach.
You can surf at Coronado Beach, so bring your board! Boogie boarding and skim boarding are also fun ways to spend a day in the ocean.
Many people also bring swimsuit cover-ups for when they're done at the beach but still have places to go after. Here's a post on what to bring on your Coronado trip that you might find helpful.
TIP #3 - CORONADO BONFIRE PITS
Seek refuge from chilly summer nights aside the warm and comforting ambiance of a bonfire. Located at North Beach, the fire pits are a perfect spot to end your night! Personal fire pits are also permitted on Coronado Beach, so feel free to bring yours along if you have one.
If you're planning on hosting a summer bonfire, be prepared to get to your pit very early! The city provided ones are available on a first come, first serve basis and tend to fill up very quickly, especially during peak summer months. Check out this link ahead of your visit to review city rules regarding beach bonfires & fire safety.
Don't forget the s'mores! :)
TIP #4 - RELAX AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO
Look no further for a luxurious beach day! The Hotel Del Coronado has so many options available to enjoy our beach.
Their most unique and sought after option is renting a daybed right on the sand. Opt for this and enjoy seaside food and beverage service to your daybed!
If the pool is more your thing, lounge in the privacy of your own poolside cabana and admire the water views right in front of you.
This iconic hotel is right on the beach - there's a lot of ways to take advantage of this. If you've had your fill of beach activities for the day, you can still enjoy the gorgeous views at one of the hotel's restaurants. Their Beach and Taco Shack has seating and tables right on the sand! This is definitely a go-to spot for casual dining on your beach day.
The Hotel Del's Sun Deck is a popular option for American Cuisine. Hence the name, this restaurant has outdoor seating on a deck overlooking the Pacific and is welcoming towards kids and pets!
TIP #5 - COMPLETE YOUR BEACH DAY WITH CORONADO GOLF CARS
We have everything you need for the perfect beach day! And we're right around the corner from the sun and sand awaiting you at Coronado Beach :)