MakE the most of your island time / Exploring Coronado
'“Coronado has a lot for visitors to see, but exploring on foot will take some time and energy. Renting bikes is an option, but many visitors can miss some of the best parts of the island, riding close to the business district and traffic. Our guided electric bike tour enables visitors to relax, and see the most scenic and interesting parts of the island. And because we do it in the morning, the coastal boardwalks and areas of interest are not yet crowded. It also gives guests an idea of where they may want to further explore on foot after lunch. Come experience Coronado! It has so much to offer!” - Ken
Hotel Del Coronado
Built 135 years ago, the Hotel del Coronado is an architectural masterpiece, acclaimed for its spectacular seaside setting and world-famous weather. One of the most recognizable features of the hotel is the exterior, which is painted white with red roofing and its rooftop cupola’s. With its one-of-a-kind sweeping silhouette, this Southern California beach resort continues to be one of the most recognizable resorts in the world. The Hotel Del is a must visit when you’re in southern California.
S.S. Monte Carlo Shipwreck Site
The ship wreck of the S.S. Monte Carlo on Coronado Beach is an elusive bucket list item for many visiting explorers. Washed ashore during a winter storm on New Year’s Eve, 1936, the shipwreck is typically covered with with a layer of sand. However, during the winter solstice, coastal King Tides produce extreme high/low tides. The combination of this phenomenon with an off-shore winter storm swell form powerful rip-tides that pull the sand off the wreck, leaving her exposed during the most extreme low tides.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach has long been one of the “Best Beaches in America”, and it’s easy to see why with its powdery white sand and cool ocean breezes. If you’re considering a ‘beach day’ during your visit the San Diego area, this is by far the best choice for a number of reasons.
Lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels are available to rent at the Del’s Beach Shack, so no need to haul it with you. If you get hungry or need a cool beverage, there is first class beach service - or you can always just walk over and grab something. The best part is the Del’s 5 star restroom facilities and boardwalk showers to rinse the sand off. This is the best way to spend a day at the beach!
Coronado Beach Coastal Boardwalk - Paseo Del Mar
We’ll ride our beach cruisers along the beach’s famed boardwalk, which stretches along much of Coronado Beach and provides views of the Hotel Del and the crashing waves of the Pacific. But be prepared for a lot of attention, as people stop and gawk at the parade of colorful beach cruisers as we cruise by. You’ll feel like a celebrity!
On a clear day, you can easily see downtown Tijuana just a short 8 miles to the South, as well as the Coronado Islands just off the coast. We may even see Navy aircraft on final approach to the Naval Air Station, or Navy SEAL candidates training on the beach.
The Beach Shack
Just off the boardwalk is the Del’s Beach Shack, where if your group is up for it, we can partake in a frozen margarita or cool island beverage. After the tour, many guests will head back to this area for lunch, beverages and live music! There are plenty of ‘seat yourself’ tables w/umbrellas that are open to the public. Relax and enjoy a piece of our little island paradise!
If you’re looking for a larger menu, check out the Del’s Sun Deck restaurant with sweeping views of Coronado Beach and Pacific Ocean waves crashing on the beach. It’s also a perfect place for viewing the incredible sunsets over Point Loma.
Hotel Boathouse & Historic Tent City Exhibit
Tent City (1900-1938) was a popular camp-style destination for visitors who couldn’t afford to stay at the Hotel Del Coronado. Designed like a small city, its grid of dirt streets and tent-like cottages allowed the working class to enjoy Coronado Beach as well. Today we would describe it as ‘Glamping’ as the cottages were well furnished with electricity, lights, beds, rugs, & chairs.
Tent City also featured restaurants, a soda fountain, library, grocery store, shops, a small hotel (the Arcade), theatre, bandstand, dance pavilion, merry-go-round, shooting gallery, swimming floats (one with a high-diving board), its own police department, and daily newspaper.
Coronado’s Bayshore Bikeway
Bicycling is very popular with Coronado residents, offering the absolute best coastal riding paths in the entire San Diego area. Much of this tour experience steers clear of vehicle traffic & roadways, allowing guests to relax and feel safe as we explore Coronado Island.
Riding along San Diego Bay (and even under the bridge) provides incredible views of the San Diego skyline and sailboats gently sailing around the bay. We’ll make our way North to the bay side of the island and the Coronado Ferry Landing.
Coronado Ferry Landing & Retail Shops
Located in one of the most picturesque settings on Coronado, the Ferry Landing features a waterfront shopping village and ocean view restaurants. Ferries have been used to transport visitors to and from downtown San Diego and the Embarcadero for over 130 years.
While we have the convenience of the San Diego Bridge, there’s a lot to be said for the experiential fun of the ferry ride. Relax and take in the sights around the bay. You can even transport bicycles on the ferry to extend your exploration of San Diego.
Coronado’s Beautiful Parks & Artisan Sculptures
During our tour of Coronado, we’ll have the opportunity to explore many of its beautiful waterfront parks - Centennial Park, Tidelands Park, & Glorietta Bay Park.
Over the years, Public Art has gradually become a more exciting feature of the Coronado landscape. Thanks to the efforts of The City of Coronado, the Port of San Diego, and various civic clubs & private individuals, Coronado has a substantial collection. As we explore the island, we’ll discover and enjoy dozens of stunning sculptures, murals, mosaics, and fountains.
Coronado’s Navy Bases - Historical Overview
Coronado is home to several U.S. Navy installations that include Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, and Special Warfare Operations (SEAL Teams).
As your tour guide, I’m also a Navy veteran of Coronado’s Naval Air Station. The Navy has a rich and interesting history here in the San Diego area. As we make are way around the island, I’ll highlight many areas of historical interest and maybe even tell a few sea stories.
