I’ll admit it. There
are times when I want to escape life’s daily grind by flying off to a
relaxing tropical island. Realistically, though, that isn’t always possible.
Fortunately, I don’t have to spend a fortune to find places that come close
to fulfilling my vacation fantasy. The “island” of Coronado is one such
option. Located just two miles off the southern California coast, Coronado
is a great option for a quick island getaway.
Just across the bay
from downtown San Diego, the island is a well-kept secret -- and I'm glad.
The quiet seaside community is uncrowded and clean. The population of 28,000
residents includes 9,000 military personnel, so the culture is a cozy
marriage of military and tourism. Parts of the island
are off-limits to non-military personnel and you have to drive past training
grounds to get to some of the beaches. Still, it makes for a unique angle to
the typical beachside vacation.
As far as islands go,
Coronado isn't really the genuine thing – anymore. At one time, Coronado had
two parts: North and South Island. While North Island was set off on its
own, South Island was connected to the mainland by the Silver Strand, a tiny
strip of land that reaches to the south end of San Diego Bay, where the city
of Imperial Beach is located.
When the Navy and Army
took over North Island prior to WWII, this area was filled in to make
Coronado one piece of land. So in truth, the island is now a peninsula. But
that’s no matter. To folks who have lived in the area for years, Coronado is
still “Coronado Island”, and an island village mentality still exists in the
seaside community.
Surrounded by water on
three sides, Coronado offers many of the benefits of a tropical island --
miles of white sand beaches, waving palm trees, a relaxed atmosphere, and
upscale hotels -- without all the hassle of getting there. It's just twenty
minutes from San Diego's airport. This means you can enjoy all the benefits
of San Diego -- the great Mexican restaurants in San Diego’s Old Town and
attractions like Sea World -- and then escape over the San Diego-Coronado
Bridge to the quiet atmosphere on Coronado. If you feel
like traveling the open seas, you can also reach Coronado by ferry or water
taxi.
Although the island's
tourism industry has grown slowly over the years (it's now the second
largest industry on the island after the military), the seaside village
really got its start over a hundred years ago with the building of Hotel Del
Coronado.
Affectionately called "the Del" by locals, the classic
hotel is a must-see. Walking into the 112-year-old historic resort is like
stepping back into time. Royalty and numerous celebrities, like Marilyn
Monroe and Charles Lindbergh, have called the hotel their home away from
home. And it's easy to see why. With beautiful woodwork and architecture,
the famous hotel exudes class. Even if you don't stay there, it's well worth
the visit to one of the Del’s top-notch restaurants. We couldn’t resist
having breakfast on the outside patio overlooking the beach, eating while we
watched the waves roll in.
The white-sand
coastline behind the Del is one of Coronado’s three fine beaches and 18
parks. Since the island boasts a mild climate (average temperatures hover
around 70 degrees), most locals and visitors spend a great deal of time
outside.
Coronado claims to be a
“year-round” playground, and that’s an accurate boast. Sailboats surround
the island (several resorts are right next to the docks), and fishing is a
popular activity. The Municipal Golf course is open to all, but you must
have a military I.D. to play at the Sea ‘N Air Gold Course at the Naval Air
Station. Cyclists can make use of the 15 miles of bike paths, while others
(like me) simply relax on the sand and watch it all going on.
Downtown Coronado is
small but upscale. Shops line the main streets and are easily accessible by
trolley or shuttles from major shopping areas. Town merchants cooperate
several times a year to put on community events, such as the “Motorcars and
Music on MainStreet” in April and “Downtown Goes Ghostly” on Halloween.
Coronado’s community
enjoys small-town events. On the Fourth of July, the town hosts a parade
that includes fireworks and a Navy sea, air, and land demonstration. Last
April, Coronado celebrated the 77th anniversary of their annual
Flower Show, the largest flower show under one roof. And in October, there
is an annual Chrysler-Jeep speed festival where antique roadsters race on a
1.6-mile course.
Christmas is a big deal
on the island. The month-long celebration is both traditional and festive.
On the 1st Friday in December, a Christmas parade winds its way
through town and Santa arrives via ferry. The hotels and main street are lit
up with lights, and several tree-lightings are held.
The locals enjoy more
than 65 restaurants on the 13.5-mile peninsula. From crowded local diners to
top-notch gourmet restaurants, there are options to suit anyone’s taste.
(The diners are a great place for tasty inexpensive food and interesting
local culture.)
If you’re into the
historical aspect of the area, the Museum of History and Art recently
reopened in a brand new location on 10th Street. The Historical
Association has taken great pains to preserve their heritage, and have
designed a walking-tour of the town to show it off.
Not to be outdone by
neighborhood arts offerings in San Diego, Coronado boasts California’s only
year-round professional repertory company. The Lamb’s Player’s Theatre is a
non-profit performing arts organization located on Orange Avenue. You can
call for an updated listing of shows.
With its temperate
climate and year-round activities, Coronado is a destination for all
seasons. And although it’s not the tropical paradise of some Caribbean
locales, I couldn’t resist the charm of this “would-be” island. Best of all,
all I had to do was cross a two-mile bridge from the mainland to get there.
TM
I’ll admit it. There
are times when I want to escape life’s daily grind by flying off to a
relaxing tropical island. Realistically, though, that isn’t always possible.
Fortunately, I don’t have to spend a fortune to find places that come close
to fulfilling my vacation fantasy. The “island” of Coronado is one such
option. Located just two miles off the southern California coast, Coronado
is a great option for a quick island getaway. 
As far as islands go,
Coronado isn't really the genuine thing – anymore. At one time, Coronado had
two parts: North and South Island. While North Island was set off on its
own, South Island was connected to the mainland by the Silver Strand, a tiny
strip of land that reaches to the south end of San Diego Bay, where the city
of Imperial Beach is located. 
Surrounded by water on
three sides, Coronado offers many of the benefits of a tropical island --
miles of white sand beaches, waving palm trees, a relaxed atmosphere, and
upscale hotels -- without all the hassle of getting there. It's just twenty
minutes from San Diego's airport. This means you can enjoy all the benefits
of San Diego -- the great Mexican restaurants in San Diego’s Old Town and
attractions like Sea World -- and then escape over the San Diego-Coronado
Bridge to the quiet atmosphere on Coronado. If you feel
like traveling the open seas, you can also reach Coronado by ferry or water
taxi. 
Although the island's
tourism industry has grown slowly over the years (it's now the second
largest industry on the island after the military), the seaside village
really got its start over a hundred years ago with the building of Hotel Del
Coronado. 
The white-sand
coastline behind the Del is one of Coronado’s three fine beaches and 18
parks. Since the island boasts a mild climate (average temperatures hover
around 70 degrees), most locals and visitors spend a great deal of time
outside. 
Downtown Coronado is
small but upscale. Shops line the main streets and are easily accessible by
trolley or shuttles from major shopping areas. Town merchants cooperate
several times a year to put on community events, such as the “Motorcars and
Music on MainStreet” in April and “Downtown Goes Ghostly” on Halloween.
Christmas is a big deal
on the island. The month-long celebration is both traditional and festive.
On the 1st Friday in December, a Christmas parade winds its way
through town and Santa arrives via ferry. The hotels and main street are lit
up with lights, and several tree-lightings are held. 
The locals enjoy more
than 65 restaurants on the 13.5-mile peninsula. From crowded local diners to
top-notch gourmet restaurants, there are options to suit anyone’s taste.
(The diners are a great place for tasty inexpensive food and interesting
local culture.)
Not to be outdone by
neighborhood arts offerings in San Diego, Coronado boasts California’s only
year-round professional repertory company. The Lamb’s Player’s Theatre is a
non-profit performing arts organization located on Orange Avenue. You can
call for an updated listing of shows.