Coronado is an aquatic wonderland nestled between the sporting waters of San Diego Bay and the inviting waves of the Pacific Ocean. A postcard-come-to-life, the stretch of sand where the Pacific Ocean caresses Coronado's shore is America's popular sun-and-fun spot. On any given day the beach is host to swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, beachcombers and America's military elite. Coronado's Beach Located along Ocean Boulevard, between the Hotel Del Coronado to the south, and the Naval Air Station North Island to the north. Flat, wide and expansive, Coronado's beach is the favorite running spot for the Navy SEALs most mornings at 7 a.m. The beach is popular for the 1.5 miles of glorious Southern California sand. It's also walking distance to Coronado's downtown, offering shopping, dining and theater. The beach is officially known as Central Beach; locals, however, divide it up and refer to it as North Beach and The Outlet, and Dog Beach. Standing anywhere on the beach, one can spot dolphins frolicking in the waves, indigenous Southern California wildlife waddling in the sand, or pelicans flying in formation overhead. From December through February, when whales migrate south to Mexico's warmer waters for the winter, whale tails can be seen gliding by. Sights from the beach include an unobstructed view of nearby Point Loma, as well as the Coronado Islands, located approximately 13 miles offshore, and Tijuana. And, without fail, Coronado's shoreline is the stage for a panoramic sunset at the end of every day.   Central Beach At Central Beach, which runs the length of Ocean Boulevard's backdrop of fine homes and mansions, lifeguards are on duty seasonally. The beach has restrooms, shower facilities and volleyball nets. Wide and uncrowded, the beach is popular for swimming, sand castle building, bodysurfing and Boogie boarding. On the sand, beach goers enjoy football, volleyball, Frisbee, Smash Ball and picnics. In front of the Hotel del Coronado, tide pools offer a look at some of the ocean's inhabitants. South of the Hotel del, at low tide, the hull of the sunken gambling ship, the Monte Carlo, can be seen. The ship washed ashore in 1936.   North Beach and The Outlet Surfers are a common sight in the early morning at these areas. In the evening, bonfires burn bright from the provided fire rings. Dog Beach is a playground where dogs take their owners for play in the surf and sun. Directions From the North: Drive south on Interstate 5; take the Hwy. 75/Coronado exit, turn left onto Orange Ave./Hwy. 75; follow Orange Ave./Hwy 75; turn right at Churchill Place and follow to Ocean Blvd., the frontage road that borders the beach. From the South: Drive north on Interstate 5; Drive west onto the Palm Ave. exit; follow to Hwy. 75/Silver Strand Blvd. Drive north, Hwy 75/Silver Strand Blvd. will turn into Orange Ave. From Orange Ave. turn left onto Dana Place (after the Hotel Del Coronado) and follow to Ocean Blvd., the frontage road that borders the beach. Silver Strand State Beach Located along Silver Strand Blvd./Hwy. 75 at the Coronado Cays Blvd. exit. Between the City of Imperial Beach to the south, and the Hotel Del Coronado to the north. Travel south down Coronado's Strand and you will find the Silver Strand State Beach. The beach offers overnight RV camping and is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parking fee is $4. RV fees are $14/night; $12/seniors; $1/dog. A lifeguard is on duty, and restrooms, showers and fire rings are available. An underpass provides access to the bayside beach and picnic area, and Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Directions From the North: Drive south on Interstate 5; take the Hwy 75/Coronado exit and cross the bridge, turn left onto Orange Ave./Hwy. 75, Follow Orange Ave./Hwy. 75, it will turn into Silver Strand Blvd. The Silver Strand State Beach is at the Coronado Cays Blvd. exit. From the South: Drive north on Interstate 5; Drive west onto the Palm Ave./Hwy. 75 exit: Turn onto Silver Strand Blvd./Hwy. 75; The Silver Strand State Beach is at the Coronado Cays Blvd. exit. Coronado's Bayside After a day at the beach, take a trip to Coronado's bayside for even more outdoor recreation and sightseeing. The bayside of the Enchanted Island stretches from the waters at Ferry Landing Marketplace past Tidelands Park to the boat ramps at Glorietta Bay and the marina at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Ferry Landing Marketplace is located at 1201 First Street and "B" Avenue, between the Coronado Island Marriott Resort on the South, and the Naval Air Station North Island on the North. A passenger ferry travels the bay waters between San Diego and Coronado, loading and unloading at the Ferry Landing Marketplace pier. On Coronado's bayside shore, a bike path hugs the island, providing cyclists, inline skaters and walkers a scenic route to see the bay, San Diego skyline, park grounds of the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Directions From the North or South from Interstate 5: Take the Hwy. 75/Coronado exit and cross the bridge, Turn right onto Orange Ave./Hwy. 75, Turn right onto First Street, At B Avenue, turn left into parking lot.   Tidelands Park Located at Glorietta Boulevard and Mullinix Drive. The path winds its way along the bay to Tidelands Park, where water enthusiasts enjoy jet skiing and boating from a pocket of sandy shore just below the bridge. Tidelands Park itself is a 22-acre playground with a fitness course, extensive children's playgrounds, ball fields, picnic tables, restrooms and free public parking.   Glorietta Bay Farther south, at Glorietta Bay on Strand Way, is a boat-launch ramp, park and playground and small sandy beach. Restrooms are provided and parking is free. Paddleboats, sailboats, jet skis and deep sea fishing rentals are available at the Glorietta Bay Marina, where Charter Connection Dining Yacht anchors.   Loews Coronado Bay Resort Marina Yachts, fishing and pleasure boats are anchored at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Marina. Water skiers enjoy their sport just south of Loews. top of page