Cruise Down Orange Avenue With Kai Frias
Written By: Kai Frias and Jordan Ligons
Photographed By: Michael Wesley
Model: Kai Frias Places to eat and shop in Coronado
As I begin the incline of the Coronado Bridge, I gaze out at the sparkling bay and breathtaking city skyline. I can feel the sea breeze hit my hair. I can smell the life here, this small, rich place that is nestled on the edge of the Pacific. You can enjoy the calm setting of a park, like the beach behind the famous Hotel Del Coronado; or you can venture onto the golf course or maybe even daydream of owning one of these multi-million dollar homes.
Maybe the water is your niche, so go down to the marina and set sail on the bay. When the day comes to an end, head to the beginning of Orange Avenue to The Coronado Ferry Landing and enjoy the Instagram-worthy sunset. Admire the San Diego cityscape, and salute the sailors as they come and go. Coronado is full of beauty and history. Come along with me as we take a small look into what this little city has to offer.
Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Getting an early start to your day? Walk down Orange Avenue and take a seat at Clayton’s Coffee Shop. You walk right into the 50s at this historic landmark, and can get your caffeine fix and a hearty breakfast. The portions are quite big, so if you’re dining for two, you may want to share. After you’re done here, you will be ready to take on the day!
979 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.5425
The Coronado Ferry Landing is a popular place to come and snap the scenery. It sits at the beginning of Orange Avenue right on the bay. You can sit at one of the restaurants and sip drinks with friends or a loved one, or keep your feet in the sand and enjoy the beautiful views of the city and water.
1201 1st St
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.8895
I love grabbing a beach cruiser from Bikes & Beyond, and cruising the road alongside the sea, enjoying the fresh air and one-of-a-kind views. Located inside of The Coronado Ferry Landing, Bikes & Beyond are just that—not only do they have numerous cruisers and tandem bikes to choose from, but choose the surreys and you can take up to six people to ride around and explore with you!
1201 1st St
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.7180
This place is a gold mine for items you didn’t know you needed! From beaded and stone-accessorized jewelry to Bradley Mountain featured leather bags to TokyoMilk soaps and creams, The Attic has it all! Expect the unexpected at this boutique and you won’t be disappointed.
1011 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.5432
Only six doors down from their sister store, Paris & Me Boutique, Avenu has the goods. Shop here to get your trendy, beachy fix. If a striped culotte jumpsuit or a free-flowing maxidress is on your closet wish-list, check all your dream items off at this boutique. Plus, their Instagram is so double-tap worthy!
1114 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.996.3303
This old-school-style ice cream shop has all of my favorite flavors. As soon as you walk in, you’re immediately greeted and attended to. It can get crowded on a warm sunny day, but nothing hits the spot like one of these classic flavors in a waffle cone. MooTime Creamery is located right on Orange Avenue in between many restaurants and close to the Hotel Del Coronado. It’s worth every penny!
1025 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.2422
Lunch, is my favorite meal of the day! I’m quite the pizza addict! There is no better place in Coronado for me than the Village Pizzeria. Whether you are more of a pasta or pizza person, there is an abundance of options here. Regardless, the food is absolutely phenomenal! It’s very central to everything in Coronado, either a nice stroll or short bike ride will land you here. It will be worth it—trust me.
1206 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.522.0449
Mimosas? Mimosas. When in Coronado, a must-stop brunch spot is Leroy’s. Start with Monkey Bread for the table, order-up the Citrus French Toast for yourself and keep the mimosas free-flowing. If a bloody mary is more your thing, opt for Bloody Hot Mary to start your day with a spicy kick!
1015 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.437.6087
If you keep walking down Orange Avenue, Paris & Me Boutique is a must-stop spot. They have timeless pieces that are well-made. I love their light colors, textures and unique styles. I personally love all of their dresses! They are very lightweight and wonderful for San Diego weather.
1154 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.0514
The Hotel Del is an iconic hot spot in Coronado—and all of San Diego. The best part is it’s open to the public. You are greeted by beautiful architecture and ocean views. You can grab drinks and food at one of their beach front restaurants, or lounge by the water and catch some sun. Downstairs you will find some history on the Del, shopping and a luxurious spa. The Hotel Del is one place you will want to check off on your bucket list!
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.6611
Vigilucci’s Ristorante Coronado
Stop by Vigilucci’s for the happiest of hours: Monday to Friday from 3-7 p.m. and on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grab a seat at the bar and order up your free complimentary appetizer plate. Try the Polpette di Carne, which is their 100 percent prime beef meatballs!
Cruise to Stake for a swig of their impressive drink menu. Go for their Sir Mix A Lot cocktail that has black walnut bitters infused into the drink or The Ginja Ninja, a great mocktail option made with blood orange syrup, lime and ginger beer. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu!
Suns Out, Buns Out: Is fresh salty air, white sandy beaches, and rolling waves your thing? Look no further than Coronado Beach! The beach is bordered by colossal multi-million dollar mansions that look over the water, and also the famous Hotel Del. The long stretch of sand glistens like 24 karat gold under the sun and picturesque blue tides. This is definitely one of San Diego’s best beaches!
All Apparel Provided By:
Wild Dove Boutique
Bikes Provided By:
Bikes & Beyond
13 Places to Explore in Coronado
About the author
Michael Wesley is a San Diego based lifestyle photographer who brings a unique eye for style and color to any project. With travel in 26 countries, a die-hard love for the ocean and an appetite for adventure, this California surfer is always on the hunt for capturing the coastal lifestyle that he is so lucky to live. Check out his work at WWW.BLUEWESLEY.COM
