How to Spend a Summer Day on Coronado

Look Forward to Beach Time, Michelin-Rated Restaurants and a Gondola Cruise in The Crown City

The resort city of Coronado on San Diego Bay has many claims to fame—perhaps best known for its grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado. It also played host to several iconic movie scenes from “Top Gun: Maverick,” which were filmed at Naval Air Station North Island. Golden sands and mellow waves on Coronado Beach draw sunbathers and surfers—and yes, pups can run free and frolic here too at Dog Beach—while its picturesque “downtown” along Orange Avenue is lined with destination restaurants, souvenir shops and chic clothing boutiques. All of which means, when it comes to spending a quintessential SoCal summer day, there’s nowhere finer than Coronado. If you’re looking for things to do on Coronado Island this summer, let this be your guide!

Stay at the Iconic Hotel del Coronado

Credit: Hotel Del Coronado

Coronado Island Summer Itinerary — Credit: Hotel Del Coronado

Not only is the Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado a designated historical landmark with beautiful Queen Anne-style architecture, it’s the most iconic place to stay on the island. Select a room or suite among one of five different “neighborhoods,” including The Victorian (the original beachfront structure featured in the Marilyn Monroe movie, “Some Like It Hot,” and also home to its famous wood-paneled lobby), the luxurious Shore House and modern Cabanas steps from the pool deck. Resort activities, ranging from superlative spa treatments and beachside bonfires with s’mores to sundowner cocktails in the Babcock & Story Bar, spoil guests for choice here too.

9 a.m. Take the Ferry Across and Enjoy Brunch at Little Frenchie

Credit: Little Frenchie

Credit: Haley Hill Photography

Credit: Little Frenchie

Credit: Flagship Cruises & Events

Seeing San Diego from the water never gets old, and arriving on the island by boat dials up the fun. Hop on the Coronado Ferry at Broadway Pier—boats leave the city every hour on the hour starting at 9 a.m. ($7 per person or $14 roundtrip). From the Coronado Ferry Landing, it’s a 25-minute walk or 7-minute rideshare to Little Frenchie. Nab one of the patio tables on Orange Avenue at the Michelin-rated bistro and order a cruffin pastry and Lillet rosé spritz to start, followed by the buckwheat crêpe with smoked salmon and classic moules frites to share.

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11 a.m. Stick Your Toes in the Sand at Coronado Beach

Credit: Hotel del Coronado

One of San Diego County’s most beloved beaches often tops the list of best beaches in the country too, and the loveliest way to enjoy this stretch of golden sand is by getting bougie with one of the Hotel Del’s plush daybeds and cabanettes—major perks of which include a very civilized food and beverage service. Another option for chilling in style on Del Beach are the lounge chairs and umbrellas (day passes cost $50 for adults and include access to beach games) or the posh wooden chairs and luxurious fringed umbrella combo ($35 for the day).

1 p.m. Grab a Light Lunch at Parakeet Cafe

Credit: Diana Sciacca

Credit: Haley Hill

Credit: Diana Sciacca

Credit: Haley Hill

After sunning and swimming at Del Beach, take a 10-minute stroll along Orange Avenue to the health-conscious, all-day gem Parakeet Cafe for lunch in Coronado’s picturesque downtown. The juices are delicious (try the best-selling Turmeric Blast), but it’s the artisan lattes and beautifully plated dishes made with locally sourced and organic ingredients that regularly feature on influencer Instagram and TikTok feeds. As does a drink selfie beside the “More Good Times” or “Glad You’re Here” neon signs. Order the Golden Goddess salad with tiny edible flowers or the almond butter toast topped with fresh berries!

2:30 p.m. Treat yourself to an Ice Cream at MooTime Creamery

Photo By: Michael Wesley

A Coronado institution and fixture on Orange Avenue for 25 years, MooTime Creamery is the perfect spot for an after-lunch treat. The vintage 1950s-inspired parlor specializes in handcrafted ice creams, sorbets and yogurts. Simply pick a flavor (around 30 grace the menu and include birthday cake, Danish cream, peach, peanut butter and hometown favorite Islander Crunch), then decide on those mix-ins (perhaps rainbow sprinkles, Oreos or Reese’s cups). Sweet tooths can also choose between a waffle cone or a cup, or for something different, try a Moo Taco or go old-school with a float.

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4 p.m. Take a Gondola Cruise Through the Coronado Cays

Credit: The Gondola Company

Fact: The Coronado Cays are home to canals and waterways that could rival those in Venice. Another fact: it’s possible to enjoy them on a Venetian-style gondola ride right here in San Diego with The Gondola Company. Just before sunset is the perfect time to set out with your traditionally attired gondolier (he’ll be wearing a red and white sailor shirt with black pants, a red sash and straw hat) on a scenic ride around the Crown Island’s palm tree- and multimillion-dollar home-lined marina community. To level up on romance, add a private mandolin player or some bubbles!

5:30 p.m. See a Concert at Spreckels Park

After your gondola cruise, there’s enough time to pop back to “The Del” and get changed before heading to Spreckels Park to catch one of the Coronado Promenade’s summer concerts. The pretty 8-acre green space is located in the island’s center and anchored by a historic gazebo that sets the stage for a rotating roster of performers over the summer. Free and open to the public, concerts run every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend—bookmark-worthy standouts include Motown show band Al Paris and The Heartbreakers (July 9) and ‘80s party dance trio FlashPants (July 30).

7:30 p.m. Sit Down to an Oceanfront Dinner at Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

Credit: Serea at Hotel Del Coronado

After catching a show at Spreckels Park, head back to The Del and bookend your day with dinner at its lauded anchor restaurant Serẽa. This Michelin Guide-recommended spot has won awards and garnered rave reviews for its sustainable seafood. Ask for a table on its two-tiered patio and start with a half dozen Baja oysters and a glass of the La Poussie Sancerre. Or, if you;re feelin’ fancy, go big with top-shelf champagne cocktail, the Fugu Del, which is served with a caviar bump. Then, move on to dishes like the local halibut ceviche and Kurobuta pork chop with a side of crispy eggplant.

Keri Bridgwater

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Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.