The modern history of Coronado began in 1886 with the formation of the Coronado Beach Company, which for many years was the driving force behind the development of the peninsula as a town and resort destination. But for generations before that, the area had been inhabited by the Kumeyaay (Iipay / Tipai), who were the San Diego region's first peoples. They established fishing villages in Coronado and used the area for hunting and gathering. The last of the Kumeyaay inhabitants were forcibly removed from Coronado in the early 1900s.
Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado became one of California’s most beloved seaside destinations, with its Queen Anne architecture, wedding cake trim and famous red roof turrets. The resort community increased its popularity with the rise of Tent City, a large summertime campground that sprung up at the foot of The Del and grew to encompass over 1,000 tents. Recreation included swimming facilities, carnival booths, a Ferris Wheel, aquaplaning, sailing and numerous activities for the entire family. Tent City remains a fond memory for some residents of Coronado and vacationers worldwide who visited the peninsula between 1900 and 1939.
Many of Coronado’s treasured modern traditions began in the first quarter of the 20th century. The founding of the Horse Show, Annual Flower Show, the arrival of the Prince of Wales and the early experiments in aviation on Naval Air Station North Island, including the departure of Charles Lindbergh for his epic transatlantic flight in 1927, established Coronado as a city with fascinating tales.
Coronado has long been a haven for prominent personalities, including the Duke of Windsor, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, more than a dozen U.S. presidents and many celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, Douglas Fairbanks and more. Coronado has also hosted numerous movie productions, including Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, and The Stuntman with Peter O’Toole, Barbara Hershey and Steve Railsback.
Until 1969, Coronado could only be reached by ferry or by driving along a narrow, seven-mile isthmus called the Silver Strand, which attaches Coronado to the mainland. Ferry service became more limited with the opening of the sweeping $50 million San Diego-Coronado Bridge. This graceful, two-mile bridge is the only officially dedicated scenic highway of its kind.
Learn more about the story of Coronado on a fascinating heritage walk through the Museum of History and Art. After exploring the museum, tour historic Orange Avenue, the neighborhoods of Coronado’s grand homes and Hotel del Coronado.
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