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Home to the world-renowned Hotel del Coronado, gorgeous sandy beaches and its own brand of beach-y elegance, Coronado is a fabulous and fun hideaway just across San Diego Bay from Downtown. Discover the luxury side of this island oasis with our guide to all the top places to see and things to do.
This upscale, Michelin-recognized restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado serves the freshest of the fresh seafood (as in, caught that morning or mere hours before it lands on your plate). Serẽa means “one with the sea,” and true to its name, it provides the quintessential sea-to-table meal. Chef JoJo Ruiz is nationally recognized for his commitment to preserving the ocean through sustainable culinary practices, receiving the prestigious James Beard Certified Smart Catch Leader award in 2019 and 2020. Serẽa is also certified as Ocean Friendly by the Surfrider Foundation. Here, enthusiastic pescatarians can devour generous platters of raw oysters, Maine lobster and seasonal crab, or opt for the flash-fried fresh catch of the day, served Baja-style with bagna tomato conserva, peppadew peppers and fresh lemon.
Where: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
This upscale bistro is open all day for “le brunch,” dinner and happy hour. Modeled after a traditional Parisian café, Little Frenchie’s interior is as lovely as its menu, which includes house-baked pastries with a selection of seasonal (and often sold-out) “cronuts” and “cruffins.” Repeat customers come for French classics such as the croissant benedict, quiche, herb omelette, Frenchie beef dip, short rib hash, beef bourguignon and moules frites. Little Frenchie also won over the team at the Michelin Guide, which recognized it with a Bib Gourmand distinction (good quality, good value) three years in a row.
Where: 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
What began as a small butcher shop has quickly morphed into an elite gastronomy experience. Today, the 15-table, delightfully neighborhood-y Jolie serves up locally sourced, seasonal cuisine crafted with the utmost care. Its food is unparalleled in Coronado. Jolie’s kitchen (and by that, we mean its two induction burners and tabletop fryer) is presided over by chef Jason Witzl, a successful California restaurateur who refined his talents at Spain’s three-Michelin-starred Restaurante Martín Berasategui, among other places. Go for the “Trust the Chef” seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Highlights include the Peruvian scallops made with coconut vinaigrette, masago, and pickled Thai chili, and the yellowtail crudo served with capers, shallot, and red chili flake. Make your reservation now, before this place blows up and it’s impossible to get a table.
Where: 126 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Big-city steakhouse meets small-town luxury dining at this Crown City staple, located just across the street from the Hotel Del. As Coronado’s first and only steakhouse, Stake offers the finest cuts of USDA Prime, American Wagyu and Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, as well as fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and savory, seasonal sides. With over 1,700 bottles to choose from, the restaurant also has an impressively robust wine list that caught the attention of Wine Spectator, which has honored Stake with its Award of Excellence each year since 2016.
Where: 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Ever-expanding and forever rejuvenating, The Del is a National Historic Landmark that attracts discerning travelers to its beachside Coronado location just across the bay from downtown San Diego. A $550 million redevelopment helped modernize its more than 130-year-old bones while retaining its original charm. Guests can choose from a wide range of room types and experiences, including the Shore House at The Del, the hotel’s residential-style “neighborhood” featuring 75 luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, and the ultra-upscale Beach Village. The Del also offers seasonal experiences, such as beachfront ice skating, an incredible holiday light show and a new summer roller-skating rink — beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Where: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Set apart from the bustle of Coronado Village and yet still very much a part of the island’s exclusive, idyllic vibe, Loews is its own elegant little oasis for the getaway-minded. The resort sits on its own private 15-acre peninsula along the Silver Strand, flanked by sandy stretches of ocean beach on one side and the calm waters of San Diego Bay on the other. With a private 80-slip marina, four restaurants, three swimming pools, tennis courts and much more, it’s an inviting place for a luxury escape.
Where: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118
The Shops at the Del provide a luxury shopping experience like no other in Coronado. Hotel guests and locals love to browse the rare gifts and signature souvenirs, beachy home décor, high-end women’s clothing, fine menswear, artwork, and more at this stretch of newly remodeled stores nestled within the world-famous resort.
Where: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Achieve that “je ne sais quoi” Parisian aesthetic at this lovely and decidedly chic boutique in the heart of Coronado’s village. Owner and resident French girl Julie Herrmann has created a tightly edited selection of French-made products that include unique finds for the home, beautiful accessories, leather handbags and so much more. Ooo là là!
Where: 1037 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Book a private Duffy cruise with Seaforth Boat Rentals and enjoy the scenic waters around Glorietta Bay. These luxurious boats are 100% electric, state-of-the-art, and provide a “whisper-quiet” experience, topping out at a leisurely speed of 5 mph. Daytime and sunset cruises are helmed by a licensed captain, can accommodate up to six guests, and last 90 minutes. Guests also have the option to add on select food and beverage options. Seaforth’s Coronado outpost is located across the street from the Hotel Del, near Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill.
Where: 1715 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
Step straight from Coronado into the romantic canals of Venice with an enchanting cruise through the Coronado Cays, courtesy of The Gondola Co. The firm’s private gondola rides are available in a variety of elegant variations, from a sunset cruise to a Pasaporto Notte (“night passport”) cruise, where you can watch the lights twinkling on the bay. There’s even a Proposal Cruise to make that special moment extra-memorable. Plenty of additional amenities are also available, from music by a professional mandolin player to red roses to wine and dessert.
Where: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, CA 92118
The Coronado Municipal Golf Course unfolds at the base of the magnificent San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and is bordered on one side by nothing but water and sand. Opened in 1957, the course has been consistently touted as one of the nation’s top public courses and is ranked No. 5 in the U.S. by Golf Digest for delivering the best golf value. Locals and visitors alike love its affordable rates, beautiful harbor and downtown views, the Feast and Fareway restaurant, and so much more.
Where: 2000 Visalia Row, Suite C, Coronado, CA 92118
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