Time to Zoom away from Zoom: Coronado

Spend a full day exploring the island off of San Diego.

Anna Valaik / A&C Assistant Editor

Tucked away, set off right outside downtown San Diego, is a peninsula called Crown City, or more commonly known as Coronado. Although the city is only two miles in length, there is something exciting on almost every corner of the island. Frequented by residents and tourists staying at the famous Hotel Del Coronado, it can be a spot often overlooked by those further up the coast. It truly is an island away from the real world, so it’s worth a day of exploration.

An Island Adventure: Coronado

It is highly recommended to start with breakfast on the island because of all the delicious options. One can choose from coffee and pastries to a full on diner experience,The outdoor coffee bar at The Henry, a sit-down restaurant, offers various coffee and tea drinks, along with smaller food options. Their specialty lattes, such as The Cleo or The Dropout, elevate the coffee taste with hazelnut and chocolate flavors respectively. The drinks range from $3 to $6 depending on size and type.

If a light breakfast does not sound satisfying, head over to Clayton’s Coffee Shop, a long-standing local favorite. There is nothing not traditional about this diner, with an old jukebox playing tunes, red leather seats adorning the inside, and busy waitresses running around the open bar. This diner gives off a true 50s vibe, which is quite rare in this Southern Californian city. Make sure to order a fresh cup of joe and pancakes because it’s a San Diego classic. Their huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos also keep the crowds coming back, time and time again. It’s the perfect place for a student budget because the prices are great. Most egg dishes are from $8 to $15, and the sweeter breakfast items are within that price range as well.

Post fuel, it’s time to head to the bike shop, Holland’s Bicycles, which is perfectly situated right next to Clayton’s. Biking is a great option in Coronado because parking can sometimes be difficult. Their rates are as follows: for an hour, $8; four hours, $20; and a day rental is $30. Depending on the time available, different rentals work for different scenarios, but four hours is the perfect amount of time to cruise around the island, stop at a few spots, and still not break the bank. So, with those new wheels, cross Orange Avenue and head toward the neighborhoods. Weaving up and down the beautiful tree-lined streets, heading from D Ave to J Ave, notice the gorgeous houses and luscious greenery.  

Head all the way up the island, toward First Street, and prepare to see views that feel worlds different than those found on 10th Street. Because Coronado is a peninsula connected to downtown San Diego, the island not only has beach views but also an expansive vantage point of the Seaport and Gaslamp area. Stop at Bayview Park and watch the high rises in Downtown reflect off the blue water.

A long bike ride in the sun calls for a delicious lunch, and is a hidden secret on this side of the island. Although it’s technically a grocery store, their deli serves up homemade sandwiches on the daily. From speciality sandwiches to hot paninis, they can satisfy any craving. Also, the reason this is such a great place, especially for college students, is because their prices are incredibly affordable. The portion sizes are huge and most sandwiches are less than $7. Make sure to enjoy your sandwich and bag of chips at the park across the street, where the ferry comes in too. 

As the bike tour continues, the other side of the island is waiting to be explored. Some spots to note are the Coronado Municipal Golf Course and Coronado Yacht Club. Eventually, though, a red roof will come into view, and the famous Hotel Del Coronado will look grand and luxurious. The Hotel Del is primarily a hotel, but it also has many shops and restaurants within it. Walk around and take in the rich history this hotel still holds on to, and you may even feel the ghost that is said to be haunting the fourth floor.

Before dinner, make sure to return the trusty bikes to Holland’s. In town, located near the bike shop, are multiple food options. Island Pasta, a casual sit-down Italian restaurant, has homemade pizzas and large pasta dishes. Sit outside here and people-watch while enjoying their classic take on Italian food. Pizzas are around $17, while pasta dishes can be anywhere from $10 to $18. There is street and neighborhood parking available nearby as well. For something a bit different, Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge is the spot. Their open floor plan, great outdoor seating, and nice ambiance elevate this American restaurant. From their large burgers to tasty starters, they truly have it all, and no order is wrong. Starters come in at around $12, and entrees can be anywhere from $15 to $30. Right outside Leroy’s is metered street parking, and a larger metered parking lot is close nearby. On the weekends, the parking is free.

No meal is finished until dessert is consumed, and Mootime Creamery is the spot for dessert in Coronado. Located perfectly next to Leroy’s, you can often smell the ice cream radiating from the store while sitting at dinner. Enjoy a classic scoop or try one of their brownie sundaes, which cost around $4 to $6.

Coronado has something special on every corner, whether it be a view of Downtown or the iconic Hotel Del. Even though it’s just a mere island, Coronado is a vibrant, luscious, and lively city where the inhabitants bike around, hit the beach, and frequent their favorite haunts. It feels like a local’s island, meant for only residents, but it’s very much a part of the fabric of San Diego. Therefore, get out and go explore Crown City before everyone else.