Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Situated just east of the North Island Naval Air Station and across the North San Diego Bay from the San Diego International Airport, this family-friendly beach is open to the public year round. The central beach sits before Ocean Boulevard and the kind of beautiful mansions you expect to find in southern California. The beach’s sparkling sand adds to the ambiance; grains of mica cause the beach to gleam. The view of the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking, and when the weather cooperates you can see all the way to the Coronado Islands. 

While there is ample room for sunbathing, many visitors are more interested in swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or taking advantage of the numerous fire pits distributed across the beach.  One particularly popular activity is tide pool exploration; at low tide you can generally spot starfish, limpets, barnacles, moon snails, and a variety of other creatures that call Coronado Beach home. The city of Coronado formed two different groups that educate visitors about the species that inhabit tide pools and how to protect them. Those groups are the Tide Pool Volunteers and the Coronado Tide Pools Interpretive Program.

Dog owners will want to head directly to the western end of the beach. The Coronado Dog Beach is the only area where dogs are allowed, and it is a truly unique oasis for you and your canine friend. Leashes are not required, and you can stay as long as you would like since this part of the beach never closes. Bags for picking up after your dog are provided free of charge. You should note that food is not allowed, including dog treats.

Visitors from out of town may want to consider staying in the Hotel del Coronado, which is nestled at the easternmost point of Coronado Beach. Make it a well-rounded vacation with a trip to Star Park, a visit to the Coronado Historical Association, and a show at Lamb’s Players Theater, all within walking distance of the beach.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Expansive beach. Free street parking. Lifeguards, and dog beach. Sand castle sculptures.

Cons

Weekend crowds.

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

My great-grandmother Dorothy on Coronado Beach, circa 1940's.
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