INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Destination: 48-Hours
Coronado Island, California
The Crowned One
By Michael J. Herman
Did you Know?
Although founded in the early seventeenth century, Coronado Island remained barren for almost 200 years. It wasn't until mariners built refuges on the island to protect them while working that the island caught on as a destination for housing.
The resort qualities of Coronado weren't emphasized until 1886. It is said that in that year, a new Coronado was born.
Coronado is frequently used for beach scenes in television and movies.
Coronado, California, an oasis of visual and sensory indulgences, should officially change its name to California Shangri-LA. In every sense, it offers the ultimate in luxury and convenience. A mere ten-minute bridge-ride from downtown San Diego, Coronado offers some of the most unrealized luxury bargains and spectacular luxury experiences available in California. Reminiscent in many ways of classic Art Deco Miami Beach, beautiful blue water is visible from almost any vantage point, and the clean, fresh, relaxing scent of Coronado wafts from every direction, sending all stresses out to sea.
From its derivation meaning “The Crowned One,” Coronado is a vacationer’s paradise, offering tennis, golf, dining, shopping, music, community theater, nightlife, and galleries. What’s especially nice about Coronado is that it feels like a self-contained small town, even though it’s in eyesight of America’s sixth largest metropolis. One thing that sets Coronado apart for me is its forward thinking attitudes on the issues of pets. Coronado, and San Diego at large for the most part, are very pet-friendly. Everywhere you go people are walking dogs, holding cats, shouldering birds, and interacting with each other in communal ways, simply because of their pets. The convergence of small town feeling with the metropolitan elegances of Coronado is rare.
Where to Stay:
Loews Coronado Beach Hotel
Off the beaten track on a peninsula all to itself. Sprawling over 14 acres, its island feeling gently sets you adrift as you stroll its expansive manicured gardens and seaside villas. Loews offers excellent spa services at reasonable prices. The ocean view couples’ seaweed massage is a luxurious change of pace and worth trying.
Coronado Marriott
Luxury and comfort seep at every corner. The best part of the stay is the in-room complementary chocolate strawberries.
Hotel Del Coronado
Historic Hotel Del Coronado is a neo-Victorian art deco resort destination worth checking out for the touristy traveler. Its silt-like golden beaches are beautiful and private with clean ocean waters. Hotel Del was the first luxury hotel established in Coronado. It is a popular venue for business meetings and weddings. Perhaps its most stunning feature is its resemblance to a magical castle where anything can happen.
For your Palate:
Mistral Restaurant
For those wishing a more discriminating feast, Mistral Restaurant is among the best of high cuisine in San Diego, featuring rare tastes from Northern Italy to some French Polynesian fare. Chef Martin Batis swirls his magic in a decadent and indulgent repast. Nothing gets left over when you eat at Mistral.
Bistro China on Orange Ave.
For more casual dining, enjoy scrumptious Chinese/Asian delights at Bistro China on Orange Ave. This boutique stop offers delicious fresh fusion cuisine. Ambiance and smart management combine to create a wonderful dining experience. We especially liked the egg flower soup made to order, the Veggie Moo Shoo, Aromatic Shrimp, and Tofu with Mixed Greens. Dinner runs $16.50 per person.
Nado Gelato Cafe
The frozen ambrosia at Nado Gelato Café will tantalize your tongue and tease you with after dinner pleasure. 1017 C. Avenue.
What to Do:
Shopping
Kippys on Orange offers high end couture to hip and trendy beach wear for women. Prices vary from $10.00 to $350.00.
Gondola Rides
Especially at sunset, gondola rides through the Coronado Cays offers an intimate and unique view of the real waterfront lifestyle that identifies Coronado. Be serenaded by opera, just like in Venice, Italy, and enjoy chocolate covered strawberries with wine and cheese. It’s perfect for friends, clients, or lovers.
Motor Boat Rental
Rent a motor boat from the Loews Marina: $135 per hour gives you high speed access to San Diego Bay and the wide-open Pacific Ocean.
There is so much to do in Coronado, it can't all be done in one trip. But that’s okay, because after visiting "The Crowned One," you’ll be ready to return again and again.
