Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado stands at 1500 Orange Ave on Coronado Island, across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego in California. Opened in 1888, the beachfront resort is one of the largest wooden buildings in the United States and a National Historic Landmark, recognizable by its red turreted roof, white Victorian facade and wide oceanfront lawns. Visitors who are not staying overnight can walk through the lobby, with its dark wood paneling and spiral staircase, explore the ground-level shops, galleries and a small history exhibit, and walk the grounds to the broad sand of Coronado Beach. Guided history tours run on selected days and cover the resort's famous guests and its role in film and local lore. Dining spots on the property range from casual to formal, and the beach side is popular for sunset drinks. Most visits take one to two hours, longer for a meal or a beach walk. Late afternoon brings the warmest light on the building and the best sunset from the beach, while mornings are quieter inside the lobby. Weekends and holidays are busy, with limited parking, and parking on the property is charged. A pleasant way to arrive is by the Coronado Ferry from the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center, followed by a short bus or taxi ride, or visitors can drive across the Coronado Bridge. Coronado Beach adjoining the hotel is wide and gently sloping, and its sand is known for a faint shimmer. The surrounding village of Coronado, with its shops and restaurants along Orange Avenue, makes an easy addition to the trip.