Coronado Island Overview and History

Located on the Silver Strand and directly across the bay from the downtown area, the village of Coronado offers a unique and refreshing alternative to most of the other villages that make up the city. Coronado has taken on a feel all its own, from the restaurants and shopping along Orange Avenue to the bustling grounds of the historic Hotel Del, there is something for everyone to do, see and experience.

Modern day Coronado, as in the past, offers many attractions, nightlife, shopping and special event options for you while enjoying your stay on the island. The Hotel Del is probably the most famous and well known attraction in the area, being built in 1886 and playing host to ex-presidents, celebrities and even a few movies, most notably "Some like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. There is also one Kate Morgan, who is the hotel's longest staying "guest". She checked into the hotel one day in 1892 and her ghost has never left. Many have attested to seeing her ghost and with careful observation and shear luck, you just might too. Nightlife on the island is subdued and tailored to families and the middle aged traveler, and most of all the residence that call this quaint village home. The shopping is great, and with the absence of any large malls makes it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Most of the shopping is along the Orange Avenue corridor, though there are some shops on the side streets and in the Hotel Del itself, making a day on the island an enjoyable and mall free experience. With the festive atmosphere and old world elegance that the village offers, Coronado makes any special event or holiday special and will keep the memory fresh in your mind.

Yesterday and Today

The village that we know today began to take shape in 1886 with the founding of the Coronado Beach Company. In addition, a little more than a year later the villages newest and, to this day most enduring landmark was completed. The Hotel del Coronado stands today, as it has for over 100 years, attracting people from near and far to the sandy beaches and temperate climate that is Coronado.