Just over the bridge from San Diego, Coronado's 7 miles of coastline encompass five main beaches. All beaches have lifeguards and, except for South Beach, restrooms. The most popular choice: Central Beach in the heart of town, just a short stroll to restaurants and ice-cream shops.
For something more serene, head to the 4½-mile Silver Strand State Beach. The ocean side of the strand is strewn with shells, while the bay side has warmer water, gentler waves, and a nature preserve. Kids ages 7 to 12 can earn a Junior Ranger badge at Silver Strand on Saturdays.
Catch a flick at the old-timey Coronado Village Theatre and then take your kids to Delux Gourmet Hot Dogs, a new restaurant serving up franks (plain or with all sorts of zany toppings, like Thai peanut spread and carrots) plus salads and organic ice-cream sandwiches.
Since there aren't a lot of hills, bicycling on the island is a breeze. Rent one of the following popular bike shops: Cruiser King on Orange Avenue, Bikes & Beyond at Coronado Ferry Landing, Ray's Rentals at Coronado Island Marriott Resort or PeDels at Hotel del Coronado.
If you want a break from the beach, drive about 20 minutes to San Diego Zoo--one of the country's best zoos for kids because it offers a lot of interaction with the animals.
The Loews Coronado Bay Resort is just a ten-minute walk or short shuttle ride to Silver Strand State Beach; in fact, the hotel has raised more than $1 million to help its nature preserves. On the property, Loews hosts outdoor kids' yoga, pool games, and marshmallow roasts; kids 4 to 12 can participate in the children's club, which entertains them with magic tricks, GPS-led scavenger hunts, and sand castle-building while you get a treatment at Sea Spa or take a fitness class. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $189 per night. Get a 20 percent discount when staying three or more nights; loewshotels.com.)
The Hotel del Coronado, a 125-year-old Victorian-style resort, is on Central Beach. Its Kidtopia program offers one-hour drop-off craft activities (like making a birdhouse) and three-hour camps for kids 4 to 12. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $289 per night; hoteldel.com.)
This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and availabilities are subject to change. Please contact each hotel and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before taking your trip.
