Related Coronado Favorites Tips

Fondest memory: One of my fondest memories of Coronado is actually finding a parking space near the steps at the beach on the first try!

Especially during the summer or on weekends it can be difficult to find a parking space near the steps leading to the beach. I always cruise around the block a few times, until a good place opens up, because walking is difficult for me.

For those of you who are able and like to walk, parking several blocks away can be interesting too. Most of the homes near the beach have been or are being remodeled and most of them are quite interesting to see.

I will give you a useful tip, if you drive to the north end of the road, just before reaching the North Island Naval Gate, finding a parking space is much easier. Also at this end there is a nice grassy park area for those who don't like sand.

Keep in mind that this section is Coronado's "dog beach" area. So, be prepared to share.

Favorite thing: The beach is great. Rent a surfboard from Island Surf on Orange Avenue, east side, south of 10th (no affiliation of mine), with the right-sized wetsuit, and have a ball trying the sport. The average 180-pound male really ought to try first with a 9 to 9.5-foot surfboard. Don't let the teenagers who ride shortboards tell you to start with something smaller, or you'll never get up.

Just south of the Del on the concrete boardwalk is a little hut from which you might be able to rent a board too. Typically a surfboard will cost about $30-$40 for a day. Start in the morning before the wind comes up, it'll be easier.

Go just south of the Del, at lifeguard station #2, where the waves are most reliable. It'll talk about 100 tries, but then you'll get hooked, and will be able to do it.

If the waves are taller than you are, try a boogie board instead. If it's really windy, go sailing on the bay, the other side of Orange Avenue from the Del is Seaforth boat rentals. They have sailboats, Waverunners and many other boats.

Also go to the ferry landing, take the ferry over to the other side--it runs hourly. Or take the Marriott shuttle, that runs frequently over a smaller duration of time. Then you can do the Gaslamp for dinner and boat-then-walk home.

Fondest memory: It's like living in Mayberry. Cool little town.

Come to the car show in April (mostly for the men) and the flower show the same April weekend (mostly for the ladies).

Special events, Fourth of July, Halloween, Santa Coming to town on December 1 -- are really something.