Coronado’s Most Iconic Landmarks

If you’re hopping over to Coronado Island by boat, the Ferry Landing is one of the first places you’ll visit.

Talk to any longtime Coronado resident about the best spots in the neighborhood, and certain places come up without hesitation. The Ferry Landing at golden hour. A beach day that starts at The Del. Spreckels Park on a Sunday with music in the background. These aren’t just stops on a visitor’s list; they’re very much a part of everyday life.

While some people would rather talk about the island’s hidden gems, this time around, we’re shining the spotlight on the local, beloved landmarks. If you’re looking for things to do in Coronado, CA, start here.

1. The Ferry Landing

   The Coronado Ferry Landing isn’t the only way onto the island, but it’s certainly one of the most scenic.

   Built in the 1980s as a mixed-use hub, the current Ferry Landing sits at the northeast edge of the island, offering a casual mix of dining, shops, and direct access to the bay. Peohe’s, Il Fornaio, and smaller cafes line the promenade—a spot that especially comes alive with music on weekends. Paddleboards launch nearby, and ferry passengers come and go with views of downtown as their backdrop.

   A short walk from the ferry landing is Centennial Park, one of the island’s best spots to watch the sunset. Open lawns, shaded benches, and skyline views also make it a favorite events venue on the island.

2. Orange Avenue

   From the ferry landing, you’ll land on Orange Avenue. It’s the original route to the Hotel del Coronado, mapped out in the 1880s as part of Coronado’s earliest resort-era plans. The avenue became the island’s commercial core, first lined with general stores and horse-drawn carriages, and later shaped into the tree-lined main street locals rely on today.

   Now, it’s where you stop for dining and shopping in Coronado. Brunch at Tartine, which opens as early as 7 AM, is always recommended. Meanwhile, local bookworms hunt for their next read at Bay Books, an independently owned bookstore that’s been part of the community for over 30 years. And at the Village Theatres, you can watch the latest feature films and, afterwards, take a picture under its iconic art deco marquee.

   Orange Avenue is also the site of some of Coronado’s biggest traditions, such as the three-hour Fourth of July Parade.

3. Hotel del Coronado

   Arguably the crown jewel of the island, Hotel del Coronado has been welcoming guests since 1888. It’s a National Historic Landmark, an architectural standout, and a cultural touchstone, hosting presidents, Hollywood legends, and generations of San Diegans.

   Built during Coronado’s resort boom, The Del was once the largest wooden structure in the U.S. Guests arrived even before the island had a bridge. And the hotel’s Queen Anne-style architecture and distinctive red turrets—so bright against the white-sand beach—quickly made it a symbol of West Coast leisure. No war, economic shift, or wear and tear can diminish The Del’s glory.

   Today, a staycation at The Del is one of the recommended things to do in Coronado, CA. There are seven on-site dining venues to choose from, and during the holidays, The Del puts up a beachfront ice-skating rink along with a couple of other festive offerings.

4. Coronado Central Beach

   Coronado Central Beach stretches roughly 1.75 miles along Ocean Boulevard, with the Hotel del Coronado situated at the southern end and the Dog Beach at the north.

   Wide, flat, and walkable, it’s one of the island’s most iconic public spaces—and one of the cleanest and most accessible beaches in Southern California. The sand here is soft and bright, bordered by dunes on one side and some of Coronado’s most recognizable homes on the other.

   Water zones are clearly marked for surfing and swimming, and lifeguards post yellow flags with black balls to indicate where soft boards are allowed. Behind the dunes, the Coronado Beach Path runs parallel to the sand. It’s a paved trail used daily by locals for jogging, walking dogs, or pushing strollers.

   At the northern tip, Dog Beach offers a designated off-leash area where you can bring your dog to run, swim, and socialize. Elsewhere along the beach, pets aren’t permitted. So, if you’re bringing a four-legged friend, this is where you need to go in Coronado Island.

   

   Hotel del Coronado’s iconic red turrets are very much a part of the island skyline.

5. Silver Strand State Beach

   South of the main island, Silver Strand State Beach stretches along the narrow isthmus connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach. It’s less crowded and more rugged than its central counterpart, and one of the rarer Coronado Island attractions with easier parking. The name Silver Strand dates back to the late 19th century, referencing the silvery sheen of the mica-filled sand in the area.

   For generations, this stretch has served as a natural buffer between city and sea—part state park, part local escape. Silver Strand Beach is especially popular for early surf checks, long runs, and weekend picnics. And if you’re a resident of Coronado Cays, you can easily get to the beach via a pedestrian tunnel.

6. Spreckels Park

   Located in the center of downtown Coronado, Spreckels Park has been a part of the city life for over a century. It was established in 1900 on land donated by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels. His influence shaped much of early Coronado, from railways and real estate to the Hotel del Coronado itself.

   Today, the park remains a gathering place for locals of all ages. It’s also home to some of the best things to do in Coronado, CA. For starters, the Concerts in the Park series is a summer highlight, drawing neighbors and visitors alike for live music and laidback Sunday evenings. Meanwhile, spring’s Coronado Flower Show—the largest tented flower show in the nation—transforms Spreckels Park with blooms and exhibits.

7. Coronado Golf Course

   Opened in the late 1950s, Coronado Golf Course has earned its place as one of the top public courses in the country—and one of Coronado’s most valued assets. It offers 18 holes of scenic play, just blocks from the beach and with views of the bay and downtown San Diego.

   The course was designed with locals in mind, and that spirit holds true today. Tee times are available daily. And while the course sees plenty of visitors, it still feels like a neighborhood favorite. Not a golfer? The Feast and Fareway restaurant overlooks the course and is just as popular with non-players, especially for weekend brunch or drinks with a view.

End your day by watching the sunset at Coronado Central Beach.

MAKE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES IN CORONADO

With over $2B in sales and 900+ homes sold, Scott Aurich and Tyler Mathews know every corner of the island—the best things to do in Coronado, CA, listings, and everything in between. Call 619.992.0808 to learn more. You can also follow the team on Instagram to get more glimpses of local life.