Located in the San Diego Harbor just across from downtown San Diego Coronado is a small island originally purchased and established as a hunting resort by speculators then purchased by sugar magnet John D. Spreckles, (founder of Spreckles Sugar). Coronado (Spanish for crown) is a beautiful resort area and Coronado Beach located on the west side of the island, is considered one of the best beaches in America. Hotel Del Coronado, a Victorian style resort hotel famous for being the set of “Some Like it Hot” (famous Hollywood movie staring Marlyn Monroe) is a key landmark feature of the island. Every U.S. president since Nixon stays here on their San Diego visits. The hotel allows tourist to walk through the premises all year round.
The Island is home to the U.S. Navy Base, (Naval Air Station North Island). Navy Seal Team training is conducted on the south part of the island. Access to the island is by way of the Coronado bridge which stretches from Downtown San Diego to the island itself and also from the pennisula end Highway 75 – which leaves the south San Diego city of Imperial Beach to the southern part of the island.
Coronado fun activities include a visit to the Ferry Landing which has shopping and restaurants, Hotel Del Coronado and of course the beautiful beach, Coronado Beach. All of that plus the overall purposely designed charm of a small 1950s American town make this one of the top 3 places to visit in San Diego.
Coronado is home to 2 outstanding old fashioned diners well worth a visit, Claytons and Nite and Day Diner. Both have nostalgic 50s style counter dining as well as sidewalk table dining. Another favorite is Miguels Mexican Food which is located across the street from the famed Hotel Del Coronado.