Coronado Island is an enchanting paradise located off the coast of San Diego, California. With its pristine beaches, captivating history, and vibrant culture, Coronado Island is a must-visit for any traveler. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get to Coronado Island and explore its many attractions. From ferry rides across the bay to driving across the iconic Coronado Bridge, discover how to get to Coronado Island and start your journey to this idyllic paradise.
How To Get To Coronado Island
1. Ferry To Coronado Island
For those looking to explore the islands at their leisure, a ferry ride is a perfect way to get there. Ferry service is available from San Diego’s downtown port, where you can catch a quick boat ride across the bay to Coronado Island for only $4.50 per person. Ferries are also available from San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, which offers an alternative route across the bay for just $1.95 each way. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes, and you can enjoy views of San Diego during your ride.
2. Drive To Coronado Island
For those who prefer taking their time on their road trip through California, driving is a great option to explore this idyllic paradise. Driving from downtown San Diego takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and passes by many of the major attractions on Coronado Island, including the Hotel del Coronado, the Beach Club Resort, and even the historic Hotel del Coronado.
3. Walk To Coronado Island
For those who want to see the sights of Coronado Island on foot, you can find a number of walking paths throughout the area. The most convenient route is along the beach, which features a number of scenic viewpoints and stunning views of San Diego.
4. Take A Ferry To Coronado Island
If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to explore Coronado Island, consider taking one of the ferries that leave from San Diego’s downtown port. For $4.50 per person, you can hop aboard and enjoy views across the bay while crossing Coronado Island in approximately 15 minutes. Ferries are available from San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood as well and take approximately 20-25 minutes to cross the bay.
5. Bike To Coronado Island
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to get around by bike, you can explore Coronado Island on two wheels. You can find a number of bike rentals throughout San Diego, and if you rent your own bike, you can enjoy the scenic views that surround the island on your ride.
How To Get To Coronado Island By Car
1. Take The Coronado Island Ferry
The Coronado Island ferry service is a beautiful way to get to the island. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes and departs from San Diego Harbor every hour on the half hour. The cost of the ride is $5 per adult, $3 for children under 12, and free for children under 5. For more information on the ferry service, visit their website or call 619-435-5730.
2. Take Coronado Island’s Free Shuttle Bus
If you don’t want to take public transportation all the way to Coronado Island, there is a free shuttle bus that runs between Downtown San Diego and the island every 15 minutes from 8 am to 8 pm daily (except Christmas Day). The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 8 am to 9 pm daily. For more information on these free shuttles, visit their website or call 619-435-5720. This route is not available on weekends or holidays.
3. Take A Taxi To Coronado Island
If you’re looking to save time and money, a taxi ride can be a great way to get to Coronado Island without relying on the public transportation system. Taxis can be hailed on the streets of San Diego or ordered online with companies such as Uber or Lyft.
Things To Do On Coronado Island
1. Explore The Historic Coronado
Coronado Island is an important part of San Diego’s history. The island was once a Spanish outpost and a military fortification, where Spanish soldiers fought off Native Americans and pirates. Today, not much has changed in terms of the island’s history, but it’s still a great place to explore.
2. Take A Ferry Ride Across The Bay
One of the best ways to get to Coronado Island is by a ferry ride across the bay. If you’re staying in San Diego, it’s easy to take a ferry ride across the bay. You can find San Diego Harbor Cruises at Embarcadero Marina Park North in downtown San Diego. To get there, simply take I-5 South towards Los Angeles or I-15 North towards Phoenix or Las Vegas. Take exit 7A (Marina Drive) onto Harbor Drive and follow it all the way to Embarcadero Marina Park North.
3. Stay At A Hotel On Coronado Island
If you’re looking for a hotel on Coronado Island, you have plenty of options. You can stay at one of the many hotels on the island, or you can stay in San Diego and come to Coronado Island. If you choose to stay in San Diego, there are several hotels located in downtown San Diego that you can choose from. Some of the best hotels located near downtown San Diego include the San Diego Marriott Marquis and the Doubletree Hotel.
4. Explore The Beach
Coronado Island is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. If you want to explore the island’s beaches, you can take a ferry ride across the bay or rent a car and drive around the island. The best beaches on Coronado Island include.
Tips For Exploring Coronado Island
1. Ferry Ride
In order to reach Coronado Island, you will need to take a ferry ride across the bay. The San Diego Harbor is the most convenient point of entry into the island. Ferries leave every 30 minutes and will take you to the San Diego Harbor or the Coronado Ferry Landing in downtown Coronado. Tickets can be purchased at any of the three ticket kiosks at these locations.
2. Driving To Coronado Island
If you are looking for a more scenic route, you can also drive over the iconic Coronado Bridge into Coronado Island. The bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and takes about 20 minutes to cross. The bridge is well-lit at night, with flashing red lights along both sides of the roadway in order to ensure safety for drivers crossing over it during nighttime hours. You’ll find that driving across this bridge is one of the most scenic ways to get to Coronado Island.
3. Parking On Coronado Island
Parking on Coronado Island can be a bit of a challenge, so if you plan to visit after 4:00 p.m., consider using the nearby parking lot at the San Diego Convention Center. The parking lot is located directly across from the San Diego Convention Center and costs $5 per hour. The lot is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight every day and has over 1,000 spaces available for daily parking in addition to spaces reserved for over 30 events throughout the year, including the San Diego County Fair, Taste of San Diego, and many others.
4. Getting Around Coronado Island
There are no public transportation options on Coronado Island – you must rent a car or take a taxi if you want to explore this island on foot or by bike. If you do decide to drive around this beautiful island, be sure to leave your vehicle in one of the many parking lots located throughout the island.
Conclusion
Coronado Island is a must-visit for any traveler. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get to Coronado Island and explore its many attractions. From ferry rides across the bay to driving across the iconic Coronado Bridge, discover how to get to Coronado Island and start your journey to this idyllic paradise
