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Exploring the beautiful nature of California


California Nature: Coronado Beach


Between the Pacific ocean and San Diego bay lies the Coronado peninsula, including the enlarged northern tip which is sometimes referred to as Coronado Island. At this tip is the quaint town of Coronado or Coronado Island, with its iconic Victorian resort hotel, Hotel del Coronado, or 'the Del' to locals. Coronado is Spanish for "the crowned one," and thus it is nicknamed The Crown City. The town is reached by car via a 'flying' bridge (the Coronado Bay Bridge) across the bay. Along the narrow strip of peninsula, below the 'island' lie miles of white sand beaches, some of the best in southern California. Located South of the Hotel del Coronado and City Hall, the Glorietta Bay Beach offers a unique view of the Glorietta Bay and the San Diego- Coronado Bridge. With a large grass-filled park, restrooms, playground equipment, and a small beach area, the Glorietta Bay Beach can provide hours of fun, and a relaxing time for all individuals.
Coronado Beach is the perfect get away to explore California Nature Coronado's flat white sand beach has family-friendly surf and postcard sunsets framed by the picturesque silhouette of the Point Loma headland. Coronado Beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. In addition to the beaches, there is the bayside district with breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and bustling water sport activity.

More than 2 million visitors come to Coronado annually, hosted by 17 hotels, including three world-class resorts, and over 70 restaurants. A stunning 18-hole golf course, high end boutiques, art galleries, day spas, yacht marinas, and endless recreational opportunities complete the resort lifestyle. From local day trippers to international tourists, people of all ages are drawn to enjoy everything Coronado has to offer.

Because of its proximity to the nightlife and world-famous attractions of San Diego, Coronado is an ideal jumping-off place for the perfect Southern California vacation. Whether it's the setting for a memorable family holiday, a fairy tale wedding or a season in the sun, discover for yourself why Coronado is known as "The Enchanted Isle."
The city became a major resort destination in 1888 with the opening of the Hotel del Coronado. In 1900 a tourist/vacation area just south of the Hotel del Coronado was established by John D. Spreckels and named Tent City. Over the years the tents gave way to cottages, the last of which was torn down in late 1940 or early 1941.

With its one-mile-long main street, Orange Avenue, Coronado is a quaint all-American village of 25,000 residents, complete with mom-and-pop shops, parades, and picnics in the park. In 2000, Coronado was awarded the Great American Main Street award and was recently named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Explore Coronado's friendly neighborhoods with quiet tree-lined streets and alleys and you'll discover an eclectic mix of architectural styles from historically preserved Victorians to Spanish villas to cozy beach cottages. And if it's a Thursday, you might find treasures at the many local garage sales.
Coronado beach with a view of San Diego in the background In 2008, The Travel Channel rated Coronado Beach as the fifth best beach in America. Coronado is home to two live theaters, the Lamb's Players Theatre and Coronado Playhouse. They present a variety of performances during the year. The most popular annual event is the 4th of July parade. Coronado Independence Day activities kick off with a 15k Run/Walk at dawn. The day includes a rough-water swim at North Beach, the famous two-hour parade along Orange Avenue, Art-in-the-Park, a concert in Spreckels Park, and culminates with spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay.

One of the most popular annual events in this city is the Coronado Flower Show, held usually on the third weekend in April. Since 1925 thousands of visitors have flocked here to see the largest flower show held under tents in the West. Exhibits are placed inside tents surrounding a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for continuous entertainment, announcements and trophy presentations. Coronado Island Sports Fiesta is sponsored by the local Optimist Club every year. Held in July this sports festival features a combination of competitive races, dives, rough-water swim and other events.
The crowning glory of the island is the Hotel del Coronado, the Victorian beach-front masterpiece that is rated the #1 Hotel in the U.S. by Celebrated Living. "The Del," as the legendary resort is affectionately known, is a National Historic Landmark and is as impressive now as when the seaside resort was built in 1888. Coronado is a town that celebrates its rich heritage and preserves its unique historical culture. The hotel has appeared in films such as Some Like It Hot and The Stunt Man. It was the setting of the Dashboard Confessional song Stolen.

The historic hotel has had many notable American guests, including Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Willie Mays, Magic Johnson, and Muhammad Ali. Many presidents have also visited, including William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. "The Del" was supposedly also the inspiration for the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. (However, other sources say Oz was inspired by the "White City" of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. Author L. Frank Baum would have been able to see the hotel from his front porch overlooking Star Park. The hotel is also said to be haunted for room 3372 having the ghost of Kate Morgan. Guests staying at room 3372 may experience strange activity on their room.
 
 
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