Remote Surveillance Trailer in Coronado, CA

Coronado Island is the first place most of our clients ask about when planning a San Diego trip. Between the beach, the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the walkable village, and proximity to downtown and the Zoo, it checks a lot of boxes.

We help travelers choose between Coronado’s best resorts, boutique hotels, and bayfront properties every day, and this guide compares the best options based on firsthand experience, client feedback, and how each property works for different types of trips.

Top Coronado Hotels & Resorts at a Glance

I know why our clients choose (or don’t choose) certain beach resorts and hotels around town. Here’s a short list of popular picks.

Hotel del Coronado is the San Diego hotel that my readers and clients book the most. I’ve stayed multiple times since the $550 million renovation was completed, and both the dining and service have noticeably improved. It’s also a complex property with three separately booked sections, so choosing the right one matters.

Additionally, I’ve stayed multiple times since the renovation was completed, and both the dining and service have noticeably improved. It’s such a fun place to stay, where you can arrive with nothing packed and buy everything at the resort thanks to the on-site shops and market.

The main resort is where most guests stay, and many prefer it. It’s the only full-service beachfront resort in San Diego with this combination of beach, pools, restaurants, spa, and kids’ programming under one roof. It also has an energy that the luxury enclaves don’t. You’re in the middle of everything: the historic Victorian architecture, the bustling pool scene, restaurants and shops steps away, and seasonal events right outside your door.

The main resort has three neighborhoods: The Victorian (the original 1888 building, best for history enthusiasts and couples), The Cabanas (closest to the pool and beach, where I book most families), and The Views (best panoramic ocean views and the quietest section on the main property).

The honest expectation to set: the main resort is a four-star property. The pricing can suggest otherwise, especially in peak season, but going in with four-star expectations will set you up for a great stay.

Shore House and Beach Village are for a different kind of stay, and they’re different from each other.

Shore House has a boutique hotel feel, built in a U-shape around its own oceanfront pool with a social, relaxed atmosphere. The villas come with full kitchens and washer/dryers, which makes them popular for longer stays and multigenerational trips.

Beach Village is the most private and luxurious option on the property, with beachfront cottages and villas behind a gated entrance. It’s the quietest part of the resort by far.

Both are five-star experiences with dedicated concierge and private check-in, and both come at a higher price point, though Shore House can sometimes be priced closer to the main resort. Guests at either property still have full access to everything on the main resort.

The hotel offers several distinct room types across its different neighborhoods:

All three properties share the same beach but are booked separately, with different check-in locations, which can be confusing. My individual reviews walk you through rooms, booking, and everything else you need to know.

Go deeper on each property:

2. The Bower Coronado

The Bower is Coronado’s first boutique luxury hotel in over 30 years, bringing a modern, design-centric contrast to the island’s classic resorts. With only 39 rooms and a thoughtful approach to service, it’s a stylish, low-key retreat just a block from the beach. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want something more curated than corporate.

Here are a few top picks from the five available room types.

Dive, the rooftop bar, offers some of the best sunset views in Coronado. If you want a room with a balcony and a peek of the ocean or bay, book early as they’re limited and in high demand. It’s right across the street from The Del. I’m finding that people who prefer not to stay at a large resort want to stay here instead.

3. 1906 Lodge Coronado

1906 Lodge is one of my favorite San Diego boutique hotels—a peaceful 17-room retreat with lots of value built into the nightly rate. Tucked a block off Orange Avenue in a quiet residential area, it’s still within walking distance to Hotel del Coronado, the beach, and plenty of shops and dining. Built in 1906 as a boarding school, the historic charm carries through in its unique room layouts and warm hospitality.

There’s no onsite bar, restaurant, or gym — but guests love the included extras and quiet vibe.

4. Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Loews Coronado Bay Resort sits on a peaceful 15-acre peninsula between the bay and the ocean. While it’s about four miles south of Coronado’s main village, the trade-off is a more secluded setting with direct access to Silver Strand State Beach, one of the best San Diego beaches.

The resort is well known for its water sports, beautiful walking paths, and activities designed to help guests enjoy staying onsite — from beach yoga to the Flavor by Loews dining program, which highlights local seafood, beer, and produce grown in the resort’s own garden.

Loews typically offers better rates than properties on Orange Avenue, especially midweek or off-season. The ocean here can close due to runoff from the Tijuana River much more often than the beach in front of The Del. You can find the current status at sdbeachinfo.com. Also, they’re in the early stages of a large renovation, so call before you book to see how your dates may be impacted.

5. Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

Located just across the Coronado Bridge, this resort sits on the quieter bay side of the island with scenic views of downtown San Diego. While it’s not on Coronado’s main beach, guests can borrow bikes to get to Central Beach or enjoy the nearby Ferry Landing, which has a small beach, casual restaurants, and fun shops. I especially like the bayfront pool and wellness, which includes tennis and excellent spa services.

While not beachfront, the bay setting is peaceful and well-connected. Ferry Landing is just a short walk away, and Bonvoy members can often get a solid member rate. Many clients choose this as a lower-priced resort alternative to The Del.

Read more: My full Coronado Island Marriott review.

6. Hotel Marisol Coronado

Hotel Marisol Coronado is a 15-room coastal retreat tucked on a quiet side street, just a few blocks from the sand. Its intimate scale, secluded courtyard, and upscale touches make it one of the most relaxing places to stay on Coronado Island. Guests love the walkable location near dining and attractions without the noise of Orange Avenue.

Street parking is limited during peak season. Book early if you need the Junior Suite or plan to rent the hotel for a group event.

7. Glorietta Bay Inn

Set in the former 1908 mansion of John D. Spreckels, Glorietta Bay Inn blends turn-of-the-century architecture with a central yet peaceful location. It’s across the street from Hotel del Coronado but feels more like a bed and breakfast, with warm service, antique character, and little extras that make it a standout among Coronado’s mid-range hotels.

If you’re booking during peak season, reserve early to secure a Mansion Room. Bay-view categories offer a quieter stay, while the suites provide more space for those traveling with kids or needing extra room to spread out. We have people choose it when they want a historic hotel but not Del pricing.

8. El Cordova Hotel

El Cordova Hotel combines Spanish-style charm with unbeatable convenience. Just across from Hotel del Coronado, it places you in the center of Orange Avenue’s dining and shopping while offering a cozy, courtyard-style stay. It’s especially popular with families and longer-stay guests thanks to its kitchen-equipped rooms. There are restaurants all around it.

If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from Orange Avenue to minimize street noise, but I recommend bringing earplugs regardless. Suites with kitchens often book first. Reserve early if you plan to cook.

9. Best Western Suites

Finding a true budget hotel in Coronado is tough because the location is so desirable. This Best Western delivers solid value with amenities like free breakfast, parking, and larger-than-expected rooms. It’s close to the bay side, within walking distance of the ferry and restaurants near Ferry Landing. It’s not fancy, but it’s a clean and comfortable base for exploring Coronado and downtown San Diego.

The decor is dated, but the service is friendly, and the rooms are clean. If you’re catching the ferry to downtown, this is one of the most convenient locations on the island for it. While this will be priced higher than your average Best Western, it gets good reviews, and people I speak to who stay here like its value.

Here are answers to the most common questions readers ask about staying on Coronado Island — from where to stay, to when to visit, to how to get around.

What are your favorite Coronado San Diego hotels?

Coronado Island Film Festival invites you to come on down to 1930s Depression-era New Orleans and see what happens when a cocky, very cool, rising-star poker player (Steve McQueen) challenges the reigning-king-with-nerves-of-steel master (Edward G. Robinson) to a game of 5-card stud, hoping to claim the throne for himself. The stakes are high and, trust us, you don’t have to know a thing about poker to get caught up in the nail-biting tension!

CIFF brings the 1965 “The Cincinnati Kid” to Coronado’s Village Theatre on Wednesday, March 25, as part of its Classic Film Series. Doors open at 5 p.m. for complimentary wine, followed by a vintage cartoon and the feature at 5:30. Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at coronadofilmfest.com.

Directed by Norman Jewison (“In the Heat of the Night,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Fiddler on the Roof”), the stellar cast also includes Ann-Margret, Karl Malden, Tuesday Weld, Joan Blondell, and Jack Weston, one of the best character/supporting actors of all time.

The screenplay is by Ring Lardner, Jr. and Terry Southern. It was Lardner’s first major studio work since he was blacklisted in the 1947 HUAC McCarthy Hearings as a member of “The Hollywood Ten.” The dialogue is gritty and decidedly edgy for its time (1965), and is just right for this film.

The city itself, New Orleans, is colorful and interesting as it always is – somehow managing to be sleazy and glamorous at the same time. Who can resist that French Quarter atmosphere, Preservation Hall, all those cool jazz numbers, and the theme song performed by none other than Ray Charles!

All this, and Steve McQueen, making poker look sooooo sexy!

See you at the movies!

VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026

Growing, arranging, competing — the Coronado Floral Association has been teaching it all for more than a century. This year, the expertise that has always lived inside the annual flower show—through knowledgeable division chairs, veteran exhibitors, and decades-long volunteers—finally has a tent of its own.

The Coronado Floral Association has just announced Events in the Tents, a new education showcase making its debut at the 104th Annual Coronado Flower Show on April 18 and 19 at Spreckels Park. For the first time, the show’s informal teaching tradition has a dedicated space inside the tents, a published schedule, and a clear invitation extended to anyone who has ever admired the amazing feats in horticulture or stylistic arrangements and wondered how to step into their own creativity.

This year’s programming spans everything from floral oracle readings and sound baths to kids’ craft stations, beeswax candle making, houseplant propagation, and a session on taking better flower photos with your phone. Division chairs will walk attendees through the show’s judging categories, and Root 75 closes things out with what might be the most practical workshop: turning a basic arrangement into something considerably more elevated. Sunday morning brings a “Rise & Bloom” community wellness gathering before the tents open, offering a gentler entry point for those who want something quieter before the crowds arrive.

Nonprofit partners participating in the show will also incorporate community learning into their presence, extending their role beyond a booth.

This initiative grew from something the organization had already built through years of membership workshops, and it became possible through a generous grant from the Coronado Community Foundation alongside private donations from community supporters. Events in the Tents Program Chair Samantha Bey states that this offering is “the next evolution of what our membership workshops have built: confidence, skills, and community. We now have a dedicated space inside the show to bring that energy to attendees, spotlight each division, and connect generations through the traditions that make this weekend matter.”

The broader show runs across the full weekend, beginning Friday, April 17th, with a family movie night hosted by Coronado Cheer. Saturday and Sunday bring the full program: judged floral arrangements, horticultural displays, live bandstand entertainment, local food vendors, an artisan shopping area, and a beer and wine garden featuring locally crafted beers. The 2026 theme is Welcome to the Jungle.

Admission is $10 per day. Children under 12 and CFA members enter free.

Learn more about the full show weekend at coronadoflowershow.com.

VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026

A major topic of discussion in recent months and even years has been changing the current Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) cell phone policy. At the March 12 CUSD board meeting, Superintendent Mueller presented a report focused entirely on revision options to the current policy. While no action was taken at this meeting, this report was meant to encourage open discussion and suggestions from both the board and the public before any decisions are made in April.

The report listed the following options for discussion/consideration:

No change to policy.

Update policy across the four school sites. (All sites incorporate secure, lockable device bags. Total Cost: $76,869.23.)

Differentiate policy by level (elementary, middle, high).

Pilot lockable bags at Coronado Middle School only. Total Cost for CMS: $25,328.93.

Strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart devices at SSE and VES.

Strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart device use at CHS during instructional time.

Explore/create other enforcement options for restricting smart device use in accordance with CA Ed Code 48901.7. (Examples include classroom lock boxes, strict and consistent enforcement of policy in alignment with the Discipline Action Guide.)

Several students approached the podium during public comment to state their personal views on the current cell phone policy and/or possible changes. These students all seemed to agree that a different policy based on school sites (Option C) is in the best interests of both younger students and those at the high school level. They noted that while phones should be restricted in class for high school students, taking them away entirely would not help teach them to navigate real-life scenarios, where they will constantly be surrounded by technology and expected to set their own boundaries.

Coronado Middle School Principal Brooke Falar then spoke, stating that she would like to see a complete phone ban at the middle school. She said that no matter what CMS has implemented, students have found a way to continue to use their phones on campus and in classrooms. She noted that students are not just using phones to text home but for a number of other reasons, and that this has become a safety issue. She said a lockable phone pouch while on campus was a good place to start for the middle school.

During the board discussion on the item, all Trustees seemed to agree that a change is needed and that more restrictions are the best course of action. Trustee Palacios-Peters noted that, prior to hearing public comments, she was more in favor of Option B (a blanket change across all four school sites), but now she agrees with the student speakers and believes a different policy should be created for each school site. She agreed that a pilot of a phone pouch at the middle school level would be a good first step.

Student Boardmember Kouli asked which option each Trustee was leaning toward. While Trustee Sandie stood firm in his view that all CUSD school sites should implement a bell-to-bell, day-long, no-phone policy, each of the other Trustees reiterated their support for Option C, particularly the implementation of locked pouches at the middle school level. President Cavanaugh said she would also support the same pouches at the elementary school level, given the abundance of smartphones and smartwatches at younger and younger ages.

The main concern seemed to be what to do at the high school level, with such large age and maturity gaps between freshmen (13-14) and seniors (17-18). Trustee Lee suggested the possibility of separate policies not only for the different school sites but also for the different grades within the high school. President Cavanaugh requested more specific options for the high school level, given that the current Option C only calls to “strengthen and enforce policy on cell phone/smart device use at CHS during instructional time,” with no specific plan for how this will be implemented.

Kouli mentioned that a “lock box” option at the high school is, in his opinion, the best option. He claimed that cell phones are not creating a cultural problem at the high school level. The main problem, he said, is that cell phones are being used during instructional time; the lockbox would solve that problem. This way, students would still be able to use their phones during breaks and lunch. It was noted that students in other school districts have found their way around both the pouches and the lockboxes; therefore, there may be a need for more specific expectations, uniform enforcement, and updated disciplinary guides for such situations.

After the discussion, it was clear that a change was coming, and the main question now is exactly what that change will be. The option to differentiate by school site was the most widely supported at this time. This could look like a bell-to-bell phone pouch at the middle school level, where phone use has been problematic and even detrimental in the last few years. At the high school level, it seems that the option to have students place devices in a lockbox only during instructional time was the most favored. It is still unclear which option is best for the elementary school level. For now, all options are still on the table.

Superintendent Mueller said staff will use all the information presented and discussed at this meeting to develop a more specific approach for each school site/grade level. This proposed revised policy will be brought back in April for action. Mueller noted that, no matter what, this policy can continue to change and evolve should the need arise.

Look for more coverage of the March 12 CUSD Board meeting in next week’s issue of the Coronado Eagle & Journal

VOL. 116, NO. 11 - Mar. 18, 2026

There are track and field invites available nearly every weekend for San Diego athletes. However, because of the large number of schools competing, the entry limits only allow two or three athletes per event. Mt. Carmel’s Field and Distance Carnival solves this by not offering sprint events. In a sprint event, the size of each heat is determined by the number of lanes available, between six and nine, depending on the school. In a distance event, heats of 30 or more runners are common. At the Carnival, in addition to a couple of distance-oriented relays, the 800 (about a half-mile), 1600 (about a mile), and the 3200 (about 2-miles) were run.

The top performance of the day was by Nathan Ayan, who ran a Personal Record (PR) time of 1:57.69 in the fast heat of the 800-meter run. Also running a PR in the same heat was Vincent Russo, who dipped under two minutes for the first time with 1:59.63. Out of the 765 San Diego Section marks so far this season, Ayan ranks fifth and Russo twelfth. Only 14 runners in the Section have run under two minutes so far. In earlier heats (there were eight), Andrew Buck ran 2:05.68, and Ziggy Raunig 2:19.12. In the freshmen boys’ 1600, Ayrton Reyes and Evan Russo (Vincent’s brother), both running the “mile” for the first time, clocked times of 5:08.07 and 5:14.95, respectively. In the boys’ varsity 1600 heats, Ziggy Raunig ran 5:07.67, Sebastian Tamariz 5:29.58, and Oscar Alicandri 5:30.07. In the girls’ 1600, Carly DeVore ran a time of 6:17.61, followed by Lily Humphrey with 6:25.87.

In the field events, the long jumpers faced a strong headwind, so their marks were a bit off. Still, Noah Jones managed a leap of 19-feet 5-inches. In that same evet Liam Morocco and Trey Stallworth jumped 17-8.5 and 17-4.25, respectively. Out of the 71 discus throwers competing, there was only one freshman, Coronado’s Landon Nesbitt, who got off a toss of 83 feet 3 inches. Our only other entry was Jeremiah Albrektsen, who placed sixth in the novice high jump with a mark of 5 feet 2 inches.

VOL. 116, NO. 10 - Mar. 11, 2026