Coronado Island Guide: Beach, Hotel del & Ferry Tips

Coronado sits across the bay from downtown San Diego. It has a wide, sandy beach, the historic Hotel del Coronado and a small village of shops and cafes along Orange Avenue. Most people call it Coronado Island, even though it is joined to the mainland by a long, thin strip of sand. This guide covers the two main ways over, the bridge and the ferry, plus parking, drop-off points and a simple day plan.

Quick answer: You reach Coronado by car over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge (no toll) or on foot by ferry from downtown. The ferry from Broadway Pier takes about 15 minutes and costs $9 each way for ages 4 and up. From San Diego International Airport, the drive to Hotel del Coronado usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Street parking near the beach fills early on summer weekends, so a drop-off on Orange Avenue or at the hotel saves time.

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Coronado at a glance

Coronado is a quiet resort town. Most things worth seeing sit within a few blocks of Orange Avenue, the main street that runs from the bay side to the ocean side.

Topic	What to know
Main beach	Coronado Central Beach, along Ocean Boulevard, with Hotel del Coronado at its south end
Hotel del Coronado	1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Coronado Ferry Landing	1201 1st Street, on the bay side, facing downtown
Bridge toll	None. The toll ended in 2002.
Ferry fare	$9 one way, ages 4 and up; under 4 ride free
From the airport	Usually 15 to 20 minutes by car, more at rush hour

Bridge or ferry: how to get to Coronado

There are two easy ways to cross the bay. Which one is better depends on where you start, how much you carry and where in Coronado you want to go.

By car over the Coronado Bridge

The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is the tall blue curve you see from downtown. It carries State Route 75 from Interstate 5 into Coronado. There is no toll in either direction. The old toll booths still stand at the Coronado end, but nobody collects money there.

After the bridge, the road becomes Third Street. A left on Orange Avenue takes you through the village and on to Hotel del Coronado, about 2 miles down. The views from the top of the bridge are some of the best in San Diego, but drivers should keep their eyes on the road. There is no shoulder to stop on.

A car is the best choice if you:

are coming straight from the airport or have luggage
are staying at a Coronado hotel, including resorts on the Silver Strand
travel with young children, car seats or a beach cart
want to go to the beach and the village in one trip

By ferry across the bay

The Coronado ferry is run by Flagship Cruises & Events. The ride takes about 15 minutes and lands at Coronado Ferry Landing, a small waterfront area with restaurants, shops and bike rentals.

Broadway Pier route: leaves from 990 North Harbor Drive, downtown. Boats run about once an hour in each direction during the day, with extra early runs on weekday mornings.
Convention Center route: leaves from Fifth Avenue Landing, 600 Convention Way, behind the convention center. Departures run about every 30 minutes.
Fare: $9 one way for ages 4 and up. All tickets are one way, so buy two for a round trip.
Tickets: buy online, at kiosks near the boarding areas or at the Broadway Pier ticket booth. A ticket is good for any departure on its route, subject to space.
Bikes and strollers: both allowed. Bikes ride free, space permitting.
On board: no restrooms and no food or drink service. The main deck is wheelchair accessible; the top deck is not.

Flagship asks riders to arrive at least 10 minutes early, and earlier on busy weekends and holidays. Times change with the season, so check the current timetable on the operator’s website on the day you go.

Bridge vs ferry compared

Question	Car over the bridge	Ferry
Cost	No toll; parking may cost extra	$9 per person each way, ages 4 and up
Travel time	About 10 to 15 minutes from downtown	15-minute crossing plus wait time
Where you arrive	Any address in Coronado	Ferry Landing, on the bay side
Luggage	Easy	Small personal items only
Getting to the beach	Drop-off near the sand	Over a mile to Central Beach; bike, walk or ride
Best for	Airport trips, hotel stays, families	Sightseeing from downtown with light bags

Many visitors do both. They ride the ferry over for the views, then take a car back to their hotel or to the airport.

Coronado Beach

Coronado Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard. It is very wide, with fine sand that sparkles in the sun. Large homes line the street behind it, and Hotel del Coronado marks the south end. The water is usually calm enough for families, but always swim near a lifeguard tower.

North Beach sits just north of Central Beach and is popular with surfers in the morning. Farther south, past the hotel, the Silver Strand runs toward Imperial Beach. Silver Strand State Beach is about 4.5 miles south of the village.

Beach rules to know

No alcohol and no smoking on the beach.
Fires: only in city fire rings or approved fire pits or grills. On North and Central Beach, charcoal and clean wood only. No fires from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Hot coals: use the coal containers. Never bury them in the sand.
Rules change: check the City of Coronado website for current beach rules before a bonfire or a big group visit.

Coronado parking: village and beach

Parking is the main hassle of a Coronado day, mostly on summer weekends and holidays.

Parking in Coronado Village

Coronado removed its parking meters in 2021. Curb spots along Orange Avenue are now free, but they have posted time limits, often two hours. Police check the limits with plate-reading cameras, and overstaying brings a ticket. City rules apply time limits from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Sundays and holidays, unless a sign says otherwise. Always read the posted sign where you park.

Parking at the beach

Ocean Boulevard has free street parking right beside Central Beach. It fills fast, often by late morning on warm weekends. After that, people circle the side streets and walk several blocks with their gear.

Parking at Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado has a self-park garage on the north side, off R.H. Dana Place, and valet at the main entrance off Avenida del Sol. Day visitors pay by the hour. At the time of writing, the hotel lists self-parking at $39 for the first two hours, valet at $49, and $17 for each extra hour, up to $100 a day. The garage clearance is 7 feet 2 inches. Rates can change, so check the hotel’s map and directions page.

With a drop-off, none of this matters. Your chauffeur leaves you at the curb and comes back at the time you agree.

Drop-off points: Hotel del and Orange Avenue

These are the easiest places to be dropped off and picked up in Coronado:

Hotel del Coronado main entrance: off Avenida del Sol, on the south side of the hotel. Good for hotel guests, dining and the beach in front of the hotel.
Orange Avenue in the village: the shops and cafes between the bay and the hotel. Your chauffeur picks a safe spot on a side street near your address.
Ocean Boulevard: right at Central Beach. Short stops only, as the street is busy in summer.
Coronado Ferry Landing: 1201 1st Street. Handy if you arrive by ferry and want a car back.

Our Coronado car service page covers rides to and from any address on the island.

From San Diego Airport to Coronado

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is close to Coronado. The drive goes along the bay, onto Interstate 5 and over the bridge. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, longer in weekday rush hour or on summer weekends.

When you book an airport pickup, the chauffeur tracks your flight and waits up to an hour after landing at no extra charge. Standard pickup is at the curb outside arrivals. For Meet & Greet (+$30), the chauffeur waits inside at baggage claim with a name sign.

See fixed-price routes for popular Coronado hotels:

San Diego Airport to Hotel del Coronado
San Diego Airport to Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, on the bay side
San Diego Airport to Loews Coronado Bay Resort, on the Silver Strand

For other hotels or the trip home, see our airport car service in San Diego.

Things to do in Coronado: a simple day plan

Coronado is small, so one day covers the highlights. Here is an easy plan that works for most visitors.

Morning: the beach

Arrive by 9 or 10 a.m. to beat the crowds, mostly in summer.
Walk Central Beach from Ocean Boulevard toward Hotel del Coronado.
Bring sunscreen and layers. Mornings can be gray and cool near the water.

Midday: Hotel del Coronado and lunch

See the hotel’s famous red roofs and white wooden buildings. It opened in 1888.
Have lunch at the hotel or along Orange Avenue.

Afternoon: the village and the bay

Browse the shops and cafes on Orange Avenue.
Head to Coronado Ferry Landing for skyline views across the bay.
Rent a bike and ride the bay-side path, or take the ferry back downtown.

Evening: sunset and dinner

Watch the sunset from Central Beach.
Have dinner in the village or at Ferry Landing, then get a ride back to your hotel.

Want one car for the whole day? An hourly booking keeps the chauffeur nearby for beach, lunch and village stops. Hourly trips have a 3-hour minimum.

Tips for a smooth Coronado visit

Go early on weekends: summer weekends and holidays are the busiest days on the island.
Plan your way back: check the last ferry of the day before you set out.
Child seats: we fit them before pickup, $20 each, up to two per vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a toll on the Coronado Bridge?

No. The Coronado Bridge has had no toll since 2002, in either direction.

How much is the Coronado ferry?

$9 one way for ages 4 and up. Children under 4 ride free. Tickets are one way, so buy two for a round trip.

How long is the ferry ride to Coronado?

About 15 minutes from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center. Allow extra time to buy tickets and board.

Where do I park at Coronado Beach?

Free street parking runs along Ocean Boulevard next to Central Beach, but it fills early on busy days. Side streets and the paid Hotel del Coronado garage are the backups.

Is parking on Orange Avenue free?

Yes, but there are posted time limits, often two hours, and they are enforced. Read the sign before you leave your car.

How far is Hotel del Coronado from San Diego Airport?

The drive usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Can I visit Hotel del Coronado if I am not staying there?

Yes. Many visitors come for the beach, a meal or shopping. Day parking is paid by the hour, so a drop-off at the main entrance is simpler.

Can you drop us off at Coronado Beach?

Yes. We drop you on Ocean Boulevard, at Hotel del Coronado or anywhere on Orange Avenue, and agree on a pickup time for the ride back.

Book your ride to Coronado

Enter your pickup address, your Coronado drop-off and your date on the booking page. You see the fixed price for each SUV before you pay. The price covers the vehicle, chauffeur, fuel and tolls. Gratuity is not included. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.