Coronado

 

 

The “island” of Coronado—technically a “tied island” connected to the mainland by a narrow strip—was purchased by investors in 1885 with the intention of creating a resort community. The project was a wild success, with the luxurious Hotel del Coronado as its crown jewel. The sprawling seaside resort opened in 1887 and still operates today. A swanky yet quaint village has grown up around the “‘Del,” with all the hallmarks of the high life: beautiful homes, enviable ocean views, private yacht clubs, rolling golf courses, parks aplenty, and a main street filled with charming restaurants and shops.

The alluring terrain of this beachside haven has an origin story steeped in local lore. According to a 1902 booklet published by the world-famous Hotel del Coronado (reprinted in the book Coronado: The Enchanted Island), “there is an old…legend, that Point Loma, on the southwest corner of the United States, is the oldest part of the Earth, and that Coronado Beach, protected by its sheltering arms…was given the first selection of all good things intended for the world.” And there are indeed good things in Coronado—in spades. Originally conceived as a beach resort hot spot, “Crown City” is a paradisiacal getaway for local San Diegans and thousands of yearly tourists—and it’s one highly coveted place to live.

 

 

Three different communities make up Coronado: The Village, the Shores, and the Cays. The Village is the main residential section, from 1st Street down on the bay side; the Shores is a row of high-rise condominiums located near the famous Hotel Del Coronado and beach; and the exclusive Cays, about four miles south of the Village, is an upscale boater’s community where many homes boast personal docks and slips, plus residents have access to a private yacht club. But no matter where you live in Crown City, residents are able to take full advantage of the pleasant Mediterranean weather, sparkly mica-flecked beaches, sophisticated restaurants, and cute beach boutique shops that attract scores of tourists to the island each year.

 

 

Coronado is just about one mile long and wide, sidewalks are wide and pristine, and there are over 15 miles of dedicated bike paths that meander through the neighborhoods and along the coastline. Especially from the main Village area, it’s a cinch to get to the businesses at the main commercial areas of Orange Avenue and the Ferry Landing by pedal or on foot, and when walking or biking doesn’t suit, many residents own (or rent) street legal golf carts too. It’s not uncommon to see them parked right outside some of the area’s beautiful heritage homes.

 

 

Former President Bill Clinton has played here. Golf pro Phil Mickelson occasionally stops by. Golf Advisor calls it “America’s best value.” Built in 1957, Coronado’s municipal golf course is considered one of the country’s top fairways—thanks to San Diego’s always-sunny weather and the panoramic city and harbor views—and also boasts ultra-affordable green fees in the state.

 

 

Magnificent homes on tree-lined streets and sprawling beachside estates are a dime a dozen in Coronado, from Spanish Revival and Dutch Colonial, to craftsman, Victorian, and Tudor. Living on a resort island does come at a cost, though: Median home prices currently hover around $1.5 million, making Coronado one of the most expensive places to live in the San Diego area.

 

 

An iconic building of Coronado as well as a National Historic Landmark, this 1888-built, 680-room hotel has hosted tons of notable guests throughout the past century, including Muhammad Ali, Thomas Edison, Magic Johnson, George Harrison, Willie Mays, Marilyn Monroe, and a dozen U.S. presidents. Casually referred to as “The Del” or “Hotel Del” by regulars and locals, the world-famous hotel contains hoards of little shops, seven restaurants, regular guided architectural tours, and a popular beachfront. Bottom line, there’s loads to love about the historic hotel—its the last of California’s grand Victorian seaside resorts—and as Coronado residents know, it’s easy to spend the day there even as a non-guest.