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This Historic San Diego Hotel Is a Must-Stay for Modern Travelers
Open since 1888. Modernized for now.
Pulling up to Hotel del Coronado, I felt the history. Celebrities, past presidents, and important members of society have all crossed the threshold into the lobby to check into the same property I did during a recent trip to San Diego. Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like It Hot at the hotel in the late 1950s. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Thomas Edison are among the other big names who’ve walked its halls, which were originally built in the 1880s.
As you check into the main building — now one of several areas (or “neighborhoods”) on the property where you can stay — it’s immediately apparent that the hotel’s design pays homage to its history, from the old-school room key tassels lining the back of reception, to the stained-glass windows letting in beams of light, to the open concept showing off each floor. Even the wallpaper hints at historical facts. But Hotel del Coronado is no relic of the past. Here’s what to expect.
Getting to know the neighborhoods: Accommodations at Hotel del Coronado
Photos: Jessica Kelly
Hotel del Coronado has five so-called neighborhoods: The Victorian (aka the original building), The Cabanas (located near the pool and beach), The Views (facing the Pacific Ocean), Beach Village (a group of beachfront accommodations), and Shore House (the newest residential-style addition). I stayed in one of the Shore House’s newer villas, about three years old, which range from one to three bedrooms and include a wide variety of accessible accommodations.
When I stepped inside, I noticed the well-equipped kitchen first. It had a full-sized refrigerator and freezer, dishware and cooking supplies, wine glasses, and even a wine fridge. This was just one example of how the villa was outfitted for guests who’d like to stay a while — or revel in homestyle comfort for any length of stay. The room also had a washer and dryer complete with detergent and fabric softener. When you’re coming back from the beach with a pair of pants that got smacked by an ocean wave, it’s nice to have the option to do a quick load of laundry.
My villa also had a living room area with a TV and two separate entrances to the balcony. As I walked into the next room, I noticed that the closet was stocked with cozy robes and slippers, which are sure to come in handy after hopping out of the rainfall shower or massive soaking tub, where guests can relax with the bath salts provided.
Classes, tours, and more: Activities and amenities at Hotel del Coronado
Photos: Jessica Kelly
On arrival, the hotel’s guest service team gives out a schedule with information about all of the property’s upcoming programming, ranging from beach bonfires and live music to holiday-specific happenings depending on when you visit. Some offerings are included while others are available for a small fee, usually around $35.
In addition to workout classes like spinning, high-intensity interval training, and yoga, the hotel also facilitates surf lessons through the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, which operates from the resort’s private beach. Professional surfer Jamie O’Brien started a series of surf schools in Hawai’i — Hotel del Coronado’s is the only one located on the mainland.
After a day riding waves, the Spa & Salon at The Del offers a range of massages, facials, and other body treatments, including those that capitalize on the hotel’s beachy setting like the Stimulating Seaweed and Lavender Body Buff and the Detoxifying Seaweed Leaf Wrap. These comeplement a suite of prenatal treatments that are perfect for babymooners.
The hotel also hosts activities with local Southern California experts that offer glimpses into the property’s legacy, including history tours that dive into the hotel’s Victorian architecture, ghost tours that center the story of a woman named Kate Morgan who died mysteriously on the property in 1892 and set off a series of paranormal reports, and Ice House Museum tours. Located on site, the museum features fun artifacts that chronicle the hotel’s history.
Shore House guests have access to the entire hotel, as well as dedicated amenities such as a pool and hot tub, a bar, fire pits, and private beach access. The Shore House Bistro is also available just for Shore House guests.
For souvenirs or anything you might need during your stay, the hotel also has its own strip of shops, stocked with everything from clothing and beachwear to candies and home goods.
Artisan pizza to world-famous sushi: Dining at Hotel del Coronado
Photos: Jessica Kelly
Hotel del Coronado has nine different restaurants, serving everything from elevated dishes like Tomahawk steak and fresh seafood to quick options like tacos and gelato. Sure, you may want to grab a burger at In-N-Out at some point during your stay, but the hotel’s village-like dining options mean you never really have to leave the property for a great meal.
Veranda is the one restaurant I kept going back to during my stay. The first night my group went there, we covered the table with almost every dish and appetizer on the menu. There wasn’t a single bad dish, and our outdoor seating meant getting spectacular ocean views at sunset during the meal. I recommend starting with the grilled California artichokes and the ahi tuna tartare on crispy rice. For main dishes, the Tomahawk is a great choice to split, while those who prefer not to eat red meat can have options like the juicy rosemary and lemon roasted chicken or California halibut with tomato, olives, fresh oregano, capers, and lemon. Veranda also serves a smash burger with caramelized onion and garlic aioli that’ll make you forget about In-N-Out.
As of this year, Nobu is now the big name on the Hotel del Coronado campus. If you’re craving fresh Japanese food and have never eaten at the widely acclaimed chain, Nobu’s consistently great fare (including the signature black miso cod) and quality cocktails will make for a special night out with the convenience of a night in for hotel guests. Serẽa is another excellent on-site option for seafood, with a focus on sea-to-table dining. Before heading to either restaurant, grab a pre-dinner drink or snack at Sun Deck to catch a sunset to remember.
For more casual meals, Hotel del Coronado also has you covered with options like the Beach + Taco Shack, which is known for its tropical drinks and fish tacos. If you’re craving pizza, you can order artisan pies from ENO Market & Pizzeria, as well as browse the market for grab-and-go items. Elsewhere, Babcock & Story Bar has small plates and cocktails.
Shore House guests can dine at the Shore House Bistro from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. This includes a breakfast buffet and all-day poolside dining. After sharing appetizers or digging into a juicy burger, stop into Sundaes to get a gourmet popsicle or a scoop of gelato.
Leveling up the adventure: Things to do near Hotel del Coronado
Kayak with marine creatures
Photo: Drumley/Shutterstock
For a two-in-one activity, Bike & Kayak Tours offers a Swim With Marine Creatures in the La Jolla Cove excursion that combines observing marine mammals with exploring La Jolla’s sea caves. It starts with kayaking through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve to reach caves and sea cliffs, and you can hop in the water snorkel with marine mammals ranging from playful sea lions to leopard sharks during the tour. Gudes are there to assist as needed, but it helps to have some upper body strength and balance to hoist yourself back into the kayak in the open water. Some people in my group felt seasick due to the waves, but the tour is worth it — just be sure to take some seasickness medication beforehand if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Bike & Kayak Tours: 2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Go tide pooling
The list of great places to browse tide pools in San Diego is long, among them Ocean Beach, Marine Street Beach, Dike Rock Tide Pools, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, and Children’s Pool Beach — the latter of which is also a place where you can see seals bouncing around on their bellies, chasing seagulls, swimming in the water, and snoozing on the beach. Even the rocky area to the right of the private Shore House beach entrance was filled with purple rock crabs, sea anemones, sea snails, barnacles, shellfish, and more.
Children’s Pool Beach: 850 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
Explore La Jolla
Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most famous neighborhoods, especially owing to its coastal scenery and excellent beaches. You can rent gear and snorkel equipment between the hotel and La Jolla at House of Scuba. If you’re going to venture into the water without a tour guide, do so at your own risk. Be sure that you’re a strong swimmer, don’t go past the break if the waves are dangerous or too large, and avoid going alone. Be safe and use the buddy system. When I went to snorkel in La Jolla, my group parked near the famous Sand Castle (an elaborate Versailles-meets-Riviera-style private estate) and got in around there.
House of Scuba: 5141 Santa Fe St A, San Diego, CA 92109
Getting to Hotel del Coronado and around San Diego
Photo: Manuela Durson/Shutterstock
Hotel del Coronado is located just across the bay from downtown San Diego. Not only is it a short drive from the airport, bringing you right to the beach in about 20 minutes, but it also provides easy access to popular neighborhoods like the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village in about 10 to 15 minutes by car via the Coronado Bridge. Other attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum, are just a slightly longer drive.
Rideshares are readily available for hotel guests and a great option from the airport if you plan to spend most of your time on the property or nearby. If you want the flexibility to scoot around to different beaches and attractions whenever you want, car rentals are also easy to arrange. You can also reserve bikes (beach cruises, e-bikes, or young adult mountain bikes) via the hotel to get around the property and the area. 
