Staycations are the best. I’ve made it a priority to enjoy a separate staycation with each of our three children once a year since they were five years old. Even just one or two nights in the next town over has always provided meaningful bonding time and memory-making with them individually. You don’t have to get bogged down by planning a big trip that requires a flight; I promise you that your children and teens will be just as happy spending quality time with you even an hour away from home. Last month I took my daughter to Coronado Island, only thirty minutes from home yet it felt like we were completely transported out of San Diego. Living like a tourist in our city brought lots of excitement and fun for the twenty-four hours we staycationed together.
The Hotel Del Coronado is an iconic beach resort that dates back to 1888 and has a history of haunted sightings in its original building. If you’d prefer not to room with a ghost, book a room in one of the well-appointed newer towers. We stayed in the cabanas and loved the proximity to the beach promenade and direct access to the Sun Deck open-air restaurant. The rooms are decorated in cool coastal hues and have large patios. The front desk welcomed us warmly and set the tone for a great getaway as soon as we checked in. Once we dropped off our luggage we walked straight to Orange Avenue, the island’s main street lined with high-end retail shops, cafes, and restaurants. We enjoyed immersing in retail therapy at some of the well-curated stores (“Weekends” at the hotel has an awesome designer collection of women’s clothing!), followed by a delicious lunch. Then we ice-skated on the property’s rink and rented a golf cart to explore the island. There is so much to do on this magical island!
photos: one of the hotel’s several pools, the cabanas lobby decorated for the holidays, stunning views at Sun Deck, double Queen ocean view room in the cabanas wing, ice-skating at the hotel, room’s private patio
photos: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, MooTime Creamery, Hotel Del main lobby decorated for the holidays
The Henry is one of my favorites on the island, always serving great food in a charming coastal setting with a friendly team of service staff. Their “famous recipe” is the pretzel and provolone fondue, an absolutely worthy splurge of calories.
Renting a golf cart to explore the island is a must when visiting. The Coronado Golf Cart Rentals offers a super easy check-in and drop-off and has a variety of cart sizes to accommodate different party sizes. Driving in a cart is permitted almost anywhere on the island; you’ll love weaving through the neighborhoods to look at the beautiful homes, cutting across the island to view the gorgeous San Diego skyline, and riding by the naval base.
For delicious crepes head over to Little Frenchie, a charming French bistro on Orange Avenue. And their jardin salad is simply delightful.
Walking along the promenade during the sunset is breathtaking. Start with a cocktail at the Beach and Taco Shop to soak in the setting with live music enhancing the island vibe. Then walk endlessly and watch the sky get painted by the sun.
If you love to eat as much as I do, you’ll probably want one more bite before heading to bed. The Sun Deck, on the hotel’s property, has firepits roaring throughout the expansive deck with lots of seating making a table easy to snatch. Their burgers hit the spot!
For breakfast, my favorite eatery on the island is Clayton’s Bakery Bistro, their espresso drinks, and croissants are divine and I love the authentic French bistro mood they have created.
There’s nothing like an early morning walk on the beach before it gets inhabited by beachgoers. The serenity is captivating. The dunes and vast sand on the island call you to wander and appreciate our beautiful planet.
So, that’s a wrap! A 24-hour staycation in Coronado Island looks like this:
Stroll along Orange Avenue and shop
Rent a golf cart and explore the island
Walk the promenade to pay homage to the sun
Walk along the dunes and the coast enjoying the solitude
Hit the hotel’s retail shops- Weekends has an incredible selection of women’s apparel
Voila! SO easy yet so fun; just a twenty-four-hour escape, yet the memories made will last a lifetime.
