Day Trip To Hotel Del Coronado: A San Diego Landmark

Hotel Del Coronado, or the “Del,” has been a San Diego Landmark since 1888. Located along the San Diego Bay in Coronado, this hotel is one of the most recognizable buildings in San Diego. This Victorian hotel looks like something out of a fairytale with its red roof and a massive red turret that towers over the ballroom. The Legendary San Diego Beach Resort has been visited by European royalty, presidents, and movie stars. The Hotel del Coronado offers a variety of attractions and things to see, even if you are not a guest. Here’s a list of sights and experiences:

Visiting Hotel Del Coronado

Guests and visitors can go window shopping at the Shops at The Del, which has a variety of upscale shops and boutiques. After that, you can stroll around, view the gardens, and then step onto the vast sandy beach and see why Del is such a popular destination. You can walk along the beach boardwalk and soak up some sun on the wide sandy beach in front of Hotel Del Coronado.

The Main Victorian Building

Marvel at the stunning Victorian architecture with iconic red turrets and white woodwork. The lobby itself is worth a visit for its grandeur and historical artifacts. The hotel has a small museum area where you can learn about its storied past, see old photographs, and understand its significance in American history. The Crown Room is the hotel’s banquet room. Sunday brunch here is legendary, offering great food and an atmosphere steeped in history. The main Victorian building also offers hotel rooms for guests staying more than one day.

Points of Interest at the Del

• • Garden Patio: A beautiful area to stroll or sit in, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, offering a serene escape within the hotel.
  • Beachfront: The hotel’s beach is one of the most beautiful in San Diego. You can relax on the sand, participate in beach activities, or watch the sunset.
  • The Dragon Tree: A historic tree, present since the late 19th century, has been featured in various stories and postcards on the property.
  • The Windsor Cottage: Originally constructed as a stand-alone beach house, this building holds historical significance and is frequently utilized for events or as part of the hotel’s legend

Hotel Del Coronado in The Movies

The Del has been featured in many movies, including Some Like It Hot (which starred Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis), The Stunt Man (which starred Peter O’Toole), the 1973 film Wicked, Wicked (which was entirely filmed on location there), and the 1990 version of My Blue Heaven (which starred Steve Martin). The hotel is also famous for its ghost stories, particularly that of Kate Morgan, a young woman who checked into the hotel in 1892 and was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her spirit is said to haunt the hotel.

Hotel Del Coronado History

Hotel Del Coronado is one of the few surviving examples of an American architectural genre: the wooden Victorian beach resort. It is one of California’s oldest and largest all-wooden buildings and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The original grounds had many amenities, including an Olympic-sized saltwater pool, tennis courts, and a yacht club with architecture resembling the hotel’s grand tower. A Japanese tea garden, an ostrich farm, billiards, bowling alleys, hunting expeditions, and deep-sea fishing were some of the many features offered to its guests. Today, the hotel looks much the same as it did 100 years ago, although it has been upgraded. It still retains its turn-of-the-century charm.

Dining at the Hotel Del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado offers a variety of dining experiences, each with its unique ambiance and cuisine. Here are some of the dining options available at The Del:

• • 1500 OCEAN: Features food emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for sunset dining.
  • Sheerwater: Mediterranean-inspired dishes served at outdoor seating and heaters, providing a warm, alfresco dining experience.
  • The Crown Room: Hosts the famous Sunday Brunch, featuring an extensive spread that includes seafood, carving stations, and a dessert bar.
  • Babcock & Story Bar: Babcock is named after the hotel’s founders. This bar offers light fare, cocktails, and desserts, making it a great spot for
  • Sun Deck Bar & Grill: Serving Casual bites like burgers, tacos, and cocktails with panoramic ocean views.

Getting to Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego

Situated on Coronado Island, across the bay from downtown San Diego, the hotel offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is located at 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, California. It can be reached from Interstate 5 via the Coronado Bridge. If you are visiting for a day trip, we suggest taking the ferry from downtown San Diego to the Coronado Ferry Landing. It is a 1.5-mile walk from the landing, and a free bus service runs from July to September.

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https://www.projectcoronado.org/free-summer-shuttle
https://hoteldel.com/
https://www.flagshipsd.com/cruises/flagship-ferry

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