Hotel del Coronado:
San Diego Beachfront Landmark Guide
San Diego's Legendary Crown Jewel
As a small island town in San Diego Bay, Coronado is known for its fascinating beginnings, its idyllic setting, and its beautiful beach resorts. The founders of Coronado Island were visionaries, building an entire community around the idea of drawing tourists from around the globe. They built this haven knowing that people from all walks of life would travel here to soak in the Southern California sun and view the stunning vistas of the San Diego Bay. Their bold vision succeeded completely.
Throughout its long history, millions of visitors have traveled to Coronado to enjoy the waterfront, dine at restaurants, shop at upscale boutiques, and view historic buildings. Guests arrive ready to be spoiled by the lavish amenities of the world-famous Hotel del Coronado. Exploring this crown jewel remains one of the most rewarding things to do in San Diego.
The grand Hotel del Coronado was the creation of the founders of Coronado. When it opened in 1888, the resort became a preferred gathering spot for leaders, royal figures, and celebrated artists. Starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891, 10 U.S. presidents have visited the Hotel del Coronado. Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and sports legends like Babe Ruth stayed at the Del. Local history includes the story of Kate Morgan as the resident ghost. Thomas Edison and aviator Charles Lindbergh joined the guest list alongside famous dignitaries.
With classic design, ocean views, and direct access to pristine sand, visiting this property tops the list of memorable things to do in San Diego. Riding with Old Town Trolley San Diego provides a comfortable, scenic journey to this coastal haven.
Victorian Architecture and History
The story of the Hotel del Coronado begins in the late 19th century. Visionaries Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story purchased the entire undeveloped Coronado peninsula in 1885. Their plan focused on creating a grand resort that would attract travelers across the globe. They envisioned an environment where visitors could relax along the Pacific coastline in grand luxury.
To bring this vision to life, they hired architects James and Merritt Reid. Construction began in 1887, and the hotel officially opened its doors in 1888. The entire structure was built using intricate wooden Victorian architecture. Builders used durable California redwood, creating a striking landmark with conical turrets, expansive verandas, and sweeping red roofs.
The resort incorporated cutting-edge technology for its era. Thomas Edison personally inspected the installation of full electrical lighting, making it one of the largest electric-lit buildings in the nation at the time. Guests marveled at the modern conveniences alongside the oceanfront breezes of Coronado Beach.
In recognition of its historical significance and architectural preservation, the Hotel del Coronado was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Continuous preservation efforts maintain the structural integrity and historical beauty of the resort today. Vacationers traveling on Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego can learn about these preservation efforts while riding across the bay.
Exploring the grounds lets visitors step into living history. Seeing the wooden craftsmanship firsthand stands out among the top things to do in San Diego for history lovers.
Movie Lore and Royalty
The rich history of the Hotel del Coronado extends into pop culture and world events. Hollywood directors selected the resort as a filming site due to its classic wooden turrets and backdrop on Coronado Beach.
The iconic 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, was filmed on location here. In the movie, the resort doubled as Florida’s “Seminole Ritz.” Film lovers flock to the property to see the outdoor locations where Marilyn Monroe performed. Exploring these filming sites remains one of the most entertaining things to do in San Diego.
Spookier tales also surround the grounds. In November 1892, a pretty young woman in her mid-20s checked into the Hotel del Coronado alone under the alias “Lottie A. Bernard” from Detroit. Five days later, on November 29, she was found dead on an exterior hotel staircase leading down toward the water with a gunshot wound to the head. The San Diego County coroner officially ruled the death self-inflicted, yet lingering skepticism surrounding her final days transformed her tragic story into an enduring piece of local folklore.
Today, Kate Morgan is recognized as the official resident ghost of the Hotel del Coronado. Local lore and hotel accounts describe her as a relatively harmless spirit who tends to occupy her former guest room and roam the sprawling property. Staff and guests over the decades have reported unexplained antics. Experiences include sudden cool breezes drifting through closed rooms, flickering lights, and television sets turning on and off independently. Her lasting story adds a layer of mystery for visitors enjoying things to do in San Diego.
The guest registry of the Hotel del Coronado reads like a historical directory:
U.S. Presidents:
Ten sitting presidents have visited the hotel, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891.
Aviation Legends:
Aviator Charles Lindbergh celebrated his historic transatlantic flight victory at a grand banquet here.
Inventors and Athletes:
Thomas Edison enjoyed stays on the island, as did baseball hero Babe Ruth.
Taking Old Town Trolley San Diego allows passengers to hear colorful Transportainment® stories about these famous visits directly from knowledgeable conductors.
Save up
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO & CORONADO IN ONE DAY
- Hop On, Hop Off at 11 Stops Around San Diego and Coronado Island
- Fully Narrated 1 hour and 45 Minute Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Open-Air Sightseeing Perfect for Taking Pictures
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- San Diego's Largest Fleet With the Most Frequent Service
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE Admission to Select Museums
- FREE Map Brochure With Day Planner
- Only hop-on and off tour over the bridge to Coronado
- Kids Free in October, 1 Free Child per Adult
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Save up
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- FREE admission to select museums
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
TAKE A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
Visiting the Del
Planning a day at the Hotel del Coronado offers many delightful activities. Non-hotel guests are welcome to explore public grounds, walk through the lobby, and visit oceanfront dining spaces.
Essential Visitor Tips
Explore the Public Grounds:
Walk through the historic lobby, browse charming boutiques, and stroll along the outdoor verandas facing Coronado Beach.
Catch the Sunset:
Relax on the sun deck with craft cocktails as the sun sets over the ocean skyline.
Seasonal Activities:
Winter visits bring unique outdoor ice skating directly beside the beach, while summer evenings feature cozy beach bonfires under the stars.
On-Site Highlights
The Crown Room:
Famous for its timber ceiling built without a single overhead nail, this grand dining hall features crown chandeliers designed by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” author L. Frank Baum.
Coronado Beach:
The gold mica sand of Coronado Beach stretches directly behind the resort, offering a soft, sparkling shore for walking or lounging.
Shops and Dining:
Upscale beachside shops, ice cream parlors, and culinary spots like Serea offer delicious oceanfront dining experiences.
Spending an afternoon here is high on the list of recommended things to do in San Diego.
Nearby Coronado Attractions
Coronado Island contains many fascinating points of interest beyond the resort. Adding these stops to your itinerary provides a complete island adventure filled with fun things to do in San Diego.
Orange Avenue
Orange Avenue serves as the main downtown thoroughfare for Coronado. Tree-lined sidewalks invite travelers to explore local boutiques, sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and historic theaters. Passengers riding Old Town Trolley San Diego can hop off along Orange Avenue to explore this shopping district
Coronado Ferry Landing
Situated on the bay side of the island, the Coronado Ferry Landing features charming waterfront shops, casual eateries, and fine-dining establishments. The landing provides sweeping views of the downtown San Diego skyline across the harbor waters.
Coronado Historical Association & Museum
Located along Orange Avenue, this museum documents the island’s naval heritage, aviation history, and resort culture. Visiting the exhibits provides context on how the Hotel del Coronado shaped local development.
Centennial Park
Located near the ferry dock, Centennial Park offers lush grass lawns and ideal spots for taking pictures. Photographing the San Diego Bay skyline from this vantage point is among the favorite things to do in San Diego for photographers.
Silver Strand State Beach
Stretching south toward the mainland, Silver Strand State Beach features scenic sand dunes and quiet coastal spots. It connects Coronado to Imperial Beach and offers miles of walking trails along Coronado beach sand dunes.
The Best Way To Visit Coronado
Visiting the Hotel del Coronado is one of the essential things to do in San Diego. Driving across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge can involve heavy traffic, and parking on Coronado Island can be expensive and hard to find.
Old Town Trolley San Diego offers the ultimate stress-free way to cross the bridge and explore the island. As The Nation’s Storyteller®, Old Town Trolley Tours provides a full, entertaining Transportainment narrative throughout the 25-mile loop.
Conductors share rich historic details about the bay, downtown, and the Hotel del Coronado. You can hop off directly near the resort, spend hours enjoying Coronado Beach, browse Orange Avenue shops, and hop back on the next trolley when you are ready.
Choosing Old Town Trolley San Diego makes your sightseeing seamless, educational, and fun.
FAQs
The resort sits right on the oceanfront at 1500 Ocean Territory on Coronado Island, just across the bay from downtown San Diego.
Yes, the public is welcome to explore the grounds, shop at the boutiques, dine at the restaurants, and walk along Coronado Beach.
The 1959 classic comedy “Some Like It Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, was filmed at the resort.
Yes, Old Town Trolley San Diego has a designated stop directly at Coronado on Orange Avenue, just two blocks from the Hotel del Coronado, making island sightseeing convenient.
Kate Morgan is famous as the official resident ghost of the resort. Her mystery began in November 1892 when she checked into the hotel under an alias and died tragically five days later. Over the decades, guests and staff have reported strange phenomena around her former room, including flickering lights, shifting temperatures, and unexpected breezes.
History lovers enjoy admiring the 1888 wooden Victorian architecture, visiting the legendary Crown Room to see its unique crown chandeliers, and exploring historic photograph displays throughout the lobby. Taking Old Town Trolley San Diego directly to the island allows guests to learn about the resort’s past while enjoying fully narrated Transportainment.
Save up
to 15%
to 15%
SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO & CORONADO IN ONE DAY
- Hop On, Hop Off at 11 Stops Around San Diego and Coronado Island
- Fully Narrated 1 hour and 45 Minute Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Open-Air Sightseeing Perfect for Taking Pictures
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- San Diego's Largest Fleet With the Most Frequent Service
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE Admission to Select Museums
- FREE Map Brochure With Day Planner
- Only hop-on and off tour over the bridge to Coronado
- Kids Free in October, 1 Free Child per Adult
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Save up
to 5%
to 5%
SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- FREE admission to select museums
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
TAKE A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.