an evening on coronado island

by Stacy

After our trip to the Maritime Museum, we decided to stay on that end of town for dinner. Technically, Coronado (also known as Coronado Island) is its own city. Either way, we headed over the Coronado bridge to visit one of the most expensive places to live in California.

The most famous site on Coronado is the Hotel del Coronado, referred to simply as Hotel Del. Built over 120 years ago, the Hotel Del was one of the first actual resorts in the country, which it remains to this day. Its iconic red roof has been featured in many films over the years.

hotel del coronado

We took a walk along the beachfront while it was still light out. We saw a wedding, tourists, sunbathers, students, runners, photographers, and families.

beach at coronado island

And helicopters and jets heading to the Navy SEAL training facility on the other end of the island.

jet over coronado island

Since moving to California, we haven’t spent a lot of time at the beach, so it was nice to stroll in the sand for a bit. The water is pretty chilly, but we were brave and walked along the edge. We walked for a good while, but we headed back to the hotel before the sun set.

beach at coronado island

Hotel Del has a large patio which serves drinks and snacks at somewhat extortionist prices. You’re not paying for the food or drinks, and there is no table service; you’re paying for the view. East is the hotel itself:

patio at hotel del coronado

West, naturally, is the Pacific Ocean:

sunset at hotel del coronado

Not surprisingly, the area is quite popular at sunset.

point loma at sunset

Silhouetted by the sun is Point Loma, an area we have yet to visit. It was a very nice spot to sit and enjoy a drink and each others’ company. Arrive early if you want to grab a table closest to the beach.

But don’t worry too much if you arrive once those tables are taken. The view the other way isn’t so bad, either.

hotel del coronado

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

katiebug November 9, 2009 at 5:56 am

My grandparents got married a few days before he deployed for WWII and they honeymooned (briefly) at Hotel Del. I had always known it as the hotel from Some Like It Hot, so I enjoyed the photos!

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stacy November 9, 2009 at 9:38 am

Aww! How lovely. It’s been around forever, so it’s interesting to think of just how many people have stayed there.

“Some Like It Hot” was actually the film they mentioned on the harbor cruise as having been filmed there. =)

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Kate November 9, 2009 at 6:04 am

That last picture is lovely, it looks like it belongs in a brochure! We took our son there when he was 3 months old as part of a business trip. It was beautiful (we tell him he loved it).

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stacy November 9, 2009 at 9:41 am

Thank you! I had promised my husband I would stop taking pictures and just sit with him for a bit. When the light was like that, I apologized to him and got the camera back out. He said it was worth it when he saw the photos. =)

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Kimberly November 9, 2009 at 10:40 am

You are becoming quite the photographer! Gorgeous.

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stacy November 9, 2009 at 11:33 am

Why thank you, Miss Kimberly. I am looking forward to the day when you start blogging all your adventures, especially as Joshua Bell’s assistant. =D

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Herpie November 9, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Take me there prease

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Dandy November 10, 2009 at 12:24 pm

Amazing pictures!! I haven’t been down there in years, thank you for reminding me!

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