WHY YOU’RE GOING: Though Coronado Island isn't technically an island—it's a small, quaint beach community located on a peninsula—it still feels worlds away from busy, noisy Los Angeles. Though it's only two hours' drive from L.A., Coronado Island surprises with its beautiful and rarely-crowded white sand beaches (a far cry from the tourist-congested Santa Monica and Venice Beaches), its rich, romantic history, and super casual, laid-back attitude. Worth a day trip from L.A., though once you're there you might not want to leave.
WHERE TO STAY: The famous Hotel del Coronado is the place to stay in Coronado Beach. Built in 1888, “The Del,” as it’s called by locals, is an enormous Victorian-style seaside resort that’s hosted presidents, royals, and even Marilyn Monroe. Guests can unwind poolside with cocktails, take a surf lesson, or just lay around on the hotel’s well-equipped private beach. But even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy ocean-inspired treatments at their spa and roam around downstairs, where they showcase photographs of the hotel’s storied past. (1500 Orange Ave; 619-435-6611)
HOW TO GET AROUND: Avoid the stress of parking by renting a bike—you can find rental shops on Orange Avenue and at the Hotel Del Coronado. There’s 15 miles of pristine coast to pedal down, with a paved path leading to the Coronado Ferry Landing, a dock for over 125 years that now also serves as a shopping and eating complex. While many of gift shops, galleries and restaurants tend to be touristy, the spectacular view you’ll get of the San Diego skyline alone is worth the trek. (1201 1st St; 619-435-8895)
WHERE TO EAT: Spend some time exploring the adorable Orange Avenue, Coronado Beach's one mile-long main street, lined with mom-and-pop shops and outdoor cafes. While you're there, grab lunch at Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, a local hangout that offers a sustainable, seasonally-driven menu of modern California comfort food. Hard shell poke tacos are doused with spicy crème and covered in slaw, while french fries and grilled cheese get the truffle treatment. Don't miss the amazing chorizo-stuffed calamari, pictured. Open until midnight Friday and Saturdays, Leroy’s also serves 16, mostly local, craft brews on tap and stiff cocktails—try the Grand Marnier-spiked House Sangria. (1015 Orange Ave; 619-437-6087)
DON’T MISS: The best way to experience Coronado Beach is via the Coronado Walking Tour. The 90-minute guided stroll starts at The Glorietta Bay Inn, a 1908 mansion built by a sugar baron, and offers walk-bys of castles and cottages, along with a legendary tale or two about movie stars who’ve spent time basking and relaxing on the eternally sunny Coronado Island. (619-435-5993)