When I picture Coronado in my head, I see the beach, feel the sun and hear the palm trees swaying in the wind.  Palm trees can be an all around icon for the great state of California, but to me, they are representative of Coronado.  They are perhaps one of the most fascinating trees out there.

Just the other day, while chillin on the beach, feeling peaceful and relaxed, I laid there observing the palm trees from a distance.  It was a beautiful day - 75, cloudless and a slight breeze that gives you seconds of relief from the direct sun.

It was the noise of the rustling leaves that first caught my attention.  So faint that it can be easily missed.  Or maybe this is a direct result of growing up in this paradise.  I’ve become so accustomed to the...

Coronado dunes are special because they spell out Coronado.  But that’s not the only reason why the dunes are rare.  They have several functions.

The beach dunes can be great for a challenging jog.  I would go barefoot unless you have multiple pairs of running shoes - one in which you can designate for running on the beach.  Because I don’t know about you but having sand in my shoes drives me mad.  Work out those calves and shape those strong legs all while obtaining a natural tan.  

OR, if you are like me, and love the feeling of being solo, then use the dunes for that sole purpose.  Going to the beach is great in itself but the feeling that you’re on a deserted island can be even better.  Uh, yes, a deserted island that...

Standing on the beach looking out over the ocean at the Pacific horizon stans two islands.  These are the Coronado Islands.

Don’t be fooled, from afar, these islands look tempting as the surrounding water glistens brightly.  But the Coronado Islands are actually uninhabitable and are part of Mexican territory.  

Upon inspecting their shapes, it’s easy to see why people say they look like mummy tombs. As if the tombs were toe to toe and you are looking at the profile of an ancient artifact.  The islands can also be seen from the top of the bridge, getting a birdseye perspective of Coronado Island(s).

Because Coronado is right on the beach, the opportunity to surf the Pacific is possible, whether you have a surfboard or not.  Stop on by Emerald City and grab reasonably priced rentals. They have paddle boards, surf boards and wetsuits of all sizes.  

So, if you’re more experienced out in the ocean, you can rent shorter boards and if you’re a beginner that is eager to try, then a long board will be perfect for you.  The wetsuits may be a bit sandy, but what do you expect? The beach is sandy so it’s inevitable!  They do ask that you brush off the sand from the boards before returning (otherwise they charge a small fee). But it’s easy to clean off.

Bit of advice: put on the wetsuit before going on the ocean.  It’s damn near impossible...

If you’re from out of town or a local, you should definitely go kayaking.  Row your way along the bay, starting at Glorietta Bay Park and head toward the bridge.  As you pass under the massive structure, the car sounds will boom in your ears giving you a little rush.  It’s impressive, that bridge.

Curling around Tidelands Park, you can people watch from your kayak - this park is always filled with loads of characters running around.  But make sure you’re paying attention to the water too.  The bay is a busy place - boats, jet skis, ships and the Navy chart these waters.  But not to worry, it’s generally a calm yet lively place.  

While you pass Coronado on the left, you will see downtown San Diego on your right.  There...

If you happen to be researching the history and images of Coronado, you will find many photos dating back to the 1900s. Most of these pictures will show the Hotel Del Coronado, along with a little community lined by tents.  

Coronado was founded in 1885 with the intention of creating a resort town.  And in 1900, John D Spreckels (famous amongst Coronado residents), purchased a piece of land south of the Hotel Del.  The intention was to create a small touristic, vacation spot. This area was named Tent City.  

Nowadays, the streets are no longer lined with tents but you can see this fascinating piece of history by visiting the Coronado History Museum.  It’s located on Orange Ave, next to the  [appropriately named] restaurant, Tent City.

Some of us may feel like New Years Eve is one of those anticlimactic occasions.  Oh, what...that’s just me? Okay, fine. But you can’t deny that there is so much pressure and organization involved in planning your festive evening.

Well, whether or not you feel the same way I do about waiting for the stroke of midnight, there is at least one out of the box idea that can make for a fun filled, relaxing, stress free night.  And that would be camping at Coronado’s beach.  

Spend your New Years night on the beach instead of spending hundreds of dollars for a table at a bar that is so cramped you can’t even order a drink. I mean, why not take advantage of living near the ocean and use it to your benefit?

Located just before the Coronado Cays on the...

Coronado is home to the United States Navy Seals - and also their training camp.  Every three months a new group begins the intense, exhausting, exhilirating training course.  The toughest of men endure this epic challenge...and I don’t mean actual strength. The biggest challenge is having the mental capacity (aka courage) to survive the course.  You must be in a focused and strong mindset in order to accomplish this feat.

Day in and day out, the trainees are pushed to the limit, some tasks include: obstacle courses, skydiving and swimming.  Sure, that seems pretty straight forward and manageable.  No, wrong! They aren’t your typical swim courses or jogs along the beach.  The young Seal pups [in training] are expected to jump from helicopters...

The San Diego airport is known as Lindbergh Field and is located just across the bay from Coronado.  The close proximity of the airport gives easy access between Lindbergh Field and Coronado. And also allows you to watch the planes fly over downtown as they float in for landing.  

Lindbergh Field is named after the late Charles Lindbergh.  He is known for flying the “Spirit of St. Louis” and being the first person to ever fly from New York to Paris.  This historical event happened in the year 1927.  But before he ever made his transcontinental flight, it all started here in San Diego.  

Charles Lindbergh’s aviation career was born in 1927 when he became a U.S. air mail pilot. Years later, he and his family located to San Diego where...

Located at the north west end of Coronado lies Sunset Park.  It is one of the busiest parks in the Crown City - constantly filled with athletes, picnickers and children running around.  The playground is tucked away in the corner of the park, bringing distance and protection from a stray ball or frisbee.

Sunset Park is heaven on earth if you want to spend the whole day outside.  The beach is right across the street as well as Dog Beach.  There are bathrooms, drinking fountains and there is plenty of space to make your own playing field.  You can pretty much participate in any sort of outdoor sport except for one: flying kites. Visit Sunset park and you'll understand why.    

Spend all day at the park taking breaks for dips in the ocean. After the...