One of the most wonderful places we’ve traveled to is Coronado Island, California. With a short flight to San Diego, we can leave the briskness of winter weather behind and be greeted by swaying palm tree’s and warm sunshine. Having been several times, it feels like a home away from home. Coronado Island is also very cycle friendly, so it’s a breeze to get around.
It’s a quick ferry ride (10 minutes) back to the downtown area where you can enjoy more shopping, fine dining or catch their modern and comfortable commuter train to see more sites. Isn’t it just great to be on the water? I just love it! Alternately, if you wish to travel by car this quaint beach community is connected to San Diego via a toll-free bridge. Really, there are so many excellent restaurants and shops on the Island, you may never want to leave.
We also enjoyed San Diego’s world-class zoo. It’s great exercise getting around to all the habitats. You’ll be charmed by creatures big and small. I’m not keen on most zoo’s for all sorts of reasons. I feel they are unique here. I support the research of many threatened species they care for. With a focus on conservation and education vs entertainment, it’s a great place for young children to learn the important responsibility we have to nature.
If you visit San Diego or Coronado Island in December, do not miss the Christmas Boat Parade Of Lights. It’s free fun for the whole family and it’s spectacular. Locals decorate their vessels with lights and parade around the bay. The evenings are perfectly mild, which lends to finding a grassy spot with a blanket to wave to Santa from. This year they’ll parade on Sunday Dec 9th and 16th, find a spot early and enjoy the fireworks!
Avid scrapbooker’s must make a pilgrimage to Paper Tales in San Diego. Let’s just say, Mr. B is a very patient man. The store has a delightful mix of home decor and scrapbooking product. It’s all displayed so creatively, you’ll get all kinds of ideas for your own home. The ladies here are super sweet, I didn’t want to leave.
Coronado Island has so much to offer. There’s many wonderful restaurants and fab beaches, but for free entertainment, hop on your bike or just walk through the local neighbourhoods. The homes and gardens a picture perfect and so nostalgic. I could live here in a heartbeat.
Our stay at The 1906 Lodge couldn’t have been any more delightful. I can’t recommend them enough. The accommodations and gardens will put a smile on your face. They’re located just far enough from the action to give a quiet respite to return to each evening. You’ll never walk away hungry from breakfast either. It includes fresh baking, hot coffee, fresh fruit and a hot entree that’s different every day. Everything was a delicious treat, and I loved eating on the patio next to the fountains. The underground parking is included so your car is always cool. Get this, there’s NO tipping aloud. You will never get the same value, attention or service at ANY hotel. They simply do an excellent job of making you feel at home in every way. Who am I kidding, it’s better than home, HA!
Coronado Island is a gem, modern yet nostalgic, quaint yet accommodating. If possible, put it on your itinerary, you’ll be glad you did. We just loved our visit and can’t wait to return.
Related Sites
Russel Ray Photo’s from San Diego California
Local Attractions on Coronado Island
Boomdeeadda 
Thank you so much for including a link to my post, very much appreciate it. What an original concept, to share a Blog with a friend, aren’t you clever.
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I’ve been to San Diego twice in the past three years. Both for Marine Corps graduations. The last time we went to Coranado Island. I love the beach and it was gorgeous. Would definitely go back.
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How nice you got to go for such a special occasion, all the more memorable. I really like the beach too and the main street with the planted boulevard of palms and flowers. You can’t help but love it. Thanks for stopping by and reminiscing.
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My sister used to live in San Diego, so we would travel that way once a year. I’m with you on the whole zoo thing. I really enjoyed the San Diego Wild Animal Park, more a nature preserve than anything. You’ll have to try it out on your next visit.
Nice travel blog, Boomdee. It’s such an inviting place.
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Must check out the Wild Animal Park next time. Thank’s for your comment on the zoo thing Alys. I know people love them, but I love animals too much to see them unhappy and in the wrong sized habitat. That’s done well at the San Diego Zoo. Glad you enjoyed it. Does your sister miss it much. We do a bit of traveling and always go back because it has everything we look for in a destination.
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I know there are things she misses about it, but she is glad to be back close to family too.
I’m with you on the habitat thing. Zoos seem like a relic, along with lions in a circus. I hope we can move away from that soon.
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We are of like minds. I never go to animal ‘shows’….they just seem exploitive.
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It looks so beautiful there!
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It’s beautiful, the weathers great and it’s not crowded. The whole city moves at an easy pace. Devine. Thanks for commenting!
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