One of my most favorite destinations when I travel to San Diego is Coronado Island. It is located across the bay from downtown San Diego and is connected by a bridge that spans a little over 2 miles and allows a 200-foot clearance for the tall ships to pass under. You have to have your wits about you when traveling over this bridge as it is 5 lanes wide and curves up and over the bay and down to the island. It can be a harrowing experience to be driving and not see the other side until you reach the top! Once you reach the other side, you are in a beautiful, quaint town. There are shops that line the streets and ocean front restaurants that offer a stunning view of the Pacific and if you are lucky enough to be there at sunset, you will surely experience something special.
The biggest attraction on the island is the historic Hotel del Coronado. It was built in 1888 and is now considered a National Historic Landmark. It is a beautiful white hotel with turrets of red roofing. The hotel has over 800 rooms in total and several restaurants, bars and shops. It is definitely a destination for weddings and the backdrop of this hotel is simply stunning!
The first time I visited I was so taken by the pure essence of the hotel. It’s rich history and the “Hollywood factor” had piqued my curiosity. As I walked through the front doors, I was greeted by an amazing, startling chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling hovering over a large wooden table with an immense flower arrangement of epic proportions. It was just gorgeous!
I wandered around the corner and walked into the hotel bar. The wood in the room is dark and very masculine. There is a 50-foot mahogany bar that is original to the hotel. I could picture the past life of this bar and its cigar smoking, whiskey drinking patrons telling stories and whispering secrets. I thought it was very cool and sophisticated. I wanted to sit at the bar, order an Old Fashioned and take in the nostalgia.
I looked over my shoulder and noticed that the bar opened up to a sundeck. A stark difference from the dark bar, this sunny deck, complete with beautiful views of the beach, the ocean and a pool was just another surprise the Hotel Del had for me. I decided to walk outside, with sunglasses in place, and sat at a table to soak in the warmth of the moment. All I could think was that this place was magical…so far from the hustle of downtown San Diego…an oasis. I watched the waves lap the beach and sipped on my white wine spritzer trying to imagine what this place must have been like in the 1800’s and 1900’s.
The hotel has been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood movies including ‘Some Like It Hot’ with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe. There are memorabilia scattered around the hotel…pictures, quotes, pieces of the movie set. For anyone who is into old movies, it’s pretty exciting.
I decided to walk down to the ocean and put my toes into the Pacific. The sun was starting to lower in the sky, but it was still sunny. As I looked down into the clear, ocean water, it seemed to be sparkling gold…like flecks of gold were everywhere! It was absolutely breath-taking! The beach glistened with gold glitter. I’m told that this effect is caused by the Mica in the sand. Well, whatever it is, it is stunning! I continued walking down the beach as the sun was starting to set. The sunset was gorgeous. Every beautiful paint palette color you could think of was blended and melted into the sky on this night on Coronado Island at the Hotel del Coronado. I sat down in the sand and watched it fade behind the horizon. All I could think was, this place is something special. I have gone back to Coronado Island and the Hotel Del several times since then and it never ceases to amaze me and my senses. It’s such a beautiful place…go and experience it for yourself. You won’t be sorry!
Cheers!