Coronado

The “island” of Coronado—technically a “tied island” connected to the mainland by a narrow strip—was purchased by investors in 1885 with the intention of creating a resort community. The project was a wild success, with the luxurious Hotel del Coronado as its crown jewel. The sprawling seaside resort opened in 1887 and still operates today. A swanky yet quaint village has grown up around the “‘Del,” with all the hallmarks of the high life: beautiful homes, enviable ocean views, private yacht clubs, rolling golf courses, parks aplenty, and a main street filled with charming restaurants and shops.

What to expect:
A wholesome, small-town vibe coupled with the delights of resort-style living.

Three different communities make up Coronado: The Village, the Shores, and the Cays. The Village is the main residential section, from 1st Street down on the bay side; the Shores is a row of high-rise condominiums located near the famous Hotel Del Coronado and beach; and the exclusive Cays, about four miles south of the Village, is an upscale boater’s community where many homes boast personal docks and slips, plus residents have access to a private yacht club. But no matter where you live in Crown City, residents are able to take full advantage of the pleasant Mediterranean weather, sparkly mica-flecked beaches, sophisticated restaurants, and cute beach boutique shops that attract scores of tourists to the island each year.

The lifestyle:
Walking, biking, or cruising in golf carts is Coronado’s modus operandi—it’s even possible to live car-free.

Coronado is just about one mile long and wide, sidewalks are wide and pristine, and there are over 15 miles of dedicated bike paths that meander through the neighborhoods and along the coastline. Especially from the main Village area, it’s a cinch to get to the businesses at the main commercial areas of Orange Avenue and the Ferry Landing by pedal or on foot, and when walking or biking doesn’t suit, many residents own (or rent) street legal golf carts too. It’s not uncommon to see them parked right outside some of the area’s beautiful heritage homes.

Unexpected appeal:
The well-maintained Coronado Golf Course is considered one of the nation’s finest public courses.

Former President Bill Clinton has played here. Golf pro Phil Mickelson occasionally stops by. Golf Advisor calls it “America’s best value.” Built in 1957, Coronado’s municipal golf course is considered one of the country’s top fairways—thanks to San Diego’s always-sunny weather and the panoramic city and harbor views—and also boasts ultra-affordable green fees in the state.

The market:
Grand historic homes with manicured lawns, oceanfront mansions, private estates—this is some of San Diego’s priciest real estate.

Magnificent homes on tree-lined streets and sprawling beachside estates are a dime a dozen in Coronado, from Spanish Revival and Dutch Colonial, to craftsman, Victorian, and Tudor. Living on a resort island does come at a cost, though: Median home prices currently hover around $1.5 million, making Coronado one of the most expensive places to live in the San Diego area.

You'll fall in love with:
The majestic Hotel del Coronado, from its storied past to its celebrated present.

An iconic building of Coronado as well as a National Historic Landmark, this 1888-built, 680-room hotel has hosted tons of notable guests throughout the past century, including Muhammad Ali, Thomas Edison, Magic Johnson, George Harrison, Willie Mays, Marilyn Monroe, and a dozen U.S. presidents. Casually referred to as “The Del” or “Hotel Del” by regulars and locals, the world-famous hotel contains hoards of little shops, seven restaurants, regular guided architectural tours, and a popular beachfront. Bottom line, there’s loads to love about the historic hotel—its the last of California’s grand Victorian seaside resorts—and as Coronado residents know, it’s easy to spend the day there even as a non-guest.