Best Beach in San Diego

May not be in San Diego after all!

This last week we had a chance to spend some time in the City of Coronado, also known as Coronado Island. Being their during the 4th of July weekend was a super experience! Most of the houses were decorated with large red, white and blue banners, and flags were everywhere. The dozens of Star Spangled Banners and patriotic ribbons were enough to make anyone's heart swell with patriotic pride. The decorations and independence day festivities ushered us through the small streets to our favorite beach in southern California, Coronado Beach.

The entire beach begins just south of the Naval Air Station and runs past the Hotel Del Coronado, which is where we found the best spots. The beach near the hotel is clean and there is plenty of room. Even during the Independence Day Weekend, the beach was large enough so that we always had enough room to spread out the let the kids run. You had enough space between you and the next person so that you didn't feel squished, but they were close enough to strike up a conversation if you so desired.

The clientele on the beach was as diverse and the size of the ocean waves, there was everything from two-year-old children to senior citizens enjoying the cool ocean breeze. The diversity of beach goers created a festive atmosphere where you were not afraid to say hi to the people sharing the sand. The rhythm of the ocean waves crashing in on themselves was occasionally punctuated by the sounds of a random sand volleyball game, or an intense bout of Smashball. Relief from the heat of the sun was found in diving into the cool Pacific waves or by purchasing a large bowl of Ice Cream from the sweet shops in the Del.

We spent two days on Coronado Beach, and could have easily spent more. Alas, bills need to be paid therefore we reluctantly packed up, and drove home. But that does not mean you have to! So here is how to get to the best beach around San Diego:

Proceed South on I-5 to California 75
The 75 will take you over the "Blue Bridge" and on to Coronado Island
Once on the Island take a left on Orange Avenue and follow it through the center of the city
Orange Avenue turns into Silver Strand Way just past the Hotel Del Coronado, this is also the best place to find parking for the beach.You can take a right turn on Avenida Del Sol and park for free. However, unless you arrive before 10:00AM there is a god chance this will be full. For more free parking, park along Silver Strand Way.

Good luck and have fun!