Coronado, California Staycation Guide
If you’re new to California Date Night, there’s one thing you should know: weekends are kind of our thing. Some of our loyal followers might even say we take them more seriously than we do the weekdays.
Why? Because one of our core values is enjoying the lives we work so hard to build. What’s all that grinding if we don’t remind ourselves what it’s for?
We couldn’t wait for the next addition to our staycation series in Coronado to do just that, and the sparkling white sand beaches, plethora of outdoor activities, fantastic restaurant options and laid-back Southern California vibes we found were everything we’d hoped for.
In Coronado, you’ll find mild temperatures year-round, making it an ideal escape whether from nearby (less than a 15 minute drive from our home base, San Diego) or far. We think it’s one of California’s best weekend getaway destinations, so read on for our best tips to make your getaway one to remember.
Where to Stay: El Cordova Hotel
If you like to be in the center of the action, look no further than El Cordova Hotel. Located along Coronado’s main drag, Orange Avenue, the boutique hotel offers easy access to dining, entertainment and local shops. Oh, and those white sand beaches we mentioned? They’re just a five minute walk from the hotel.
Spanish architecture and decor aficionados (like us!) will love the colorful, vibrant feel of El Cordova. Each room features an eclectic mix of Spanish textures and tiles, modernized with well-maintained, comfortable furnishings. The hotel offers 30 suites and 13 rooms—each uniquely styled. When you make your reservation, you’ll have your pick of a standard room or a one or two-bedroom suite. True to a boutique hotel experience, the rooms are cozier than your run-of-the-mill hotel room, so we recommend opting for a larger size than you’d normally book if you like a bit of extra space to lounge in.
The hotel offers free WiFi throughout the entire property, and the one and two-bedroom suites feature full kitchens and in-room dining areas. You’ll find luxe pillowtop beds, flat-screen TVs and work desks in each room. Pro tip: the hotel offers a grocery shopping service, and they’ll even stock your kitchen before you arrive! We love this option for travelers with little ones, as many parents know how important it is to have snacks on deck to keep young vacationers happy.
The centerpiece of the property is a charming, bright courtyard with access to a heated swimming pool, hot tub and fire pit. The path through the courtyard leads you right to local restaurants and boutique shops, providing access to great dining options as well as spots to gear up for outdoor adventures.
El Cordova’s location makes it easy to ditch your car and explore on foot, but it’s worth noting that no onsite parking is available. Guests can either park on the street or in an offsite parking lot averaging about $20 per day.
Where to Eat
Nado Republic
Coronado has developed a more elevated food scene over the past few years, attracting culinary artists from around the world looking to provide memorable dining experiences. Chef Giorgio Corletti of Nado Republic is one of them, and he’s successfully created an intimate “home away from home” through his authentic Italian cuisine.
An Italian native, Corletti’s career began in Rome where he worked his way through the kitchens of Michelin starred restaurants. His experience gave him a classical training in Italian cooking, teaching him that simplicity and fresh, seasonal ingredients were key to creating delicious meals. Corletti lived and worked in San Francisco until six months ago, when he had the chance to invest in Nado Republic and bring his bright vision to Coronado. Corletti begins his work early each morning, making fresh pasta and pizza dough for the day’s menu. He employs traditional Italian techniques and recipes, many of which have been passed down for generations.
During our visit to Nado Republic, we began with an appetizer of roasted Brussels sprouts with freshly grated Pecorino Romano and a squeeze of lemon juice. We loved the simplicity of this dish, and the delicate char on the Brussels was a delight!
For entrees, we were immediately intrigued by the Roman carbonara with guanciale, which Corletti shared is a traditional Italian dish dating back centuries. Corletti’s impeccable fresh rigatoni gets a coating of rich sauce from the combination of egg, Pecorino Romano cheese and savory guanciale (a cured meat made from pork cheek). We also ordered the pesto Piemonte spaghetti—a fresh, light and bright vegetarian pasta. Both of these entrees are versatile enough to pair brilliantly with red or white wine. Nado Republic serves a variety of Italian and Californian wines, and Corletti paired our meal with a Tuscan classic: Brunello di Montalcino. Chef’s kiss!
Dessert was another classic—tiramisu. “Tiramisu” translates to “pick me up,” and the bold flavors of cocoa and espresso balanced by creamy mascarpone cheese delivered on that promise. We sipped cappuccinos with our dessert course for the perfect finish to a flawless Italian meal.
The ambiance is open and airy, with decor evoking a modern Roman trattoria. We love Nado Republic for a lunch or dinner date, girls night out, family dinner or even a bridal or baby shower. They’re open daily for lunch, dinner and late night eats. Try them out and thank us later!
Clayton’s Bakery and Bistro
Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro opened six months before the pandemic hit. Owner Mary Frese is a seasoned restauranteur who’s been in the industry for 30 years. She took over Clayton’s Coffee Shop on Orange Avenue in 2008, and has since opened Clayton’s Mexican in Coronado and Clayton’s Galley on San Diego’s Harbor Island.
The decor of Clayton’s is gorgeous, turn-of-the-century-chic. Mary personally installed the amber tiles on the ceiling to evoke an old world apothecary feel. Even the tableware is on theme! Mary purchases one-of-a-kind pieces from antique stores and estate sales, and occasionally treats her customers by serving them on her mother’s authentic vintage milk glass.
All of the pastries and breads you’ll find at Clayton’s are made onsite. Taking a glance at the pastry case is a feast for the eyes, letting you know you’re in for a something spectacular. Hint: absolutely pick up one of those almond croissants, either to eat then or to enjoy later. The macarons are as delicious as they are beautiful—we tried a pastel blue-hued raspberry macaron with an edible gold leaf stripe down the center, and it tasted like a dream. We also indulged in the dulce de leche cupcake, which is something we’ll fantasize about until we return to get it again. The carrot cake is a heartier dessert ideal for sharing, with the perfect balance of warm spice and sweetness.
If you can make room for it, you’ll also find brunch menu items not to be missed. We loved the croque madame, with two slices of house sourdough griddled with rosemary ham and melted gruyere finished with rich béchamel sauce, another layer of melted gruyere and a sunny-side-up egg. Mary herself served us their Dutch baby pancake—a light, airy masterpiece finished with fresh berries, powdered sugar and lemon curd. If you’re looking for something simpler, the bistro bagel with herb and black pepper “schmear,” Persian cucumber, tomato and onion on a house-made everything bagel might be right up your alley.
We loved the variety of creative beverage offerings to pair with our treats, including flavor-infused lemonades, an impressive array of coffee drinks, mimosas and California wines. Our top picks are the lavender lemonade, golden turmeric oat latte and iced honey lavender latte.
Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro is a charming location for events such as group brunches, baby showers, birthday parties or even an office lunch outing. Mary recently purchased the retail space next-door which will soon house a full-service retail bakery. They will provide catering orders from that space perfect for events at home!
What to Do
Rent a Kayak and Paddle the San Diego Bay
Coronado is the place to go for an adventure on the water. One of our favorite activities is kayaking in the San Diego Bay, with the shimmering San Diego skyline as your backdrop. If you have your own kayak, you can head out from the shores of Coronado Beach near the Ferry Landing. If you’re looking to rent, check out Bike and Kayak Tours, where we got our gear. They offer guided tours as well as unguided outings, starting at $29 for 90 minutes. You’ll also find the option to rent stand up paddle boards at $29 for 90 minutes and beach cruisers starting at $9 an hour.
The waters of the San Diego Bay are relatively smooth, with the occasional wake from boats passing through the channel. You have a great chance to take in the wildlife, and might even spot sea lions and leopard sharks as your explore! Be sure to stay out of the boating channel, but watch from a safe distance to see Navy SEALs performing training exercises.
When you’re done paddling, head over to the Coronado Ferry Landing to get a refreshing drink or snack at one of the many local restaurants. You’ll find fun local shops to peruse there, too!
Take a Gondola Ride Through the Coronado Cays
For a more relaxing water trip, sit back and enjoy date night on a gondola! We were delighted to discover The Gondola Company offering rides through the Coronado Cays—a small strip of land with canals weaving in and out just minutes south of Coronado Village.
You can purchase chocolate truffles and wine directly from The Gondola Company for a reasonable price, or bring your own bottle of something special for a small corkage fee. We brought a bottle of 2016 Napa Valley sangiovese from our recent trip to Castello di Amorosa. Our gondolier sang a lovely Italian song for us while we sipped and nibbled on truffles—to say it was a highlight would be an understatement!
Rent a Beach Cruiser and Explore the Island
Our favorite way to take in Coronado, with its breezy palm trees and miles of sandy coastline, is spending a morning or afternoon on a beach cruiser. You can tour the island’s various historical landmarks, breathtaking mansions and boutique shops, stopping to explore as you go. We rented our cruisers from Wheel Fun Rentals, where you can also snag hybrid mountain bikes, electric bikes, tandem bikes and surreys.
Have Picnic at the Beach
Coronado is all about beach life. Most of the postcards you’ll see from the island feature Coronado Central Beach—the San Diego region’s undisputed crown jewel. Locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of this pristine and spacious 1.5 mile white sand beach. It is quintessential California.
Beachgoers enjoy sunbathing, boogie boarding, bonfires and more. We love it for a picnic date, enjoying snacks, sipping wine and taking breaks to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean.
During the summer months, Coronado Central Beach attracts plenty of visitors. Parking can be a challenge, but you can find free spots in the surrounding neighborhood or in one of the city’s offsite parking lots for a small fee.
The beach sits between the historic Hotel Del and Point Loma Peninsula, and on a clear day you can see the city of Tijuana from the shore. Be sure to being plenty of sunscreen, water, food and a coverup to stay warm while you watch the sunset.
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you been to Coronado California? What are your favorite activities?