San Diego Strolls: Views From Coronado

Grab the San Diego deck and pull out the Coronado card. The story below details just a snippet of Coronado Island's meticulously maintained walkways and beaches, but it's a pleasant stretch with spectacular views of downtown San Diego.

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When I need an escape from downtown, I head over to a flat and mobility-friendly route in Coronado.

Parking is free at Coronado Tidelands Park 

Assuming you have a car, you’ll be delighted to hear that you won’t have to pay to access this walk. As soon as you cross the bridge, take a right to reach Tidelands Park, where parking will have no effect on your wallet. 

Without a car, you can still get here by taking the ferry. Note that the ferry ride will set you back $18 for a roundtrip. 

Walk from Tidelands Park to Ferry Landing

It’s exactly one mile from Tidelands Park to the Ferry Landing on Coronado’s waterfront walkway. Paved and flat, this route is great for all ages and abilities. On your journey, you may see kayakers paddling along the shoreline, fisherfolk reeling in the catch of the day, or families pedaling surrey bikes. It can be especially busy on weekends. 

What’s a surrey? It’s a multi-seat pedaling vehicle. Some are best for two adults and two children, while others can fit up to six adults. This interesting mode of transportation can be rented from vendors, as well as regular bicycles. I also spied jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals for those who want to take to the water.

Savor downtown San Diego from Coronado's Centennial Park

Just past the bustling Ferry Landing is an emerald stretch of grass called Centennial Park. The views of downtown San Diego from here can’t be beat, not to mention the sight of boats of all kinds sailing along the water. Benches dot the landscape offering you a chance to rest before taking the one mile walk back to Tidelands Park.

This article originally appeared in the San Diego Sun as part of the "Walking In The City" column. Read the original version here.