GIRL'S GETAWAY

So, naturally, you should have brunch where you can bathe in the glory of your wonderful selves: Chez Loma. On the corner where Loma Avenue meets Loma Lane, lies a beautifully restored Folk Victorian mansion built in 1889, the Carey Cizare House. Within its walls is home to one of the most celebrated (and romantic) restaurants in the area. The detail of what the kitchen sends out is as ornate as the architecture surrounding it. The menu includes French morning staples like Croque Madame but this is Southern California (and brunch) so go for the chilaquiles or the duck tacos. And be sure to wash it down with a Bloody Mary.

After brunch, head over to the famous Coronado Beach to rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and just spend the early part of the afternoon relaxing and catching up. The view is serene, the water blue, the waves luring and the beauty of the rugged California coast visible in the distance. You may feel like you’re in Mexico, which is totally understandable considering you are just over 20 minutes from the border and Baja California. Fun fact: Time travel back 170 plus years, before the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe, and you would actually be in Mexico, in a province called Alta California. Discuss amongst yourselves 😉 

Rumor has it that there is a bar on the beach. Rumor also has it that the rumor is true. Ask around, just in case you can’t or already haven’t found it. While small, locals and travelers lounge around people watching just steps from the glittering sand. And hey, you may meet new friends while sipping on one of their specialty cocktails. They will also put you in the right direction for a night out on the Island, perhaps even with your new friends. 

However, before you head out for the evening, it is almost required that you walk up and down Orange Avenue. This main street has everything along both sides. Start up one side and come back down the other. You will find boutique clothing stores, jewelry shops, home goods and fun little mementos to take home. There are also a few options to pick up a bottle of wine and an assortment cheeses (but more on this in just a moment). 

As the sun starts setting, grab the aforementioned wine and cheese to enjoy while on your private twilight gondola ride through the canals of the Coronado Cays with The Gondola Company. In the early 19th century, the Russians discovered a fresh water spring on this part of the peninsula, known as the Silver Strand. This was ideal considering their harvesting of salt in the bay and also the hunting of sea otters. This spring, however, was destroyed when the Cays were later built. This part of Coronado is where the wealthy live and the parks, houses and views will prove the luxury of your gondola ride. We can’t promise your gondolier can sing Italian opera, but we’re pretty sure you’ll have a great time.

You should be at max relaxation right now, so let’s finish off the perfect girl’s day with a nightcap at the brand new, The Henry. Located two blocks down Orange Avenue The Henry seems as if it was pulled straight from your favorite Instagram post. And the cocktails ain’t bad either!