FAMILY VACATION

RISE AND SHINE! It’s time to wake the kids up, that is if they are not already up excited for the full day ahead. If it were us, we would start our Coronado family vacation with one of the island’s favorite establishments. Take the family to breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop. Opening at 6am daily (for those early rising kiddos), this 1950’s style diner is a Coronado staple, serving good ol’ delicious American food, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Warning: after eating breakfast here, the kids may never want McDonald’s again. If you’re getting a late start, head to their walk up window for a coffee and donut to go!

Next, head over to the beach. Because why come to Coronado if you aren’t ready to get sandy?? You have a few family-friendly choices: The lesser known of these options is Glorietta Bay Beach. It is ideal for families. A small enough beach, and set in a lovely park, the water is clear. More importantly, thanks to being on the San Diego Bay, as opposed to the mighty Pacific, the water is calm and safe, meaning, no rip tides or jellyfish here! There is ample space for the kids to run around as there is also a playground and jungle gym, should they quickly tire of the ocean’s offerings.

Then, of course, you have the renowned Coronado Beach—located directly across the street from Villa Capri by the Sea. Although on the Pacific side of the island, the waves are remarkably calm as you won’t really find any large waves or surfers here. Coronado Beach is also an incredibly large beach with plenty of sand to go around. That means, no matter what time of year you visit (peak season included!), you’ll be sure to have space to lay out, build castles and toss the frisbee. Another major perk of the beach is how easy they make it to actually sit back and relax. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, in case you forgot to bring your own. (Please note: Umbrellas and chair rentals are not available year round. Ask the front desk for details.)

By now, the kids are probably tired and will be ready to take a nap, but you are now refreshed from the relaxation of the beach. Though this may at first seem to be problematic, there is a cool solution: Surrey bikes. They can be rented near either beach you choose to spend the morning and early afternoon. Wait, you’ve never heard of a Surrey bike? Surrey bikes are basically the offspring of a bike and a carriage and while you and your partner pedal around Coronado and take in the view of your athletic exploration, your children will either be in a deep sleep or enjoying the ride with you—we love Hollands Bicycles and recommend them often!

Life has its sense of humor and so, okay, now you’re tired from all the pedaling and the kids are ready for more fun now that they have woken up. Or maybe, they are now tired with you as they weren’t able to rest due to the thrill of riding such a strange mode of transportation. In either case, be encouraged because it’s a win-win situation. Moo Time Creamery will save the day. It’s a staple at this point, having first opened in 1998 and you will find travelers and locals alike forming a queue through the day and well into the late evening hours. They offer an enormous selection of flavors that change daily, all of it hand-crafted and the ingredients locally sourced. Tired of the traditional cone? Try a “Mootaco”, a waffle shell stuffed with ice cream, then dipped in chocolate…then…covered in a topping of your choice. Please eat only one.

If you eat two, not to worry! Our last stop for the day is intended to work off any sugar high your family is experiencing. Spreckels Park. Located in the middle of the “Island” a beautiful, manicured 8-acre sanctuary. There is a gazebo, picnic tables and a playground. Physically playing with your children (as in literally running around with them) is your penance for overindulgence of (albeit delicious) ice cream. You are now guilt free and the whole family can sleep soundly and peacefully, reflecting on a day worth having, looking forward to another day like this down the road.

If you’re not full and fully satisfied with a day well spent … well, there’s always tomorrow! Coronado has days of family-friendly activities at the ready. And our staff is full of suggestions, so just ask!