When the stresses of daily life become too much, pack your bags for a romantic escape to a favorite “reconnecting” destination: Coronado Island. Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego (via the magnificent Coronado Bay Bridge, a San Diego icon), Coronado has been inspiring lovers of all ages for more than a century.
A sunset view on the Coronado Bay Bridge always inspires romance. — Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Check into a cozy room at the El Cordova Hotel, a vintage Spanish hacienda-style boutique hotel located just steps away from the eclectic shops lining the streets of Coronado Village. Eager to drink in some fresh ocean air and spectacular scenery? Rent some bikes at the “Grande Dame” of historical hotels, the Hotel del Coronado, (aka "the Del"), and located just across the street from the El Cordova.
After a leisurely stroll through the Del’s magnificent gardens and grandiose lobby, enjoy a biking adventure. You can easily pedal through charming nearby neighborhoods, which are peppered with gingerbread Victorians and stately mansions. The shops along Orange Avenue are also easy to reach by bike. At day's end, take the bayside bike path to admire spectacular views of the San Diego skyline and the Coronado bridge.
Bikers enjoy spectacular views of San Diego's skyline along bay side paths in Coronado. — Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
What Happens in the Hammock . . .
Mid- afternoon is lovely when spent lounging in a double hammock on the patio of the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Sip a buttery Chardonnay while drinking in views of swaying palm trees and the blue waters of San Diego Bay.
That's Amore: Reconnect on a Gondola Ride
Just as the sun makes its fiery descent over the blue Pacific, snuggle under a blanket in an authentic Italian gondola. Savor chocolates and a champagne toast during the magical hour spent cruising enchanting canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays. Relax and enjoy one another while the gondolier sets the stage for romance.
The height of romance in San Diego is a gondola ride through the Coronado Cays. — Photo courtesy of The Gondola Company Coronado
Superb Cuisine and a Romantic Skyline View
If the gondola ride has you dreaming of a future trip to Venice, extend the experience in a favorite Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio Coronado. Located directly on the water at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Il Fornaio transports its patrons to Italy, its cuisine expertly prepared by chefs of each region. The restaurant boasts a magnificent view of San Diego’s dramatic skyline, its sparkling lights lending the perfect romantic touch to a sumptuous meal.
Coronado's Il Fornaio restaurant brings you the best in authentic Italian cuisine, with a magical backdrop of the San Diego skyline. — Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Sleep In, Stroll Barefoot, Be Kneaded
Sleeping in is a luxury that's particularly sweet with a lover. Should you take advantage of ignoring the breakfast hour, head off for a leisurely al fresco brunch at Miguel's Cocina Mexican Restaurant, located adjacent to the El Cordova Hotel.
Another logical luxury would be to reward yourself for the bike ride by indulging in a jasmine oil massage at the spa at Loews Coronado Hotel.
Don't leave Coronado without strolling barefoot on the expansive Coronado Beach, which consistently wins accolades as one of the nation’s most beautiful strands.
The wide, sandy beach of Coronado is perfect for creating footprints in the sand. — Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A Kiss is Never Just a Kiss in Coronado
Snuggle with your honey on the rocks and steal a few more kisses as you watch the golden sun set over the distant cliffs of Pt. Loma. Return home refreshed, reconnected, and resolved to keep passion alive with more romantic travel adventures. Home may be where the heart is, but romantic vacation escapes can definitely rekindle the ardor in any relationship–just do it!
Kisses are sweeter in the glow of the setting sun over Coronado. — Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
