San Diego has so much to offer locals and tourists, in addition the weather is always nice. I guess you can call it heaven on Earth? San Diegans are also very nice always willing to help and tell you where the best place to have a picnic or take the kids is.
Our family loves riding bikes, we try to do it as a family at least twice a month. Load up the car with our bikes and bike trailer along with essentials such as: sunblock, diaper bag, first aid kit, water, snacks, etc. and our helmets. Just a short drive and then we arrive at Coronado Island.
Have you ever been to Coronado Island?
The Island has a total area of 32.7 square miles. In 2010 it had a population a little over 24,000. In 2011 Coronado Island's Beaches were named one of the Nation's top ten!
And it is also home to one of the Nation's Historic Landmark's: Hotel Del Coronado also known as The Del. Hotel Del Coronado was built in the late 1800's by Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story and their vision of a beach side resort in the West.
It is beautiful and elegant with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego skyline as well as gorgeous sunsets!
Our bike rides through the Coronado always begin at Glorietta Bay Tidelands Park, it is easy to find since it is one of the first parts of the Island you will see as you drive across the bridge from Downtown or "big blue bridge" {as Adventure Girl calls it}. Tidelands Park is perfect because it has something for everyone! there is a small skate park, restrooms, large green field to run or play ball in, play structures for children to play in, sand, sidewalk along the Bay and great views!
This is where we park and begin our bike ride heading Southwest, you pass under the bridge and next to the 18 hole golf course. This is where it gets a little tricky as you are riding your bike on the sidewalk and in some parts you will find a designated bike lane.
Just less than 2 miles of pedaling you see it!... It's the Pacific Ocean in all it's glory and to your left you have the famous Silver Strand and Silver Strand beach which is perfect for splashing and enjoying the sand while making sandcastles as well as soaking up the sun.
To your right you will see Hotel Del, it's the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view and if you are ready for lunch or dinner you can visit their Babcock & Story Bakery order some delicious rolled sandwiches served with chips while having a picnic at the beach OR you can enjoy dessert from MooTime Creamery.
After your stop head North along the beach and then make a right at the end of the street, you will be pedaling along the Naval Base and as you reach the other side of the Island you will see the San Diego skyline and Bay take a right and keep going as you reach the ferry landing and then Tidelands Park.
If you didn't make a stop at Hotel Del, you can always stop for dessert or a to go meal at Tartine. It is located at 1106 First Street in Coronado across the street from the Ferry Landing. They have great sandwiches, salads and pastries. My favorite is the Mixed Spring Green salad with pears, gorgonzola cheese and vinaigrette. It can also be made into a sandwich.
At the end of our bike ride we just sit back at the park and enjoy the view of sailboats and our kids playing in the park.
How does your family have fun in your City? Let us know in the comments section. We'd love to learn about your favorite places to go.
