San Diego family guide
Things to Do in Coronado with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 Where Coronado is
Coronado sits in San Diego, Southern California. Nearest major airport: San Diego Intl (~3 mi / 5 km). It's roughly 113 mi (181 km) from Downtown LA and 2 mi (4 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Coronado
Coronado Beach
Wide, sparkling-sand beach beside the iconic Hotel del Coronado, great for swimming and sandcastles.
Free (paid parking)Coronado Ferry Landing
Bayfront shops and dining with skyline views, reached by a fun harbor ferry from downtown.
Free; ferry ~$8 each wayFarmers markets in Coronado
Coronado Certified Farmers' Market
Waterfront market at the Ferry Landing with bay views, fresh produce, flowers, and plants; scenic for a family outing.
Local restaurants in Coronado
MooTime Creamery
Locally owned '50s-style shop with handcrafted ice cream and waffle cones.
Miguel's Cocina
Family-friendly Coronado favorite known for handmade tortillas and its famous white sauce.
Local shops in Coronado
Five Loaves Two Fish
Main-street Coronado boutique with its own label made from high-quality materials.
Little Locks Kids' Salon & Toy Boutique
Combined kids' hair salon and toy boutique, a Coronado fixture since 2002.
Bay Books
Independent bookstore with kids and YA titles and an on-site coffee shop on Orange Ave.
Fair Trade Decor
Colorful Orange Ave shop of sustainably made gifts sourced from 35+ countries.
Coronado Taste of Oils
Family-run specialty shop pouring fresh olive oils, aged vinegars, pastas, and spices.
Seaside Papery
Stationery shop on Orange Avenue since 2004 with custom and designer paper goods.
Art & Frames of Coronado
Orange Ave gallery and frame shop championing local artists, from seascapes to contemporary work.
Seasonal & outdoors near Coronado
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Coronado.
More San Diego family guides
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.