With tennis courts, on-site boat rentals and pools galore—this relaxing, family-friendly resort on a private 15-acre peninsula located on Coronado Island feels like a luxe country club—without the annoying membership fees
Coronado Island may not be a hidden gem for San Diego families looking for a chill, beach town vibe, but for those outside of “America’s Finest City,” this sandbar (known locally as Coronado Island but may be technically a peninsula), located across the bay from downtown San Diego is a worthwhile drive for families in Orange County and Los Angeles looking for a relaxing, seaside vacation. And while there are plenty of Coronado Island hotels to book when you’re here (Coronado is a resort town after all), we can’t say enough good things about choosing the Loews Coronado Bay Resort when you’re traveling with kids—here are 10 reasons to prove just why this family-friendly resort should be on your go-to vacation list.
10 Reasons to Stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort with Your Family
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1. The Loews Coronado Bay Resort Is Located on Its Own Private Peninsula
Unlike other resorts where non-guests can easily walk in off the street, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort is situated on its own peninsula that juts out into the San Diego Bay, with a gated entrance. Not only does this (somewhat) small detail add that extra layer of privacy to the entire resort—lending it that feeling of an exclusive getaway—guests are given unparalleled views of the San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego with Instagram-worthy sunrises (for early risers) and sunsets.
Of course this doesn't mean the village on the island or even downtown San Diego are inaccessible—on the contrary. The cute village of Coronado is just an easy, 10-minute drive away while all the fun things to do in San Diego are just 20 minutes away.
Good to Know: Don't feel like driving to the village? The resort offers complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to various stops in Coronado so you can hop on and hop off without worrying about driving or parking.
2. Everyone Gets a Pool: A Family Pool, a Kid's Pool & Adult-Only Pool
There are three, generously-sized pools located conveniently in the middle of the resort—one for families (the largest of the three), one just for kid's and the other for just adults. There are also plenty of chairs, umbrellas, and towels at your disposal. You can also upgrade your poolside experience by renting a poolside cabana.
Good to Know: The pools are heated! Three cheers for making this a totally viable swimming option in the winter.
3. Luxurious & Spacious Connecting Rooms at the Loews
The 440-rooms are modern, clean and well-appointed. Add to that, spacious bathrooms and balconies overlooking the bay and gardens—they're almost too nice to leave.
4. Stellar Food Options on the Resort
In addition to in-room dining, there are four places to eat on the property.
- Crown's Landing: Located just inside the hotel, this is a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Decorated in a maritime-theme, Crown's Landing feels like the inside of a ship—without all the swaying. The menus are full of locally-inspired fare with an emphasis on sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. For breakfast, we recommend the pancakes although if your kids love waffles, they'll be just as delighted by those as well. For dinner, the Steak Frites and the Mussels were perfection.
- La Cantina: Located next to the pools, this is the spot for poolside lunches or for more casual, shared bites. Family favorites include the Cantina nachos, crispy Baja fish tacos, and cheeseburgers for the kids.
- Silver Strand Exchange: Part market (there's wine, beer, and snacks), deli (pastries and sandwiches) and gift shop, here's where you'll also order your lattes to-go, and where you'll come back to later for some of that must-have gelato.
- Cay's Lounge: Located deeper within the lobby, here you can order small bites, drinks and where you can take in a game on the big screen television or listen to live music (more on that below!).
5. Entertainment in Cay's Lounge
The lobby is spaciously cozy—and while that may seem like an oxymoron, there are plenty of spots (from banquette seating to low chairs around small tables) to tuck in as a family—whether you want to catch a game on the big screen during football season or listen to live music (Fri. and Sat. from 7 – 9 p.m.), it's a fun spot to grab a drink, a snack and hang out. If the weather is good, head outdoors to the patio—another great view of the San Diego Bay and at night, the fire pits are turned on making it especially cozy.
Good to Know: Happy Hour is Mon.-Fri. from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.—a fantastic post-pool spot for a pre-dinner drink and snack.
6. The Closest Hotel to Silver Strand Beach Is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort
We absolutely love Silver Strand Beach—so much so, we've declared it the "Best Beach for a Staycation" in our guide to the best beaches in San Diego and is by far, one of the best Coronado beaches. The calmer, warmer bayside is great for kiddos who prefer gentler waves, while the ocean side is great for surfing, fishing and hunting for seashells along the beach—word has it that you can find the occasional sand dollar on Silver Strand Beach.
Good to Know: Because crossing the highway on foot is dangerous (there are pedestrian tunnels if you do insist on walking there), Loews Coronado Resort offers complimentary beach shuttles to take you to Silver Strand Beach. So to answer the question, "How far is Loews Coronado Bay Resort from the beach?" Just a few minutes, and you're there.
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7. Paddle Board & Boat Rentals on Site
Not to bury the lede but this may be the best perk of any hotel—thanks to its location on the San Diego Bay, Loews not only offers its own private marina for those heading here by boat (the Crown Isle Marina has 80 slips that accommodate vessels up to 130 feet in length and provides access to all the resort offerings), guests can easily rent any number of water toys from Action Sport Rentals—from wave runners and sailboats and power boats to SUPs and kayaks by the hour.
8. Tennis Courts, Outdoor Spin Classes & Spa
The tennis courts are open in mid-March but if you're looking to work up a sweat, the hotel offers 55-minute outdoor spin classes twice a day most days (although check the schedule for any changes or updates). The spa offers island-inspired body wraps, tropical sea stone massages, facials, and more therapies inspired by surrounding sea.
Of course, if you brought your own bikes (or want to rent them on-site and take a spin along the coast), one of San Diego's best bike paths runs right in front of the property.
9. Fun Lawn Games
There are two ping pong tables and a corn hole set located near the pools—fantastic options when the kids grow tired of the pools and hot tubs (is that even possible?) or if you have some time before dinner and want to sneak in a quick match.
10. The Gelateria in the Silver Strand Exchange
Who doesn't love a little mid-day gelato? Located where you can get snacks, made-to-order coffee drinks, and gifts, kids will love heading here for a mid-afternoon or post-dinner dessert.
Good to Know: If you walk around the property, you'll notice there are raised garden beds on-site. The citrus in the garden is used to make Loews' private label vodka with You & Yours Distilling Co. and the herbs and lettuces are also used at the signature restaurant, Crown Landing.
4000 Coronado Bay Rd.
Coronado, CA
Online: loewshotels.com
What to Do on Coronado Island
With over 50 restaurants, 7 art galleries, and over 30 retail shops, there is plenty to see (and eat) along the famed Orange Ave. in Coronado. Add to that all the action sports, activities, parks and playgrounds, museums, farmer's markets, trolley rides, and more beaches to explore—your family certainly won't be bored.
If you are taking a walk along the beach near the Village, make sure to swing by and see The Sandcastle Man—his sandcastle building skills are sure to inspire the next generation!
Good to Know: Looking for a playground? Tidelands Park is the biggest of Coronado’s parks and is a model for inclusive design for people with disabilities.
Online: coronadovisitorcenter.com
This trip was paid for by Loews Coronado Bay Resort, but all the opinions and photos, unless otherwise noted, belong to the writer.
