Coronado Beach

In 2012, Coronado Beach was named as the best beach in the United States of America by the Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research. It's not hard to see why, as its fine white sand is interspersed with jet-black mica which sparkle in the year-round sunshine.The style, relaxed culture and scenic environment of Coronado Beach sum up the best of the Californian experience. Located just a few kilometres from San Diego city centre, you can drive here over the Coronado Island Bay Bridge, take a water-taxi, or enjoy the short ferry trip from the city. Coronado means “the crowned one” in Spanish, and this town has thus gained the nickname “The Crown City”.Relax and enjoy the gentle waves lapping on the shore or take a dip in the many warm pools of water left on the strand when the tide goes out. There are plenty of exciting and popular water sports to choose from here, such as jet-skiing and surfing, as well as more serene options like sailing or fishing.As well as being a beautiful and vibrant coastal resort, Coronado Beach also plays host to the stars. Looking onto Central Beach, Ocean Boulevard has lots of impressive mansions, stylish up-market boutiques and exclusive gourmet restaurants.Take in the famous lobby at the majestic Hotel del Coronado, where a number of scenes from the immortal film “Some Like It Hot” with Marilyn Monroe were shot in the 1950s, as well as parts of the more recent “The Stunt Man”. American Presidents have made this a favourite holiday spot down the decades, as have film stars as diverse as Charlie Chaplin, Katherine Hepburn and Brad Pitt.If you've taken the ferry across, spend some time in Ferry Landing, a very pleasant area to stroll around. It has numerous galleries, chic shops and souvenir stalls, as well as a choice of restaurants and cafés and a local Farmers' Market on Tuesdays.Parking is free on Ocean Boulevard, but it's usually difficult to find a space – early-morning arrival is recommended. If you'd like to venture a bit further afield, Glorietta Bay and Silver Strand are beautiful beaches that are well worth a visit.