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The City of Coronado A historic tale of beauty

In February, 1967 construction of a $50 million bridge began. We invite you to join us for our Tour De Coronado Bike Tour to marvel in the history and beauty that makes this island so magical.

Call (858) 454-1010 or feel free to reserve your Bike Tour online. Click Here!

Coronado Island Coronado lies directly across San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego.  Coronado, means the "Crown," and is referred to as the Crown City, and it is famous for the historic Hotel Del Coronado, built in 1888.  The Hotel Del Coronado is easily distinguishable with its Victorian architecture and red tile roof. The Del, as it is often referred to, has been host to many famous guests including Hollywood movie stars and a laundry list of former Presidents.

 

The City of Coronado was actually discovered by a Spanish explorer by the name of Sebastian Vizcaino in November of 1602.  However, it was not officially named until much later.  In 1886, a naming contest in a local newspaper was awarding a $50.00 prize to name the area now known as Coronado. Originally, the name "Miramar" was chosen; however, after much debate over this choice, the name was changed to "Coronado" meaning the "Crowned One."  This choice would later reflect the exclusive resort that the Hotel Del Coronado would come to be, and its ability to attract so many famous people.

 

world war 2 planesDon Pedro Carillo gained possession of the property of Coronado, in addition to the property of what is now North Island, by a land grant issued by Mexican Governor Pio Pico in 1846.  He later sold the two islands for $1,000.  The islands were sold again several years later for $10,000.  John Spreckels was the last owner and later sold the island to the United States government so it could be used as an air base during World War I.   This was where Coronado got its roots in the Department of Defense, as it is now home to the Navy.  In 1917, the U.S. entered World War I against Germany, and Coronado was recommended to be a joint Army-Navy Air Services training facility.  Later that year, Congress condemned 1232 acres of the area to be a permanent military aviation school.

 

The streets in the quaint City of Coronado also have an interesting history.  In the 1880s, 30,000 trees were brought over to Coronado by barge to landscape the newly developing area.  The main drag in Coronado even today is Orange Avenue, and it was originally named after the orange trees that were planted as the main landscaping lining the road.  Olive Street and Palm Avenue were also named after these trees that were used to landscape these streets respectively.  One of the most famous trees in Coronado even today is the star pine on the lawn a the Hotel Del Coronado, which was the first tree lighted with electrical lights in 1904. 

 

Hotel Del CoronadoWith the construction of the Hotel Del Coronado, interest was developing in the Coronado area.  To entice people to purchase property in Coronado, free water and free ferry tickets were offered for one year. In November of 1886, the first land auction resulted in the sale of the first lot for $1600.

 

As Coronado began to grow quickly, the issue of accessability became more of an issue.  The first thought to build a bridge connecting downtown San Diego and Coronado was heavily considered in 1929; plans were to construct a drawbridge, but this idea was later abandoned.  Finally, in February of 1967, the construction a $50 million bridge began.

 

Need Transportation?
We offer complimentary transportation from Coronado and downtown with our shuttle (subject to availability) Please call for more information. 858-454-1010

 

Bike Coronado: Downtown, The Del, and the Silver Strand

Tour De Coronado

The Coronado bike tour is mostly flat, and includes a ferry ride across the San Diego Harbor. Our biking tours are designed for those who want to enjoy the outdoors while on vacation in San Diego. Please feel free to call for more informatin regarding our Coronado Bike Tour.

 

Special Pricing! for Advance Reservations. Reserve Now Online! Or call (858) 454-1010.

Click Here for more information on our Coronado Bike Tour.
(Call for Downtown San Diego Shuttle Times for Pickup & Drop Off)

Reservations Reserve Online or Call 858-454-1010