The community of Coronado is located on a peninsula just across the San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego and is bounded on the West by the Pacific Ocean. Although the 2.1 mile graceful, curving bridge is a quick ride from the city, Coronado has the feel of a secluded island retreat. Blessed with mild Mediterranean weather, generous sparkling sand beaches and a historic landmark hotel, Coronado is a unique village, quaint, yet with a quiet sophistication.

Spanish for “the crowned one,” Coronado might be considered royal -- visitors to the “island” have included royalty from many countries as well as celebrities from the business and art worlds. There are 25,000+ residents in the 8 square mile community. Coronado is also home to the Naval Air Station-North Island and the U.S. Navy SEALs Headquarters.

Forbes Magazine noted in 2010 that the median home price in Coronado is $1,840,665, which makes it one of the most affluent communities in the U.S. A drive down Glorietta Boulevard will testify to the grand homes in this enclave; Victorian mansions are interspersed with a diverse mix of other architectural styles. City code specifies that no two homes on one street can be built with the same design. Orange Avenue is noted for its manicured gardens and popular upscale dining and shopping choices, with art galleries and theaters in abundance.

Coronado supports numerous cultural endeavors: the Coronado Museum of History and Art, fine art galleries, the Coronado School of the Arts, the Lamb’s Players Theatre, the Coronado Playhouse and the Coronado Art Association. Thirty outdoor art pieces dot the village, including sculpture, murals, fountains and mosaics.

The most imposing structure in Coronado is the Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888, two years before the incorporation of the city, the Queen Anne Revival Style “Del” is one of the few remaining Victorian resorts still in existence and in 1977 was named a National Historic Landmark. Its red-roofed turrets and asymmetrical buildings have attracted many famous visitors, including kings, presidents, actors and wealthy entrepreneurs.

The public beach in Coronado encompasses over 1.5 miles, a stunning, wide expanse of fine, sparkling sand (due to mica in the mix) on the Pacific Ocean. Mild temperatures and warm waves treat beach visitors to pleasurable swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and jogging experiences. There are more than 15 miles of biking and running paths throughout the town and the “island” can be accessed by ferry and water taxi or by driving over the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.

With incredible views of the scenic San Diego Bay, Golf Digest considers the Coronado Municipal Golf Course “a gem” and “the best value in the U.S.” The fairly flat par 72 course encourages walking rather than riding. It meanders through an affluent neighborhood and passes by the Hotel del Coronado.

Coronado simply defined as, an idyllic seaside resort, a sophisticated island village, a romantic getaway, a wonderful place to live.