San Diego’s White-Sand Paradise: Discover New Hotels & Vintage Charm This Summer

When you think of white-sand getaways, Southern California may not come to mind. Known more for chill vibes, splendid sunny weather all year, chiseled abs (sorry to disappoint), and iconic surfing culture, SoCal typically draws visitors for its laid-back atmosphere.

Of course, there’s no better West Coast city for a year-round beach escape than San Diego, and I’m not just saying that because I live here.

One of my favorite places to play “tourist” was featured on a list of the ’25 Picture-Perfect Beach Vacation Ideas’, and we at Travel Off Path certainly aren’t putting up a fight about it.

Locals may mislabel this peninsula as an “island”, but it certainly feels like one once you cross the staggering bridge offering panoramic views of San Diego’s vibrant skyline, the glistening bay stretching to the Pacific, and even glimpses into Baja.

Boasting vintage charm on a traditional main strip in a town where there’s actually a city code encouraging no house to look identical, Coronado is genuinely one of San Diego’s most unique destinations, anchored by a world-famous hotel with ties dating back to Marilyn Monroe’s heyday.

Though with a recent glow-up and Hilton rebrand, along with another exciting new hotel opening, Coronado perfectly blends old and new and shouldn’t be skipped over on your next San Diego getaway.

New Places To Stay & Coronado’s First Rooftop Bar

Hotel del Coronado:

Let’s start with a place that we’ve held dear to us for a long time. I joined Travel Off Path in January 2023, but I didn’t have to fill in the rest of the team about Hotel del Coronado, inarguably San Diego County’s most legendary hotel.

We awarded San Diego’s iconic beachside stay as a ‘Top U.S. Hotel’ for our 2024′ Best In Travel Awards.

Circling back to Marilyn Monroe, this was where she filmed Some Like It Hot in 1958. Since then, it’s been a marvel for anyone looking to splurge on a quintessential SoCal vacation mere steps from open white-sand shores with sweeping views of the Pacific, along with Point Loma’s cliffside and Tijuana’s skyline.

I paid a visit this week since much of San Diego’s beaches are no longer on high alert for bacteria, and hopefully won’t be much longer since there’s FINALLY been an agreement reached between the U.S. and Mexico to stop polluted waters from crossing into California.

Time will tell…

The point being, when the conditions are right, and they certainly are now, Coronado is a must-visit. If you can squeeze the price, “The Del”, as us locals call it, is worth the splurge.

Rebranded as a Hilton property, this classic hotel has undergone a whopping $550 million renovation.

Speaking of icons, Nobu has entered the chat and now anchors the property’s already impressive dining scene.

The Bower:

The Bower is Coronado’s newest hotel. Set on Orange Avenue, a stone’s throw from The Del, this new boutique stay patched up this charming town’s gaping hole — no rooftop bars!

How could such a pretty vacation spot with ocean views on one side, and bayside views of San Diego’s skyline on the flip side, not have a rooftop bar?

I don’t have the answer except to now say The Bower is the answer. Check out The Dive, serving anything from weekend brunch to a handcrafted cocktail to take in a fiery sunset.

There are 39 meticulously designed rooms on the site of this former Japanese tea garden, as well as a welcome drink, 24/7 fitness center, and free bicycle rentals, perfect for riding down the paved trail along Silver Strand all the way to Imperial Beach, America’s southernmost beach town.

Do note there is a $50 resort fee charge.

Travel Tip: If The Dive is too crowded, check out Stake a block away, with a rivaling second-level patio and awesome Happy Hour (get the ceviche tostadas!).

Coronado’s Vintage Charm

Don’t get me wrong — there’s a certain level of elitism in Coronado. As a tourist, though, you won’t feel it as much as if you were to live here.

Whether it be that every home looks different, no matter if it’s a new build or a century-old cottage, the village-like Ferry Landing shops along the bay and Orange Avenue community staples, the history of The Del, or classic diners, Coronado proves authentic small town charm can still exist, and is a true tourist destination.

Although, I guarantee you there’s one spot tourists overlook — The Village Theatre. To me, there’s no better place to see a movie in all of San Diego.

Other than accepting Fandango, this place hasn’t changed a bit over the years, including concession prices. Popcorn and soda for $5 each (with unlimited refills) — where else can you find that?

You’ll love the cozy seating and decades-old graphics before the movie starts. It’s truly a time capsule.

Keep an eye out for the annual Coronado Island (see what I was sayin’?) Film Festival in November.

Speaking of upcoming events, it was recently announcedthat NASCAR is taking over Coronado’s military base in 2026 for an unprecedented, first-of-its-kind race coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.