Advice for a day trip?

Question

My boys want to see a Padres game so hubby and I will go sightseeing. I’m interested in going to Coronado. What do you recommend as far as how to get there? Should we park in San Diego and take a ferry or drive over? Any other suggestions on what to do for the day? Take a drive to La Jolla? I’m a beach, biking and nature girl. Not into museums. We are considering staying overnight in Liberty Station area. This trip is in September on a Wednesday. Thank you

Answer

For a day trip to Coronado from downtown San Diego, you have a couple of convenient options depending on your preference for driving versus enjoying a scenic ferry ride.

Getting to Coronado:

Drive over the Coronado Bridge: Quick and straightforward, about 10–15 minutes from downtown San Diego. Parking is available near Coronado Beach, but note that some areas can be limited or metered.
Ferry from Broadway Pier or the Embarcadero: Offers a scenic and relaxing approach to Coronado, providing great views of the city skyline and bay. Once on Coronado, there is a small shuttle and limited parking if you need it. This is more leisurely and photo-friendly, especially if you want to avoid city traffic.

Things to Do in Coronado:

Stroll along Coronado Beach—soft sand, iconic views, and good for walking or relaxing.
Bike along the Coronado Ferry Landing area or the beachfront paths; rentals are available nearby.
Visit the Hotel del Coronado—even just to walk the grounds and admire the historic architecture.
Enjoy lunch or coffee at local cafes near the beach or Ferry Landing.

Optional Additions to the Day:

La Jolla: About a 25–30 minute drive from downtown San Diego. Great for scenic ocean views, walking along the cliffs, spotting sea lions at La Jolla Cove, or strolling through the village for boutique shopping and casual dining.
Point Loma / Cabrillo National Monument: Offers fantastic views of San Diego Bay, tide pools, and short nature walks. Excellent if you enjoy history and scenic overlooks without a museum-heavy focus.
Liberty Station: If staying overnight here, explore the arts district, parks, and waterfront paths. There are plenty of casual dining options, breweries, and open spaces for walking or biking.

Tips:

Since it’s a Wednesday in September, traffic will generally be lighter than weekends, but plan to arrive early if driving over the bridge to secure beach parking.
If you’re combining Coronado and La Jolla in one day, starting with Coronado in the morning and heading north to La Jolla in the afternoon is a practical sequence.
Pack sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for walking and biking along the beachfront and scenic areas.

Overall, for a beach, biking, and nature-focused day, a ferry ride to Coronado followed by a drive to La Jolla provides a relaxed and scenic experience while avoiding heavy urban congestion. Liberty Station makes a convenient and vibrant overnight base with easy access to downtown and the waterfront.

Advice for a day trip?

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