Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [267]
Pacific Terrace Hotel (Map; 858-581-3500, 800-344-3370; www.pacificterrace.com; 610 Diamond St; r from $359; ) If your idea of a full-service hotel is old-world furnishings, ocean view and sky-high prices, the Pacific Terrace is your only choice in PB. There’s a fitness center, spa and concierge services. Parking costs $18.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay has waterfront lodging and at lower prices than on the ocean.
Campland on the Bay (Map; 858-581-4260, 800-422-9386; www.campland.com; 2211 Pacific Beach Dr; RV & campsites $65-140, beachfront from $150; wi-fi) More than 40 acres fronting Mission Bay, reservable up to two years in advance. There’s a restaurant, two pools, boating rentals and full RV hookups. Site costs vary depending on their proximity to the water. The location is great, but the tent area is not very attractive – too many RVs, not enough trees – and it gets crowded. Reservations are recommended.
Catamaran Resort Hotel (Map; 858-488-1081, 800-422-8386; www.catamaranresort.com; 3999 Mission Blvd; r from $159; wi-fi) Tropical landscaping and Polynesian decor fill this bayside resort, perfect for families (and there’s a spa for mom and dad). Sail, kayak, play tennis, and rent a bike or skates and ride around Mission Bay, or board the Bahia Belle from here. Rooms are in low-rise buildings or in a 14-story tower; some have views and full kitchens. The resort hosts a luau on summer evenings. The staff are extremely helpful. Parking costs $12.
Paradise Point Resort (Map; 858-274-4630, 800-344-2626; www.paradisepoint.com; 1404 Vacation Rd; r from $339; wi-fi) The grounds are so lush and dotted with so many palms that you’ll feel like you’re in Hawaii at this upper-end resort, whose 462 rooms are in small ground-floor bungalows. Features for kids include a putting green and summer movies in one of the five swimming pools. Full-service spa. Parking costs $20.
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EATING
In coastal San Diego, you’re never very far from Downtown (Pacific Beach is furthest, only 20 minutes by car), so remember to also check out the restaurant listings for Downtown.
Coronado
BUDGET & MIDRANGE
Villa Nueva (Map; 619-435-4191; 956 Orange Ave; mains $7-9; 6:30am-6pm) No breakfast at your inn? This bakery-café whips up awesome omelettes, pancakes and Mexican breakfasts (try the huevos rancheros) and bakes imaginative muffins – cappuccino cheesecake, pineapple coconut – plus dozens of pies, cakes and pastries (for later – that’s not breakfast food).
1134 Cafe (Map; 619-437-1134; 1134 Orange Ave; mains $7-10; 6am-9pm) This local classic is bright and airy with tall ceilings and stained-glass accents, serving good scramblers, muffins and strong coffee at breakfast; at lunch and dinner there are soups, quiches and salads.
Coronado Brewing Co (Map; 619-437-4452; 170 Orange Ave; mains $10-19; lunch & dinner) The delicious house brew (the Pilsner-style Coronado Golden) goes well with the pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and fries at this good-for-your-soul, bad-for-your-diet bar and grill near the ferry. Happy hour 2pm to 6pm.
Mootime Creamery (Map; 619-435-2422; 1025 Orange Ave; ice cream from $3; 10am-11pm Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat & Sun) All of Coronado screams for this wonderfully creative hometown ice-cream shop, decorated like a ’50s diner: try peanut butter, Mexican chocolate or silly vanilly (you gotta see it). Sorbet flavors include kiwifruit and champagne.
TOP END
Primavera ( 619-435-0454; 932 Orange Ave; mains $18-34; dinner) Subdued, romantic setting for subdued, romantic Italian fare presented by black-tied waiters. It’s known for steaks and seafood dishes like shrimp in mushroom and champagne sauce, plus an excellent wine list. Prices are high, but you get what you pay for.
Mistral (Map; 619-424-4000; Loews