Just when you thought the prospect of enjoying San Diego’s beaches couldn’t get any more appealing, two of them have once again landed on Tripadvisor’s annual list of the best beaches in the United States – and this time they’re both in the Top 10.
Tripadvisor’s coveted Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards program has bestowed the No. 8 ranking nationally on Coronado Beach. And it has granted the No. 10 ranking to La Jolla Cove.
Both San Diego-area beaches also made Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list last year. For 2023, Coronado has moved up seven places, while La Jolla Cove has maintained its Top 10 status from 2022.
Tripadvisor calls the Best of the Best awards its highest honor, recognizing places that rank among the top 1 percent of all listings on the site. The accolades are based on reviews and ratings collected over the past year.
The company’s announcement included these quotes about the two local beaches:
- Coronado Beach: “Miles of white sand and gorgeous views! The ends are bordered by military property, and it is awesome to see the Navy Seals training and doing drills.”
- La Jolla Cove: “ This is a great spot to see lounging seals and pelicans – amidst a very scenic beach line.”
And now that you’ve heard how amazing these beaches are, here’s some insider info to help you get started on booking a San Diego beach trip. Follow these tips and you can have your toes in the sand in no time!
La Jolla Cove
Places to explore
Snorkeling is a must-do at the Cove, a protected area that’s alive with marine life, including vibrant orange garibaldi (California’s state fish), purple sea urchins, starfish and much more. The Cave Store offers tours of the famous cave that opens out onto the water near the Cove (the shop also sells souvenirs and rents water gear). Stroll along the La Jolla Coast Walk for amazing views up the coast toward Torrey Pines, rent a kayak to get a close-up view of the caves, or rent an electric bike to scale Mount Soledad. A little farther afield are the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse, the Torrey Pines Gliderport and the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Places to eat
For memorable fine dining with views that won’t quit, George’s at the Cove is a can’t-miss pick and a true San Diego experience. The elegant A.R. Valentien, tucked into The Lodge at Torrey Pines, is another fine-dining favorite. More casual eateries abound, too: Jose’s Court Room has been treating diners to Mexican specialties for more than five decades. And it’s hard to match the views from Brockton Villa, which is so close to the Cove that you can have a little call-and-response with the resident seals.
Places to get your gear
Try La Jolla Caves Snorkel and Paddleboard close to the cove, or head over to nearby La Jolla Shores for boards and more at the famed Surf Diva Surf School and Boutique.
Places to stay
A La Jolla landmark, the historic La Valencia Hotel — known affectionately as the Pink Lady — commands beautiful views of the Cove, Kellogg Park and surrounding areas. The nearby Grande Colonial, styled after a European boutique hotel, likewise boasts gorgeous views and a central location in La Jolla’s charming Village.
Joining those venerable establishments are a pair of new boutique hotels. The Cormorant is a 26-room property just steps from the community’s charming Village district, and two blocks from the awe-inspiring oceanfront. And the Orli La Jolla is situated in an early-1900s building designed by the renowned San Diego architect Irving Gill. The 13-room seaside lodging aims to combine traditional hotel amenities with a more private, easygoing feel.
Coronado
Places to explore
True to the beachside community’s catch phrase, “Wonder All Around,” Coronado is an amazing place to go exploring — on foot or via pedal power. The city is bicycling nirvana, whether along the main beach boardwalk, near the Coronado Ferry Landing on the other side of the island or down the Bayshore Bikeway toward Imperial Beach. Make sure to take a stroll down Orange Avenue, Coronado’s main drag, with its shops, eateries and such cultural landmarks as Lamb’s Players Theatre and the Coronado Museum of History & Art.
Places to eat
The Hotel Del offers a wide range of dining possibilities, from the casual Beach & Taco Shack (with such specialties as the vegan mushroom poblano taco) to the beachfront elegance of Serea. Coronado Brewing has been serving up local craft brews on the island for nearly 30 years, and operates a popular brew pub near the Coronado Ferry Landing. Or try a beach-close local favorite such as Miguel’s Cocina for tempting Mexican fare.
Places to get your gear
Rent surfboards and more at Emerald City Surf Shop on Orange Avenue. For bicycles, e-bikes, surreys and other wheeled fun, try Holland’s Bicycles, with locations both on Orange Avenue and at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
Places to stay
The jewel of the Crown City (as Coronado is known) is the Hotel Del Coronado, famous for its starring role in movies from “Some Like It Hot” to “The Stunt Man.” The hotel has seen numerous recent updates that include the luxurious new guest experiences offered by the Shore House at The Del. And just down the Silver Strand that stretches south of Coronado is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, with a tranquil setting and easy access to San Diego Bay and the nearby beach.