For visitors from out of town making their Fourth of July celebration an extended weekend or week-long vacation, Coronado has plenty of options to keep you busy.
Check out these must-see locations and activities.
Village Theatre
The timeless Village Theatre, which originally opened in 1947, has been a gathering place in Coronado for years.
Spanning the walls and leaping to life are hand painted murals by Disney muralist Bill Anderson, who depicts images such as the skyline of Coronado, the Hotel del Coronado, the bridge and scenes from Balboa Park today and during the exposition.
The three screening rooms play newly released films nightly, with the offering of freshly popped popcorn.
The Wizard of Oz House
Located across from Star Park, the Wizard of Oz house served as a winter escape for the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum.
From 1904 to 1910, Baum spent his winters on the island. He rented out the charming yellow house while writing a few books in the Oz series: “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz,” “The Emerald City of Oz” and “The Road to Oz.”
Baum also stayed at the Hotel del Coronado, and it is said that his inspiration for the Emerald City came from the grand hotel.
The Kingston Trio
Not only a winter residence for L. Frank Baum, the Wizard of Oz House was also home to Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio.
The trio, composed of Reynolds, Bob Shane, Dave Guard and later John Stewart, was arguably one of the top vocal groups in the world during the late 1950s and 1960s, bringing American folk music mainstream.
It is said that the group influenced musicians like Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell.
The trio had two links to Coronado.
Reynolds grew up on the island and lived there during his life, and John Stewart was born in San Diego but moved to the island later on. Be sure to check out the group’s iconic music on Spotify.
Dog Beach
Bordering Coronado’s North Island Naval Station and across from Sunset Park at the end of Island Boulevard, dog beach is a great place to take your furry friends— leash-free.
The surrounding scenery is stunning, and the location is great for both dog owners, and those who are just looking for people and dog watching entertainment.
Bonfire on North Beach
Enjoy the full experience of the Fourth of July with a bonfire on North Beach, which stretches from just north of the main lifeguard tower to the fence line of Naval Air Station North Island.
Park by a public fire pit away from dog beach and gather your family and friends to roast s’mores and watch the sunset. The fire pits are non-reservable so be sure to plan ahead.
Rent a boat in the bay or take a ferry
A day out on the water is an automatic guarantee of a good time.
Rent a boat from Seaforth Boat Rentals or take a charter. Renting a pontoon is a great way to gather a large group of people on the water, while still being able to enjoy a BBQ or a picnic with minimal boating experience required.
Although the bridge is an easy way to get on and off the island, taking a ferry to downtown San Diego is a fun weekend activity. For baseball fans, the Convention Center ferry stop provides easy access to Petco Park and a Padres Game. The Friars are hosting the Los Angeles Angels from July 3-5.
Coronado Summer Concert Series
Head to Spreckels Park at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, to hear the soulful live music performance from one of Coronado’s newest local music groups, the Suenamis, as part of the Coronado Summer Concert Series.
Get Ready for Fourth of July!
Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day at Coronado’s Fourth of July festivities? Visit our CFOJ webpage at thecoronadonews.com/fourth-of-july/, where you’ll find all the information you need to make this year’s celebration unforgettable. Check out local hotel accommodations, restaurant recommendations, and more!
