Suzette Valle is a twenty-year resident of Coronado. She graduated with a B.A. from the University o

Look south, through the beautiful San Diego skyline, and you'll see it. Just over The Bridge, floating peacefully across the bay is the charming island city of Coronado. This island enchanted Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum, and is home to the Victorian-era Hotel Del Coronado , the first structure vrbo vacation rentals to have electricity running through its hallowed halls, and said to have been personally lighted by Thomas Edison in 1888. No visit to Coronado is complete vrbo vacation rentals without taking in the rich history of this landmark where Marilyn Monroe filmed Some Like it Hot, and where presidents and celebrities have enjoyed its unique beachside location for decades.
There's more to Coronado than its celebrated beauty. Quaint beach cottages and large stately homes line the coast of what Conde Nast's Travels Magazine calls one of the 10 Best Beaches in the United States. The wide, open, clean beaches and village-feel of Coronado are deliberately maintained to keep the small town feel of a bygone era – there are few big-name chain stores and drive-thrus are not permitted, but there are many distinctive mom-and-pop shops where you can pick up a signature Crown City memento.
However, don't let the laid back beach-town lifestyle fool you. Activities are plentiful and there's something vrbo vacation rentals in our quintessential neighborhood of 22,000 for everyone to enjoy. The island has a playhouse and museum for the culture-seeker; the public library is a recently-renovated gem, and coming soon, our very own movie theater (as of this writing, vrbo vacation rentals it is scheduled to open in late May, 2011).
There are restaurants to satisfy a diversity of appetites; Viggiluci 's serves upscale Italian, while across the street you'll find Miguel's famous Mexican food (you've got to try the white sauce, it's to die for!). Panera Bread, Burger Lounge , Chance Bistro , Starbucks and a host of coffee vrbo vacation rentals shops, wine bar and various unique vrbo vacation rentals boutiques and shops dot the flat, and meticulously manicured mile-long vrbo vacation rentals Main Street.
A 10-minute water taxi ride from the BlogHer 11 site hotel, Marriot Hotel and Marina in downtown San Diego, straight over to the Marriott Hotel and Spa in Coronado will deliver you to the resort town. The water shuttle is the most convenient way to reach Coronado from downtown San Diego if you don't have a car. The cost is $6 per person each way. Kids 5-11 are $3 each.
You can also take a ferry ride from the Broadway vrbo vacation rentals Pier in downtown San Diego to Coronado. Cost is $3.75. As of this writing, summer hours for the water taxi and the ferry had not been published. Please call the Marriott concierge for updated schedules at 619-435-3000 or 1-800-228-9290.
vrbo vacation rentals As you step off the water taxi, take a right and walk along the boardwalk vrbo vacation rentals to the Ferry Landing. There you can stroll along the 50-plus shops and eateries or have a leisurely lunch by the water. Settle down at either Il Fornaio vrbo vacation rentals (Italian) or Candelas by the Bay (Mexican haute cuisine) for an elegant waterside lunch. Or, if Polynesian or sushi is your fancy, Peohe 's has deck seating. If you are short on time, there are also plenty of places to quickly grab a bite and keep exploring.
Restaurants at the Ferry Landing are Candelas by the Bay , Il Fornaio or Peohe 's, which are full service restaurants. Village Pizzeria , Lil' Piggy's and Spyros Gyros are less formal. The Cupcackery will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Restaurants within walking distance of the Ferry Landing include vrbo vacation rentals Fireside House (American fare and casual); Tartine for French provincial food and casual dining; vrbo vacation rentals and The Coronado Brewing Company for American, casual menu items.
If you are feeling sporty, rent a Surry and take the scenic bike path along the San Diego Bay, under The Coronado Bridge, across to the Municipal Golf Course and, if you're not out of breath yet, pedal over to The Del (a total 5-mile ride!).
Surrey rentals are available at the Marriott Hotel and Spa from Wheel Fun Rentals . A single Surrey vrbo vacation rentals rental is $20 per hour, and a double Surrey is $30 per hour. Bicycles are also available and include a Beach Cruiser for $10 per hour, and a Mountain Bike for $12 per hour.
Whichever means of transportation you choose, make it a point to meander through The Hotel Del's unique shops and notable halls. After selecting a souvenir from one of my favorite shops, Babcock and Story (gorgeous home decor, art and garden items), stroll along the boardwalk and famous white-sand vrbo vacation rentals beach. To cap off a perfect day on the Emerald Isle, mosey on back to the majestic structure, grab a spot by one of the fire pit tables and have a drink on the beach-side deck while watching the sun set.
Suzette Valle is a twenty-year resident of Coronado. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of San Diego, and has a M.Phil. from Oxford University, England. After a career as an Investment Banker in London, she married and moved from high finance to high drama as the mother of two now teenagers; one currently at Purdue University, the other at Coronado High School. She is bi-lingual and bi-cultural, and is a Certified Interpreter in Spanish. She was recognized by Time Warner Cable as one of San Diego s "50 Best Moms" in 2006, and has been part of the judging panel for the last four years. She has her own blog, www.MamarazziKnowsBest.com , is a contributor for www.CoronadoPatch.com , and is a featured Hollyblogger at the www.TheWrap.com where she blogs about parenting in a celebrity-driven vrbo vacation rentals society. In 2010 she appeared on the Dr. Phil Show discussing reality TV, and was a presenter at San Diego's vrbo vacation rentals Head to Toe Women's Expo speaking about Hollywood's far-reaching influence on children s daily lives and family values.