TRAVELING SOWELL
HOTEL DEL CORONADO
EVERYTHING WE'D TELL OUR FRIENDS TO DO THERE
We came to San Diego with an itinerary. Then we checked into Hotel del Coronado and scrapped it. Once we parked the car, we didn’t need it again. Between the beach, pool, restaurants and walkable town of Coronado right outside, there was no reason to drive.
THE HOTEL
The Del felt special from the moment we arrived. We walked through the landscaped grounds into a hotel that’s been welcoming guests since 1888, with old-fashioned room keys still hanging behind the front desk. It’s hosted presidents, royalty and movie stars for more than a century, but it still felt like a modern beach resort. The Del completed a more than $550 million restoration in 2025 and was named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places in 2026.
WHEN WE WENT
We stayed for spring break in late March, and the weather was perfect. We spent all day at the pool and dined outdoors for every meal.
OUR ROOM
We stayed in a Views Resort View Terrace Fire Pit 2 Queens, which gave us a private outdoor terrace with lounge seating and our own fire pit. We loved the outdoor space and sitting by the fire each night. We also got a great deal booking one night with Hilton points, so if you have those check the points rate.
BEACH + POOL
We spent our days bouncing between the beach and pool. Make sure to get to the pool early. The best chairs filled up quickly.
WHERE WE ATE
Serẽa was our favorite meal at the Del. We had an incredible Mediterranean meze spread on the patio with cocktails and ocean views. Veranda was excellent for breakfast, and Babcock & Story Bar gave us another easy option without leaving the property. Since our stay, Nobu has opened at the Del, so that’s already on our list for next time.
CORONADO
When we did leave the resort, we still didn’t need the car. Coronado was extremely walkable, with restaurants and shops just minutes from the hotel. We ate at The Henry and Frenchie’s and walked to the nearby Vons for groceries.
CHECK RATES + BOOK
