The Crown City: Discover Coronado’s Charm
A self-guided audio tour of Coronado Island
What to Expect
Discover the charm and history of Coronado Island on this self-guided walking tour. Wander at your own pace as you explore the island’s sun-soaked streets, storied neighborhoods, and postcard-perfect shoreline.
Along the way, you’ll uncover Coronado’s early beginnings, visit some of its most iconic landmarks, and hear the captivating stories of the people, visionaries, and everyday residents who helped shape this coastal gem into the beloved destination it is today.
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: Coronado, CA
🚶♂️ Type: Walking tour
⏱ Duration: Approx. 1 hour (flexible)
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish, French, German
Get Ready for Your Coronado Island Tour
Experience the timeless beauty and captivating history of Coronado Island with this immersive self-guided walking tour. Stroll its sunny avenues, charming historic districts, and pristine beachfront as you explore entirely on your own schedule.
As you make your way around the island, you’ll dive into Coronado’s origins, step inside its signature landmarks, and hear engaging stories of the pioneers, personalities, and local legends who transformed this coastal enclave into one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations.
This is the perfect way to truly feel Coronado—its atmosphere, its architecture, and its irresistible small-town charm.
What You’ll See on Your Coronado Island Walking Tour
Hotel Del Coronado
This iconic Victorian resort, built in 1888, has welcomed presidents, royalty, and Hollywood stars while standing as a symbol of Coronado’s seaside elegance. Its distinctive red-turreted roof and storied past make it a must-see beacon of California history.
Coronado Beach & Dunes
Golden sand, gentle waves, and sweeping dunes make Coronado Beach a serene escape beloved by locals and visitors alike. Here, you can soak up California’s coastal beauty and feel the peaceful rhythm of the Pacific.
House of the Wizard of Oz Author L. Frank Baum
This house honors L. Frank Baum, the Wizard of Oz author, who spent time on Coronado and drew inspiration from its charm. His connection offers a literary touchstone to the island’s creative and whimsical side.
Lamb’s Players Theatre
A vibrant staple of Coronado’s arts scene, Lamb’s Players Theatre stages everything from classic dramas to modern comedies in a warm, community-focused setting. Its performances offer a culturally rich complement to the town’s historic architecture.
Museum of History and Art (Coronado Historical Association)
This museum, curated by the Coronado Historical Association, explores the town’s unique story through interactive exhibits and a vast archive. Visitors gain insights into Coronado’s development, its military roots, and the evolution of local life.
Orange Avenue
The main street of Coronado, Orange Avenue, is lined with charming shops, cafés, and historic buildings that capture the town’s relaxed seaside mood. It's the perfect place to stroll and soak in the island’s character.
Coronado Public Library
More than just a place to borrow books, this library serves as a community hub—reflecting Coronado’s dedication to education, local history, and civic pride. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a peaceful stop in your exploration.
Spreckels Park
A shady, tree-filled park just off Orange Avenue, Spreckels Park offers a quiet place for reflection, picnics, and people-watching. It’s a lovely pause amid the energy of the town center.
Sacred Heart Church
Designed by renowned architect Irving J. Gill and completed in 1919, Sacred Heart Church is celebrated for its simple yet powerful design and enduring spiritual role in the community.
Heritage Tree
This venerable tree stands as a living symbol of Coronado’s past, providing shade, character, and a sense of continuity across generations. It’s a natural monument that ties today’s island to its earlier days.
Art & Frames of Coronado
This local gallery and frame shop showcases a rotating selection of Coronado-inspired art, making it a perfect stop for visitors drawn to both creativity and community.
Ice House Museum at Hotel del Coronado
Located on the hotel grounds, this intimate museum tells the story of The Del’s history—from its construction to its most dramatic moments—and highlights the role of its once operational ice house.
Meeting Point
Your Coronado Island walking tour begins at 1107 Orange Ave.
Look for the Old Town Trolley Stop J, on the sidewalk in front of McP's Irish Pub.
FAQs About Our Coronado Island Walking Tour
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Free parking is available on Coronado Island at Ocean Boulevard, near Coronado City Hall and Community Center, and at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
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Tickets for Lamb’s Players Theatre range between $28 and $92, depending on the seat and show.
An $8 discount is available for seniors aged over 66 and veterans.
Half-price tickets are available for:
Youth (ages 5–17)
Young Adults (18–35) who are members of the Lamb’s Players Theatre <35 Club
Active Duty Military
Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. The 7 pm performance on Fridays includes a free Youth, Young Adult, or Active Duty Military ticket with the purchase of a regular-priced adult ticket.
Visit the Lamb’s Players Theatre website for more information.
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Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
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You will walk for just over two miles on Drives & Detours’ Coronado Island tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some gentle hills to climb.
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Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
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Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
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No—download your Coronado Island tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
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Once you have purchased your Coronado Island walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
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Unfortunately, Dives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Coronado Island self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking local websites for more information. Work has been carried out to make Coronado Beach wheelchair accessible.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours Coronado Island Self-Guided Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
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