South of San Diego to the Mexican border, cultures blend irrevocably. Many Mexican citizens live, work in, and send their children to school in communities such as Chula Vista and National City. Likewise, many Americans live in the beach towns south of Tijuana, taking advantage of cheaper housing and medical care. And people flood both ways across the border to shop, to be entertained, and to pursue a livelihood. Vast stretches of empty beaches are protected nature preserves where one can hike and discover abundant wildlife. Beach towns devote themselves to the surf culture, while exclusive Coronado boasts one of the most prized zip codes in the country.
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Morning
Begin at Bikes & Beyond (see Cycling) at the Ferry Landing Market Place. Walk to the sidewalk facing the harbor and enjoy the city view. Pedestrians and joggers also use this sidewalk, so proceed cautiously. Around the corner, you’ll face the Coronado Bridge (see Coronado Bridge); the bougainvillea-covered walls on the right mark the Marriott Resort (see Marriott Coronado Island Resort). Information boards on the way depict harbor wildlife and a map indicates the various navy yards. Under the bridge, the path turns away from the water. At the street, bear left and cross over. There is no protected bike path, but traffic is light on Glorietta Bay Drive. At the marina, the road will fork; take the lower road to the left. Turn right at the stop-light and get off your bike; bike riding is forbidden on Orange Avenue. At 1025 Orange Avenue, Moo Time Creamery serves delicious homemade ice cream and smoothies. Walk your bike back to Hotel del Coronado (see Hotel del Coronado) and check out the shops on its lower level (see Shops at the Hotel del Coronado). Leaving the hotel, bear left to Ocean Avenue; the Pacific Ocean is on the left and several 100-year-old mansions on the right. Turn right on Alameda and ride through a typical Coronado neighborhood with Spanish-style houses and bungalows. At 4th, cross the street and walk one block; the Naval Air Station will be on your left. Turn right on 1st. It’s a straight stretch back to the Market Place.
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Keep a sense of humor, bargain hard, and remember: what you see is what you get. You may find some lovely folk art, a decent leather purse, and fine silver jewelry (see Avenida Revolución).
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Enjoy the memorable California-French cuisine while looking out onto the bay.
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This independent bookstore has helpful staff, an ample selection of books of local interest and international papers and magazines.
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As the endangered Western snowy plover seeks a place in which to lay her fragile eggs, the green-and-white vehicles of the US Border Patrol swoop down hillsides, lights blazing, in search of the illegal immigrant. An enormous, rusty, corrugated metal fence, which separates the US and Mexico, slices through the park before plunging into the sea. This southern part of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (see Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve) attracts nature lovers who come to hike, ride horses, picnic on the beach, and birdwatch. On the Mexican side of the fence is a lively Mexican community and bullring (see Border Field State Park).
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History relates that the original Caesar salad took its name from the restaurant’s first owner, Caesar Cardini. The salad is still served with flair.
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This outdoor café offers a selection of sandwiches, wraps, and panini. Breakfast is served until 2pm.
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Since 1952, patrons have eaten the carne asada – a thin filet of marinated grilled beef – savory tacos, and enchiladas with gusto.
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Some worthwhile folk art is hidden among a hodgepodge of Hummel figurines, assorted brica-brac, blown glass, and black clay pottery. They have a good collection of alebrijes .
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The luscious French cuisine will put you in heaven. Save with the early-bird special.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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Whale Watching in San DiegoEach year from December to March, whale and marine-life enthusiasts can watch gray whales from San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument. Read more
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Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog CompetitionSurfing dog lovers rejoice! The Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition brings together the cream of the competitive surfing dog circuit at Imperial beach for one almighty showdown. Cowabunga. Read more
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US Open Sandcastle CompetitionThe US Open Sandcastle Competition takes place annually at the Imperial Beach Pier in Imperial Beach. Teams compete for a total of more than US$21,000 in cash prizes in what is billed as the... Read more
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