Coronado Ferry Landing and Beach
Rating
Family of 4
$30-$80 (ferry $7/adult round trip, $5.
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
The Coronado Ferry ride and beach day is one of San Diego's most satisfying family experiences -- combining a boat ride, waterfront exploration, world-class beach time, and stunning views into a flexible adventure at remarkably low cost.
The 15-minute crossing gives passengers 360-degree views of the harbor, downtown skyline, and the Coronado Bridge arcing overhead. Kids gravitate to the bow for wind-in-their-face excitement.
The Coronado Ferry Landing has shops, restaurants, and a sandy beach facing back toward the San Diego skyline. Renting bikes and riding the Bayshore Bikeway along the waterfront is outstanding. The ride to Coronado Beach takes about 15-20 minutes.
Coronado Beach is wide, clean, and family-perfect with a distinctive silvery sparkle, gentle waves, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop. The hotel, built in 1888, looks like something from a fairy tale.
The full experience -- ferry over, bike to the beach, swim and sandcastle, bike back, ferry home at sunset -- creates a full day for under $50-80 per family. No car is needed, which avoids the bridge toll and parking challenges.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Take the ferry over in the late morning, explore Coronado through the afternoon, and ferry back at sunset for the most spectacular skyline views. The ferry runs every hour and the ride is 15 minutes of pure joy for kids.
Wait Times
5-10 min for ferry boarding; ferries run approximately every hour
Nearby Food
The Ferry Landing has Il Fornaio (Italian, $14-22) and Peohe's (seafood, $20-35). MooTime Creamery in Coronado Village has legendary ice cream ($5-8). The Hotel del Coronado's restaurants are a splurge-worthy experience ($20-35).
Why Kids Love It
The Coronado Ferry turns a simple water crossing into a genuine adventure for kids. Departing from downtown San Diego, the 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay gives families a boat experience without committing to an expensive whale-watching excursion. Kids stand at the bow watching the downtown skyline recede, seagulls soaring alongside, and the historic Hotel del Coronado growing larger.
Once in Coronado, families can rent bikes and ride the flat Bayshore Bikeway along the waterfront, or walk to Coronado Beach -- consistently ranked among the top 10 beaches in America. The sand has a subtle sparkle from mica flecks. The waves are gentle. The Hotel del Coronado provides a stunning backdrop.
The sunset ferry ride back to downtown is the perfect finale. The downtown buildings glow golden as the sun drops behind Point Loma.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Take the ferry from the Broadway Pier on the Embarcadero -- ferries run approximately every hour from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Ride the ferry back at sunset for the best skyline views
- Rent bikes at the Ferry Landing and ride the flat Bayshore Bikeway
- Walk south to Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado (about 1.5 miles)
- The ferry accepts bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs -- bring your own bike aboard for free
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel
- Camera
- Light jacket (bay breeze)
- Sand toys
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$30-$80 (ferry $7/adult round trip, $5.
Tips to Save
- The ferry ride is just $7/adult round trip ($5.
- 50/child).
- Kids under 3 ride free.
- Walk or bike the Coronado waterfront instead of taking a paid tour.
- Coronado Beach is free and consistently rated one of the top beaches in America.
- Pack a picnic.
- Bike Coronado on the free Bayshore Bikeway.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Monday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
