The easiest way to get to Coronado from downtown San Diego is by car via the 2.3-mile soaring, blue San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. It provides an unobstructed and superb view of downtown San Diego, Coronado and boats on the bay.

Another way to get to Coronado is by taking a scenic and relaxing ferry ride with Flagship Cruises & Events (619-234-4111) or (800-442-7847). It departs from the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego on the hour 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. From Coronado Ferry Landing, departures are every hour on the half hour. The 15-minute ferry cost is ($4.25) one way per person. There is no charge for bicycles; children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased on the San Diego side at the Flagship Cruises & Events ticket booth and on the Coronado side at a ticket machine at Coronado Ferry Landing. If you are running late, you can also purchase tickets on board.

The striking architectural design of Coronado Ferry Landing is reminiscent of the famous Hotel del Coronado. It's home to a sensational restaurant row made up of seven bayfront places to eat including Peohe's, Coronado's premier waterfront restaurant, and Il Fornaio, serving exquisite gourmet Italian cuisine.

If you like to dine and shop, this is it. There are several eclectic shops and galleries offering unique gifts, collectibles, imported fashions, beachwear and more. Coronado Ferry Landing (1) is located at the foot of B Avenue on the bayfront in Coronado at 1201 First St. (619-435-8895). See map. The stores open daily at 10 a.m.--9 p.m. The restaurants have extended hours and ample free parking.

A great way to save money is to redeem the Coronado Ferry Landing discount coupon in this book for a Shopping Pass. It's good for exclusive discounts at most stores. The shopping pass is free at Captain Coronado (Q). You can begin your tour of the shops anywhere. And the handy map in this chapter will help you navigate through Coronado Ferry Landing. Then you can do what most people do and dine at one of the many excellent bay view restaurants. Plus, if you need extra cash, there is a Navy Federal Credit Union ATM (W) here too.

The striking architectural design of Coronado Ferry Landing is reminiscent of the famous Hotel del Coronado. It's home to a sensational restaurant row made up of seven bayfront fine and casual dining places including Peohe's, Coronado's premier waterfront restaurant, and Il Fornaio, serving exquisite gourmet Italian cuisine. If you like to dine and shop, this is it. There are several eclectic shops and galleries offering unique gifts, collectibles, imported fashions, beachwear and more. Coronado Ferry Landing (1) is located at the foot of B Avenue on the bayfront in Coronado at 1201 First St. (619-435-8895). See map. The stores open daily at 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The restaurants have extended hours and ample free parking.

A great way to save money is to redeem the Coronado Ferry Landing coupon for a Shopping Pass. It's good for exclusive discounts at the center. The shopping pass is free at Captain Coronado (Q).
You can begin your tour of the shops anywhere. And the handy map in this chapter will help you navigate through Coronado Ferry Landing. Then you can do what most people do and dine at one of the many excellent bay view restaurants. Plus, if you need extra cash, there is a Navy Federal Credit Union ATM (W) here too.

A top attraction here is the Art for Wildlife Galleries (A) at suite 101 (619-435-4342). This gallery deserves a special visit. The paintings, prints, scultures, wood carvings, glass works and pottery are works of art that anyone would proud to display in their home or office.

The other must-see gallery is the Stephen Clayton Galleries (G) at suite 112 (619-435-6474). Featured here are world renowned, collectible artists such as Dr. Seuss and Mackenzie Thorp. Plus, they have many gallery shows with the artists in attendance. Meeting the artist is always a treat. They have also done exquisite custom framing for the past 20 years.

Catering to travelers is Mascot Boutique (B) in suite 103 (619-435-0548). They have a fine collection of Hawaiian print clothing with new arrivals weekly including Baggallini fashion bags, hats, sunglasses and shell inlay jewelry.

Tucked in between these delightful shopping discoveries is Coronado Cupcakery (C) in suite 104 (619-437-0166). They make dozens of delicious varieties of delicious cakes and cupcakes to snack on.

Aptly named Regali Gourmet & Gifts (D) in suite 105 (619-522-0288) offers unique gift ideas such as hand-painted ceramics, truffles, chocolates, gourmet food items, gift baskets for all occasions.

The latest addition at Coronado Ferry Landing is Sweet San Diego Chocolatier (X) in Suite 106 (619-437-0345). Among their many delicious treats are hand-dipped chocolates, world famous candy apples, chocolate-dipped strawberries, sugar-free chocolates and more.

Also unique to Coronado Ferry Landing is Coronado Cigar Factory (Y) in Suite 107 (619-437-0229). Originally from Las Vegas, they carry hand-rolled and name brand cigars and smoke accessories like Panama hats and guayabera shirts.

French Room (E) in suite 108 (619-437-4325) is a shoe store carrying first class women's clothing and 100 styles of name-brand shoes such as Merrell and the always popular Onex shoes. They also carry designer inspired handbags, jewelry and resort wear fashions.

The classic one-stop souvenir gift shop has to be La Camisa (F) in suite 109 (619-435-8009). They offer the classic items you'll need for a Southern Californian vacation as well as gift items to take home. These items include real seashells and beach accesssories.

Always popular is Scottish Treasures Celtic Corner (M) at suite 213 (619-435-1880). It's filled with everything Scottish including colorful kilts. You'll even find British food, clothing, thistle pottery, Belleek china, bears in tartan and more. Everything in the store has a Scottish or Irish flare! You're sure to have fun in this store.

Since Coronado is a resort town you are bound to find a wide variety of resort shops. Men's Island Sportswear (O) at suite 218 (619-437-4696) is one of these shops. It has name-brand items from Reyn Spooner, Kahala D'Accord, Bamboo Cay, Scala, Aurey's Hawaiian shirts and T-shirts with cool names on them. They also carry a wide range of U.S. military hats.

Captain Coronado (Q) in suite 222 (619-435-1268) keeps up with the theme of resort wear and gift items. They offer a fine selection of wind chimes, candles, T-shirts and souvenir items galore.

The newest addition to Coronado Ferry Landing is Royal India Fashion (N) in suite 217. Its opening in the fall of 2012. The new shop will carry traditional apparel, gifts and mementos.

More good news is that every Tuesday afternoon is a certified Farmer's Market (S). From 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., you can do what the locals do. You can shop for fresh vegetables and a bouquet of fresh flowers. It's all grown and sold by certified farmers. It's located in the lot adjacent to Il Fornaio.

Coronado Ferry Landing also offers free concerts throughout the year. So for a fun excursion with plenty of places to shop and wonderful places to dine, put a visit to Coronado Ferry Landing at the top of your to do list.

When you think that you've seen it all, it's really only the beginning when you opt to take a bike tour with Bikes & Beyond (V) at suite 122 (619-435-7180). This side of Coronado Island has a bayside sidewalk that is best explored by bike.

But the fun doesn't stop here. Besides shopping at Coronado Ferry Landing, it's also home to delicious places to eat and drink. Most have romantic bayfront ocean views.

Everyone's favorite is the one and only Peohe's Restaurant (T) in location 3 (619-437-4474), which overlooks the bay. Diners will be enthralled with their updated look that features splashing waterfalls and spectacular waterfront views. As you might expect, the menu focuses on fresh seafood selections. They even have a full sushi bar and seasonal live entertainment. Their Sunday Brunch is world renowned for its presentation and stunning bay view.

A no less spectacular dining destination with wonderful gourmet Italian cuisine and a romantic bay view to match is Il Fornaio Restaurant (U) at 1333 First St. (619-437-4911). It's like taking a culinary journey to Italy. And everything is fresh and delicious.

Another bayside restaurant with show stopping views is Candelas on the Bay (H) in suite 115 (619-435-4900). Diners like to sit next to the huge bay window or on their delightful patio and enjoy the romantic bay views. They serve French/Mexican fusion cuisine.

More on the casual side is the Village Pizzeria Bayside (I) in location 6 (619-437-0650). They offer an unbeatable view to go along with their unbeatable pizzas and pastas. You can even buy their pizza by the slice to eat with a cold brew.

An exclusive to Coronado Ferry Landing is Lil' Piggy's BBQ (J) in location 5 (619-522-0217). Their informal presentation and delicious baby back ribs have made this place an instant winner!

Also popular is Spiro's Gyros (L) in location 4 (619-435-1225). It too has an excellent harbor view to go along with the host of delicious Greek delicacies it serves. Add a glass of local beer on tap or one of their fine wines for a nice meal on their bayside patio. They are open daily till 8 p.m.

Having a Burger King (R) in suite 201 (619-435-8707) certainly attests to the notion that Coronado Ferry Landing has something for everyone's taste and pocket book.

After a delicious meal head for Cold Stone Creamery (N) in suite 220 (619-437-6919). This popular ice cream shop features more than 50 mix-ins and every selection is made to order.

Or visit Coronado Coffee Company (K) for a freshly ground brew of your favorite coffee and espresso. Then find a nice bench to enjoy your treat and a sweeping bay and city view.

You must visit the famous Hotel del Coronado, and en route, see Coronado's main thoroughfare, Orange Avenue. Other attractions include a historic home tour and Coronado's beautiful main beach, which was rated as one of the top ten beaches in America.

From Coronado Ferry Landing to the Hotel del Coronado is a pleasant 1.3-mile walk or drive along Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street. You can also take the Coronado Shuttle “904” (619-233-3004). However, the “904” does not run on Sundays. Stops include Coronado Ferry Landing, several points along Orange Avenue, Coronado Island Marriott Resort and the Hotel del Coronado. The fare is ($2.25) for adults, ($1.10) for seniors and free for kids 5 and under.

En route to the Hotel del Coronado along Orange Avenue is the beautiful John D. Spreckels Park (3). From Memorial Day through early September, free concerts are performed Sundays at 5 p.m. September 2 and 9 are at 5 p.m. Also held here every first and third Sunday of the month is Art in the Park. It's a fine arts and crafts show displaying the works of talented local and nationally known artists and artisans. This event takes place 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For live theatre in Coronado, it's the Lamb's Players (5) at 1142 Orange Ave. (619-437-6000). This 350-seat theatre offers excellent year-round live performances.

For more information on Coronado, visit the Coronado Visitor Center (4) in the lobby of the Museum of History and Art, 1100 Orange Ave. (619-437-8788). Here you can get maps, brochures and a calendar of events. Tickets for many San Diego attractions are sold here too. It's open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

En route to the Hotel Del Coronado is the Coronado Plaza (6) (619-437-1871) at 1330 Orange Ave. at the last signal before reaching the Hotel Del Coronado. It typifies the Coronado Village atmosphere with swaying palm trees and ocean views. It's big attraction is that it is filled with 17 cute little shops and restaurants and executive suites on two levels with, believe it or not, three elevators as well as underground parking. And as anyone who has ever been in Coronado knows that underground parking in Coronado is rare. Plus, the parking meter maids are ferrous when it comes to giving out parking tickets. So, it is obviously an important landmark in several ways. So keep an eye out for it. It's also home to several tip-top restaurants including Yummy Sushi and Vigilucci's Italian Restaurant.

This captivating ocean view sushi restaurant is a local favorite. And it has a loyal following of happy customers. Yummy Sushi (6) at 1330 Orange Ave. in suite 280 (619-435-2771) is a top contender for being the best in San Diego County.

Another top selection is in the famous Hotel del Coronado. It's the prestigious 1500 Ocean Restaurant (9) at 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado (619-522-8490). It's open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only.

Everybody's new favorite dining destination is the Coronado Firehouse Bar & Grill (7) at 126 Orange Ave. (619-554-2900). It's a popular hangout for watching your favorite sports team win on their huge TVs. They also have sidewalk outdoor seating. On the weekends they have a live band. Their extensive menu has it all including wild salmon.