You know those friends you have where no matter how much time has passed since you’ve last seen each other, it seems like no time has gone by? (Or, at least I hope you do.) That’s how it is when I get together with Molly and Christine — we’ve been friends for over a decade when we all left our homes in the South for the glamour of life in LA. Since then, our lives have definitely changed and we don’t all live in LA anymore, but we still manage to rendezvous for long weekends when we can. The list includes Napa, Charleston and New Orleans … and now Coronado.
Coronado Island is a small, quaint island community just outside of San Diego. It’s a place where you can leisurely walk or bike and decompress from city life or the intense heat that afflicts most parts of the country during the summer months. Enter Christine —she lives in Dallas and her family was taking sanctuary on the island. An easy road trip from LA, Molly and I hopped in the car and the three of us spent the day doing what we love best – eating and sipping vino – at the luxurious Hotel Del Coronado.
A staple on the island since 1888, The Hotel Del is nothing short of legendary, hosting VIP guests for over a century. In 1977, it was even granted status as a National Landmark and there are even rumors of ghosts roaming the property. The grounds and building is more reminiscent of an expansive seaside estate than a hotel, with ornate details that let you imagine what afternoon teas might have looked like a hundred years ago. In short, it’s breathtaking.
There’s so much to do right at your fingertips – relax on the beautiful beach, sip cocktails at the beach bar, splurge on a $93 brunch (yep), take an outdoor spin class with a beach view or indulge in a spa treatment.
I captured the day on my new fancy pants camera, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
Travel Note: I stayed here once in February and it was completely relaxing. There were hoards of people on property during this last trip and serious lines for the bathrooms. I recommend the off-season if you’re truly looking for an escape.