It's Picnic Season! A Guide to Coronado's Best Parks

Summer is officially here — the weather’s gorgeous, the days are longer and the island is vibrant and bustling. It’s the perfect season to hang out or picnic in one of Coronado’s beautiful parks. Entertain friends, surprise your loved one with a romantic spread or hop on  your bike with that novel you’ve been wanting to read — Coronado’s parks offer something perfect for everyone.

Read on for an overview of Coronado’s best parks — plus a few picks we bet you didn’t know about!

Bandel Park

Small, quaint and marked with a statuesque palm in it’s center, Bandel Park sits between Tenth avenue and Alameda Street on Coronado island. It’s one of Coronado’s smaller parks but a great place to layout and read. This park is situated closely to Coronado’s Dog Beach and Sunset Park.

Bay Circle Park

Just a stroll away from the breathtaking Coronado Golf Course is Bay Circle Park — a tiny, circular plot of land surrounded by beautiful homes. Bay Circle Park is one of Coronado’s oldest parks — you’ll know it when you see it due it’s happy shape and large center-circle tree.

Centennial Park 

A hot spot for wedding party photos and lively events, Centennial Park offers breathtaking views of the bay and downtown San Diego. The park is at the end of Coronado’s main drag (Orange Avenue). It’s steps away from the Coronado Ferry Landing which boasts great local eateries and small shops (art galleries abound here). This park offers wide-open spaces and an unbeatable San Diego skyline view.

Glorietta Bay Park 

Another great spot for breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, the Coronado Bridge and the sparkling bay, Glorietta Park is a favorite for birthday parties and play dates. The park is just south of the Coronado Recreation Center (newly rebuilt) and offers ample parking, a playground and a small sand beach with direct access to the bay.

I Avenue Park/Bayview Park*

Locals celebrate I Avenue Park as a “secret spot” only frequented by those in the know. The park is near Centennial Park and offers the same amazing views of Downtown San Diego and the bay — but this spot is hidden from street view and incredibly tranquil. The park offers some small benches and a quiet place to read, relax or enjoy the company of a loved one. It’s a fantastic place to take family photos and also rumored to be a hot spot for proposals.

*A Coronado Real Estate Team favorite

Mathewson Park*

Between Adella and Pomona avenue is Mathewson Park – a large green expanse perfect for team recreation and family fun days. The park offers great climbing trees, a jungle gym and wide open spaces for volleyball, etc. Coronado locals have history with this park — it’s where many younger children learn to ride their bikes because of it’s open space and soft, green landing! 

*A Coronado Real Estate Team favorite

Palm Park

Another great choice for those looking for a smaller park, Palm Park offers a small playground for children and park benches to sit and read or just relax. This park borders Third Street which is a busier street on the island.

Rotary Park

Rotary Park is a tiny park with a big tie to Coronado’s community history. It’s located on Orange Avenue between Park Place and Isabella Avenue. This park holds Coronado’s iconic Christmas tree and hosts the annual lighting of the tree ceremony every year at The Coronado Christmas Parade. The Coronado Flower Lady and her lovely, vibrant bouquets are just a few steps away.

Spreckels Park

Perhaps the most well-know park in Coronado, Spreckles Park is located in the center of Coronado island. This beautiful park holds a lovely gazebo which comes to life every Sunday in the summer during Concerts in the Park. The park offers a great jungle gym and is frequented regularly by families and large groups. A host of Coronado community events are held here including the Coronado Flower Show & holiday celebrations for children. This park was named after the iconic J.D. Spreckels.

Star Park

Located next to the historic home of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz (the Emerald City is often rumored to be modeled after Coronado island!) is Star Park. This is a great park for a smaller picnic, tai chi or reading. It’s also very close to the beautiful Coronado Beach and many lovely Coronado homes.

Sunset Park

Sunset Park is the go-to for many recreational events including soccer and lacrosse practices. It’s a wide expanse of grass with a small jungle gym and it’s located directly across the street from Coronado’s Dog Beach. A great place for dog walking or watching or more rigorous workouts under beautiful sunset skies.

Tidelands Park

Tidelands Park is the biggest of Coronado’s parks — it’s packed with areas for playing, runs, biking or hops in the bay. The park offers impressive views of the Coronado Bridge and is particularly busy on the weekend when baseball, soccer and other sports teams take over the park. There is very ample parking, paths to roller blade, great picnic benches, a jungle gym, workout area and  impressive sculptures.

Triangle Park

This park is flanked with some of Coronado island’s busier streets and it’s shaped just like it’s namesake. Bus-goers will find this a nice retreat when traveling to or from work (the park is very close to a bus stop).

Vetter Park

Locals know Vetter Park as a dog lover’s paradise. This picturesque park is located near Guadalupe Avenue and the Coronado Golf Course. You’ll find lots of dog owners here with their precious pooches. The park also has a swing set and cool coastal breezes.

Coronado's Best Parks: Just In Time for Picnic Season published originally on the Crown Town Living Blog. For more great local content & Coronado real estate resources, visit The Coronado Real Estate Team.