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California Coastal Trail

Coronado: Where the Beach Sparkles

Season 1 Episode 2

Look out from the shores of downtown San Diego and the ocean won't be the only thing in view. San Diego Bay is sheltered to the north by Point Loma and from the south by an island and land-connecting spit covered by a naval air station and the small city of Coronado. It's there, on the over 10 miles of land sliding upward from Imperial Beach, where there's plenty of undeveloped coast to enjoy.

Coronado is home to some fascinating history, the longest open portion of the the Bay Shore Bikeway (as well as a nugget of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route), and the longstanding Hotel del Coronado, where a beachside rarity can be had: food and drink service while lounging on the sand, a stone's throw from the waves.

Wherever you end up on Coronado's small share of the California coast, it's sure to be nice. After all, it often earns a place on those"best of" beach lists.

Support Provided By
Experiencing the Wild Sonoma Coast Along the Kortum Trail
5:08
Pristine conditions along this area are a result of decades of work from activists.
Devil's Slide Trail
6:35
Devil’s Slide was a treacherous section of Highway 1 until a landslide closed it for good.
The Ancient Coast of Wilder Ranch State Park
4:34
Once upon a time, Wilder Ranch State Park was a dairy known for its delicious butter.
West Cliff Drive: The Heart of Santa Cruz
3:54
West Cliff Drive is one of the most beautiful features of Santa Cruz.
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
4:39
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
6:48
This popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn’t happen.
Pleasure Point: Connecting Santa Cruz to Surf Breaks
5:07
East Cliff Drive is one of the newest sections of the California Coastal Trail.
Monterey Bay Sanctuary: Serengeti of the Sea
6:53
This "Serengeti of the Sea" offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
Big Sur: Sanctuary of the Spectacular
5:56
Big Sur is a precious jewel that remains pristine, rugged and remote.
Moonstone Beach: Where Elephant Seals Roam
5:27
It's not every day you get to witness 5,000-pound elephant seals charge each other.
Point Buchon Trail: The Gateway to a Secluded Coastline
6:00
This section of the California Coastal Trail has only been open to the public since 2007.
Pismo Beach: The Central Coast's Recreation Destination
5:10
Pismo Beach is set to become a major destination for outdoor recreational activity.
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