Coronado Beach in San Diego Ranked #3 Best Beach in US and #1 in California in 2010

CORONADO, CALIF.--When Dr. Beach speaks, people snap to attention, especially when he picks your beach as the best one in the U.S. California usually has at least one beach on the annual best beaches list--and sometimes two or three.

What's so special about Coronado? Its scenic location is a good place to start. Located across the bay from downtown San Diego one direction, and overlooking Point Loma the other way, Coronado was one of San Diego's earliest destinations when the famous, historic Hotel del Coronado was constructed. The island seems insulated from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego, though access is just a ferry boat ride, an Old Town Trolley Tours stop, or a car drive a few minutes away.

And if the Hotel del is a bit to costly for your budget, there are some hotels nearby that are equally impressive. Our favorites include Loews Coronado Bay Resort, and the Marriott Coronado Bay Resort.  When it's time to start thinking about your summer plans, San Diego has over 100 hotels, many with beaches. But Dr. Beach likes the Coronado Island beaches best, and they're certainly one of the best choices in the 2nd largest city in California.