San Diego seen from Coronado Ferry Landing
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San Diego to Coronado Ferry

4.7
·9k reviews·Coronado, United States

A scenic ferry ride offering breathtaking San Diego skyline views and access to charming Coronado Island.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Unforgettable skyline views

CrowdHigh
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San Diego seen from Coronado Ferry Landing

San Diego to Coronado Ferry

Best Time

Sunset

Unforgettable skyline views

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic ferry ride offering breathtaking San Diego skyline views and access to charming Coronado Island.

4.7
(9k reviews)

"Highly recommend going on the 'Flagship' ferry only $9 one way tickets! So worth the views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Sunset Ferry Ride

Highly recommend the Flagship ferry for sunset views! Worth every penny.

🚗 Car-Free Exploration

Ferry is a great way to visit Coronado without dealing with traffic and parking.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Diego Skyline Views

San Diego Skyline Views

Ferry ride

Breathtaking panoramic views of the San Diego skyline, especially stunning at sunset.

Coronado Bridge

Coronado Bridge

Ferry ride

Iconic bridge offering impressive architectural views as you approach Coronado Island.

Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado

Coronado Island

Historic, grand hotel offering a glimpse into Victorian elegance and a beautiful beachfront.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Tickets & Timing

Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially for sunset rides, to avoid queues. Consider the Flagship ferry for the best views. Check schedules as they can vary.

Getting Around Coronado

Once on Coronado, walking is easy for the main attractions. For further exploration, consider renting a surrey or bikes. Parking can be a hassle, so the ferry is a great car-free option.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Unforgettable skyline views
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lobster West, Coronado, California!🦞🇺🇸 La neta la razón principal de ir aquí fue ir a Coronado y que pinshe joya encontramos, pero está vaselinoso Coronado, aunque increíble. Se respira un aire diferente al resto de San Diego, de paz principalmente. Pero regresando al lugar, un espectáculo la calidad de la langosta, creo que vamos a tener que ir a Maine pronto a armar un tour de Lobster Rolls. Y e...
@soyelarturito
159.7K likes • 1.9M views

🌅 Sunset Ferry Ride

Highly recommend the Flagship ferry for sunset views! Worth every penny. TikTok

🚗 Car-Free Exploration

Ferry is a great way to visit Coronado without dealing with traffic and parking. Reddit

#robsweetmansleep #sealswim #navyseal #charity #swim #run #CoronadoBridge
@sleepgeni.us
49.1K likes • 640K views
highly recommend going on the “flagship” ferry only $9 one way tickets 🚢⚓️🌊♥️ !!! so worth the views and especially during sunset <3 !! #sandiego #coronado #sandiegoferry #sandiegosummer #thingstodoinsandiego
@e1is4k1m
32.9K likes • 384.2K views

🚲 Surrey Rentals

Fun way to explore the island, but can be tiring! Split the cost. TikTok

🍕 Pizza with a View

Village Pizzeria offers great pizza and happy hour with skyline views. TikTok

Our vacation dates ❤️❤️ #coronadoisland #ferryride #oceanview #beachsunset #california #vacation #californiaadventure #sandiego #mommyanddaughter #weekendtrip #bikiniseason #Summer #summervacation
@_mandy_begay
12.6K likes • 48.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Sunset Ferry Ride

Highly recommend the Flagship ferry for sunset views! Worth every penny. TikTok

🚗 Car-Free Exploration

Ferry is a great way to visit Coronado without dealing with traffic and parking. Reddit

🚲 Surrey Rentals

Fun way to explore the island, but can be tiring! Split the cost. TikTok

🍕 Pizza with a View

Village Pizzeria offers great pizza and happy hour with skyline views. TikTok

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

The old ferry museum has unique gifts and reasonable prices. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.7
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning skyline views and the iconic Coronado Bridge visible from the ferry. The ride is considered a scenic and affordable way to reach Coronado Island, with many enjoying the charming marketplace and historic Hotel del Coronado. Some find the pedestrian street at the landing a bit short and crowds can be dense during peak times.

"It's a good place to visit, we used both ferry & trolley tour. Lots to see, great ice cream parlour. Great views of San Diego and the bridge."

John Bullock

"I just visited San Diego at the Port of San Diego , I stopped in at the Old ferry which is a museum. There were lots of nice items to purchase. Even some little bottles of california gold that I bought to gift to my relatives . Anyway long story short , it was an amazing place to visit and I only wish I had more time to spend there.All items at the museum ferry were very reasonable , so I purchased a bunch of items to bring home. The whole area was really nice and parking was easy and reasonably priced. Definately worth visiting and I personally will be returning soon. 🙃"

1130bm Rene

"The scenery is beautiful, but the seaside pedestrian street is very short, and it takes less than 10 minutes to walk from beginning to end. The crowd density is relatively high and it is relatively clean."

yun yan

What People Like

Spectacular skyline views
Affordable ferry ride
Charming island atmosphere

What People Dislike

Short pedestrian street
Crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way is to take the San Diego to Coronado Ferry from the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego. The ride is scenic and offers great views of the city skyline and the Coronado Bridge. TikTok+1

The San Diego Ferry terminal is located at the Broadway Pier, near the Embarcadero. It's easily accessible from downtown San Diego. Reddit

Ferry hours can vary seasonally, but generally, they run frequently throughout the day. It's best to check the official ferry schedule online for the most up-to-date times. TikTok

The ferry ride itself is quite short, typically around 15 minutes, offering a quick and pleasant journey across the bay. TikTok

Yes, there are parking options near the ferry landing, but they can be limited and pricey. Many visitors opt to use ride-sharing services or walk if staying downtown. [^Review]

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

One-way tickets for the ferry are typically around $9 per adult. It's a very affordable way to experience the bay and reach Coronado. TikTok

Yes, you can purchase ferry tickets online in advance, which is recommended to save time and ensure you get your desired departure. [^Review]

The main public ferry is the Flagship ferry. There are also various harbor tours that may stop at Coronado, but the direct ferry is the most efficient for island access. TikTok

While not always mandatory, booking ferry tickets in advance is a good idea, especially during peak season or for sunset rides, to avoid potential queues. TikTok [^Review]

The Coronado Ferry Landing is a waterfront marketplace on Coronado Island, serving as the arrival point for the ferry from San Diego. It features shops, restaurants, and beautiful bay views. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The landing offers a variety of shops, art galleries, and casual eateries. It's a pleasant place to stroll, enjoy the views, and grab a bite before exploring the rest of the island. [^Review]

The ferry provides stunning views of the San Diego skyline, the USS Midway Museum, and the majestic Coronado Bridge. Sunset rides are particularly spectacular. TikTok+2

Once you arrive at the Coronado Ferry Landing, you can easily walk to many attractions. For longer distances, consider renting bikes, surreys, or using local shuttles. TikTokReddit

Generally, the ferries are accessible, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the ferry operator for specific accessibility details. Reddit

Yes, the landing features several dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines with bay views. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the San Diego skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the bay itself. Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. TikTok+1

While the ferry offers views of the island, the best vantage points for photographing the iconic Hotel del Coronado are from the island itself, either from the beach or nearby streets. TikTok

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful light for photography on Coronado Island. The ferry ride at sunset is a popular choice. TikTok+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed on the ferry. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the distant city or the hotel. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The San Diego to Coronado Ferry is a fantastic outing for families. The short ride is exciting for children, and the views of the city and the bridge are captivating. TikTok Upon arrival, renting a surrey or bikes is a fun way for the whole family to explore the island, with plenty of space to roam and enjoy the beach. TikTok Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there are eateries, having your own can be convenient for little ones. The Hotel del Coronado grounds are also great for kids to explore, and the beach offers ample space for play. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

The ferry itself is a very budget-friendly way to experience the bay and reach Coronado, with one-way tickets around $9. TikTok This is significantly cheaper than other boat tours. Once on Coronado, focus on free activities like exploring the beaches and walking around the charming streets. Reddit Packing a picnic to enjoy by the water can save on dining costs, though the Coronado Ferry Landing does offer some casual eateries. [^Review] Look for happy hour deals at places like Village Pizzeria for affordable bites with a view. TikTok

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

The sunset ferry ride is a quintessential romantic experience, offering breathtaking views as the city lights up. TikTok+1 Once on Coronado, a leisurely stroll along the beach or a visit to the elegant Hotel del Coronado provides a charming backdrop. TikTok Renting a surrey for a shared adventure or enjoying a quiet dinner with bay views at the Coronado Ferry Landing can cap off a perfect date. TikTok [^Review]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ferry Experience: More Than Just a Ride

The San Diego to Coronado Ferry is more than just transportation; it's an experience in itself. Many visitors highlight the stunning views of the San Diego skyline, the USS Midway Museum, and the impressive Coronado Bridge as a major draw. TikTok+2 The ride is relatively short, usually around 15 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to travel between the two locations. For many, the sunset ferry ride is a must-do, offering a magical perspective of the city lights twinkling to life. TikTok It's a popular choice for couples and families looking for a memorable outing. TikTok

Travelers often recommend the Flagship ferry for its optimal viewing angles and comfortable ride. TikTok While the ferry itself is an attraction, it also serves as a gateway to Coronado Island. Upon arrival at the Coronado Ferry Landing, you'll find a charming marketplace with shops and eateries, providing a pleasant introduction to the island's atmosphere. [^Review] The ease of access and the avoidance of traffic congestion make the ferry a preferred method of transport for many exploring Coronado. Reddit

Some users have noted that finding the exact boarding location can be a bit confusing amidst other tours departing from the Embarcadero, so arriving a little early is advised. [^Review] Despite this minor point, the overall consensus is that the ferry offers exceptional value for the views and convenience it provides, making it a highlight of many San Diego visits. TikTok

Exploring Coronado Island: Beyond the Ferry Landing

Once you disembark the ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing, a world of island charm awaits. While the landing itself offers a pleasant stroll with shops and dining, the true essence of Coronado lies in its further reaches. The Hotel del Coronado, a historic Victorian landmark, is a must-visit, boasting stunning architecture and a beautiful beachfront. TikTok Many visitors enjoy simply walking around the hotel grounds and soaking in its grandeur. TikTok

For those looking to actively explore, renting a surrey or bicycles from Wheel Fun Rentals near the ferry landing is a popular and fun option. TikTok This allows you to cover more ground and discover hidden gems at your own pace. Redditors suggest that while fun, surrey rides can be tiring, so splitting the cost and effort is a good strategy. TikTok The island also boasts lovely beaches, including the famous Coronado Beach, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. TikTok

Foodies will find delights on the island, with recommendations for places like Lobster West for seafood TikTok and Village Pizzeria, which offers delicious New York and Sicilian-style pizzas with great happy hour deals and skyline views. TikTok The island exudes a different, more peaceful atmosphere compared to mainland San Diego, making it a perfect day trip destination. TikTok

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