The Hotel del Coronado to SeaWorld is just under a 20 minute drive and is a historic resort with a shelf full of accolades.
According to San Diego Tourism, there are almost 600 hotels in the county. But for us, there is only one worth mentioning. Located on the island city of Coronado, Hotel Del is five short miles across the bay from San Diego. It offers guests a touch of old Hollywood glamour with all the amenities you would expect of an upscale beachfront hotel.
Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern California, thanks in part to its close proximity to SeaWorld. If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience during your next visit to SeaWorld, make sure to add a stay at the Hotel del Coronado to your itinerary.
The Hotel del Coronado is one of the most iconic hotels in all of America. Located just minutes from SeaWorld San Diego, it’s the perfect place to stay when visiting the park.
If the Hotel del Coronado’s walls could talk, the stories could fill a multi-volume novel. Intrigued? You should be!
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Hotel del Coronado to SeaWorld in San Diego for your next trip to Southern California.
Hotel del Coronado History
Hotel del Coronado’s history begins over 130 years ago in 1888 when E.S. Babcock built the resort. Back then, it was the biggest resort hotel in the world.
The 4-star hotel still boasts an impressive 737 rooms over seven floors.
It is one of the biggest wooden structures in the US and one of the only examples of Victorian beachfront architecture left in the country. Hotel del Coronado must be something pretty special to have survived the tough test of time. So special, the Government named it a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
When you stay at the Hotel del Coronado, you are not only staying in a nice hotel in Southern California. You are living in history.
Hotel del Coronado’s Famous Guests
There is no mystery why the Hotel del Coronado has had the privilege of hosting so many famous guests. Presidents, royalty, and movie stars have all graced Hotel Del with their presence.
It was “the place to be” during prohibition. Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Katherine Hepburn would all head south to Hotel Del for great gin and good times.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum stayed at The Del whilst writing parts of his world-famous novel. And, the hotel was a prominent filming location for the 1959 classic film Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe.
Some also say the ghost of a woman called Kate Morgan, who died at the hotel in 1892, still haunts the hallways.
Hotel del Coronado’s Rooms, Suites, and the Beach Village
Today, Hotel del Coronado to SeaWorld is even bigger and better than it was in the 1920s. There are two main types of stays available at the hotel:
- Rooms and suites
- The Beach Village
Rooms and suites are available in the main Victorian-style building and The Cabanas, a modern part of the resort. Despite Hotel Del’s long history, every room in all parts of the hotel feels modern and fresh with a beachy touch.
The Cabana rooms offer private outdoor covered terraces with all the amenities available at the Victorian.
The Beach Village gives guests the option of their own cottage which includes a separate entrance and a personal concierge. Each cottage or villa has a state-of-the-art kitchen, one to three bedrooms, and luxurious furnishings. There are also pools and hot tubs throughout this private area.
Whether you want peace and seclusion or excitement and entertainment, Hotel del Coronado to SeaWorld has both.
Hotel del Coronado Restaurants
There are eight Hotel del Coronado restaurants and foodie experiences available to all guests. The Beach Village residents also have exclusive dining options.
The main restaurants and bars are:
- Sun Deck
- Sheerwater Breakfast
- Crown Room Brunch
- Serea
- Beach + Taco Shack
- ENO Market + Pizza
- Babcock + Story Bar
- Sundae’s Ice Cream
Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes next to a cozy fire pit in the Sun Deck restaurant. Here, you can have a front-row seat to the glorious San Diego sunsets.
And if you want to experience Hotel del Coronado’s storied history for yourself, head to the Babcock + Story bar named after the hotel’s founder. It is a stunning restored bar serving classic cocktails with a twist.
Or fancy a snack? Whether you are in the mood for sweet or savory, the Taco Shack and Sundae’s ice cream have got you covered.
Hotel del Coronado Beach
The hotel might be beautiful, but we know the main reason why you want to stay in San Diego: the beach! Coronado beach offers sunbathing, beach yoga, surfing, and plenty of other watersports.
It’s a wide, soft, and sandy beach over 1.75 miles long. So there is plenty of room for everyone!
At select times of the year, you can enjoy watching movies on the Hotel del Coronado beach. And how long has it been since you roasted s’mores? Gather around one of the weekend bonfires to taste the marshmallow chocolatey goodness again.
Hotel del Coronado Activities and Amenities
When you are not soaking in the San Diego sunshine, there are so many other activities available at the hotel. And more are being added all the time! A new lawn, more retail shops, and the Ice House Museum are all due to open within the next year.
For now, the Hotel del Coronado offers:
- Retail stores – The Signature shop, Brady’s for Men, and Est. 1888
- Hotel Legendary Tours
- Hotel del Coronado Spa and Salon
- Fitness Center
- Delventure Kids Program
The spa offers an ocean-view infinity pool as well as a huge selection of treatments. All types of treatments are available including facials, massages, and there is even a package for expectant mothers.
Hotel del Coronado has a dedicated kids program. So, you can relax on the beach while the hotel’s professional entertainers and care providers keep your children happy.
And if learning more about the hotel’s glamourous past interests you, book a slot on a tour! You will learn all about the famous people who have stayed at the Hotel del Coronado and their exciting stories.
Head to the Hotel del Coronado for Your San Diego Getaway
If you want a beachfront resort with attentive staff, tons to do, and a lot of character, Hotel del Coronado to SeaWorld is a short drive and ticks all the boxes.
When planning an international trip abroad or a long weekend break, you want to spend your money and time well. Get more bang for your buck by letting our travel specialists use their expertise to plan your vacation. Contact us today to book your Hotel Del Coronado and SeaWorld Vacation!