4 Summer-Fun Musts at Hotel Del Coronado

 
 
 

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Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California has long been a cherished getaway for Phoenicians wanting to escape the summer heat and cozy up on the cool sand. Though the property was built in 1888 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977, there is nothing about the Hotel Del that says “outdated”—especially when it comes to this summer’s jam-packed lineup of unique activities. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends or sweetheart in tow, here are four musts to experience at Hotel Del this summer.


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Shoulda Put a Fin on It This is the first time that working out is a "want to" while on summer vacay. This season, the resort welcomed two unique fitness classes to its already fantastic lineup (including yoga on the beach): Mermaid Fitness and Beach Spin. During Mermaid Fitness, Ariels-in-training are invited to don a colorful tail and take part in a 45-minute fitness class at the spa pool that focuses on swimming, core, cardio and strength training. For the ultimate view, Beach Spin is 50 minutes of cycling action while overlooking the Pacific on cool SoCal mornings. Plus, spinners enjoy upbeat music via Beats by Dre headphones during the session. (Though most fitness classes at Hotel Del are complimentary for guests, Mermaid Fitness and Beach Spin are an additional cost.)


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Popcorn and the Pacific Few things are more blissful than having popcorn in hand, sinking into a comfy chair and getting lost in a favorite movie. However, adding in the sounds of crashing waves, the feel of cool saltwater air and a heaping of s’mores at the ready might make the movie-going experience even better. Throughout the summer, Hotel Del presents movies on the beach. On a large inflatable screen, guests can enjoy current and classic family-friendly flicks under the San Diego stars. Reserve your spot for VIP seating in front of the screen in comfy beach loungers for $15 per seat, or set out to impress with the Family Movie Package ($250) which includes  a prime viewing locations, a luxe daybed, a firepit, s’mores for four and two lounge chairs. (You can also bring a blanket or towel from which to view the movie, gratis.) "Doors" open at 7 p.m., and the movie starts at 8 p.m. sharp. Upcoming showings include “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on June 30, “Finding Dory” on July 28 and “Back to the Future” on Sept. 15.


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Feast Like Royalty Though not a summer-only activity, the icing on a trip to Hotel Del is brunch in the Crown Room. On Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests dine on an ultimate feast of chilled seafood, carved meats, made-to-order Bloody Marys and mimosas, international eats, treats from the candy and dessert bar and their own DIY doughnuts (get a load of the s'mores creation above). The Crown Room is a jewel itself; hosting many high-end star-studded events and even is decked in remarkable chandeliers that were designed by Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. It is impossible not to step into this space and feel like you’re entering another era. PS: Visit in October to check out the Crown Room’s spooky Halloween party.


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Beach, Baby Even a no-frills visit to the beach at Hotel Del is amazing—with just some sand buckets and a towel in hand. The water is calm, the shore is clean and the atmosphere is laidback and family-friendly But adding in a few luxury elements makes a day at the beach one for the books. The staff at Hotel Del is happy to rent out luxury daybeds and loungers to its guests so beach-goers can enjoy the turf in top-notch comfort. Want to check out a boogie board or a four-seater bike for cruising the beach village? They can handle that too.