Coronado Central Beach

On our list of the best activities in San Diego.

Coronado Beach runs 1.5 miles of wide, flat sand backed by the Hotel del Coronado, with tidepools at the hotel's edge and fire rings set along the shore. Dr. Beach's annual ranking put it at No. 1 in the country in 2012 and has kept it in the top ten most years since, citing its "fine sparkling sand" and mild summer surf. Restrooms, showers, and free wheelchairs are available at the Central Beach lifeguard tower, and a leash-free dog beach runs along the north end.