Hotel del Coronado, Victorian beachfront hotel in Coronado, United States
Hotel del Coronado is a historic beachfront resort in Coronado, California, defined by its white wooden facade and red turrets. The property spreads across several interconnected structures, with the main building rising seven stories and sitting directly on the sandy shore.
The resort opened in 1888 as the world's largest vacation property at the time, drawing travelers to California's Pacific coast. It gained National Historic Landmark designation in 1977, recognizing its role in shaping American resort architecture.
The beachfront pathway leading to the hotel entrance carries the name "Avenida de las Arenas," pointing to the Spanish influence that shaped the region before its incorporation into the United States. Guests and day visitors often use the public areas for breakfast on the open terraces while watching the waves roll in.
Most public areas feature ramps and elevators, making access easier for those with limited mobility. Morning hours and late afternoons offer quieter moments for walking the beach in front of the building before larger groups arrive.
An electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree appeared on the grounds in 1904, among the first of its kind anywhere outside enclosed spaces. This event demonstrated the early availability of electricity in the area and began a tradition that continues each holiday season.
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