Coronado City Beach, Sandy beach in San Diego County, United States
Coronado City Beach is a sandy beach in San Diego County that stretches roughly 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) along the Pacific shore. The sand contains mica mineral particles that create a natural sparkling effect, making it visually distinctive from other California beaches.
The United States Navy established military facilities on both edges of the beach since World War II, integrating the coastal area into national defense infrastructure. This military presence shaped the region's development and character for decades.
The beach gained international attention through the 1958 film 'Some Like It Hot' featuring Marilyn Monroe, with scenes filmed near the Hotel del Coronado. This connection to Hollywood history draws visitors who want to experience the location from the classic film.
The beach is staffed year-round with lifeguards at a main station covering the central area, plus additional seasonal towers monitoring the bay during summer months. Access is straightforward, and water conditions vary with the season.
The sand has an unusually high concentration of mica that creates a natural sparkling effect, especially visible in sunlight. This mineral-rich composition is rare along California's coast and gives the beach a distinctive gleam.
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