Feel the warm sand between your toes. Welcome to Coronado Shores Beach. Picture this haven nestled between the iconic Hotel del Coronado and the tranquil Silver Strand. This wasn’t always a sun-drenched paradise though.
Before the luxurious high-rise condominiums of Coronado Shores lined the beach this land was home to Tent City. Imagine a bustling summer resort a sprawling collection of tents and cottages teeming with vacationers. A railway snaked through the area ferrying visitors between San Diego and Coronado long before the ferry and the Bay Bridge existed.
The Coronado Shores’ construction wasn’t without its challenges. The land fell under the protection of the California Coastal Zone Conservation Commission. A legal battle ensued. Ultimately a judge deemed the project an “integrated project” exempting it from some coastal protection regulations. Construction of the first tower Cabrillo began in 1970. A New York development company and a Los Angeles firm collaborated. Units sold rapidly exceeding previous sales records by 1973. The final building La Princesa sold out in just two hours via lottery. The entire project was completed in 1978.
The Coronado Shores weren’t built without foresight. In 1969 a substantial seawall was constructed. This impressive 3100-foot structure safeguards the Shores from the destructive power of ocean waves. It cost $325000. A significant investment protecting this now-prized location.
The Shores have played host to notable figures. Orville Redenbacher the popcorn magnate once resided here. So did Joseph Wambaugh author of many celebrated police novels. Even baseball legend Joe Garagiola called the Shores home.
Today Coronado Shores Beach offers breathtaking views. Gaze across the bay to downtown San Diego. Spot Point Loma and the vast Pacific Ocean. This remarkable location continues to be a favored destination a testament to its unique history and stunning beauty.