Looking for a dreamy spring break escape with kids in Southern California? Our family just spent two days and one night at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, and it was the perfect mix of beach relaxation and local flavor. We visited during the last two week of March and checked in on a Sunday afternoon. Here’s everything we loved (and what we’d do differently) to help you plan your own stay!
Room Upgrade: Victorian Garden View with Balcony
We were thrilled to be upgraded to a Victorian Garden View Room with a balcony. The charm of the historic building paired with our cozy outdoor space made it a lovely place to unwind after a beach day. If you can snag this upgrade—it’s worth it! Our Diamond status with Hilton Honors helped us land this upgrade without even asking at check-in, so it was a delightful surprise that only added to our trip experience.
Beach Setup Before Check-In: A Game Changer
Check-in wasn’t until later in the day, 4:00pm to be exact, but we made the most of our time by reserving two Del Beach sand chairs and an umbrella in advance. I called the hotel a few days before our check in date and secured the reservation. My room would be charged at check out. It was the perfect way to jump right into vacation mode without waiting on a room. since we arrived at 10am this gave us time to check out the hotel and then head out to the reservation stand. We were given beach towels which was great. The cost for this was around $85 and so worth it. My daughter played for hours before we headed to our hotel room and it gave us parents the opportunity to enjoy the ocean, sun and a cocktail too! I love Hotel Del for this reason, it’s a true vacation and resort experience for parents and kids alike.
One thing about visiting Coronado Island during Spring Break is that you just don’t know if it’s going to be 60 degrees or 80 degrees. The weather for us with in the high 60’s and a bit overcast but we were still glad that we booked our chair and umbrella because the UV rays were strong. And no, we didn’t get our five-year-old daughter a beach chair because she was too busy playing with the sand, her beach toys and of course the ocean’s calm waves.
Pro Tip:
If you’re traveling with young kids, pack beach toys! It kept our daughter entertained for hours while we soaked up the sun.
If you’re debating between a beach lounger daybed or sand chair reservation (and yes there’s a difference) I would highly recommend a sand chair for parents with little ones as these can be moved and set closer to the ocean. The other options are nice, but are stationary.
Drinks by the Beach: Yes, Please!
One of our favorite parts of the Del Beach setup? Ordering drinks right from the beach stands. It seriously elevated our experience—because let’s be real, a cold drink while watching your kid build sandcastles? Perfection.
Drinks are sold at the Del’s Taco Stand but they also have little pop-up carts that sell cocktails. The price is worth the drink. They don’t disappoint.
Where to Eat Near Hotel Del Coronado
We tried a few spots during our stay, and here are the highlights:
Lunch at Miguel’s Cocina
This place was a hit for all of us! I had the shrimp cocktail, our daughter loved her quesadilla, and my husband devoured the chilaquiles. The food was fresh, flavorful, and the drinks were delicious and well worth the price. They had outdoor seating which was great for families with kids or larger groups.
The Sun Deck
While the view is gorgeous, we found the Sun Deck to be a bit overpriced for what you get. Great for a quick cocktail, but if you’re budget-conscious, we suggest grabbing a drink from the beach taco stand or one of the walkway pop-up stands instead.
ENO Market
Before heading back to our hotel room after dinner, we picked up pastries from ENO Market—the perfect little dessert to take back to the room or on the road. This is a great option if you’re travelling with young kids and want to enjoy a treat before bedtime in the room. Don’t skip it!
What to Pack: A Few Family-Friendly Essentials
We recommend bringing:
- Snacks and drinks – The room has a mini fridge, which helped us store water and easy kid-friendly food.
- Beach toys – Major lifesaver if you’re traveling with children.
- Light jackets – Evenings by the coast can be breezy, especially in spring.
Before You Head Home: A Coffee Stop You Can’t Miss
We couldn’t resist making one last stop before the drive back. We dropped by Trident Coffee in downtown Coronado, and it was the perfect caffeine fix. If you love cold brew, this place is a must-try. Their selection was impressive! There are so many cool options to choose from, but we love doing our research before visiting and then reviewing the spots we select.
More on Hilton Honors Benefits
We have the Hilton Honors Amex (Aspire) and while it comes with an annual fee, we’ve more than reaped the rewards. For starters, as a Diamond member, one of our nights was paid for as a reward benefit. We were also allowed early check in around 1pm versus the 4pm check in time we were expecting. The room upgrade we received was also due to a member benefit and was a pleasant surprise. We received a $30 food and drink credit towards our final bill. While it may not seem as much for such a lux hotel, that helped cover the cost of our beach cocktails! I think the icing on the cake was that we had a $200 credit applied to our credit card statement for any Hilton hotel charges that were billed to our room during our stay. The beach and umbrella chairs and Sun Deck meals were mostly covered by that credit.
This is one of those travel credit cards that I highly recommend!
Final Thoughts
Our spring break at Hotel Del Coronado was equal parts relaxing and exciting. Whether you’re lounging on Del Beach, enjoying a coastal cocktail, or chasing sunsets with your kids, it’s a getaway you’ll want to repeat. With a little planning—and the tips above—you’ll be all set for a magical family beach vacation.
x,
The Sun Queen