This morning I woke up at 7:30 to a blue, cloudless sky with the sun on the rise.  I could tell it was going to be a beautiful, warm day - one of the perks of living in California in January. Itching for some exercise, I figured going for a stroll along the beach was the right thing to do.  The day was young and the sun was gearing up for some intense heat.  

The mornings can be a little chilly but I knew that wouldn’t last for long.  So I threw on my flip flops, some ¾ jogging pants, a short sleeve shirt, grabbed my mom and headed out.  We decided along the five minute walk to the beach that the plan of action was to walk one length of the beach in the soft sand and on the way back on the hard sand.  

Along the way we encountered all...

Back in the day, many years ago, when I was a confused tween, my summer activities included Junior Lifeguards.  This excellent program teaches kids of all ages (10+) the importance of knowing CPR, how to escape a rip current, and how to rescue others.  Although becoming a lifeguard may not have been my goal (or the goal of others in the program), it taught me many important life lessons.

I feel that having been involved in the Junior Lifeguard program (it wasn’t all serious business, it was fun too!) is an excellent thing to do when living so close to the beach.  If you summer in Coronado or reside here already, I would strongly suggest getting your kids involved.  It’s a great way to meet other people and learn beach awareness. Not to mention, sun-filled activities...

We all have people in this world who we admire and look up to.  In my case, I want to applaud the successful and talented Gerri-Lynn Fives.

Over the weekend, this admirable woman was recognized for her hard work and successful business as a realtor.  Gerri-Lynn has won Realtor of the Year, given by the San Diego Association of Realtors (aka SDAR).  She should be damn proud, just as I am.  

These sorts of award should not be taken lightly (not that anyone is) but I want to be sure that everyone knows the greatness of this woman.  It is clear that Gerri-Lynn has put her stamp on the city of San Diego and has her award to prove it.  You go girl! And Congratulations! :)

Coronado dunes are special because they spell out Coronado.  But that’s not the only reason why the dunes are rare.  They have several functions.

The beach dunes can be great for a challenging jog.  I would go barefoot unless you have multiple pairs of running shoes - one in which you can designate for running on the beach.  Because I don’t know about you but having sand in my shoes drives me mad.  Work out those calves and shape those strong legs all while obtaining a natural tan.  

OR, if you are like me, and love the feeling of being solo, then use the dunes for that sole purpose.  Going to the beach is great in itself but the feeling that you’re on a deserted island can be even better.  Uh, yes, a deserted island that...

Coronado is home to the United States Navy Seals - and also their training camp.  Every three months a new group begins the intense, exhausting, exhilirating training course.  The toughest of men endure this epic challenge...and I don’t mean actual strength. The biggest challenge is having the mental capacity (aka courage) to survive the course.  You must be in a focused and strong mindset in order to accomplish this feat.

Day in and day out, the trainees are pushed to the limit, some tasks include: obstacle courses, skydiving and swimming.  Sure, that seems pretty straight forward and manageable.  No, wrong! They aren’t your typical swim courses or jogs along the beach.  The young Seal pups [in training] are expected to jump from helicopters...

The San Diego airport is known as Lindbergh Field and is located just across the bay from Coronado.  The close proximity of the airport gives easy access between Lindbergh Field and Coronado. And also allows you to watch the planes fly over downtown as they float in for landing.  

Lindbergh Field is named after the late Charles Lindbergh.  He is known for flying the “Spirit of St. Louis” and being the first person to ever fly from New York to Paris.  This historical event happened in the year 1927.  But before he ever made his transcontinental flight, it all started here in San Diego.  

Charles Lindbergh’s aviation career was born in 1927 when he became a U.S. air mail pilot. Years later, he and his family located to San Diego where...

Located at the north west end of Coronado lies Sunset Park.  It is one of the busiest parks in the Crown City - constantly filled with athletes, picnickers and children running around.  The playground is tucked away in the corner of the park, bringing distance and protection from a stray ball or frisbee.

Sunset Park is heaven on earth if you want to spend the whole day outside.  The beach is right across the street as well as Dog Beach.  There are bathrooms, drinking fountains and there is plenty of space to make your own playing field.  You can pretty much participate in any sort of outdoor sport except for one: flying kites. Visit Sunset park and you'll understand why.    

Spend all day at the park taking breaks for dips in the ocean. After the...

For a day of sporty leisure, head on over to Coronado.  Whether you arrive by car or ferry, you can easily rent bikes from one of the several rental shops on the island - Holland's Bicycles, Bikes & Beyond or Wheel Fun Rentals.

If your arrival point is the Ferry Landing, you can start your circumnavigation here.  Grab rentals from Bikes & Beyond and head out.  If your navigation starts in the southern direction, you will find yourself riding along a path, right next to the bay.  As you cruise on, downtown San Diego sparkles across the bay and sailboats float on by.  The path will bring you by Tidelands Park and heads under the bridge.  As you ride under the massive structure, the Coronado Golf Course pops up just on the other side.  Continuing...

At the north end of Coronado Beach, you will find Dog Beach.  Yup, there is a place for you to bring your pup (or pups!) to run around in the sand and doggie paddle through the ocean.  

Dog Beach isn’t your typical dog park - there’s no 360 degree fence that holds your roaming dogs in bounds.  It’s up to you to control your hound as well as pick up after them.  Don’t worry, if you forget a doggie bag, they have extras by the entrance to the park/beach -  But the responsibility is up to you.  It’s this sort of mentality that helps maintain the clean beach and and is the reason people and their pets keep coming back.

There are all types of muts at Dog Beach and plenty of room to run around.  If your dog is full of endless energy,...

According to Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” there are approximately 650 major public recreational beaches in the United States. Only one, though, can be No. 1. What strand of sand earns that designation? This year, the honor goes to Coronado Beach near San Diego, which tops Leatherman’s 2012 annual list of the Top 10 Beaches in the country. Released on Friday, the full list includes:

1. Coronado Beach, Coronado, Calif.
2. Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.
4. St. George Island State Park, St. George Island, Fla.
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
6. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Mass.
7. Waimanolo...