The other day I was reading an article on this dude who creates sand art.  With rake in hand, he spends hours on the beach creating designs with his simple yard tool.  It sounds very unconventional but once you’ve seen it, you will be shocked.  Seen from an aerial view, his designs appear to be intricate, using the direction in which he strokes the sand to create shadows and depth. This article got me wondering, why doesn’t someone create something similar to this at Coronado’s beach.  Maybe someone has and I just don’t know about it?

The thing about creating artwork with sand means that it won’t last very long.  Sure, if you build a sand castle, you can do so up on higher ground where it is safe from high tide.  But with this...

Near the center of Coronado beach, on the residential side, you will find a house that resembles the Hotel Del Coronado.  This mansion-like house is known as the Baby Del due to it’s architectural features.  The house was built in 1887 and was originally located in San Diego.  But in 1985, the proud owner to this home decided to re-locate the house to Coronado.  The house was brought to the island via barge, originally named the Livingston House.

When I was younger, my friend and her family lived at the Baby Del.  I loved going to this house not only because it had all sorts of quirky rooms but also because of the pool, jacuzzi, huge backyard and a tree swing.  Not to mention a cellar, which for a California girl is a novelty.  But the absolute BEST part...

When I was about eight years of age, a friend of mine found an old, weathered bottle that had washed ashore the Coronado beach.  Inside this bottle was a rolled up map leading to a buried treasure.  She brought the map to her parents where they decided that a treasure hunt was as must.  As the parents plotted, they allowed each of their children (three in total) to bring along a friend.  To this day, I will always be grateful to my friend for choosing me as her plus one.  

The map brought us through a series of steps that included using our math skills and being very precise with direction.  Finally, after what seemed like hours (fun hours, I might add), we approached what we hoped was was the ‘X’ on the map.  The secret spot was in the white,...

Need to know the time? I know this may seem old school but listen for the bells.  There are two beautiful churches in Coronado that chime on the hour, every hour of every day.  I know it’s rare to not have a watch or phone to give us the time but there may be an instance where your phone has died or you left your pocket watch at home.

For centuries, the world has used clocks and sundials to know the time of day.  And this ancient tradition continues to this day.  I’m sure it seems obvious but sometimes we get used to the sounds of our town and hearing the church bells may fall into that category.  

Each church plays a little intro, giving you time to listen (no pun intended).  Once the melody is over, there will be a single “dong”...

As Coronado is home to the U.S. Navy SEAL's and their training camp, I have always appreciated what these men put themselves through. Not that I can say I fully understand as I would barely last a day...if that even. Maybe an hour… But after having seen ‘Lone Survivor’ I have a newfound appreciation for these men.  And this movie is the type of film that sticks with you.  

The intro to the movie is old video footage and photos of the SEAL's in training.  Every single one of those shots takes place on Coronado’s very own beach.  Yes, this is where they go through months of gruelling camp. I know this, yet it’s crazy to see it!

While I watched these fighters battle for their lives, I couldn’t help but wonder about the families of...

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...

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...

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...