The Perfect Getaway: A festive holiday week at Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Just across the bay from San Diego, this iconic hotel sits on one of the country’s most stunning beaches and goes all out for the holiday season.
By Tanvi Chheda | October 30, 2025
From surf lessons and cozy, beachside bubble tents to Victorian Tea and movies on the sand, the legendary Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, or The Del, as it’s affectionately known, makes for a fun-in-the-sun getaway with loads of holiday cheer. Southern California attractions, the San Diego Zoo, and whale-watching tours are just icing on the cake of your winter beach vacation.
Friday
Morning
Arrive and check into the beachfront Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, a Four Diamond award-winning resort on Coronado Island, a peninsula across the bay from downtown San Diego, just a 16-minute drive from Old Town. First built in 1888, the Victorian-style property is famous for its signature red turreted roof, which remains intact through a recent multi-year renovation and expansion. Rooms and suites are spread across the original Victorian building, while larger secluded cottages and villas with full kitchens and washer/dryers can be found at the adjacent Beach Village at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Shore House at The Del, each with their own exclusive amenities and private spaces for guests.
Afternoon
Jump right into holiday activities with Skating by the Sea®. Each winter season, The Del sets up a skating rink right on the powdery sand — an annual festive feature that is as beloved by locals as it is by guests. Take in views of the Pacific and the hotel's stunning exterior as you glide across the ice. Best of all, a portion of the rink’s proceeds go to Make-A-Wish® San Diego. When you need a break, gather in your own rink-side or ocean-side lounge at Frostbite Lounge, where you’ll enjoy holiday-themed drinks and bites as you settle into plush seating around a roaring fire pit.
Evening
Tuck into tender focaccia, fresh salads, and artisanal wood-fired pies at the hotel’s ENO Market & Pizzeria as the sun goes down. Kids can gobble up cheesy slices of the Margherita pizza while parents enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine. The adjacent grab-and-go market makes it easy to load up on locally made snacks and portable provisions for the week.
Saturday
Morning
Rise and fuel up at your hotel before heading to the water to catch some waves! Coronado’s gentle, consistent break is perfect for surfers of all ages and abilities. Have the hotel concierge arrange a private hour-long lesson with the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, located at the resort. Your expert instructor will guide you and your family on how to paddle, pop up, and maintain balance.
Afternoon
Take a stroll along nearby Orange Avenue, a retail corridor lined with bookstores, coffee shops, and beachwear boutiques. Wild Dove offers a well-curated selection of women’s jewelry, handbags, candles, and more, while Bay Books and its attached café are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Parakeet Café (which has locations throughout Southern California) is a great breakfast option as well.
Evening
Roast holiday-themed s’mores as part of The Del’s Jingle Roast. Gather around a cozy fire pit on the beach, put on your Santa hat, and let the kids (and kids at heart) indulge in some ooey-gooey s’mores underneath sparkling lights. Just show up and the resort does the rest. Fire pits can be reserved for up to 10 guests.
Sunday
Morning
After a hearty brunch of baklava French toast and shakshuka at the resort’s Serẽa restaurant, rent a beach cruiser and pedal along the beach path with your crew, taking in the gorgeous beachfront setting and crisp morning air. Idyllic Coronado Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country thanks to its sparkling sand, calm waters, and laid-back vibe.
Afternoon
It feels apt to have a Victorian-style tea in one of the country’s oldest Victorian buildings. Dress up in festive holiday attire, snap a few family photos, and sample a variety of drinks (or lemonades for kids) along with finger sandwiches, confections, and sweets in The Del’s beautifully restored Crown Room.
Evening
Dinner in an igloo? Another fun holiday offering, The Del’s Beachside Igloos are domed bubble tents that accommodate eight guests with seating inside as well as around a firepit outside. Relax with your toes in the sand, look out at the glistening water in the distance, and enjoy s’mores as with an a la carte menu of food and beverages. The domed tents can be reserved for two hours.
Monday
Morning
Grab the gang and head to The New Children’s Museum for sensory play, hands-on art activities, and interactive installations. Among the fun spaces is “Whammock!,” a hand-dyed rope crocheted into a 3D climbable textile sculpture, as well as “The Wonder Sound,” a maze of rooms and nooks.
Afternoon
Return to the resort and hit the pool.Lounge poolside while the kids splash and swim; order some guac and chips, sandwiches, and bites; or settle in for a few hours with a good book. Guests at Shore House and Beach Village have their own pools, while the main Cabana pool is open to all guests.
Evening
Keep it low-key this evening with a family movie night on the beach, a holiday season fixture at The Del. Snuggle under the stars and laugh along to film classics that guests of all ages can enjoy. Movies are open to all, so come early or reserve seats in advance.
Tuesday
Morning
A star attraction of the region, the San Diego Zoo, a 15-minute car ride from the resort, is an absolute must while in town. Spend the morning spying koalas, giraffes, pandas, lemurs, elephants, lions, and more. The 60-minute Discovery Cart Tour is a fantastic, guided overview of the zoo with a few wildlife encounter opportunities along the way.
Afternoon
Consistently voted the best in San Diego, Bobboi Natural Gelato is worth seeking out. From mango to chocolate caramel to pistachio, the artisanal flavors are made fresh daily and will satisfy any sweet tooth. With three locations in the area, their Kettner location is the most convenient for a pitstop on your way back from the Zoo.
Evening
Sushi-loving kiddos will be happy to nosh on avocado rolls and edamame at The Del’s Nobu del Coronado. The indoor-outdoor Japanese restaurant skews a little more casual to match the resort’s family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for an early dinner.
Wednesday
Morning
A short ride from the resort, 1,200-acre (485-hectare) Balboa Park is, undeniably, San Diego’s cultural jewel, with some 18 museums and beautiful gardens. In 1915, as part of the Panama-California Exposition, the ornate California Tower was added, and visitors can still climb up to its viewing deck today. Wander the park, pop into the San Diego Railroad Museum, explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, and more.
Afternoon
For lunch nearby, snag a patio table at Donna Jean, an exceptional plant-based eatery that dishes out delicious vegan comfort food in the form of pancakes, French toast, mac and cheese, as well as tasty pizzas.
Evening
The Del goes all out for the holidays, and tonight, make time for the festive Oz Lightshow Spectacular. This complimentary 10-minute show on the resort’s Founders Lawn dazzles, as dynamic lights are orchestrated to an Oz-inspired soundtrack and a flurry of “snow” is released for the grand finale.
Thursday
Morning
The winter months are ideal for glimpsing gray, humpback, fin, and minke whales, along with dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds aboard a guided tour with Legacy Whale Watch. Launching from Mission Bay, the tours typically last three hours, with a captain and crew ready to share tidbits about the marine animals. With two decks, the boats are comfortably spacious and equipped with bathrooms!
Afternoon
Taquitos, tacos, and tostadas await at Puesto in Mission Valley. A fan-favorite for its Mexican fare, the San Diego chain also makes a mean margarita. Once you've had your fill, it’s just a short drive back to the resort, where you can recharge in the comfort of your room or suite.
Evening
After dinner at The Henry, a nearby island staple known for modern American fare, head to the USS Midway Museum for the Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration. The flight deck will be transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, music, and games the whole family will enjoy. Buy your tickets in advance as this seasonal event is only on select dates.
Friday
Morning
Have the kids explore the local tide pools with the team from the resort’s Kids’ Club while you sneak away for a relaxing treatment at the Spa & Salon at The Del. Choose from hot stone, deep tissue, Thai massages; oxygenating facials; a detoxifying seaweed wrap, and more. Be sure to leave time to use and relax in the steam room, jacuzzi, and lounge areas too.
Afternoon
Enjoy one last afternoon building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and flying kites. Coronado, which translates to crown, is indeed a jewel!
Until next time!
Say farewell to The Del and its idyllic setting — but only for now.
Take a tour
Experience a stay at Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
Explore more of San Diego with Hilton
A traveling insider’s guide to San Diego
Discover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable getaway to this Southern California city, from surfing adventures to must-try cuisine, and more.
Coronado getaway: An elevated escape to San Diego's island paradise
A memorable vacation awaits in San Diego. Explore high-end cuisine, local attractions, unique experiences, and more.
Your ultimate guide to the best activities in San Diego
Experience the best activities in San Diego, from culture and dining to outdoor adventures.
Read more:
Find travel inspiration