The best beaches in the United States aren’t in Hawaii, or in Puerto Rico, or in Florida. That’s right – they are in California, down south in San Diego County. The “island” of Coronado is actually a peninsula, and the beaches there are the best that this country has to offer.

Coronado Municipal Beach contains four different areas, spanning the “island” section of the peninsula. The sand is wide and golden, and trees dot the expanses. On the Pacific side, Coronado City Beach offers a dog beach at the north end, where pets can roam off-leash. Even those without dogs will enjoy watching the canines play in the surf and sand. Lifeguards are present, as are places for bonfires and picnics. This is a great beach to surf or swim, although one should be prepared for of tides and currents.

Farther south, Coronado City Beach stretches in front of the famous Hotel Del Coronado, a Victorian-era hotel with lots of history, cute (if expensive) shopping, and wonderful (if equally expensive) restaurants. The hotel also offers paid parking, so it’s a good place to start a walk along the seashore; a beach path connects with the sidewalk farther north. One does not need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the beach side amenities, and those interested in California history will enjoy browsing through the galleries and shops.

On the bay side of the “island” lie Coronado Tidelands Park and Centennial Park. These are excellent sites for photographers, as the views of San Diego from across the bay are simply stunning. Centennial Park is close to the Coronado Ferry Landing Pier, which means that the water here can be choppier and possibly dirtier than at other beaches on the island, but it’s a good place to walk. Tidelands Park is adjacent to the Bayshore Bikeway, so it’s a great place for runners and cyclists wanting to enjoy the sea breezes; Tidelands is also good for those who want to kayak or Stand-Up Paddle Board; although the rental facilities are not located directly on the beach, those willing to bring the kayak to the park will enjoy the bay’s calmer waters.

Farther south, Glorietta Bay Beach Park is on the bay side of the island, just above the peninsula. It’s a great place for families who want to play in the water, as natural protection is offered by the land separating this area from the Pacific Ocean. Because the water is so clean, it’s also a great place for serious open-water swimming. In addition to the beach areas, there are grassy spots, a playground, and picnic tables.

On the isthmus, Silver Strand State Beach offers spaces for RV camping. This Pacific Beach has waves and sand galore; from here, it’s an easy few minutes to bay side Crown Cove Beach, where protected swimming and water sports can be enjoyed.

Wherever one is on Coronado, one is never far from the waves and the sand. Enjoy time spent here, and know that this paradise is just a two-hour drive from the urban jungle of Los Angeles. At any time of the year, Coronado beaches are a treat.