Every December, our family heads to the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego — a tradition that has become one of our favorite parts of the holiday season. There’s something about that mix of ocean air, Christmas lights, and the charm of Coronado Island that feels like stepping into a storybook.
We’ve always stayed in the historic Victorian building, and I’ve fallen in love with every inch of it — the creaky floors, the brass details, and the doors with a thousand coats of paint on them. This year, the Victorian was under renovation, so we tried the Shore House instead, and it turned out to be incredible. We had adjoining rooms with a kitchen and family room in between, plus a balcony overlooking the pool. It felt like our own little seaside apartment. Mornings started with coffee and ocean views while the kids ran around in their pajamas, already begging to go shell hunting.
Our days were filled with all our favorite things to do in Coronado — long walks along the beach, collecting seashells, exploring the neighborhood’s beautiful historic homes, and eating our way through town. We had lunch at Clayton’s Bakery (always a must) and spent hours exploring the grounds.
One of the highlights every year is ice skating by the ocean, and this time it actually rained while the kids skated for the first time ever. They thought it was awesome while George and I took that as our cue to call it a night.
We also went for a night swim one evening, which was pure magic. The palm trees were strung with Christmas lights, the air was cold and the pool colder but the kids didn’t mind one bit. Thank goodness for the hot tub! Night swims are always a big hit for our kids. They said it was their favorite night of the whole trip.
Dinners out with a one-year-old are always tricky. My secret weapon is a little stash of candy in my purse (usually Smarties or M&M’s) and I’ll slide one onto the table whenever George starts to get restless. It’s just enough to keep him happy while Ryne and I try to finish a meal in peace. That, and a plate of french fries within reach, work like magic!
The Del at Christmastime is truly something special. The twinkle lights, garlands, and festive decor make the whole place feel like a holiday dream. Every year I take a photo of the kids in front of the big lobby tree, and looking back on those pictures through the years just melts me. Watching them grow up in front of that tree has become one of my favorite family traditions.
The kids always say the Hotel Del is their favorite place to go, and Ryne and I feel the same way. It’s one of those special places where we are all able to slow down and soak up the magic of being together. We can’t wait to stay in the Victorian building again next year once it’s open, but this trip to the Shore House will go down as one of our favorites yet — a perfect mix of cozy family time, festive fun, and seaside joy!
