One of the perks of living downtown is the ability to run nearly all my errands on foot. My walks to the post office, grocery store and drugstore help me get chores done and increase my daily movement.
Unfortunately, my daily walks can reveal a downside to living downtown – unsanitary sidewalks excessively littered with trash.
Recently frustrated by the state of my neighborhood, I drove across the Coronado Bridge for a walk there. From across the bay, downtown San Diego shines, with its soaring high rises just above bay level. This stunning view reminds me why we choose to cough up the high costs of living downtown despite our city’s struggle to keep it safe and sanitary.
So if you occasionally need an escape from our dirty downtown, follow this flat and mobility-friendly route in squeaky-clean Coronado.
Parking is free at Coronado Tidelands Park. Assuming you have a car, you’ll be delighted to hear that you won’t have to pay to access this walk. As soon as you cross the bridge, take a right to reach Tidelands Park, where parking will have no effect on your wallet.
Without a car, you can still get here by taking the ferry. Note that the ferry ride will set you back $18 for a roundtrip. It’s certainly a fun way to travel, but this price is nearly double what it was when I first moved to San Diego. I hesitated before forking over my money for the 25-minute trip each way.
Walk from the park to Ferry Landing. It’s exactly one mile from Tidelands Park to the Ferry Landing on Coronado’s waterfront walkway. Paved and flat, this route is great for all ages and abilities. On your journey, you may see kayakers paddling along the shoreline, fisherfolk reeling in the catch of the day, or families pedaling surrey bikes. It can be especially busy on weekends.
What’s a surrey? It’s a multi-seat pedaling vehicle. Some are best for two adults and two children, while others can fit up to six adults. This interesting mode of transportation can be rented from vendors, as well as regular bicycles. I also spied jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals for those who want to take to the water.
Savor the cityscape from Centennial Park. Just past the bustling Ferry Landing is an emerald stretch of grass called Centennial Park. The views of downtown San Diego from here can’t be beat, not to mention the sight of boats of all kinds sailing along the water. Benches dot the landscape offering you a chance to rest before taking the one mile walk back to Tidelands Park.
On days when you need it, having Coronado nearby is revitalizing. SDSun
Deanna Ratnikova is the creator of The GO Deck – grab a deck today and be inspired to Get Outdoors and GO on new adventures.
