Before I was accepted to UC San Diego, I came across a TikTok of a woman living the “island girl” life as she strolled around her neighborhood on Coronado Island. Hordes of faceless users ridiculed her in the comments, believing this “had to be satire” because Coronado is technically a peninsula. 

Now a UCSD student, I thought I’d check the peninsula city out for myself at a price that most students could afford. 

To inspire your picture-perfect — and economical — excursion to Coronado Island, read my tips for a low-cost visit. 

1. Take the Blue Line trolley toward San Ysidro to the Broadway Pier — free

As an ardent supporter of public transit, I urge every student to use their U-Pass to ride the Blue Line trolley. Take the Inside or Outside Loop to get to the Central Campus Station, and get off at the Santa Fe Depot stop. Beware that the OL does not run on weekends. 

2. Board the Coronado Ferry — $9

   

Walk two minutes west to board the Coronado Ferry at the Broadway Pier. The ferry leaves every hour on the hour. You can buy tickets online or from the ticket booth at the pier for $9 one way and $18 round trip. The 15- to 20-minute boat ride is beautiful; you can see the gorgeous skyline of downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Naval ship, and people taking their sailboats out for a spin. Reminder: Don’t forget sunscreen! I learned that lesson the hard way. 

3. Rent a bike — $10

There are plenty of options for bike rentals, such as Wheel Fun Rentals and Holland’s  Bicycles, but most bike rental companies on the island close at sunset, so I recommend renting the bike at least an hour before then. Coronado’s scenic bike trails feature picturesque views of the peninsula’s lush parks and the Coronado Golf Course. 

Once you have your wheels, follow the paved paths; some trails take you under the Coronado Bridge! If you already own a micromobility vehicle, both the trolley and ferry allow bikes at no extra cost, so take your own wheels out for a spin instead. 

After sunset, check out the many cute shops and boutiques at the ferry landing, like Lisa’s Boutique. 

4. Grab a scoop of ice cream at MooTime Creamery — $6 to $12

   

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and want to support a local small business, look no further than MooTime Creamery. Known for its retro aesthetic and homemade ice cream, the shop boasts an eclectic assortment of flavors such as Irish cream and Islander Crunch, as well as classics like vanilla. I highly recommend cherry vanilla and Cookie Monstah. Don’t be afraid of the long lines; the service is quick! MooTime also has dairy-free, hormone-free, gluten-free, and high fructose corn syrup-free options. With your sweet treat in hand, walk a few minutes to the beach and take in the sunset before heading off to your next stop.

5. Visit Hotel del Coronado — free

Of course, a trip to Coronado wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Hotel del Coronado. After passing through the lobby, you can enjoy and take photos in the main lawn lit up by string lights! Be considerate of guests and remember that some private areas are restricted. 

6. Stroll around the city — free

Wandering around the island is the best and most cost-effective way to explore Coronado. There is so much to admire about the beautiful beach houses, and it is also such a privilege to soak up a walkable city. I like to stay around Orange Avenue, where most of the shops, restaurants, and coffee shops are located. If you’re looking for a spot to sit or study, this is the perfect road to find a place to sift through your photos from the day and debrief! My favorites are Better Buzz and Clayton’s Coffee Shop, both of which close at 9 p.m.