Coronado in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hotel del Coronado
Photographed By James Kuklinski, January 10, 2019
1. Hotel del Coronado Marker
Erected 1970 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in Cooperation with the San Diego Historical Society, Coronado Historical Association, Inc., and San Diego Chapter, American Institute of Architects (December 17, 1870). (Marker Number 844.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 32° 40.889′ N, 117° 10.636′ W. Marker is in Coronado, California, in San Diego County. Marker is located in the Hotel Garden Patio area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado CA 92118, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Christmas Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oxford (within shouting distance of this marker); J.D. Spreckels House - 1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Dragon Tree
this page online
Regarding Hotel del Coronado. It would be built around a court…a garden of tropical trees, shrubs and flowers,…. From the south end, the foyer should open to Glorietta Bay with verandas for rest and promenade. On the ocean corner, there should be a pavilion tower, and northward along the ocean, a colonnade, terraced in grass to the beach. The dining wing should project at an angle from the southeast corner of the court and be almost detached, to give full value to the view of the ocean, bay and city." It was in this manner that Elisha S. Babcock described to arcrhitect James Reid his dream for a grand hotel on San Diego's Coronado peninsula. Together with H.L. Story, his business partner, Babcock's plans were brought to fruition and the "Hotel del Coronado" was opened on February 19, 1888.
Source: Journal of San Diego
This site is
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
2. Hotel del Coronado Marker
Also see . . . Hotel del Coronado official website. Information about the hotel is available from this site via a downloadable brochure. (Submitted on May 1, 2009.)
Additional commentary.
1. National Historic Landmark - Statement of Significance (as of designation-May 5, 1977)
Begun in March 1887 and open for business February 1888, this enormous timber structure, rising from the Coronado Penisula like a castle, was one of the last of the extravagently conceived resort hotels in Southern California. It was the first hotel in the world, and the largest building outside of New York City, to use electric lighting; the lighting system was installed under the direct supervision of Thomas A. Edison.
A convention center, additional hotel rooms and parking are being planned. These would be constructed on the site of the current parking lots and historic service buildings
— Submitted September 27, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
3. Hotel del Coronado Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
4. National Historic Landmark Plaque
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
5. California Historical Landmark Directional Sign
Photographed By James Kuklinski, January 10, 2019
6. Hotel del Coronado and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
7. Hotel del Coronado
Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 18, 2006
8. Hotel del Coronado
Photographed By Frye A. Smith LTD, San Diego,Ca.
9. Vintage Postcard - Aerial View of Hotel del Coronado
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,690 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 3, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on November 2, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on March 3, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
