A practical day trip: Coronado by ferry or bike

From Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina you can reach Coronado either by a short passenger ferry from piers within walking distance of the hotel (one-way fare commonly $9 for ages 4+), or by renting a bike and riding the Bayshore Bikeway onto Coronado Island. The ferry crossings take roughly 8–15 minutes depending on departure pier; once on Coronado you can continue by bike along the waterfront to Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado.
In this guide
Start at the hotel: where to begin and what to use
Check out from your room or leave your larger luggage with bell services and begin from the hotel lobby or marina walk. The hotel address is 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101; the Convention Center and ferry landings are within easy walking distance. Photo: 29
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina offers bicycles to guests as a destination-fee benefit (one-hour bike rental has been listed among included activities in the destination-fee package). If you prefer more time, ask the concierge about extended rentals or local bike shops. If you want a room with a view to return to, consider booking a Deluxe Room, Balcony, Bay View or Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Bay View.
- Where to start: hotel lobby or marina promenade
- Ask concierge about bike rentals and ferry directions
- Rooms to consider for bay views: Deluxe Room, Bay View; Deluxe Room, Balcony, Bay View; Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Bay View
| Hotel service | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Reserve longer bike rentals, ferry schedule, directions to piers |
| Bell desk | Store luggage before/after your day trip |
| Starbucks (lobby) | Grab coffee and portable snacks before you leave |

Taking the ferry to Coronado
Two Flagship ferry landings serve the downtown–Coronado route; one departs Broadway Pier and another from a landing behind the San Diego Convention Center. Walk from the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina to either pier — both are within walking distance of the property.
Ferry crossings vary by pier: departures from Broadway Pier typically take about 15 minutes, while the landing behind the Convention Center can cross in about 8–10 minutes. A one-way fare is commonly listed as $9 for ages 4 and up; service usually runs from early morning through late evening with frequency near every 30 minutes at some times of day. Photo: 44
- Common one-way fare: $9 (ages 4+)
- Typical frequency: departures roughly every 30 minutes (varies by day)
- Hours: service generally runs from early morning through late evening (check daily schedule)
| Pier | Approximate crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway Pier | ~15 minutes | Larger terminal — boat options and schedules vary |
| Convention Center landing | ~8–10 minutes | Closest landing to the hotel; quick walk from Marriott Marquis |

Biking: route options and what to expect
The Bayshore Bikeway is the main route connecting downtown San Diego to Coronado and runs along the bay for a scenic, mostly flat ride. Guests often rent bikes from the hotel, ride the bikeway, then take the ferry across to Coronado to continue riding along the island’s waterfront toward Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado.
The hotel’s destination-fee benefits have included a one-hour bike rental; if you need more than that ask concierge about extended hourly or daily rentals. Bring a map, helmet, and lock if you plan to leave a bike briefly while you walk the beach or visit the Hotel del Coronado. Photo: 24
- Route: Bayshore Bikeway from downtown to Coronado waterfront
- Terrain: mostly flat and suitable for casual riders
- Bring: helmet, water, lock, light layers for coastal breeze
| Segment | Approximate difficulty | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown to ferry landing | Easy | Quick pedal to piers |
| Coronado waterfront | Easy | Scenic ride to Coronado Beach and Hotel del Coronado |
| Long loop on Coronado Island | Moderate | Extended ride if you want more beach time |

A practical half-day itinerary
Morning option: grab a coffee at the hotel Starbucks, take a short walk to the Convention Center landing, ride the ferry across to Coronado, then cycle along the waterfront to the Hotel del Coronado for photos and a beach stroll. Return on an afternoon ferry to have time for the hotel pool or Marvela at the Marquis for dinner.
Afternoon option: spend the morning poolside at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, rent bikes mid-morning, cross by ferry to Coronado for a relaxed lunch and beach time, then return before sunset. Check Marvela at the Marquis hours if you want dinner on-site after returning (breakfast service and dinner hours are published on the hotel dining page).
- Start: Starbucks or Marvela at the Marquis for a quick breakfast
- Midday: ferry + biking to Coronado Beach and Hotel del Coronado
- End: return to hotel pool or Marvela at the Marquis for dinner
| Start time | Activity | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Coffee + walk to ferry | Avoid midday crowds on ferry |
| 9:30–12:30 PM | Coronado ride and beach time | Short crossings allow a flexible schedule |
| 1:30–4:00 PM | Return to hotel, pool or spa | Relax before evening dining |
Practical tips and hotel policies to remember
Check-in time at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina begins at 4:00 pm and check-out is by 11:00 am; the hotel requires government-issued ID and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit at check-in. The property is smoke-free and pets are not permitted, although service animals are welcome.
Pools are generally available early to late evening (pool hours are listed as 6 AM–10:00 PM at the property). The hotel’s destination fee has included benefits such as a one-hour bike rental and a one-hour water activity in the past; check with the front desk on current inclusions and any fees for extended bike rentals, day passes, or pool cabanas.
- Check-in: 4:00 pm; check-out: 11:00 am
- Minimum age to check in: 18
- Pool hours commonly: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Ask concierge about current destination-fee inclusions and bike or kayak reservations
| Service | Where to confirm |
|---|---|
| Bike rentals and ferry directions | Hotel concierge or front desk |
| Pool cabanas or day passes | Front desk or pool desk |
| Current destination-fee inclusions | Front desk or hotel website |


