How to take school on the road
Does a beach cabana sound like a better distance learning or remote workspace than what your family is currently using? Did you have to cancel your summer plans and are itching to travel? Do you just need a change of scenery? Yep, I’m right there with you.
Both my sons are studying 100% remotely, and both my husband and I have the option to work at home, as well. But in our COVID-19 world, “home” can be a loosely defined term. If you’re comfortable following COVID precautions (face coverings, social distancing and frequent hand-washing), you could take your at-home show on the road.
Resorts are capitalizing on our wanderlust and are now promoting distance learning vacations. One such property is the legendary Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island just over the bridge from downtown San Diego. To be clear, you’re not going to get a steal in terms of discounted vacation here. After all, this is still The Del. But I will guarantee that your kids will be extra motivated to get their schoolwork done with the promise of recess on the beach!
Let’s take a look at what “school” looks like at The Del.
Cabana classrooms
My normal recommendation when staying at a spendy resort is to reserve the least expensive room on the property with the idea that you won’t be spending much time in it. That’s not my recommendation at The Del for a couple of reasons. First, the standard rooms in the main Victorian hotel are small, unremarkable and uninspiring. You’d be hard-pressed to get your kids to spend any time there at all. Also, because of the unusual layout of the hotel, it’s a haul to get from these rooms to the pool or beach on the backside of the property. The standard room runs about $349/night.
KidTripster Tip: The Del uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the fewer rooms that are available, the more the prices go up. So if you make a last-minute reservation with only a handful of rooms left, that $349/night room will suddenly cost you $549/night. My advice, book early.
The next room class at The Del is the cabana, either poolside or beachfront, with the beachfront being the far superior choice. These rooms feature a patio area draped in blue-and-white striped curtains with seating, a firepit and a small grass lawn. The better-located ones have unobstructed views of Coronado Beach and the ocean. However, luxury comes at a price: around $1000/night.
KidTripster Tip: The San Diego hotel market doesn’t have a long off-season. But typically, prices do dip a bit starting in mid-October through Thanksgiving. You’ll also find much better rates for weekday stays versus weekend stays.
The last room category is actually not at the hotel itself, but the property directly next door, called Beach Villages. Here you’ll find front-row beachside luxury cottages and back-row beach villas, ranging from one- to three-bedrooms. These units include porches or balconies, gourmet kitchens, marble bathrooms, and access to private pools and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, which otherwise run $25 and $30/person/day respectively. A three-bedroom unit during high season will set you back about $3000/night.
All that being said, The Del is currently running a promotion for stays of six days or more which includes discounted rates starting at 18% off, $350 resort credit, and complimentary parking (normally $40/day) and resort fee (normally $35/day).
KidTripster Tip: Fido doesn’t have to stay home. The Del is pet-friendly. We saw lots of pampered pooches enjoying their stays.
Finally, you’ll find resort-wide WiFi at The Del, so you should have no problem connecting your devices.
Start your days early
Get the kids going early with a complimentary morning beach yoga class (ages 8 and up with an adult) or beach spin class (ages 16 and up) followed by a brain-fueling breakfast either at the on-site sit-down restaurant Sheerwater or at the counter-service Eno Market.
KidTripster Tip: The average breakfast for four at Sheerwater will run over $100. If you’re looking for less expensive dining options, you’ll find plenty of chains and local restaurants and cafes within walking distance of The Del. There’s also a grocery store about six blocks away.
Poolside reading nooks
Mornings are very quiet around the pool at The Del. While you can rent poolside cabanas and cocoon chairs, you’ll find plenty of complimentary loungers in the morning. Snag a prime spot early for some morning study time.
KidTripster Tip: The Del has scheduled 15-minute pool breaks in the afternoon at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Reapply sunscreen and grab some complimentary snacks and juice.
Beach P.E.
The highlight of my sons’ stay at The Del was their surf lesson (ages 4 and up). Their instructor Steve, whom I’m guessing was in his 60s, had been surfing the California coastline since he was 10 years old. He started the lesson on shore with step-by-step instructions and a little practice. Then he and the boys hit the surf just to the left of the rocks in front of The Del. Both boys were up and riding the waves within five minutes. Lessons are 90 minutes in length. That may sound like a short period of time, but believe me, surfing is exhausting. The boys were spent after their lesson and ready for lunch.
You can book a lesson through the hotel. You’ll want to aim for high tide. Cost: $130/first surfer; $110/additional surfers.
If you’re looking for something less adventurous, rent bikes in town and ride around the island or simply walk the beach promenade right outside the hotel.
Science lab within footsteps
At low tide, head to the rocks in front of The Del. Here you’ll find tidepools for exploring. Young scientists can get a lesson in marine biology. We’ve always found the bulb kelp to be particularly interesting.
Real-life history lesson
Built in 1888, The Del opened as the largest resort hotel in the world at the time. Later in 1977, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark and remains the second largest wooden structure in the world. The California icon has hosted a multitude of U.S. presidents, royals, and celebrities through the years. Did I mention the resident ghost, Kate Morgan?
Delve into the history of The Del on a 90-minute walking tour. Cost: Youth (5 and under) Free; Adult $40.
KidTripster Tip: The tours may be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, so check ahead of time.
Field trips
While you may be tempted to spend your entire stay at the hotel, San Diego is a family playground with lots of field trip opportunities. Check out our Top 10 Plays in San Diego list. Just make sure to call ahead or look online regarding any COVID-19 restrictions.
KidTripster Tip: October is a particularly good time to find discounts on family-friendly attractions in San Diego. Click here to learn more about October promotions.
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