31 of the Best Things To Do on North Island NAS

Introduction

Welcome to Naval Air Station North Island: the birthplace of naval aviation! As you settle into your new home in Coronado, you’re probably looking for some ideas of the best things to do on North Island NAS and the surrounding areas. You’re in luck! NAS North Island (NASNI) is just a short drive over the Coronado Bridge from downtown San Diego, where you can easily connect to all parts of San Diego County. 

They don’t refer to San Diego as “America’s Finest City” for no reason. There is so much to offer visitors and those lucky enough to call it home. You’re also a reasonable distance from Orange and Los Angeles counties, where you can find even more things to do on your off time. Here is a list of 31 of the best things to do on North Island NAS and nearby.

Suggested read: NAS North Island: In-Depth Welcome Center

31 Things To Do on North Island NAS

Parks and Beaches

NAS North Island

1. Breakers Beach

Rogers Road
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-2632

Enjoy San Diego’s most remote shoreline by relaxing on Breakers Beach by yourself or with a group. This relatively desolate beach offers a great time year-round with fire pits, convenient beach-front parking, reservable cabanas, and soft, white sand.

2. Heritage Park

Rogers Road
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-2632

Right next to Breakers Beach, you’ll find the quaint Heritage Park. The park has a softball field and sitting areas, and it is right next to the North Island Beach Cottages. The park can be reserved for command functions with advance reservation.

Coronado

3. Gator Beach

Trident Way
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA 92155
Phone: 1 (619) 545-2632

Gator Beach is a private beach that is only accessible for military personnel and their guests. The beach is used for Navy SEAL training purposes but is also available for recreation for those with access. Enjoy beach volleyball or take advantage of this hidden surfing spot.

4. Turner Field Pavilion

Bougainville Road and Eniwetok
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA 92155
Phone: 1 (619) 545-2632

Right on the water, with sweeping views of downtown San Diego, sits Turner Field. The park offers a large, grassy recreation area along with two full-size basketball courts, a softball field, and a helipad.

5. Fiddler’s Cove Marina & RV Park

3205 Highway 75
Bldg. 1214
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA 92155
Phone: 1 (619) 522-7969

Fiddler’s Cove Marina & RV Park overlooks the San Diego Bay and offers scenic views of the Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego skyline. The full-service marina and RV park features laundry facilities, restrooms, bike paths, a dog run, boat rentals, WiFi, BBQ grills, patios, and a store where you can pick up anything you forgot to pack. Whether you enjoy fishing, camping, sailing, or leisure activities, Fiddler’s Cove is the perfect place for your next adventure.

6. Coronado Tidelands Park

2000 Mullinex Drive
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 1 (619) 725-6001

Visitors can take their pick of activities to engage in at Tidelands Park. Enjoy the small beach, hit or kick a ball in the recreation fields, or sit down for a picnic in the vast, open space. Tidelands is the largest of Coronado’s public parks, and it’s usually packed with locals enjoying one of the aforementioned activities or just running, biking, or skating through on their way somewhere else.

7. Spreckels Park

601 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 1 (619) 435-1764

In the middle of Coronado sits the well-known Spreckels Park. The beautifully green park boasts a gazebo where visitors flock to catch Concerts in the Park during the summer months. Year-round, visitors take advantage of the jungle gym and spacious grassy areas for picnics or soaking in the sunny days. Call for details on other events or to get more information about walking tours of the park’s unique trees.

San Diego

8. Balboa Park

1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1 (619) 239-0512

Balboa Park is more than just a beautiful park nestled north of downtown San Diego; it’s a destination for fun, culture, animals, and recreation. Originally named City Park, Balboa Park is a historical landmark and a place that should be at the top of your itinerary. Balboa Park offers visitors several parks and playgrounds within its 1,200-acre radius. In addition to open spaces, there are lush gardens and walking paths to explore, museums, theaters, restaurants, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

9. Mission Trails Regional Park

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
Phone: 1 (619) 668-3281

Hikers enjoy the nearly 6-mile moderate Pyles Peak Summit Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park. The trail first takes you out and back, ascending the popular Cowles Mountain. The trail then continues on to the serene Pyles Peak, the second-highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park. While this peak isn’t quite as popular or as well-known as Cowles, it’s a great spot to leave the crowds behind and take in the amazing views.

Imperial Beach

10. Imperial Beach Pier

Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Just south of Coronado sits the Port of San Diego’s Imperial Beach Pier. It’s the southernmost piece in San Diego and extends nearly 1,500 feet across the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy fishing off the pier, amazing sunsets, or just stroll along breathing in the ocean air.

Point Loma

11. Seabee Park at Point Loma

32444 Echo Lane
Naval Base Point Loma, CA 92147
Phone: 1 (619) 553-9138

Beautiful downtown skyline views await at Seabee Park, close to Navy Gateway Inns & Suites and the Sailing Center in Point Loma. It’s the perfect spot to plan a picnic lunch or a small get-together with family or friends. There are two covered picnic areas that can be used on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can reserve a spot up to 90 days in advance.

NAS North Island Golf Course

12. Sea ‘N Air Golf Course

Bldg. 800
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-9659

Hit the links with a view at Sea ‘N Air Golf Course. Enjoy 18 holes of golf and take advantage of the driving range, putting green, and short-game area, or sign up for lessons. The on-site restaurant and pro shop are also available seven days a week. Book your tee times online. Call for questions or to reserve a table at Take 5ive on The Greens.

Coronado

13. Coronado Municipal Golf Course

2000 Visalia Row
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 1 (619) 522-6590

Open to the public, the par-72 Coronado Municipal Golf Course is one of the city’s most treasured assets, with sweeping views of the Coronado Bridge, San Diego Harbor, and downtown skyline. It is regularly rated as one of the best public courses in the nation. Call for more information or visit the website to book a tee time online.

San Diego

14. Golf Performance Center

Bldg. 348
Naval Base San Diego, CA 92136
Phone: 1 (619) 556-7502

Practice makes perfect at Naval Base San Diego’s Golf Performance Center. Spend time practicing your short game or putting technique, engage in shot practice, or visit the 12-station full swing enclosed range. There is professional equipment fitting and private or group instruction available. Call for details.

15. Admiral Baker Golf Course

2400 Admiral Baker Road
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: 1 (619) 487-0090

Just a short drive from NAS North Island sits Admiral Baker Golf Course. The 18-hole course is perfect for beginners and pros alike and offers a great golfing environment at a reasonable cost. Book your tee times online or call for questions about hours, lessons, golf clinics, the pro shop, or the on-site restaurant.

NAS North Island Gym

16. VADM Martin Fitness Center

Bldg. 1507
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-0237

VADM Martin Fitness Center is the NAS North Island MWR’s state-of-the-art fitness center. The gym is stocked with the most current fitness equipment and is staffed with experts on hand to help you design a workout or just assist with your form. The center also offers access to racquetball courts, tennis courts, and outdoor group exercises designed to help with all of your training and fitness needs.

17. VADM Martin Pool

Bldg. 1507
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-2877

The VADM Martin Pool is an indoor facility open to all eligible patrons for aquatic training, lap swimming, or leisure swimming needs. There is no reservation required to use the pool, and locker rooms and showers are available on a limited basis. Call for more information.

NAS North Island Bowling Alley

18. Sea ‘N Air Lanes Bowling Center

Bldg. 772
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-7240

The Sea ‘N Air Lanes Bowling Center offers 24 well-maintained lanes with automatic scoring, bumpers for the kids, and large screen televisions on each of its lanes. NAS North Island’s bowling alley is a great place to enjoy some indoor recreation and relaxation. Enjoy breakfast or lunch from 10 Pin Cafe while you bowl or grab a cold drink from the Sports Corner Lounge in the afternoons or on a Saturday night.

Nearby Attractions

Coronado

19. Coronado Playhouse

1835 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 1 (619) 435-4856

This local theater venue has been in Coronado since the 1940s and was originally housed in a renovated barracks facility. The Coronado Playhouse moved to a new space in 2006 and is one of the oldest, longest continuously running community theaters in San Diego.

20. Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 1 (619) 435-6611

The charming, historic Hotel del Coronado has been a staple in Coronado since 1888. The iconic red rooftop and white building has welcomed presidents, dignitaries, inventors, authors, celebrities, and, supposedly, ghosts throughout its 130-year history. The resort has been featured in films and books and is a big tourist attraction year-round thanks to its storied and haunted past.

San Diego

21. San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1 (619) 231-1515

The world-famous San Diego Zoo, nestled across 100 acres in Balboa Park, houses over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Learn all about the zoo’s amazing creatures and its conservation efforts while strolling the beautiful grounds and seeing tons of different animals.

22. SeaWorld

500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 1 (619) 222-4732

SeaWorld is more than just killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Visitors come for the amazing marine life, first and foremost, but SeaWorld also offers thrilling roller coasters and rides the whole family can enjoy, as well as the Bay of Play for the little ones. Special events are held throughout the year, like Mardi Gras celebrations, the Seven Seas Food Festival, Craft Beer Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and more. See the website for events and ticket information.

23. Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego
Phone: 1 (619) 233-5227

The historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is home to Petco Park, where you can catch a San Diego Padres game, concert, or another event. The area also hosts the annual Comic-Con International, an annual event that draws people from around the world to find out what’s happening next in the world of comic books, anime, manga, video games, and everything in between.

NAS North Island

24. MWR Ticket Office

Navy Exchange Mall
Bldg. 2017
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-3331

NAS North Island MWR ticket office offers eligible military personnel a variety of tickets for many Southern California attractions at special prices. Choose from major theme parks, water parks, concert venues, aquariums, and special events like the San Diego County Fair, Sesame Street Live, and more. For those planning a vacation or if you just need advice on basic travel options, let the MWR ticket professionals at the NAS North Island MWR ticket office help you out.

25. VADM Martin Liberty Center

Bldg. 1507
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-3331

NAS North Island’s VADM Martin Liberty Center is the perfect place to visit and unwind after a long (or even a short) day. Take advantage of the free WiFi, lounge area, computers, TVs, video gaming stations, and more. It’s open every day except for major holidays.

26. North Island Beach Cottages

Rogers Boulevard
Bldg. 1401-A
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 435-1227

Itching to get away but don’t want to go too far? You’re in luck! There are 20 beach cottages available to rent at Breakers Beach. The North Island Beach Cottages provide visitors with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, a patio, and everything else you’ll need. The single-story units are just steps from the beach and offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

NAS North Island Museums

San Diego

27. USS Midway Museum

910 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1 (619) 544-9600

In the waters right outside downtown San Diego sits the USS Midway Museum. The historical naval-aircraft-carrier-turned-museum houses an extensive collection of aircraft, flight simulators, the Battle of Midway Theater, and the opportunity to tour this massive facility. Take a self-guided audio tour or reserve a docent tour with a group.

28. Veterans Museum at Balboa Park

2115 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1 (619) 239-2300

Balboa Park houses a number of museums. Among them is the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. Since 1989, the museum has been dedicated to honoring the memories of the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Some of the exhibits include a look at the role of women in the military, the impact of the Vietnam War and Korean War, and the history of the Army and Navy in Balboa Park, among others. Visit the website for information on tours and special events.

29. The New Children’s Museum

200 W. Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 1 (619) 233-8792

The New Children’s Museum is dedicated to helping children learn and experience the world through the ideas of “think, play, and create.” Most of the art installations throughout the museum are hands-on and interactive, creating a fun environment for kids to learn about art and discover how things work.

NAS North Island Movie Theater

30. Lowry Theater

Bldg. 650
NASNI, CA 92135
Phone: 1 (619) 545-8479

All authorized military personnel and their guests are welcome at NAS North Island’s Lowry Theater. Enjoy a first-run movie or a classic at a great price — FREE! Host a special event or use the theater to give a presentation on a large screen.

Craft Breweries and Wineries

31. Breweries and Wineries

San Diego is the self-proclaimed craft beer capital of America. There are tons of award-winning and globally recognized craft breweries in the area and new ones popping up all the time. Visit Stone Brewing Company, Ballast Point, Coronado Brewing Company, and so many more! And if beer isn’t your thing, travel about an hour north of the installation to Temecula Valley wine country, which boasts a variety of wineries, or venture east to Jamul and visit Rustic Ridge Winery.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that there is plenty to occupy your time in America’s Finest City while you’re stationed at NAS North Island. The year-round warm temperatures make it the ideal place to get outside, whether you’re relaxing at the beaches in Coronado or catching a Padres game in downtown San Diego. Whatever your mood, you’ll find something to interest you in NAS North Island.

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