Things to Do in Coronado

Enthusiastic instructors at OEX Mission Bay invite beginning and experienced adventurers into the cerulean waters of the Pacific. The outpost began as a kayak and freediving center, but has since branched out to include standup paddleboard, outrigger canoes, and poker tournaments with local sea bass. Staff members happily help sea student get fitted with the perfect-sized gear and train them in basic safety before their expedition over and under the blue bay waters.

Creative clients brush layers of vibrant, nontoxic paint onto a wide selection of pieces at Daydreams Ceramic Café. The wood- and earth-tone-accented shop, with a feel akin to a rustic winery, lines shelves with blank bowls, vases, mugs, and figurines. After a creative slathering, staff members glaze each piece and fire it in in the café's 2,000-degree kiln for up to two days, rendering it glossy and safe for food, microwaves, dishwashers, and teething pets. The café charges no studio fee for its visiting artists and allows them to return as many times as necessary to complete their masterworks—features which may have helped it to snag a 2011 Best Arts & Crafts award from CityVoter.

PB Christmas Trees spreads holiday merriment with noble, douglas, and grand firs individually selected from forests in Oregon along with fraser firs from North Carolina. On the lot, trees stand in water and receive additional watering from the staff each day to keep needles healthy and green. Trees vary in size from 2' up to 16', ensuring customers can a perfect specimen no matter how high their ceilings or how modest their budget. Complimentary hot cider keeps patrons warm as they peruse the lot, and once they've found their perfect tree, the crew will gladly grab a rope and secure it to a car or riding mower at no additional charge.

Staff members at Rick's Rent-A-Boat outfit water-riders with the necessary safety equipment before sending them off for a ride on a professionally maintained jet ski, kayak, or boat. During excursions, riders safely glide over the ripples and spray of San Diego Bay's coastal waters atop a Kawasaki or Honda jet ski, kayak, or Triton ski boat. Sporting a provided life vest and drawing on operating instructions included with each rental, riders cruise atop their seafaring stallions, skimming over foamy waves and leading schools of local fish in a Hamlet lecture. Depending on Mother Nature's mood, guests can make waves 8 a.m.–8 p.m. every day of the week.

Pacific Nature Tours' experienced captains and their crews navigate a seaworthy 70-foot, US Coast Guard–inspected vessel—the Eclipse_—through Mission Bay waters in search of friendly marine life and ambivalent birds. As the _Eclipse safely sails around island coasts, knowledgeable naturalists narrate the expeditions, which include two whale-watching excursions. Aquatic creatures ranging from dolphins and sea lions to pool noodles can be spotted in their natural habitats from the ship's spacious deck or from within the interior viewing area, which is equipped with satellite TV. As the Eclipse navigates Mission Bay, passengers can feast on the galley's appetizing offerings, including Chris's world famous clam chowder, served with 4.5 hour tours. Meals are also included in longer trips and items available à la carte for all voyages. All tours operate out of Seaforth Sportfishing.

With 20 years of experience working with horses, Anna Baker makes her equine expertise available to the public through an array of riding services. Students as young as 5 can receive a proper introduction to horses through a firm hoof shake followed by private lessons in the English and Western riding styles. Baker also trains horses, offering their owners packages that include room and board for their equine friends as well as trailer parking.