A Taste of Coronado Returns for Year 16 with Hotel del Coronado as Lead Sponsor

A Taste of Coronado is back for its 16th year, and if you’ve never been, this is one of those events that actually lives up to the hype.

Over 800 people will spend the evening making their way through Coronado on a self-guided route from the Ferry Landing to Rotary Park, sampling food and drinks from local spots while supporting a good cause.

This year’s beneficiary is Forever Balboa Park, specifically their work restoring the historic carousel—one of those San Diego landmarks that deserves the attention.

How It Actually Works

You move at your own pace through participating Coronado businesses, either walking, biking, or hopping on the trolley.

Local restaurants set up tastings, there are retail booths scattered throughout, live music keeps things lively, and you get a solid overview of what Coronado’s food scene has to offer without committing to a full sit-down meal anywhere. It’s one of the better ways to explore the island if you haven’t spent much time over there.

Hotel del Coronado is back as presenting sponsor for the third year running with an $8,000 donation, which helps keep the event running smoothly and ensures more money goes directly to the charitable side of things.

VIP Experience Gets an Upgrade

General admission is $75 and gets you access to everything along the route. But the VIP experience this year got a serious revamp, thanks to title sponsors CalPrivate Bank and The Canu Family. At $138, VIP tickets come with perks that are actually worth the upcharge.

You get private check-in at Stake Chophouse & Bar starting at 4:30 PM, which means you’re settled in before the general crowd arrives.

The VIP lounge leans into a carousel theme—a nod to Balboa Park’s historic carousel that was once located in Coronado—creating this whimsical “Merry-Go-Round” atmosphere that ties directly to the fundraising cause.

Inside, there are live-action culinary bites, craft cocktails, and access to the Carousel Bar hosted by Stake. This VIP-only full cash bar stays open after the main event ends, so you’re not getting kicked out when everyone else wraps up. DJ Jalil handles music throughout the evening, plus there’s live entertainment mixed in.

The front-of-the-line privileges at every participating restaurant are where the VIP ticket really pays off. Anyone who’s been to a crowded tasting event knows that waiting in lines eats up your time fast—skip that entirely and you’ll hit way more spots.

Beverage partners include Emerald Spear Tequila, Wilson Creek Winery, Double P, and Eagle Rare (Stake’s private barrel bourbon), so the drink selection is dialed in.

The Charitable Angle

This year’s focus is Forever Balboa Park’s carousel restoration project. It’s a tangible cause with a clear outcome, which makes the fundraising aspect feel more connected to something real rather than just a vague donation pool.

You’re eating well, exploring Coronado, and helping preserve a piece of San Diego history—not a bad way to spend an evening.

See you there!

The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club has this event dialed in after 16 years, and it shows. Worth checking out if you’re looking for something beyond the usual dinner plans.

📆 Wednesday, October 8
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!