By Becky Eaton, Sunset deputy art director
Last weekend I embarked on my first official Southern California expedition. After spending a night in San Diego’s swanky Ivy Hotel, which turns into a “tri-level nightclub” on the weekends, I was ready for something a little more quiet and relaxing.
Saturday morning, my boyfriend and I walked from the Gaslamp District to the harbor, where we caught a ferry over to Coronado for only $3.50. It reminded me of taking the ferry from San Francisco’s Ferry Building to Sausalito—there were lots of tourists on board with bikes.
The Coronado Ferry Landing features many cute shops and restaurants, but I had a particular destination in mind: The Hotel del Coronado. Within 30 minutes, I was on the local 904 bus, heading down Orange Ave.
I wished I could have stayed at the Del for one night of my trip. It almost seemed like its own magical mini-city, boasting restaurants, bars, spa treatments, a shopping center, and a beautiful beach.
After lunch on the Sun Deck, I headed out to the sunny beach, a special treat after being used to San Francisco’s foggy ocean views.
Before my toes could reach the warm sand, the Lorax caught my eye. Yes, the Lorax, the main character from Dr. Seuss’s famous environmental awareness children’s book. For about a month, the Hotel del Coronado is hosting an outdoor Dr. Seuss sculpture exhibit on the Windsor Lawn. You can see other famous characters in full-scale bronze sculpture form, including the Cat in the Hat and Sam I Am (from Green Eggs and Ham).
It was a nice surprise to see the Lorax and remember the simple life lessons Dr. Seuss taught me as a child. If you’re in town, definitely stop by the sculpture exhibit. It will be up until May 20.
