For some places, development is fast and furious. It looks like bright, shiny skyscrapers and oversized attractions that drastically alter the skyline, shift the tourism landscape, and, worst of all, erase decades of history. Coronado has taken a much slower, more intentional approach to progress.

Although, in fairness, as the birthplace of the American beach vacation and one of the most beloved destinations for sun and surf in the greater San Diego area, it didn’t have much choice in the matter. So much of its present-day charm is inexorably linked with the past. In the late 1800s, East Coast elites used to take the five-day train ride across the country to enjoy the healing sea air and the laid-back Southern California lifestyle. Back then, it wasn’t so much a destination as one grand resort: Hotel del Coronado. (Spoiler alert: over a century later, the “crown jewel of Coronado” shines brighter than ever.)

When the Coronado Bridge opened in August 1969—its debut, fittingly timed to the 200th anniversary of the founding of San Diego—the peninsula became much easier to reach. For the last 56 years, vacation-bound cars have crossed the historic overpass, rolling down the windows to soak in the breezes and the sweeping views of San Diego Bay and downtown. On the other side, a clutch of holiday charms: sandy SoCal beaches, well-heeled accommodations, oceanside restaurants, and souvenir shops. Residents and out-of-towners were used to the legacy, the reassurance in things unchanged. So, for decades, Coronado stayed the same, minus the odd store closure or a Pilates studio popping up. And everyone seemed happy. Because familiarity is comforting, even better when it’s sun-warmed.

But the thing about time is that it rarely stands still. Old buildings start to show signs of wear and tear. The next generation of travelers ages into becoming the vacation purchaser rather than the passenger. And so, evolution becomes necessary. Such is the case with Coronado. No longer just a nostalgic spot to splash in the ocean and build sand castles, the well-established Southern California destination has a bright future ahead thanks to new restaurants and design hotels (and a full-scale renovation of its grand dame) that, when combined with its existing infrastructure, promise to usher in an exciting era in its illustrious history.

If you’re looking for a West Coast beach vacation to take this year, consider Coronado.

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