The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is inviting visitors to experience the festive spirit of the season with its new holiday attraction, the “Tinsel Trail to Oz.” This free, self-guided tour allows guests to explore a Yellow Brick Road lined with themed Christmas trees throughout the hotel grounds, celebrating the hotel’s unique connection to L. Frank Baum’s iconic works.
Located on the picturesque shores of San Diego, the Hotel Del Coronado has a rich history that includes being a winter retreat for Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. During his stays at the hotel with his wife Maud and his mother-in-law, suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, Baum found inspiration for at least two sequels to his beloved tale. It was in this enchanting setting that he completed Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz and The Road to Oz.
Explore the Tinsel Trail and Holiday Attractions
The Tinsel Trail features several magnificent trees, including the impressive “The Road to Oz” Tree, which stands two stories tall, adorned with 10,000 lights and 2,000 ornaments. Another highlight is “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Tree, located at the hotel’s beachfront ice-skating rink, which captures the essence of Baum’s magical universe.
Alongside the tree displays, visitors can wander along the Yellow Brick Road in the Garden Courtyard, where they can enjoy a stroll and admire four twelve-foot Christmas trees, each decorated in imaginative styles inspired by Oz. This festive journey offers an opportunity to learn more about Baum’s ties to the hotel and how his experiences shaped the Oz narrative.
The event is open to the public daily from November 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, though some areas, such as the trees in the Crown & Coronet Rooms, may be closed on select days in December. For specific dates and times, guests can visit the Hotel Del Coronado’s official website.
A Cultural Tribute to a Literary Classic
The Tinsel Trail to Oz not only showcases the holiday spirit but also pays homage to a significant piece of American literature. Baum’s legacy continues to resonate, and the hotel serves as a living tribute to his imagination. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the charm of the season while appreciating the historical significance of their surroundings.
As families and friends gather at the Hotel Del Coronado this holiday season, the Tinsel Trail to Oz promises to create lasting memories filled with wonder and joy. With its enchanting atmosphere and rich history, the hotel stands as a beacon of festive cheer, inviting all to step into a world inspired by one of the most beloved stories in American culture.
