I love the beach at Coronado! My husband and I have also enjoyed walking on the beach in Del Mar after dining at our favorite restaurant in the San Diego area, Jakes.
Since I live about a mile from Dana Point Harbor I have to vote for Doheny. There are usually small waves, but the park with grassy areas, volleyball courts, BBQ pits, picnic tables and clean bathrooms make for an awesome visit to the beach
Plus, you can rent surrey bikes and beach toys right next to the area which sells decent burgers, fries and strips (yum, anyone else love strips and sauce sold at the beach?). Anyway, it does cost $5 to park, but makes for a very fun day. Right next door is a lot of great shopping as well. We go down there several times a year and enjoy