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Corona Del Mar History
Plans for Corona del Mar at the turn of the 20th century were as a vacation
resort destination. On June 29, 1904 George Hart signed an agreement with the
Irvine Ranch for the purchase of a 706.08-acre corner of land on the Irvine
Ranch for summer cottages. His concept quickly changed in 1904 when visitors
came to play and wouldn’t leave so perfect a spot. Until the late 1920’s, Corona
del Mar was a tiny village reached from the peninsula by small boat at high
tide, or by a muddy dirt road that crossed the Irvine Ranch and continued along
the bluffs around Newport Upper Bay. With the opening of Pacific Coast Highway
in 1926 (Mary Pickford & Douglas Fairbanks were there for the ribbon cutting), a
period of slow growth began, not accelerating until after World War II.
In 1928, the Corona del Mar Surfboard Club hosted the Pacific Coast Surfboard
Championship. The club was the largest of its kind in the United States with
members such as surfing greats Duke Kahanamoku, Tom Blade of Redondo, Gerrard
and Art Vultee of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and other world class surfers
who brought international attention to Southern California beaches. An extension
of the jetties in the late 1930’s ended the "Killer Break" on the east side
Corona del Mar and led to the emergence of the popular but dangerous break known
as the "Wedge" to the west on the Newport Peninsula. It also led to the demise
of surfing popularity in Corona del Mar. Explore the tidepools at Crystal Cove.
It is an ecologically sensitive region so treat it kindly. Sherman Library and
Gardens on Pacific Coast Highway offers tours of beautiful flower and plant
gardens. There are also art galleries and unique shops running along Pacific
Coast Highway in scenic Corona del Mar.
Inspiration Point includes views of the Newport Bay and Catalina Island. The
location includes a cove below which has been used in the opening of Gilligan's
Island and other film projects. There's a public beach here with a bronze
sculpture of a Sea Lion and her baby.
Along the city's primary artery, Pacific Coast Highway, is the landmark Five
Crowns Restaurant. It was built in 1935 as a copy of Ye Olde Bell, an Inn at
Hurley-on-the-Thames, England. It has been a residence and an inn, it has been
forsaken and neglected, and now operates as a popular, fine restaurant.
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