Neighborhood Spotlight: Corona del Mar a tony enclave with the soul of a seaside village

"Originally part of the Irvine family's extensive holdings, the bluffs and beaches on the east side of the entrance to Newport Harbor were purchased in the early 1900s by developer George Hart. He laid out the original street grid and brought utilities to the tiny hamlet, which he first saddled with the drably pedestrian name "Rocky Point.""

"From the 1910s to the 1930s, surfers were drawn here to the pummeling wave action at Corona del Mar beach, spurred on by news accounts of pioneering longboarding legend Duke Kahanamoku's trip through the region in 1912. The curving arc of the beach created monster breakers that were considered to be on par with those of Waikiki."

"In the 1970s, Corona del Mar began to emerge from its long malaise as Newport Beach increasingly became a center of commerce for coastal Orange County. Corona del Mar's proximity to the ocean and the new developments of Newport Center and Fashion Island made it a popular destination for young families."

Corona del Mar evolved from a small seaside hamlet into a premier luxury destination in Newport Beach. Originally part of the Irvine family's holdings, developer George Hart purchased the bluffs and beaches in the early 1900s, establishing the street grid and utilities before naming it Rocky Point. The area later received its permanent name Corona del Mar. From the 1910s through the 1930s, the beach attracted surfers worldwide due to exceptional waves comparable to Waikiki, particularly after Duke Kahanamoku's 1912 visit. Hollywood also discovered the picturesque location. However, the Great Depression caused widespread foreclosures that halted development for decades. The area's revival began in the 1970s as Newport Beach became a commercial hub, with Corona del Mar's oceanfront location and proximity to Newport Center and Fashion Island attracting young families and establishing it as a sought-after address.

Read at Los Angeles Times