Crystal Cove Historic District

Crystal Cove Historic District is a coastal area south of Los Angeles with houses built directly along the Pacific shore. The buildings date from the 1920s and 1930s and showcase early California beach architecture with simple structures and bright exteriors.

The cottages were built starting in the 1920s by the Irvine Company as vacation homes for wealthy visitors from Hollywood. The area was later designated as a protected historic district to preserve this early phase of California's beach development.

The district preserves the architectural elements of early California beach communities, with 24 cottages now offering overnight accommodations to the public.

The area is open to day visitors and offers walking paths along the coast. Some cottages are available to rent, and it is best to check ahead about which accommodations are available and how to access them.

Some of the cottages belonged to artists and filmmakers from Hollywood in the early days who spent their leisure time here. This connection to the entertainment industry made the place a special gathering spot for creative people of that era.

Location: Newport Beach

GPS coordinates: 33.57500,-117.84060

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01