La Jolla’s coastal legacy: nature, culture, & conservation (Part III)
Curated by Seonaid McArthur & Molly McClain with contemporary photography by Nick Agelidis
Early aerial view, Casa de Mañana Hotel (1928) by unk La Jolla Historical Society
Part III. Century of tourism & preservation (current story)
Part I
A coastline inspires a town
Part II
The sea: leisure & discovery
Cottages and Beach at La Jolla, postcard (1900/1920) by unk. La Jolla Historical Society
Early beachfront bungalows
By the 1890s, beachfront wood bungalows began dotting the La Jolla shoreline, introducing simple indoor-outdoor living. These early structures influenced a generation of modern architects with their economy and simplicity.
The first hotel cottages along Prospect Street were built to encourage sales of subdivision lots. In the photo at left, a sign above the entry of one cottage advertises the Pacific Coast Land Bureau, the Southern Pacific Railroad's sales office.
First bathhouse and cottages above La Jolla Cove (1900) by unk. La Jolla Historical Society
Red Rest & Red Roost
Two redwood cottages—Red Rest and Red Roost—were built above The Cove in 1894. Constructed of old-growth redwood, they are rare examples of early Arts & Crafts bungalows still on their original site. The first bathhouse (1894) is located at right.
In 1973, the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) documented the pioneering design. Today, the cottages are in a state of serious decay, a fire having destroyed Red Rest in 2020. The HABS survey and more resent documentation will permit future reconstruction.
Brockton Villa (2023) by Nick Agelidis La Jolla Historical Society
Brockton Villa
Built in 1894, Brockton Villa was the summer retreat of San Diego physician Dr. Joseph Rodes. It is now the site of a popular restaurant, Brockton Villa, where diners enjoy the wrap-around porch and the sea views.
La Jolla Park and Village (1924) by Union Title Insurance Company Original Source: San Diego History Center
Roads, rails, and coastal resorts
The arrival of trains and automobiles made La Jolla an accessible tourist destination. The dramatic coastline then drew visitors, leading to resort hotels and staircases to the sea.
Hotel Cabrillo (1908/1916) by unk. La Jolla Historical Society
Hotel Cabrillo and "The Red Devil"
The "Red Devil," a McKeen motor car, connected San Diego and La Jolla in the early 20th century. It stopped at the Hotel Cabrillo (1909), designed by Irving J. Gill, now part of the La Valencia Hotel.
San Diego Electric Railroad Terminal
By 1924, electric trains replaced gas-powered boxcars on the San Diego Electric Railway. The La Jolla terminal, situated at Prospect Street and Fay Avenue, served the village until 1940.
Colonial Hotel (1916) by unk La Jolla Historical Society
The Colonial Hotel, 1920s
During the jazz-filled 1920s, La Jolla experienced significant growth and development. The opening of the San Diego Electric Railroad depot played a pivotal role, sparking the rapid emergence of numerous hotels and resorts.
Naval airship over La Jolla Cove (1924) by unk. La Jolla Historical Society
Naval airship over the Cove
An airship, a symbol of modernity, hovers over La Jolla Cove, ca. 1920s.
Casa de Mañana Hotel and Scripps estate (1926/1934) by Averrett Studio Original Source: San Diego History Center
Casa de Manaña and Scripps estate, 1925
The Casa de Mañana Hotel, left, catered to automobile tourism along Coast Blvd. Ellen Scripps commissioned a cobblestone wall to support the road, shown in the foreground. Her extensive estate and gardens, right, overlooked the sea.
Casa de Mañana: a Hollywood hideaway
Completed in 1925, the Casa de Mañana hotel, with its "La Concha Bar," became a hotspot for Hollywood stars and East Coast elites. They flocked to enjoy the Del Mar racing season. Architect Edgar V. Ullrich's office still stands at the southern end of the property.
Senior living
Today, Casa de Mañana continues its legacy as an elegant retreat in its present role as a senior living community.
La Valencia Hotel
Opened in 1926 and designed by Reginald Johnson, the La Valencia Hotel quickly became a La Jolla icon. In 1928, architects Thomas Mann and Thomas Shepherd added its signature tower. The hotel remains a defining landmark of La Jolla.
Low tide at Flat Rocks (2023) by Nick Agelidis La Jolla Historical Society
A legacy of stewardship
From the Kumeyaay Nation’s sacred relationship with Mat kula xuy to the dedication of modern conservationists, this coastline embodies a legacy of wonder and stewardship.
In 2024, the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting 35 buildings and structures from La Jolla's early years.
*Vulnerable landmarks today*: The National Register listing urges San Diego and La Jolla to recognize the historic district's endangered resources. Neglect threatens these landmarks, requiring immediate community action.
The La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District faces threats from deferred maintenance and vandalism. Recognition on the National Register of Historic Places urges the community to protect these vulnerable landmarks.
The La Jolla community celebrated the establishment of the Historic District November 7, 2024, with a plaque dedication in Scripps Park and event atop the La Jolla Cove Hotel. Pictured here (L-R) are Seonaid McArthur, Molly McClain (co-authors of the nomination), Lauren Lockhart (Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society), Courtney Coyle (member of the San Diego Historic Resource Board), and Congressman Scott Peters.
La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District leadership (2024-11-07) by Andres Cruz, La Jolla.Ca La Jolla Historical Society
Historic District dedication, 2024
In 2024, conservationists and supporters gathered to dedicate the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, recognizing its significance in community planning and growth. Shown here are key figures who are working to preserve the coastline.
Coastal bluff and belvedere (1923) by Nick Agelidis La Jolla Historical Society
A call to action
Listing La Jolla's coastline on the National Register honors decades of community efforts. Preservation celebrates its cultural heritage, protects native species, and ensures public access for all to enjoy.
Tidepools at Flat Rocks, La Jolla (2014) by Nick Agelidis La Jolla Historical Society
Join us!
Preserving La Jolla's natural beauty and history strengthens the economy and protects resources for future generations. Tourism thrives when we maintain what makes La Jolla unique. *Join us in this important effort!*
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria addressed the crowd in 2024 to celebrate the listing of the La Jolla Coastal Historic District onto the National Register.
Thank you!
This exhibition was made possible by the talent of Nick Agelidis (photography) and the support of Lauren Lockhart, Colette Militello, and Carol Olten from the La Jolla Historical Society.
A special thank you to the individuals and organizations whose dedication to preserving La Jolla’s coastline for over 100 years made it possible to nominate this historical landscape to the National Register of Historic Places. Your ongoing efforts in conservation, education, and advocacy are a source of inspiration to us all.
Early aerial view, Casa de Mañana Hotel (1928) by unk La Jolla Historical Society
Curators
Seonaid McArthur and Molly McClain, for their expert guidance and vision in bringing this exhibition to life, and for their deep knowledge of La Jolla's history and cultural significance.
Designed by:
• Elliot Frueh
• Angela Noble
• Cris Noble
©
Copyright 2025, La Jolla Historical Society
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