Ocean Beach HistoryOcean Beach was given its name by developers Billy Carlson and Frank Higgins in 1887. During the real estate bust of the 1890s, many buyers lost their lots and development stagnated except for a few houses used for vacation getaways. One of those who hung in there was David Collier - President of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, began promoting Ocean Beach and Point Loma in the first decade of the 1900s, He brought in electricity, some paved streets, and a street car line. The street car line was supposed to tie everything together—Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and its Amusement Center, and La Jolla. It was completed as far as Ocean Beach in May, 1924. The northern end of Ocean Beach was dominated in the early 20th century by the Wonderland Amusement Park, which opened on July 4, 1913 and was constructed on the sand at Voltaire and Abbott streets. It boasted a large roller coaster, dance pavilion, large menagerie, roller skating rink, merry-go-round, children's playground and 22,000 lights outlining the buildings. Wonderland was a popular attraction until 1916, when most of it was washed away by high tides. During the 1920s, tourists continued to come, and home construction increased, making the beach town a hometown as well. OB already had an elementary school (since 1910) and a storefront library. In 1928 a new library was built across the street from the school, and the old Ocean Theatre near Benbough's Dance Hall was abandoned in favor of the new Strand Theatre in 1924. The area thrived until the crash of 1929 again reduced land values and slowed growth. World War II revived interest in Ocean Beach and the 1950s saw growth really take off as homes were built in the hills surrounding the area.
The development of Mission Bay and the subsequent rerouting of roads and the opening of I-5 isolated Ocean Beach and made it less of a tourist destination. OB residents didn't mind and revel in their hometown environment.
The area attracted the "hippie" element in the 60s, many of whom stayed to open businesses and became the entrepreneurs of the 70s and 80s. In the 90s, OB has become known for its fishing pier and Dog Beach. It is still a laid back enclave with boutiques and antiques stores attracting shoppers along Newport Avenue. |