Your Budget-Friendly TL;DR Travel Guide to OC’s Crown of the Sea
TL;DR: Corona Del Mar, aka CDM, is an affluent neighborhood in Orange County’s Newport Beach. Located along the coast, this quiet haven is home to many budget-friendly gems, including botanical gardens, beaches, and boutique shopping. As a coastal city, streets can be tight but there are plenty of parking lots and street parking available to help you get around. And while CDM is known as a wealthy community, you can enjoy many parts of this seaside escape on a budget.
- A Brief History of CDM
- Sherman Library
- Inspiration Point
- Rogers Gardens
- CDM Village
- Pirates Cove
- Explore More in the Area
Corona Del Mar, known better as CDM, is a neighborhood located off the coast of California in Newport Beach. CDM is known for its well-cared for infrastructure and cute (but up-scale) vibe. Compared to some other neighborhoods in Newport, I would say CDM has a slightly more laid-back feel and is a less tourist-y place. However, while CDM may not be as well-known by guests, it is a well-loved place by locals. Read on to learn more about what you can do in this beautiful seaside community.
A Brief History of CDM
CDM is considered to be among the wealthiest neighborhoods in Orange County. With its beautiful seaside location, CDM has been sought after by developers and real estate moguls for centuries. However, it took some time for the vision to take root as people were initially reluctant to settle in the area (even while the Balboa community was taking off next door).
All of that changed when California’s famous Coast Highway was added in the 1920s and CDM transformed into a vibrant coastal area. This lovely region simultaneously became the backdrop for new families and Hollywood films, such as All Quiet on the Western Front (1929). Want to know more? Read on from CDM’s historical society.
CDM today is known for its relaxed vibe and charming coastal aesthetic. And while the community does have its fair share of luxurious recreational options, many of the best things to do are actually free or very cheap. If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, read on for a few budget-friendly things you can do in the area.
Sherman Library
Address: 2647 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Ideal for: Nature exploration, peaceful escape, family-outings
Cost: $5 entrance fee
The Sherman Library and Botanical Gardens are one of CDM’s most popular destinations. A charming garden and unique research library, Sherman Gardens is a peaceful haven (with free parking!) located just off of Coast Highway. It’s a great spot for families, solo-adventurers, and nature enthusiasts to enjoy an hour or two. And, it’s located in the heart of CDM Village (talked about more below) making it an easy item to add to your day’s itinerary.
Read more about visiting in this TL;DR guide.
Inspiration Point
Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Ideal For: Casual photography, peaceful escape
Cost: Free
Inspiration Point is a peaceful nature haven located adjacent to Corona Del Mar State Beach. If you’re looking for a nice escape from the city’s hustle and bustle or you love photographing nature, then Inspiration Point is a fantastic (free) place to check-out. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, I recommend stopping by in the morning or on an overcast day (and overcast days on the coast are severely underrated).
You will need to find street parking in the neighborhood, but you should have plenty of options. If you park along Ocean Blvd or a nearby side street, you’ll be at the top of Inspiration Point, which gives you a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a convenient staircase located nearby which will help you get to CDM State Beach. You also are located nearby the Tidal Pools if you’re looking to add something else into your day!
Rogers Gardens
Address: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Ideal For: Browsing, Nature exploration
Cost: Free + whatever you want to spend
Located off of MacArthur Blvd, Roger’s Gardens is a beloved local institution. Technically, Roger’s Gardens is a plant nursery and restaurant, but it’s a fantastic place to explore and check out the plant life. A family-owned business with over 50 years of history, this nursery is home to a wide-array of plants and home goods. If you love exploring nature and love browsing through home goods, then you should definitely consider stopping by (side note: parking is free, but tight)! You can learn more for your visit here.
Special fun fact for any Disney-enthusiasts: Owner Gavin Herbert Sr. bought the Bandstand Gazebo from Disneyland in the 70s and it now sits in the Farmhouse restaurant.
CDM Village
Ideal For: Dining, Shopping
Cost: Free + whatever you want to spend 🙂
Akin to a larger city’s downtown area, this portion of CDM off of East Coast Highway is full of shops, eateries, and various other local businesses. It’s an easily walk-able area, which makes it fun to explore. In fact, you can find CDM’s oldest restaurant, Five Crowns (a nice steak restaurant), in this area too! Of course, Five Crowns is more expensive, so you can consider local favorite, Gina’s Pizza, as an alternative. If you are into thrift shopping, consider stopping by Recycled Rags to see what you can find.
Pirates Cove
Address: 2889 Way Ln, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Ideal For: Beach Days
Cost: $2-$27 (parking)**
Located to the side of Corona Del Mar State Beach (which can get crowded), is a smaller section of shore, hidden behind a collection of rocky cliffs. As you venture around the rocks, you will find the beautiful Pirates Cove. I love exploring this little section of beach – while it’s in a crowded area, it still has a somewhat private feel. There is a fantastic website, California Beaches, that did a more in-depth post on Pirates Cove. Check it (and any other beaches in the area) out here.
**You may be able to find free street parking, but be warned the are a few steeper hills between street parking and the beach.
Corona Del Mar is a charming coastal community with a plethora of budget-friendly activities, from lovely gardens, to seaside exploration, to downtown deal-hunting. Have you been to CDM? What was your experience like?
TL;DR Travels 
Leave a comment