Corona del Mar – Interview with an Insider

How long have you lived in CdM? I’ve lived in CDM, more specifically The Village, for nearly 20 years. Since my earlier years in real estate, I have worked in all parts of Orange County and neighboring LA county, and no place stood out to me as much as this community to be a place I wanted to reside. It is best of all worlds.

Since you are a coastal real estate specialist, what is your favorite thing about CdM real estate? There is actually quite a diverse amount of property types in the community from cozy condominiums, to single family homes, to luxury estates all within a close proximity to all types of services. Employment centers, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and recreational opportunities of all types abound for that active lifestyle.

What do you think makes CdM such a popular beachside destination? All the amenities available, as I described, create a highly desirable place to be with nearly limitless options for fun. The two main and most easily accessible Corona del Mar beaches are Big Corona and Little Corona. Big Corona features surf, cliffs, a jetty, and a variety of activities from surfing and skim boarding to volleyball. Little Corona is a quiet little paradise, offering a more tranquil and relaxing environment. The greatest attraction here is the tide pool, where an up-close adventure with sea life can be found.

What is your favorite beach/lookout point that most people do not know about? There two smaller, somewhat hidden gems – China Cove Beach and Pirates Cove Beach – but keep those to yourself…..

What is your favorite part of living in CdM? No doubt the social aspects of The Village is my favorite aspect of living here. The town is extremely walkable, and there are nearly a dozen restaurants, numerous shops, and other features including Sherman Gardens and a variety of parks. Buy most of all, not too many towns offer the friendly confines of CDM.

What are your favorite local businesses? My goodness, there are sooooooo many. The Port Theatre is one of my all-time favorite places to see cinema. It’s intimate with extremely comfortable seats and a full service bar and kitchen. Bliss Home & Design has been a part of The Village of CDM for 15+ years and is a fabulous curator of classic European antiques, luxury bedding, and sophisticated furnishings. Then there’s one of the best florists anywhere, aptly named – CDM Florist.

What is your favorite restaurant in CdM? Breakfast – Zinc Café. Lunch – Chronic tacos. Dinner – Bandera (the Cheers of The Village)

Tell us something about CdM that outsiders do not realize. It wasn’t until I moved here many years ago that I realized how truly self-contained The Village truly is. I would park my car on Friday evening and not need it again ‘til Monday. Virtually everything you could possibly need is within walking distance, shops, all types of dining, the beaches and even Fashion Island. It’s one of the few places along the coast which affords this lifestyle.

What is your favorite street in the Village? While Ocean Boulevard parallels the beach offering ocean views and parks, my favorite street is Marguerite Avenue which is lined by majestic palm trees providing a picturesque path through the heart of The Village.