A Little History of Rio Del Mar

The Cement Ship in Decline

After the resort failed, during the depression, the Cement ship was left to decay and started to break apart in the 50’s.

Thanks to the foresight of many the value of the Cement ship as a wildlife habitat was recognized.

Built in the 1920’s the Rio Del Mar Country Club included a clubhouse, a grand hotel on the bluffs, a beach club, a polo field, a golf course, and the ever popular Rainbow Ballroom on the USS Palo Alto.

During prohibition drinking and gambling were also discreetly available.

The Surf House was one of the original beach bungalows built for Rio Del Mar Country Club guests.

Bungalows or “Casitas” housed vacationers coming to escape the summer heat of the inland valley. Cooled by the area’s natural air conditioning, visitors played on the beach, golfed and relaxed.

Guests took their meals at the main clubhouse as the “Casitas” had no kitchens.

In the late 30’s the “Casitas” were sold off as individual properties. The porches (designed to catch the cooling breezes) were enclosed and converted to small kitchens and bedrooms were tacked on at the back.

Since the 1920’s, Rio Del Mar has been a thriving resort on the Monterey Bay. Folks come back to Rio Del Mar Beach year after year to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf and to reconnect with friends and family.

The USS Palo Alto was brought into the Rio Del Mar bay in the 1930s. Made of cement and converted into an amusement pier with restaurants, swimming pool, and a dance pavilion.

The Ship is now an official part of the Monterey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Today sea life & sea birds are abundant in part because of the Cement ship. The ship may have lost its original glory but its value to the sea remains.