Roberts Cottages, Oceanside

A rare and finite collection of historic buildings, these seaside cottages were constructed c. 1928 by A.J. Clark and are the best surviving examples of auto-court beach cottages. Demolition is a real possibility due to the ever-rising cost of buildable land and the lack of historic designation, which would help, and lovers of beach and cultural history are worried.

When leisure travel by auto became all the rage, convenient lodging along the way became necessary. The first generation of these auto-courts, built in the late 1920s, 30s and 40s, were known as cottage courts or traveler's courts. Roberts Cottages is one of the first.

Designed and built by the Whiting-Mead Company, the 12- by 24-foot cottages by the 1950s had been sold individually to various owners. This is said to be one of the first times the condominium concept was used in the state of California.

These unique beach buildings represent an important part of Oceanside's early tourism industry, and figure prominently on motor Route 101 that runs directly through the city. Today many of them are still available for weekly rentals, continuing their role in welcoming visitors.

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Photos by Sandé Lollis

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021

2020

Newly Added

• Chase Bank
• Kensington Pepper Trees
• Roberts Cottages
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot
• Merriam House

Remaining from past years

• Presidio Park
• Hillcrest Commercial Core
• Red Roost & Red Rest bungalows
• Barrett Ranch House
• Granger Music Hall
• Big Stone Lodge
• Pottery Canyon Kiln

Lost from the list

• San Diego Stadium

Saved from the list

• La Playa Piers

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