Oz in Coronado

“No matter how dreary and gray our homes are, we people of flesh and blood would rather live there than in any other country, be it ever so beautiful. There is no place like home.” – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

…And Coronado was, in fact, a Winter home to Frank L. Baum, most famously known as the imaginary behind the Wizard of Oz series. You’re truly never more than a few steps away from a rich piece of history when in Coronado! From 1904 – 1910, Baum retreated to our island as an escape from the harsh winters back home in Chicago. Many of those stays were extended ones at our very own Hotel Del Coronado, and he eventually stayed in a home on Star Park Circle that is still there today. During his stays, it is known that he wrote at least three books of the Oz series (“Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz”, “The Road to Oz”, and “The Emerald City”). Although Baum passed away in 1919, it is clear when you take a walk around town that the residents of Coronado still cherish his memory.

Frank L. Baum’s Coronado home can be found in Star Park Circle. Commonly known as “The Oz House”, there are many references to the Oz series that adorn the exterior. See if you can spot the “Wizard of Oz Ave” sign and the witch decoration that spells out “I’ll get you my pretty”. Bear in mind that although there is an amazing historic background to this property, it is a private residence- you cannot enter the property, but you can definitely admire the home from the outside. If you’re at The Oz House, you’re right across the street from The Hotel Del which Baum also frequented!

There are many nods to Baum’s works around the island. Head over to the Coronado Public Library on Orange Avenue and check out the glass panels illustrated by Brenda Smith that depict the characters and settings of Oz and The Emerald City! The incredible artwork serves as an entryway to the children’s section of the library.

While on Orange Avenue, you’ll pass by Emerald City Surf Shop whose name is inspired by Baum’s writing. Emerald City is just around the block from The Oz House so it’s a quick trip!

The Coronado Museum of History and Art also has three First Editions of Baum’s books- admission to this museum is free, so don’t miss it!

Nothing short of historic, The Hotel Del’s Crown Room hosts giant crown shaped chandeliers installed in 1911 that Frank L. Baum is credited with designing. A famous San Diego venue for weddings and large events, you can take it in for yourself during one of the Hotel’s famous Sunday Brunches! It is also rumored that he modeled The Emerald City after The Hotel Del itself – this is debated, but we do know that The Hotel Del was a beloved spot of Baum’s.

Photo courtesy of The Hotel Del’s website

And as I write this, I feel like I should let you know that our office is just around the corner from the Wizard of Oz House!

Next time you find yourself in Coronado, come visit us at Coronado Golf Cars and make

The Oz House the first magical stop of many during your visit to Coronado!

Thanks for Reading!

Contact Us:

Phone: 619-504-5537

Email: [email protected]

Sources:

https://hoteldel.com/timeline/author-l-frank-baum/

https://blog.sandiego.org/2013/03/wizard-of-oz-coronado/wizard-of-oz-glass-panels-2/

https://coronadotimes.com/news/2015/08/15/the-story-of-the-artwork-in-the-coronado-library-the-ramos-martinez-murals-and-the-wizard-of-oz-glass-panels/

https://hiddensandiego.com/things-to-do/places/coronados-wizard-of-oz