1904
Fred W. Swanton, an early investor in Santa Cruz, built Neptune's Casino and a tent city to accommodate tourists.
1906
On June 22, 1906, a fire destroyed the Casino. Swanton hired William Henry Weeks to build a new Casino and Natatorium to replace what was lost.
1911
Swanton hired architect, George Applegarth to build a massive hotel complex he christened CASA DEL REY (House of the King). It was built directly across from the Casino and was one of the most state-of-the-art structures in Santa Cruz County. A triple-arched pedestrian bridge crossed the street and railroad tracks directly connecting it to the Casino. The hotel had Italian gardens and a grand lobby.
1915
In December 1915, the Santa Cruz Seaside Company was founded to manage day-to-day operations of the Boardwalk complex.
1926
The paving of Glenwood Highway and Beach Street meant an increase in tourism and guests. In response, the Seaside Company built, only a block away from the hotel, the Casa del Rey Apartments under the direction of architect William C. Hays.
1928
The Casa Del Rey Spanish Gardens had its grand opening on On March 31, 1928. The gardens were built behind the hotel on the former site of the Cottage City. Besides plants and trees, a glass solarium and playground were added to the gardens, as well as Spanish and French cafés and a tea pavilion.
1943
On March 9, 1943 the US Navy leased the hotel and apartments as a convalescent hospital for wounded war troops. The adjacent Plunge was turned into a physical therapy center and was also used for water safety training.
1944-1964
The hotel and apartments never returned to their glory after the war. Both the hotel and apartments passed through various owners and proprietors over the decades. The apartments were sold in 1964 and renamed the La Bahia Apartments.
1989
The Casa del Rey Hotel was demolished after the Loma Prieta earthquake in November 1989.
2025
Located on the former site of La Bahia Apartments, adjacent to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach, La Bahia Hotel and Spa is scheduled to open its doors to guests in Summer 2025.
