Ferrari's Trained Wild Animal Arena, Brighton Beach, ca.1910. The Trained Animal Arena was one of the many attractions that lined the midway of Brighton Beach Park. Called the Brighton Pike and opened in 1905, a visitor to the Park could take a ride on a carousel or scenic railway or see a wide west show or animal show. The creators of this park were attempting to strike a middle ground between Coney Island to the west and the "sporty" (i.e. racetracks) of Manhattan Beach to the east. Despite being considerably larger than Coney Island Luna Park, the Brighton Beach Park (even with its animal area) was never as popular as its competitor.

The story of Manhattan Beach's development as a ritzy summer destination begins with Austin Corbin. A roguish railroad magnate and financier, Corbin wanted to develop a luxurious resort close to the city for the wealthy where the wealthy could vacation.