Exploring Crystal Cove State Park
With beach access being a hot commodity, Crystal Cove State Park is a peaceful haven of open sand, water, mountainside, and trails. Since Pacific Coast Highway runs through the park, there is designated parking (approximately $15) on the inland side, with walking tunnels that take you to the beachside.Run, swim, hike, and enjoy! Don’t forget to hit up Beachcomber Restaurant for drinks and dinner or Ruby’s Shake Shack for a snack and killer view.
Note: You may or may not find giant dog paw prints on the beach.
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AFAR Contributor
over 4 years ago
Step back in time to 1920's beach life
A beautiful state park beach with historic restored cottages from the 1920's and 1930's that can be rented.
The cottages were originally built by friends and employees of James Irvine II, the owner of the Irvine Ranch (which became the city of Irvine and much of Laguna, etc).
The cottages, and a small restaurant, called the Beachcomber, are right on the sand, and the area was a little beach vacation community for many years.
Crystal Cove has long been a source of inspiration for plein air painters, a type of landscape painting that originated in France. Early plein air painters documented Orange County’s coastline, and Crystal Cove, in particular, with their paintings.
The cottages were originally built by friends and employees of James Irvine II, the owner of the Irvine Ranch (which became the city of Irvine and much of Laguna, etc).
The cottages, and a small restaurant, called the Beachcomber, are right on the sand, and the area was a little beach vacation community for many years.
Crystal Cove has long been a source of inspiration for plein air painters, a type of landscape painting that originated in France. Early plein air painters documented Orange County’s coastline, and Crystal Cove, in particular, with their paintings.
