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Go BEACHES!
Digging my toes into the sand, one beach at a time.
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The Great Outdoors!
I adore everything about the outdoors. Here is my list of faves from the coast to the…
Crystal Cove State Beach
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
57 reviews for Crystal Cove State Beach
57 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle M.
Lake Forest, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite beaches! It's just so fun and exclusive.
$15 to park is kind of steep, but it'll be worth it. The walk from the parking lot to the beach takes about 10 minutes, but it's totally worth it. The beach itself will take you back in time to the 1930's and it's pretty amazing. There's cute little cotteges along the beach and a couple of restaurants. It definately has a cozy feel to it and I love it! Also, there's a tidepool at this beach and it's pretty fun to look at.
For sure one of my favorite things about living in OC and I'll be making the trip back here often.
Happy beach going! -
Review from Timmy S.
1/1/2012 1 photo
80 degrees on New Years Day. I realized my longstanding plan for a hike in the hills needed to be altered. It was the perfect day for a long walk on the beach. The perfect day and weather for a visit to Crystal Cove.
This relatively narrow beach is very long. I think it's nearly 4 miles in length - a great beach for a lengthy walk. There are trails on the bluff above but I'd much rather be walking in the sand with the sun on my shoulders and a cool light breeze from the ocean waves blowing my hair. Or at least what little hair I have.
This beach is beautiful and clean. Not many people either (except directly around the cottages and restaurant). When I first arrived I passed a small group led by rangers who were giving a walking tour of the beach's nature. As I continued to walk over the next couple hours I passed other folks who were browsing through tidepools, eating a meal on a blanket spread out in the sand, surfing the waves, scuba diving, bird watching or simply sitting and enjoying the view and sounds of the ocean.
There are several entrances for parking, Cost to park on entry is $15. which is steep but shouldn't be surprising considering decades of financial mismanagement by the state and many state parks being closed down because they can't afford to maintain them. -
Review from portable m.
Pasadena, CA
11/5/2011 3 photos
Beaches are like women.... yea. am not going to complete that analogy.
I suggest you poke your eyes out before coming here if you are in a relationship. Cus you WILL fall in love with this beauty at 1st sight.
Look, Crystal, cheating is not cool. am single. So, are you? You're not? Well- cheating is still not cool. but you have to understand:
I LOVE YOU.
everyone says they do?
I mean it. O:-) -
Review from Jeena E.
5/29/2011 2 photos
This is our home beach and I guess I could be considerably biased when I say it's the best beach PERIOD. Have fun trying to find a beach as clean and picturesque with ample parking and very little tourism!
It is $15 for parking at the state park itself, but any local will know at least 30 alternate parking spots to avoid the fees (and yes, $15 is ridiculous). Once in the park there are tons vista points, walking/hiking/biking paths and all the pristine beachfront you could ask for. Be aware that you will have to walk down and up a decent grade hill to hit the sand but this keeps almost all of the tourism down at Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, Lido, The Peninsula and Balboa where it belongs.
Sunsets here are nothing short of magical and with summer here I expect to watch countless sunsets in the coming months from a seat at the Beachcomber Bar. I can't think of a better picnic spot either, and there is so much room to go around! :DListed in: Newport Beach, The Great Outdoors!
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Review from Ben T.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great place to take the family with awesome tidepools, cliffs, and beaches. Whether you enjoy hiking or exercising outdoors, or enjoy nature and wildlife, you will enjoy Crystal Cove.
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Review from Sandy K.
6/3/2011 3 photos
Came here Memorial Day and the beach was super busy. I was staying at Marriott Newport Coast Villas which had shuttles running to and from through out the day.
The Beachcomber Restaurant located at Crystal Cove and if you spend over $15.00 they'll validate your parking ticket to avoid the $15.00 parking fee and is located across the highway. From there they have shuttles that frequently to and from the state park.
Crystal Cove has close to 2800 acres to enjoy and there are 47 cottages you can rent during the summer. Thirteen have been remodeled to date and they range from studio to two bedrooms. I enjoyed hiking at Crystal Cove but horseback riding is offered or you can enjoy the beach here at this historical site.
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Review from Sam N.
5/6/2010
An amazing place to be alone or be with the one you love. The Crystal Cove State Beach is a very intimate place. It never gets crowded, and even on balmy days, it still feels warm with its amazing scenery! :)
I came here last weekend after going through quite a bit of hardships in my life.
I felt very inspired by this beautiful beach. I felt so inspired, I even wrote some new poems. I hope you enjoy!
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CLOSING DOORS
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I have stopped closing doors
I keep my bedroom door slightly open
when I change my clothes
I keep my patio door unlocked
on Saturday Afternoons
I stop my garage door halfway down
When I park my car inside
I keep my bathroom door unlocked
Whenever I take a shower
I want you to be able
to find me as easy as you can
No doors in your way
No locks keeping you out
No doors shutting you outside,
because I never shut you
out of my life
You will run inside my home
Run upstairs to my bedroom
and throw your arms around me
Without ever knocking on my door
I will always let you in
All this time,
All Ive been waiting for
Is for you to let me in
----------------------------------------------Listed in: Poetry anyone?
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Review from Erica O.
Montebello, CA
7/17/2010 3 photos
I had high hopes for this beach based on so many awesome reviews. Unfortunately it was a thumbs down for me.
It was a short walk from the parking lot to the beach, however its a pretty steep walk. No problem downhill but uphill woW. You will totally get a workout.
Once we got to the beach I noticed there is a lot of seaweed and other assorted ocean grass? on the shore.
Well we later found out there are all these flies and bugs on this grass so when you walk by and disturb it, swarms of bugs fly out of it. Really disgusting. We picked out a spot began putting on sunblock and all these bugs started to come around. I mean it was so bad I was afraid I was going to eat one. One attacked my eye. I cant express how bad the bug situation was.
We decided to go for a dip. The water was chilly but it was a hot day. My poor husband went in for a dip and fell onto some rocks! Did not know there were rocks. He hurst his knee really bad. It was swollen and bleeding. This sucks because when we leave we will have to take a long walk up the hill.
Sorry but ive been to better beaches. Back to Malibu for me. -
Review from Steena V.
Bakersfield, CA
8/12/2011
$1 shuttle from the beach to the parking lot will be the best dollar you'll ever spend (especially if you're tired from swimming, etc). We decided to try out this beach the other day and I gotta say, what a CUTE beach. I really enjoyed the walk towards the beach. We ate at Beachcomber for lunch and got our parking validated. Sweet spot, and will definitely check out again :)
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Review from Cat H.
5/9/2011
After breakfast, my bf and I headed out for a nice hike and some time to ourselves to explore this pretty beach. We parked in the lot and hiked down the paved path and down lots of steps to explore everything from Treasure Cove and down the coastline, taking in the lovely ocean scene, the hidden little waterfall along the way, and then down to Crystal Cove, taking in the sights of the historic old bungalows. We explored the visitors' center, took a brief tour, and watched for a bit as they set up for a wedding. The beach is largely empty except for the area in front of the Beachcomber and the little cottages for rent there. But there were still quite a few people dotted along the coastline, some fishing, some tanning, and some playing in the surf. It was a lovely day and overall I think we hiked a stretch of a couple of miles. It was a nice relaxing afternoon to ourselves and we got some cute pictures of the lovely scenery.
Parking was $15 unless you have a pass, and the restrooms are actually pretty well maintained. There's lots of lookouts and signs to tell you about the marine life and flora and fauna. As others have stated, there are lots of rocks in the water at some points, and seaweed washed ashore, but hey, it's the beach. -
Review from Jane D.
Torrance, CA
7/20/2011 2 photos
Can I just say I absolutely love this beach. Went there to check out the tide pools and just relax. Got there early in the morning so there wasn't a lot of people. Around 12ish more people did arrive but still relatively sparse compared to other beach spots. Definitely will be coming back again.
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Review from Tricia E.
4/9/2010
It does not get any better than this.
This is where my lovey proposed to me in September 2009, and he could not have picked a more perfect spot. Crystal Cove State Beach is absolute perfection. It's immaculately clean, the views are spectacular, and it's never very crowded.
When I think of Crystal Cove, I think of how peaceful it is; the grassy cliffs, the way the sun sparkles on the water, the sandy beaches covered in interesting rocks and shells, the wonderful hiking paths and bike trails, the birds hurrying across the wet sand, and it's so quiet! All you can hear are the waves crashing and receding against the rocks.
Even setting aside the fact that this place has a very special meaning to me, this is the most beautiful place in Orange County, and definitely one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. Watching the sunset, as the water slips across the beach, this place is wonderful. Whenever I'm here, I feel at peace and content. It's just fantastic. -
Review from Davis T.
Irvine, CA
7/25/2011
This is a state park and as such is paid parking. From what I've seen there's a stairway from the Cameo place through Pelican Hill to the beach but there was a Rent a Cop busting what he presumed were nonlocals parking there. Personally I think there are other beaches to visit that are better and don't cost as much.
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Review from Rich U.
Buffalo, NY
3/13/2010
If you need a break from the medical waste, cigarette butts, and empty American swill beer cans that litter most SoCal beaches (especially Huntington Beach), Crystal Cove is the place.
This is possibly the best beach in Southern California. It's relatively quiet and secluded, not overly touristy (or touristED), has both soft sand and rocky coves, and features great tidepools - much better than other beaches in the area.
I'd worry about it being overrun based on these favorable reviews - but, fortunately, most simpleton clubbers and beach gyrators don't use Yelp for beach advice - nor do they prefer natural settings that require a short walk to reach.
Hippy Nation can have Venice and Hip Hop Nation can have Santa Monica. Crystal Cove shall remain unspoiled. I HAVE SPOKEN! -
Review from Lisa Marie M.
Orange County, CA
8/23/2009
My 300th review. YAY! I made it. WOW! Finally! Well, my 300th review is on Crystal Cove state beach. A beach I adore and have known since childhood for it's marine life (sea stars, sea anemones and crabs), tide pools, and beautiful ocean scenery. As a kid, I used to love petting the sea anemones and admiring the sea stars anchored to the rocks. I also used to get a kick out of walking and climbing the bluffs covered in wild flowers and shrubs. Back then there were no trails, which meant you forged your own way to the beach. I felt like Dora the Explorer, forging my own way to a new frontier or a jungle, or at least until my imagination was interrupted by my parents.
Crystal Cove State Beach is a beautiful beach to take the kids, guests from out of town or just yourself. This beach is a treasure and I keep hoping the environmental changes won't effect it but it will. So, enjoy it while you can.
One thing I miss most about the Cove is the original date shake shack (pre-Ruby's ownership) that used to make the best date shakes. A drive on PCH just wasn't complete without a pit stop at the date shake shack on Crystal Cove. That sweet date paste, milk and ice cream were heavenly when blended together. Yum! I miss it.Listed in: SERENITY NOW!!! Meditative &…
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Review from Diana H.
Park La Brea, CA
8/12/2007
Is there anything better than the sound of waves collapsing on a secluded stretch of sand? I'm not talking about the "ocean breeze" option on those noise machines that are often used to lull insomniacs to sleep. No, this kind of sensory experience is something that belongs in its natural environment -- specifically, in a place like the Crystal Cove State Beach. Add in some mojitos, a good book, a friend, and an unlimited supple of sunsceen, and you've got yourself a perfect afternoon.
There is a reason why I don't go to the beaches in Los Angeles County. None of them can compare to those in Orange County. While it does cost $10 to park at the Crystal Cove State Park on the cliff above the beach, the benefits of spending a few hours relaxing on a laughably uncrowded, naturalistic stretch of beach far exceeds the monetary costs. Can you really put a price on sanity? Do I need to do a faux Mastercard "priceless" commercial to make my point? Sorry folks, I'm still in my lackadaisical mood from yesterday. My brain can't be bothered.
I will make the effort to say this: Once you go OC, you'll never go back.Listed in: Ode to the OC
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Review from Devi L.
Fullerton, CA
4/23/2008
Once a yr. I take my students here for an Inside the Outdoors Field Trip. Some have never seen the beach and Crystal Cove is unforgettable to young minds because of the tidepools. Peak time is around 10:30 You can find many sea hares, hermit crabs, and if you're lucky, a sea star or two.
Please do not take anything from this area as it is a preserved habitat. I get very upset when the hub and I bicycle around here on the weekend and see kids and parents swinging around a bucket full of life. It makes me want to come by and snatch it on my bike and bring the animals back, but that's not ladylike, you know.
There is a short paved bike trail/hiking/strolling walking path, lots of animal life; bunnies, all sorts of birds, and lizards, couple of picnic areas, lots of clean restrooms, and parking is always available for $10.
If you see dead sea lions and rotting animals, that is suppose to be there for the vultures and other scavengers. It is working ecosystem so let's enjoy, observe, and respect our fellow friends and their home. -
Review from Morgan L.
Torrance, CA
5/23/2010
Great hiking both inland and by the ocean. This place is versatile - you could easily come here to escape in many fashions. Not too crowded. There are many photo opportunities with all the great shells, rocks, flowers, cliffs, etc.
If you're in are here and need a sugary cold snack try a date shake at Ruby's date shack nearby. Highly recommended. -
Review from Jewelyn T.
Las Vegas, NV
1/17/2010 14 photos
MAGICAL!
Southern California's hot spot.
I'm in love with Crystal Cove! Thanks yelpers!
I wanted to visit Newport Beach... and Crystal Cove was more then wonderful! I came here around 2pm-ish. I stayed till sunset. Parking is $15 but the parking is good for any state park/beach in California... so you can hit up other places in the day to get the most of your dollars, I did. But I have to say $15 for parking is well spent to enjoy an evening of adventure along the shore.
The beach isn't crowded, atleast this time of the year... but there was a handful of people walking along the shoreline... enjoying the tidepools and sunset. I'm a huge shell picker and I found amazing shells here! Beautiful sunset & sky. It's pretty cold this time of the year.. this is actually my fist time on the beach all bundled up.
Bathrooms aren't clean, but better then nothing. Parking wasn't a problem.
I wish I could visit Crystal Cove more often! If you're in the area... make it on your agenda to visit!
I'm a huge fan! good times. -
Review from Angela C.
9/12/2007
A totally secluded, quiet, lovely beach. It doesn't have parks or bonfire pits... things that tend to attract tourists. This place is truly for people that really want to enjoy the beach, ocean, skies, and sand for what it is - breathtaking, gorgeous nature views.
There's so many trails you can walk on.. I love walking on this one trail on a cliff area... I often come here when I need to reflect and escape from the world.
On Saturday mornings you can catch glimpses of people biking or walking hand in hand... some OC mom's come here and push strollers around. Even with these things going on, the serenity of the place still remains undisturbed.
If you park directly into this beach it's about $10. Park ACROSS the street in this empty parking lot and it's FREE. Walk across, don't be a lazy bum! -
Review from Sam K.
San Jose, CA
3/28/2010
I found out about this place a couple years back during a work trip and have always wanted to come back to check it out and now I have.
It's a short walk down the path to the beach and I have to admit, it's very clean compared to Huntington and the weirdos don't make it down this far :)
We sat on this rock formation waiting for the sun to set (fellas, why do chicks like watching the sun set ... so weird) and this guy politely asks us to leave because his friend had planned to propose to his gf any minute on this rock formation. So, this must be a special beach if someone took the time to find a beautiful location where his gf wouldn't be able to contemplate the word "no" and say "yes" because how can any woman turn down a guy who proposes at sunset, at a beautiful beach, waves gently caressing the sand and the moon lazily rising above the hills.
Oh yeah, we also picked up some rocks ie paper weights and there is also a shower at the bldg. near the parking lot. -
Review from Jason C.
Morgan Hill, CA
1/4/2011
I'm a bit of a cheap ass so the $15 parking doesn't fly with me. Instead I go down to the entrance furthest south and park for free because they don't have enough funds to hire a second attendant most of the time. Nice relaxing walk along the beach.
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Review from janet d.
Irvine, CA
2/3/2010 8 photos
I have lived in South Cali all my life and I thought i've been to all the beaches along the coast from San Diego to LA but obviously I was wrong.
This past Sunday, my friend, my neice and myself decided to go hiking at the Crystal Cove State Park but it was closed due to the rain and storms we have been experiencing. So instead of going home bummed out, we crossed the street to the state beach. We decided to walk and jog along the beach(any exercise is better than none!). The wide sand beach was pretty empty that day, which made the environment serene and peaceful.
As you can see from the photos, the views here are amazing. If my car wasn't parked on top of the steps, I could have thought I was in Hawaii. Since our Caifornia coast is curvy, you are able to see the other end of the beach at a distance. Our goal that day was to jog to the end of the beach and back but along the way, we were distracted. It was quite a good distraction actually.
Not a few steps away from the stairs were empty lobster shells....what!? Why the heck are there empty lobsters on this white sand beach? Strange. As we stroll along, we start to notice the unusually beautiful rocks lining up the beach. Naturally we start to pick them up and fill up whatever pockets or empty bags we had on us.So now we're jogging on lobster beach with collectible rocks all over us. What next?
The further we we walked, the more nature caught our attention. We came upon this large rock, covered in hundreds and hundreds of mussels! It was very interesting to look at but at same time, a little mind boggling. All the bunched up shells looked like nests....kind of like bugs or ants do when they're all piled up on each other. That's not it though, just a few feet away we encountered a large natural habitat consisting of more mussels, red sea snails, clams and sea anemomes, thousands of them! Unfortunately that was the last stop on our journey and discovery of aquatic life on the beach.
I felt like i should have paid to come to this beach, kinda like visiting the Long Beach Aquarium or something. Most of the things here are things you DO NOT run into at Newport or Huntington Beach. My neice is 10-years-old and she said that, that was the best time she's ever had at a beach. It even beat Hawaii's beaches! WOW.
This beach is an adventure in itself. -
Review from an n.
Tustin, CA
6/30/2009
Alright, I'm sure that everyone's 4 and 5 star reviews have already testified to the magnificence of Crystal Cove! But I had just had to write a review about this beautiful place!
I came here for the first time around a year ago, and I was blown away by just the entrance. I entered through this field of tall flowers and grasses and it was just soo amazing! When we got closer to the cliffs, the view of the ocean, tidepools, sky...everything was so beautiful! And it helps that it's located in Orange County, because then it's more likely to be sunny, and in my opinion, everything looks better when it's sunny hehe. But yeah...so then my friends and I headed down the stairs to explore the tidepools and although they say you're not allowed to touch any of the marine life there, we couldn't help it when we saw the most humongous sea slug in the world. It was disgusting, in the coolest way possible.
I've had many good memories at Crystal Cove, so I would definitely recommend coming here, although I would also recommend not coming here on a windy day haha..
we love crystal cove! -
Review from Vanessa Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2010
Crystal Cove is a very nice beach that requires a decent "hike" from the parking lot to the actual water. I like the fact that you have to work for the view rather than parking and walking five steps to the water. Most of the path is concrete, which is very friendly for a non-outdoorsy person like myself. The paths are also wide and can accommodate for foot traffic going both ways (because, God forbid, you may brush someone's arm!). Make sure you check when low tide will be, because you'll get to see the awesome tide pools that lie all across the beach.
Alright, so why only 3 stars? I know it's a state beach, but I absolutely hate the fact that you have to pay for parking (and it's some ridiculous amount like $10 or $15). I'm sure this allows for proper upkeep of the beach, but I am cheap. Try to come right before they close for a quick visit so the gate keeper will let you in free; however, if your car gets stuck inside... not my fault. -
Review from Jon N.
Garden Grove, CA
6/29/2009 4 photos
Being a white and pasty Vietnamese guy I really have no place here amongst the nicely tanned men and women here. I'm afraid that if I took off my shirt my beaming white skin will force near by sun bathers to put on SPF 1000. Fear not, my shirt stayed on for the sake of all humanity and unsuspecting beach wildlife.
Although it was a bit crowded on a Sunday afternoon around 2:30 it was not to say that we couldn't get a spot. There is plenty of real estate to temporarily claim, it might require a little walking until you find a spot but it is totally enjoyable as you trek along the wet cool sand.
I think a lot of PRIDE goes into keeping this beach clean. I even saw a random old white guy pick up little pieces of trash along the beach. He didn't look like he was employed by the beach, but I thought it was really cool of him to try to keep the beach as pristine as possible.
What I also noticed that there are actually life guards on duty. It's a nice to have piece of mind if you are a parent and brought your kids here, like so many other parents. -
Review from Nicolle M.
Danville, CA
12/8/2009
Sooooo peaceful.
No screaming children being followed by their screaming parents.
Great place to tan, explore, and watch the sunset without being overwhelmed by the summer crowds. -
Review from M P.
Irvine, CA
9/15/2010
My favorite summer and winter vacation. They have plenty of bathrooms, parking across the street (with a tram for only $1 per adult, free for kids - or you can go on a nature hike to the beach - make sure you pack light), life guards, an upscale place to eat (Beach House, which has a great Martini hour), and cheaper places like Ruby's and the Beach House shack which offers hotdogs, chips, etc. Warning, if you're at the beach and you feel like going to Ruby's, there is a long trek up the stairs all the way to the Coast Highway. If you're heart is weak or your legs aren't that strong, this climb will probably be difficult for you. Another warning, although the Beach House shack is actually ON the beach, it is very expensive for what you get - but when you're starving and you don't feel like climbing Mt. Everest, then you have no choice. I think I spent around $11 per meal at the shack alone - oh, and I don't think that even includes a drink.
This beach is perfect for families. It's definitely not Huntington or Laguna. It has a slower pace, kids and families tide-pooling and swimming, honeymooners, lovers or older couples walking, etc. Very few sun-bathers. This is NOT the place to hook-up.
The tide-pools at this place is AWESOME! Schools actually come here during the week becuase of the excellent unspoiled sea-life. Last year, I found a gazillion hermit crabs and sea snails, but this year, I didn't see any - I don't know where they went! Maybe winter will be better.
You can actually stay at cottages at this place - OCEAN FRONT cottages that you can rent for around $70-$200 a night which is insanely cheap considering what you're getting. Last year, I rented a dorm-like room which has a common bathroom and huge common kitchen and patio for around $65 and it slept 4. This year, I rented two cottages - both ocean front. One cottage slept like 10, and had a huge living room, kitchen, and patio, and the other cottage slept around 4. The State restored these cottages, so it's very...historic (i.e., old). If you want something modern and new, this is not the place for you. But if you like the beach vibe, taking you back to the surf shack of the 60/70s, it doesn't get any better. The only negative? - Parking! If you're carrying seats, umbrellas, towels, and a cooler, a tram or hike to the beach is seriously unappealing. Also, even if you're staying at the cottages, you still have to park across the street. Even with the parking issue, it's still my fav beach. Just pack light! -
Review from Corey Tess T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2010 6 photos
I am hesitant to write a glowing review for this beach, because I love it SO MUCH, i don't want it to be over run, but it is amazing... truly and absolutely amazing... i saw seals playing the water last month and the rocks come alive with clams and all sort of anemones.. as the tide rises.. it almost seems as if the sun sets in a direct line with this hidden cove... be careful not to turn too soon as you come up PCH though, there is a Crystal Cove Resort and then the state beach, if you have to park across the street , you are in the wrong place if you want the state beach. The parking costs 15.00, but that is for the day and I think is good all up and down the beach areas for the day.. plus it goes to support the up keep of the natural resource..
WARNING! not handicap access-able and you do have to walk down and up a bazillion natural steps to get to it.. so take note..
I have some great photos... maybe I will upload some he -
Review from Kirun M.
6/2/2009
Note to Self: I should have gone to school in Laguna or wherever the rest of the yelpers went to school. I grew up in the Valley- no bio classes on the beach for us!
Anyway, I have come here from time to time to go running, but had the most memorable time sneaking down from Trader Joe's with some brews and drinking on the beach on a Sunday afternoon last summer. It doesn't get better than that. xo. -
Review from Tammy G.
San Diego, CA
12/26/2007
My favorite beach in Southern California.
Romantic, secluded, quiet, beautiful, peaceful--I could go on and on and on.
Crystal Cove was much more secluded when I was younger. I spent many summer days playing in the water at Crystal Cove. Memoriesssss...
Anyway, I'm a little sad that it now costs $10 to pay for parking at Crystal Cove and a restaurant was recently built on the sand. It's definitely not as secluded as it used to be, but it still is an absolutely wonderful beach that I love. -
Review from Meghan M.
Philadelphia, PA
11/15/2009
Such a beautiful beach, especially today, with amazing scenery and tide pools. Well worth the $15 admission/parking fee to hike down to the beach and scramble along the rocks. This is one of those quintessential California experiences - one I can't believe I've waited so long to do!
Lots of crabs, anemones, and other such fun - and nearly completely empty today as well. Perfect way to spend a sunny, late fall Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Daniel N.
New Orleans, LA
6/22/2009
This was an absolutely beautiful spot of beach that I stumbled upon in high school after getting lost in Newport Beach. I've had a lot of great memories here which include taking my high school crush to watch the sunset then walking around to tide pools and playing with sea anemones and crabs.
I also went here with a bunch of friends and went rock jumping and climbing timing each jump carefully with when the waves would come crashing in.
I gave it four stars because they've destroyed the rock structures that my friends and I used to go jumping and climbing on. Despite this, the place is still beautiful but definitely not what it used to be. -
Review from Josh G.
Santa Ana, CA
1/13/2010
Lots of great sea life, tide pools and scenery for you and your children to explore! Very beautiful location and well maintained beaches. When I first came here, parking was only something like $7 or $8. Over the years the price kept going up. This was irritating because just as I became used to grabbing a $10 bill before leaving....I arrive realizing that I'm short and have to run to the ATM now. Yea its easy to whine about the parking prices but just think about the fun and entertainment for your kids. Its cheap compared to an unhealthy trip to Chuck-E-Cheese. Park across the street for a better deal and walk under the cool tunnel.
This place is a treasure and hope the Schwarza-whatever doesn't close this park due to his overspending.
Hike to the bluffs and watch the wildwife. Certain times you can watch mega swells form hundreds of yards out. Once I witnessed a guy ride a wave all the way from BFE and his ride lasted for atleast 12 minutes on a single wave.
The beaches arent as crowded here as main beach, HB or Newport.
When our family or friends visit us for the first time from the midwest or east coast, we take them here for one of the best scenic spots. -
Review from Peter P.
Huntington Beach, CA
6/5/2008
I took a friend of mine here for a picnic after stopping by the market to pick up some cheese and chocolate to go with our wine. It's great to watch the sun as it's going down from this beach....there is hardly ever anybody there... Drinking alcohol on the beach is prohibited, but we downed a whole bottle and there were poeple walking by us... picnic baskets and wine just blend in anyways...
There is a fee to park and the lot closes at sundown... I think it's $10 -
Review from Summer G.
Long Beach, CA
12/6/2009
This is the best beach in Orange County. It's gorgeous. It's typically not very crowded, even during the summer, which is awesome. It's state protected, which is even better because it would be a tragedy to see this place destroyed. The views from the hills above are incredible. There are a lot of really cool tidepools where you get to see all sorts of marine life: anenomes, crabs, sea stars, etc. I've seen lots of lobster tails on the beach picked clean by the seagulls.
This isn't the best beach if you have any mobility problems because it's quite a hike up and down from the parking lot.
This place is a true gem. While you're there, make sure you don't litter, and don't take away the shells (there are plenty of beauties, but it's bad for the ecosystem to take them away).
Enjoy! -
Review from Candice P.
Newport Beach, CA
1/11/2011
This is a great place to hike and spend the day at. Bring a book and a packed lunch and enjoy the great views. You can also bring your dog on hikes here, just not on the actual sand beach. The only reason it doesn't get a 5 star is it's $15 parking. Way too much!
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Review from Ai M.
2/21/2009 5 photos
Even though its dark because a storm is coming, there are still people outside walking dogs. Its starting to get cold and earlier it smelled like grilled vegetables. My boyfriend heard frogs. Twilight was beautiful, like a Judie Bamber painting. You'll have better reception with AT&T than T-Mobile.
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Review from Julie O.
Irvine, CA
8/18/2009
All time favorite beach. I come here with my boyfriend to exercise. I go on the weekdays after 5PM, it's not crowded and I don't have to pay for parking!
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Review from John S.
Huntington Beach, CA
1/10/2009
Great beach, good body surfing, lots of space, and the people at this beach are usually pretty mellow. In addition this beach has no pit bulls in heat, very few people with lame tribal tattoos, no cheesy dudes with coolers, and very few males playing football trying to compensate for the fact that they're at the beach and they can't swim worth a crap so they decide to band together and play an annoying game of football so nobody knows that they can't swim but when they do that we all know that they can't and by the end of the day they know that we know so they leave the beach quickly in lame mustangs and raised trucks. Was that a run on sentence? At least people that play Frisbee are usually medicated on something.
