Crystal Cove State Park at Newport Beach is a fine example of why people fall in love with California...sand, sun, and surf.
Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of back country wilderness (which offers a total of 17 different hiking trails that branch off of 3 centralized routes and can be used for hiking as well as cycling and horseback riding), and a 1,400 acre marine conservation area (ideal for scuba and skin divers). The park also features the federally listed Historic District, an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek. These cottages (originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930’s & 40's) have been restored and are now available for rent.
Before visiting Crystal Cove State Park, be sure to check the tide charts, as this park is well known for it's tide pools.
As you walk along the beach...
take the time to look in the tide pools...
for you never know what you may discover.
Take a close look under barnacle covered rocks...
because you never know where stars might be hiding. After all, this is California.
Feeling mellow, then sit down with some friends and sing a song...
you may get rewarded with a wave of applause.
Looking for more excitement, then get ready to boogie,
or go Surfin U.S.A.
I very much enjoyed my afternoon at Crystal Cove State Park. If you ever find yourself in Newport Beach California, be sure to take some time and visit this awesome park. It's open between 6:00 am and sunset, with the Historic District area (which includes a restaurant and visitor services) remaining open until 10:00pm. Parking does require a fee. Note that Lifeguard services at Crystal Cove are provided by the California State Parks Lifeguard Service who patrol the beach year-round while lifeguard towers are staffed roughly Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
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