Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

"If you’re ever lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at one of the historic cottages at Crystal Cove, do it!!! These cottages are on an amazing beach that’s great year round. Definitely check out the Beaches cottage at the south end of the beach. Food and drinks at the Beachcomber is a great option while down there or you can walk up the stairs and get food at the Shake Shack. We stayed on cottage #40 which is right on the beach and next to the creek…we’ll be back for sure."

"Great little getaway nestled down in the southwest corner of Crystal Cove State Park. It’s quite popular on the weekends in the off season and most everyday in the summertime! Seasonal changes may affect the lack of visitors with cooler weather, as the beachfront seems almost deserted on some days. Locals still flock to this section of the park for hiking and biking, group and family gatherings and for sunset views. Beach restaurants as with the Beachcomber are a local favorite all year round! Limited parking is available by the lower beach side lot, accessible to area by a steep staircase. Otherwise parking at the Crystal Cove State Park main entrance lot offers three ways to cross over. First and foremost, hikers simply take the crosswalk across at the main entrance and then left on the small pedestrian footpath. Foot access is also possible thru the park tunnel, a highlight for many to visit along the way! A Beachcomber Shuttle runs regularly between the station by the main entrance booth and the Historic Cove Stop for just $2.00. The beach here tends to be crowded on the weekends, as this part of the park has more to offer with a visitors center, food and facilities. Lifeguards also access the beachfront via exclusive entrance that’s unfortunately closed to motorists, tho open for pedestrians!"

"Stayed in one of the cabins near the restaurant. Rustic, but comfortable. The beach is very nicely maintained by the park service crew. The restaurant is quite pricey, but the food is very good. I took off three stars because of the park's custom of setting huge bonfires for small groups of people around sunset. The fires are so huge that the small groups of people sitting near them on the beach can't properly observe the sunset, and huge amounts of CO2 are released into the atmosphere by this practice."

"I... Love... This Area... ! Enough said... The beach is awesome, the views are awesome, the tidal pools and rocks are awesome... If you or a family member are handicap you can park about as close as you can get if there a spaces available (The historic area)... plus they offer sand wheelchairs! Even if you have to park on the other side of PCH they offer a shuttle. On the beach you can rent portable fire pits/grills. The day we went this last time there were some oil spots coming from the ocean so be aware but it wasn't bad..."

"Amazing place for an awesome walk on the beach! It does cost to park but it's well worth it. 5 bucks an hour or 15 bucks for the day. We spent 3+ hours exploring the beach and rocks. We will definitely be back in the future!"