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, and an offshore underwater area.
The park also features the federally listed Historic District, an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built as a seaside colony in the 1930’s & 40’s and nestled around the mouth of Los Trancos Creek.
• Located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.
• The Park is open between 6:00am and sunset, with the Historic District area remaining open until 10:00pm. Parking requires a fee.
• State Park staff and docents conduct interpretive programs year-round including guided hikes, tide-pool walks, and geology talks.
http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/
Tip: In the Historic District, don't miss visiting Cottage #13, often referred to as the Beaches Cottage, for its portrayal in the 1988 film, "Beaches", starring Bette Midler. The Beaches Cottage has been transformed into the Beaches Film & Media Center to commemorate Crystal Cove’s cinematic roots. The cottage is typically open to the public throughout the summer on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., check website below for latest information.
https://crystalcove.org/cottage-13-the-beaches-cottage/
Tip: If you love shakes, burgers, fries, long lines, and an often-crowded patio high atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, make sure you visit the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. It's right off Pacific Coast Highway (only accessible southbound) and is connected to the Historic District via a long wooden staircase on the bluff. Parking at the Shake Shack is limited, but you can walk from the Los Trancos parking lot, the Historic District, or along the paved bike and walking path on top of the bluffs from the Crystal Cove State Park parking lots -- you may want to do this to burn off some calories after eating here! Be looking for small groups of Pelicans silently riding the air currents at eye level along the top of the ocean bluffs.
https://crystalcoveshakeshack.com/