Crystal Cove, California, USA

August 28, 2025

Located between Newport Beach to the north and Laguna Beach to the south, Crystal Cove State Park stretches for just over three miles along the coast. Sitting below cliffs, it is for the most part not visible from the Pacific Coast Highway (locally known as the PCH) that runs along next to it. The Park includes a historic district where over forty 1920s beach cottages have been preserved and can be rented (demand is high, however, so you first need to win a lottery). Many of the cottages reminded us of classic New Zealand baches. There is also a restaurant on the beach called Beachcomber which has excellent food in a fantastic location.

One thing that we hadn’t realized about California until spending more time here is that on any given night you can head to the beach and be treated to a spectacular sunset.

And if the sunset is not entertaining enough, you can also watch a movie on the beach.