Crystal Cove

 

Here's a link to the crystal cove beach history. If you drive there you can park across the highway at the state beach parking (not sure what the current cost is. It use to be $12.00) from there you can take a short hike down an easy path to the cottages and cafe. The cafe validates and will refund your parking fee with purchase of lunch. ( verify this when you make reservations as they may only do a partial refund if any). It's been awhile since I've eaten there. Also if you do not want to walk you can catch a shuttle at the state parking lot for $1.50 pp one way. Be aware that you want the state Beach parking mountain side not beach Side closest to the Crystal cove cafe. We got off the bus at the first sight of crystal cove and it was too soon. We had to hike about a mile on the beach with a somewhat steep unpaved dirt path from highway to the beach, we didn't mind, it was scenic but could be a bit much for some. I was apprehensive myself. Definitely a fun day to see an historic part of the Southern California coastline. Not far at all to Laguna from here! If you pass the "Shake shack" on pch you've gone too far.