TRAVEL/SUMMER/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
A Beachside Stroll in Southern California
The gorgeous views and the soft sand make for a picture-perfect day at the beach
“Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.” — Psyche Roxas-Mendoza
My family and I were in southern California on vacation this July Fourth weekend, so we planned a couple of hours at Crystal Cove State Park in southern Orange County.
When the weather permits, we prefer outdoor activities to indoor attractions.
Crystal Cove State Park is a large state beach with over three miles of coastline. This park, which straddles the city limits of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, has various beach access points and beaches with distinct names.
This gorgeous state park has magnificent views and trails that wind along the beach. The Rocky shoreline and sandy beaches sit side-by-side along the Pacific Coast Highway.
It is a wonderful place to get some fresh air and enjoy long, flat, sandy stretches of beach on the Pacific Ocean’s edge.
The beach is a lovely place to stroll for miles. We walked up and down the beachfront strip for a couple of hours before heading back.
These beaches could be combined into a single long beach walking path because of low tide.
You can walk on the cliffs and look out over the beach, or you can walk on the sand.
We preferred walking in the sand with the sun on our shoulders and a cool breeze blowing through our hair from the ocean waves.
To get to the beach, we parked at Reef Point Parking. Parking fees are $5.00 per hour and $15.00 per day. Although it might seem a little steep, the entrance fee is necessary to support a state park.
Keep in mind that the steep climb to the beach and the long walk from the parking lot to the beach below may be challenging for the elderly or people with mobility issues. Wear appropriate shoes with good traction.
They have a washing station where you can rinse off sand before getting back into your car.
Western gulls were dispersed across the beach in large numbers. This one allowed me to take close-up pictures of him.
We enjoyed hearing the sounds of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks gave us a sense of peace and tranquility.
The beach here is clean and pristine. We didn’t see many surfers during our visit because the waves were gentle.
However, there was a lot of kelp along the shore.
We saw a lone fisherman fishing. A few couples were strolling along the beach. A mother and her young daughter were collecting seashells.
Parents could also be found sunbathing while their children built sandcastles. Teenagers splashed around in the water. There were several lifeguards on duty, although not every station was manned.
Final Thoughts
This is the place to go if you prefer fewer crowds and crystal clear water.
This is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions for out-of-state visitors. Whether you want to walk along the beach, sunbathe, picnic, or fish, there’s something for everyone here.
I highly recommend paying this hidden gem a visit the next time you’re in Southern California and making some wonderful memories.
What is the most memorable beach you have ever visited? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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