Getting a reservation at Crystal Cove is almost impossible. But when you do get one, you wake up to: the ocean right outside, the waves crashing on the beach, and a sunset you will not forget.
John and I have been coming to Crystal Cove State Park on the Newport Coast for years, and we’ve stayed in both the dorm style rooms and the full cottages. This time our family came along, and we filmed the whole stay, from the parking lot all the way down to the sand.
Is a Crystal Cove Reservation Worth It?
Yes. Reservations are almost impossible to get, but if you’ve never been, we highly suggest you try for one. It’s a wonderful experience.
Where to Park at Crystal Cove
After you unload your car at check in, you cross PCH and park at Los Trancos.
Walking to the Cottages
From the Los Trancos lot, you follow the trail through the painted tunnel back under PCH. If you’d rather not walk, you can also take the shuttle down to the cottages. As of this posting the shuttle is $1.50 per person each way.
Our Stay at Beachcombers Lodge
On this trip, our family got reservations at the Beachcombers Lodge, a 1938 cottage up on the bluff. We had rooms 38A, 38C and 39C, which are dorm style. Each room was different: 39c was a private room with its own bath, 38c had a full bed with a small window facing the ocean and 39c had a bunk bed and a single bed.
The Guest Book
Our cottage had a guest book, and it was so fun to look through and see what other families had written about their stays.
Porch Time at Crystal Cove
Porch time is all afternoon and all evening. You sit out there watching the sailboats, enjoying the waves crashing on the beach, and watching the sun go down. If you do one thing, be on the porch for sunset. Trust us.
Dorm Style vs Full Cottage at Crystal Cove
We’ve stayed in both, and we enjoy the dorm style rooms the most. You get to meet other families, talk with them, and hear stories about their stays, which is always really nice.
Beachcomber Cafe and Bootlegger Bar
The beach is just steps away from your door. Right there is the Beachcomber Cafe, which has pretty good food, and next to it is the Bootlegger Bar if you’re interested in having a cocktail. Be sure to make reservations early at Beachcomber Cafe because the wait can get long for dinner.
The Beach at Crystal Cove
The beach is very quaint, and it’s quiet. It’s not very busy, so you have a lot of space to just enjoy an afternoon in the sun or go for a little walk.
Cottage 13 from the Movie Beaches
When you’re headed to the tide pools, you’ll pass Cottage 13, the cottage from the movie Beaches. The Beaches Cottage has been transformed into the Beaches Film & Media Center to commemorate Crystal Cove’s cinematic roots. It is open to the public during the summer from Wednesdays through Saturdays 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Crystal Cove Tide Pools
At the tide pools, there’s so much activity to see with all the marine life. It’s so enjoyable and fun to do, so don’t skip them.
Our Crystal Cove Tips
· Cross PCH and park at Los Trancos.
· Follow the trail through the tunnel under PCH, or take the shuttle down to the cottages (for a nominal fee).
· Try the dorm style rooms if you’d like to meet other families and hear their stories.
· Grab a bite at the Beachcomber Cafe. The Bootlegger Bar is right next door.
· Look for Cottage 13, the one from the movie Beaches.
· Don’t skip the tide pools.
· Be on the porch for sunset.
Have You Stayed at Crystal Cove?
We’d love to hear about it. Did you stay in a dorm style room or a full cottage? Leave a comment on the video and tell us.
Come Along With Us on YouTube
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