We're at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, a National Registered Historic Place in California. Newport Coast, California. Hubby and I visited there last month.
Crystal Cove is a small, old style beach area. Back in days when people threw up little shanty's to give them protection from the sun, and maybe a place to spend the weekends, cook out on the beach ...like the movies of old surfers. There's not alot to do there, but it's good for a day, maybe two if you're staying in the area. You can walk the beach a bit before it's interrupted by rocky in-passable area's where the beach is no more. The waters too cold to enjoy a dip in the ocean; though you do see a few small children run in and out to be quickly immersed in a big towel Mom and Dad have at the ready. There's only 2 small places to eat if you're willing to wait, and wait in line.......AND once you do, be prepared to pay twice or three times what it's worth.
Some of the area has been rehabbed into cute little cabins, though much remains to be done in the next phase. This area has a history, a dark period for our country regarding the Japanese who used to successfully farm the area before The War. That is a story though for a later post. Then there's the military story that took place here, also for another post.
Many movies have been filmed here, Like Herbie, Beaches (see the photo with the fence), and before that the silent movies.
Here's a video showing the area also. Though, having priced the cottages (some don't even have private bathrooms), at $200.00 ish a night; I think she makes them sound much nicer then they are. Physically getting here, to Crystal Cove requires parking your car across the 6 lane Coast Highway and paying to park, then walking through the tunnel that goes under the highway. There are lots of steps and ramps so if you're not able to walk a distance easily, that can be a problem You can get your parking fee wave by spending at least $15.00 in one of the 2 restaurants there...and with things being pricey, that's not hard to do. You can also purchase a park pass and take a shuttle to The Cove.
We enjoyed it because it's unique. I would not though say- it's a destination.
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#13 start with 1916
