Head for the great outdoors and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from this popular water park and wildlife reserve.
Swap city heat for sea breezes on a trip to Crystal Cove, one of Southern California’s favourite outdoor playgrounds. Here you can enjoy a full day of walking, surfing, horseback riding or just lying back and letting the sun caress your cares away. Or, if you’re staying for longer, go native in one of the popular campsites.Swimmers, scuba divers and surfers will find plenty to keep them happy in the beach section of the park, which extends along five kilometres of beautiful coastline and includes a protected water park. Hikers and bikers head inland to a vast area of woodland, criss-crossed with dirt trails that offer fabulous mountain views. All-day parking passes can be purchased, so you can leave your vehicle safely in a car park while you set off on foot to explore the natural terrain.Walking trails range from easy oceanfront strolls to more strenuous woodland hikes. If you’re up for the challenge, try the 17-kilometre trail around the park perimeter, or leave the hard work to your trusty four-legged or two-wheeled friend with a horseback or mountain bike ride through the interior. Strenuous hiking deep into the so-called “Back Country” is only recommended for the very fit, and water and other supplies must be carried at all times. The campsites in this relatively remote area offer very basic facilities, so if you’re looking for home comforts such as communal toilets and showers, choose the more accessible waterfront camps. Walking trail maps are available from the park’s visitor centre.Crystal Cove’s charming Historic District offers a chance to step back in time and admire the pretty seaside resort that was popular with holidaymakers in the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the beachfront cottages are still available for holiday rentals, but they are usually booked up for months in advance. Tours of the village take place on the second Saturday of each month and can be booked at the visitor centre.Crystal Cove is a short drive south of Huntington and Newport beaches.
