Restaurants with a view at Crystal Cove

This is the place we go to for some much-needed beach time, really when is it not a good time for the beach? Its only 5.5 hours from my house if we drive and an hour flight. Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) past Corona Del Mar and Newport cost is; Crystal Cove National Park, Ruby’s Shake Shack; shaken till 9:00 pm and Beach Comber Cafe. The perfect place to explore and have a meal.

Just right of the Shake Shack are Stairs leading down to the Beach and Beach Comber Cafe or cross PCH and park at Crystal Cove parking lot.
The admission is $15.00 for the day which includes all Crystal Cove parks. A purchase at Beach Comber Cafe, which I highly recommend, will give you a free parking stamp. 

Three trails to choose from here at Crystal Cove Park, ranging from a short walk to a couple of miles hike. Wally loves hikes which means we usually take the long route.The ocean can be viewed from the top, making it worth the uphill climb.

While you are at Beach Comber cafe check out the refurbished cottages; I hear they book a year in advance. Check on a Friday or Saturday for last minute cancelation.

How to get to CDM and Crystal Cove: Flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA) with a 15-minute drive (depending on traffic) towards CDM located on the right is the Shake Shack; on the left is the Crystal Cove parking lot. Look for air deals; Southwest Airlines usually has a sale the beginning of June. We fly into SNA for Disneyland too, another favorite of mine read Rediscovering Disneyland.

The park beach path has an excellent walking/bike trail, with views of the ocean. Wally and I ride our beach bikes here from Corona Del Mar. I think we get more exercise while exploring then we do at home. Note to self; travel more. lol