Crystal Cove
 

Today's excursion was to Crystal Cove State Park to see the historic cottages there. Neither Bill or I have ever been there (and I grew up in OC!)

It was very cool. Some of the cottages have been restored, and are available for overnight rental. We want to try and get one sometime.

Pictures - Part 1

We walked down the path from the parking lot (which was across PCH). Here's the view out to sea:


The first buildings you come to are the cottages up on the bluff.



Looking down at some un-restored cottages below (more on those later):


Looking down at the main area of cottages:


A smaller section of un-restored cottages right in the center of the community:



Looking along the road that leads to PCH. This was originally the only way in:

Oh, I love Crystal Cove.

The cottages right on the Beach are freaking phenomenal. I keep meaning to rent one for a weekend, and have the most fantastic Beach Party Ever ... but you have to book them months and months in advance, and I never seem to have money that far in advance. ;)

Photos - Part 2:

This building was the home and office of the Irvine Company employee that managed Crystal Cove until the company sold the land to the state. It's now the visitor's center.




Another of the un-restored cottages:


This building is at the center of the community. It was a hamburger stand and a store. later it was an artist's studio. It now houses exhibits.


A cute Cottage:



This is one of our favorites:

Photos - Part 3:

This cottage was used in the movie Beaches. It awaits restoration.


HI DE HO!!!


A scene on the beach:


Photo taken from in front of the restaurant. Three rentable cottages, with un-restored ones in the distance.


These are some of the un-restored cottages we saw from the bluff above:




On the way to the shuttle that took us back to our car, looking back towards the ocean. This is the original road into the community, with the manager's cottage on the left.

Good to see you boys cottaging for recreation !! :D

Cottages aside, Crystal Cove has become one of my favorite places in OC since a friend got married on the beach there. There's something very magical about the caves and the formations as you continue on. The little creatures scampering about the rocks. I could sit there for days, if it weren't for sunburn.

Exactly. It's a beautiful place. Tidepools, Caves, Cliffs, Ocean, Sand, and a pretty good restaurant .... oh, and Adorable Cottages RiGHt oN tHe BeACh!!!!





Beach Party Weekend - Summer 2009!!!!

I've always loved it there. It's been a while since I've taken a meander on that particular beach.