News Summary
Crystal Cove State Park, located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, has been voted the Best California State Beach in a survey by the California State Parks Foundation. With over 1,300 participants, the poll highlighted people’s personal connections to California’s parks. The park features 3.2 miles of shoreline, historic cottages, and various outdoor activities. It also promotes community engagement and environmental stewardship, making it a beloved natural space for locals and visitors alike.
Newport Beach, California – Crystal Cove State Park, situated between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, has been named the Best California State Beach in a recent survey conducted by the California State Parks Foundation. This recognition came after over 1,300 participants voted for their favorite parks in various categories, showcasing the deep personal connections visitors have with California’s state parks.
The poll, organized by the California State Parks Foundation, served to highlight the love and appreciation people have for these natural spaces. Along with voting, participants also shared personal stories and photographs that expressed why certain parks hold special significance to them, further enriching the narrative of California’s outdoor experiences.
Crystal Cove State Park boasts an impressive 3.2 miles of pristine shoreline, encompassing a protected wilderness area that spans 2,400 acres. The park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including tide pools and underwater kelp forests, making it a hotspot for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, bird-watching, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
In addition to its natural beauty, Crystal Cove features a historic district containing 24 vintage cottages built in the 1920s. These cottages, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provide visitors with a glimpse into California’s early 20th-century beach culture and offer unique overnight accommodations. Popular dining options within the park include the Beachcomber Cafe and the Crystal Cove Shake Shack, both of which offer stunning views and satisfying meals for park-goers.
The park also plays an active role in community engagement, promoting educational programs and hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Activities range from plein air painting experiences to organized beach cleanups, reflecting the park’s commitment to fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Leadership within the park emphasizes its role as a living classroom and community space. The park encourages curiosity and creativity, nurturing a love for the natural world among visitors of all ages. In recognizing Crystal Cove as the Best California State Beach, the California State Parks Foundation aims to motivate both locals and visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse selection of state parks available within California.
Rachel Norton, the Executive Director of the California State Parks Foundation, emphasized the importance of public engagement in state parks, reinforcing the organization’s mission to preserve these natural treasures for future generations. By highlighting parks like Crystal Cove, the foundation seeks to remind Californians of the significance these spaces hold not only for recreation but also for community, history, and environmental health.
As the Best California State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park exemplifies the rich diversity and beauty of California’s coastline, standing as a testament to the value of public parks in enhancing the quality of life and fostering a sense of connection to the environment.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Independent
- Los Angeles Times
- NBC Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- SFGATE
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
