Crystal Cove State Park stretches for 3.2 miles along the coast just south of Corona del Mar, with sandy beaches, tide pools, an upland backcountry of coastal sage scrub, and the wonderful Crystal Cove Historic District of restored 1920s beach cottages.
The Beachcomber Cafe in one of the cottages is the place to eat — fresh seafood, ocean views, no reservations. Get there at sunset for the line. Beyond the cottages, the trails into the backcountry climb up to ridgelines with views inland over Laguna Canyon. The tide pools at low tide are some of the best in southern California for spotting sea stars, anemones and the occasional octopus.