Crystal Cove

One of my favorite parts about where we stay in Newport is the proximity to Crystal Cove State Park, the historic site just below the cliff upon which our condo sits. The website does a better job describing it than I can, so here's a snippet about Crystal Cove's history:

Located in the heart of Crystal Cove State Park’s 3.5 miles of pristine coastline, the Historic District first developed as a South Seas movie set due to its seclusion and tropical aura. The community thrived and became beloved for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and picturesque landscape; and in 1979, the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Built as a seaside colony in the 1930’s & ‘40’s, Crystal Cove endures as a magical escape for visitors who appreciate the opportunity to experience California’s natural and architectural beauty, untouched by time.

Thanks to the efforts of the Crystal Cove Alliance, all of the original cottages are still standing today – spared from the hands of developers. Twenty-one cottages have already been authentically restored to reflect the era between 1935 and 1955, when the Cove evolved as a community.

The website is filled with beautiful pictures by J. Christopher Launi (some of which I've featured here) showing beach life in the past and the restored houses today.

My family and I walked down to Crystal Cove for dinner at the Beachcomber Cafe at sunset last night and I was able to take some pictures of my own. I really love looking at the rundown cottages that have yet to be restored and imagining the lives of their previous inhabitants. I imagine their lives to be something like a Beach Boys' music video with no worries or cares, just sun, sand, and California girls. :)