By Bethany Nguyen
Itching for a break from the stress of school or doomscrolling on social media? Here is a perfect escape to clear your mind and enjoy a beautiful day surrounded by coastal nature. Located just south of Newport Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Southern California’s prime getaway locations. Not too far of a drive away, this is the perfect place to spend a little day-cation with your family or friends. When visiting, these are some things you are NOT going to want to miss.
HIKING TRAILS
First up, get an early start to the day by heading out to one of the wide variety of hikes this state park offers. Just a heads up, parking ranges from $15-20, so carpooling is highly recommended!
After taking a scenic drive down Pacific Coast Highway to get to your destination, lace up your sneakers to tackle some of the most beautiful hiking trails in California. From calm and mellow, to a StairMaster-like workout, there is something for everyone.
My personal favorite: El Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge Loop. This 8.2 mile trail is a moderately difficult hike with an elevation gain of 1,082 feet and some of the best views in the area. My favorite summer memories are of taking this hike with a group of friends and enjoying the nature around us, all while getting in some healthy movement.
EATS
After all that walking, reward yourself with some delicious food overlooking breathtaking views. Crystal Cove Shake Shack is the cutest burger joint that offers your favorite quintessential burgers, fries and milkshakes, all while being seated directly over the beach. Pro tip: the food tastes better while watching the sunset below the ocean–a picture-perfect meal. Or, if you’re not in the mood for a burger, the Crystal Cove shopping center has some of your favorite shops, restaurants and Insta-worthy cafes, providing an array of options that are sure to fit everyone’s tastes.
THE BEACHES
Last, but certainly not least, do not leave Crystal Cove without checking out the iconic beach. With its wide and sandy shores, tidepools teeming with starfish and historic beach cottages, there is so much to explore down on the Cove. So grab your friends, throw on your swimsuits, pull out a book (or a boogie board) and be sure to capture these post-worthy memories. The pictures will not disappoint and neither will the experience!
Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie or a student simply looking to escape the endless hours of studying, a beautiful day at Crystal Cove is the perfect place to be. A classic Californian activity awaits you, just don’t forget sunscreen!
