Tag: Crystal Cove Beach

A Guide to the Best Ocean Views in Orange County

 

While you can’t really go wrong with any view around Orange County, there are certainly times and places that bring out the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean that are a must see if you’re in the area. Whether a local or just passing through, these are some of the prime spots along the coastline to stop, relax and take in the most spectacular views of the ocean, horizon and coastal homes that you’ve ever seen. You really can’t go wrong with any or all of the destinations on our list.

 

 

Heisler Park

361 Cliff Dr

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

 

A trip to Orange County is not complete without a walk along the beautiful coast of Laguna Beach, and Heisler Park is the perfect place to do just that.  With a series of coves and lookout areas, the walk provides you with multiple opportunities to see breathtaking views of one of the most sought after coastal communities in the country.  If you feel like getting your toes wet, follow the stairs down from one of the access points to the cove beaches to enjoy the tide pools, walk along the beach, or just relax under the sun. Relish in the stunning views of the ocean, horizon and breathtaking Laguna Beach homes. There are also benches scattered along the walk if you’d prefer just to sit and soak in all of the beauty around you — even better if you happen to be there during a sunrise or sunset!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration Point

Ocean Blvd & Heliotrope Ave

Newport Beach, CA 92663

A perfect stop along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, Inspiration Point is a small observation point that provides gorgeous views in all directions. You’re located at street-level high above the ocean, so this lookout spot offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great place to take in the sunrise or sunset. Bring a date and sit side-by-side on one of the provided benches, or lay out a small picnic on the grassy area, and soak in all of the beautiful scenic views this spot has to offer with someone you love.

 

 

 

 

 

Crystal Cove State Park

8471 Pacific Coast Hwy

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Crystal Cove State Park offers great hiking and camping options for the entire family to enjoy. The park stretches 3.2-miles along the Pacific coastline and people of all ages can enjoy everything from the walking trails along the bluff or if you’re feeling adventurous, set up at the Moro Campground, which is located on a bluff top and offers incomparable views. Both options provide breathtaking Newport Coast views, spanning from San Clemente Island to the Palos Verde Peninsula. Crystal Cove is a four-season camping spot, so you can go for a hike and play in the tide pools in the winter and then set up camp with friends in the summer. Note that parking is $15/day per vehicle so plan accordingly!

 

 

 

 

 

Treasure Island Park

Wesley & Coast Hwy

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Located in the heart of Laguna Beach on the Montage Resort property, Treasure Island Park provides breathtaking views of the oceans that is a must see if stopping through Orange County.  A popular spot for weddings and photo shoots, this area offers stunning horizons, water that appears sparkling blue, and even a spotting of dolphins, if you’re lucky. This park is similar to Heisler Park, but on a smaller scale, so if you’re in the mood for just a short walk along the water, just sitting and taking in the views, or are looking for a gorgeous backdrop for some photos, then this spot may be for you.

 

 

Whether a native to the area or just passing through, any of these ocean views will solidify your love for this Orange County area and make you want to live here forever. If you feel the urge to buy a piece of this gorgeous region, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’d love to help you find your little piece of paradise!

The Best Beaches in Laguna Beach

Take off your flip flops and dig your toes in the sand. Laguna Beach and Newport Beach have some of the most majestic, awe-inspiring scenery and beaches anywhere in the United States. If you are thinking of moving here, or just coming for a visit, we wanted to give you some insider tips to the prettiest beaches in our area.

Laguna Beach

Thousand Steps Beach

9th Ave & Pacific Coast Hwy

Laguna Beach

No, it is not 1000 steps to get up from the beach to the road, but after a long day of sun-worshipping, it may feel like it! Actually, there are only 230 steps from top to bottom. Thousand Steps Beach is a gorgeous spot right along the Pacific Coast Highway. When you are going down the steps, at the bottom you can hang a left and find a cave with a beautiful ocean view. If you are really feeling adventurous, you can try climbing through the cave on the south end of the beach and explore some tide pools. Of course, if it is high tide, you can’t explore the caves but the beauty is right in front of you nonetheless, with Pacific Coast waves hitting the rocks.

Pearl Street Beach

Pearl Street & Ocean Way

Laguna Beach

If you are in Laguna Beach and walking down Pearl Street heading west and get to Ocean Way, you are just a few steps from something pretty special.  Pearl Street Beach can be found just below a stairway. You are standing a block off Highway 1. Pearl Street Beach is a gorgeous, sandy west-facing beach with several homes built right down to the beach level. When you are walking the beach, turn left, heading south, and you will see a natural arch in the rock wall called the “Keyhole” that gives this beach the nickname Arch Cove or Arch Beach. If you are at low tide you can walk through the arch to a rocky shelf which leads over to Woods Cove. It’s good to get expert advice on high and low tides, because this is a terrific place to explore tide pools when the tide is out and the waves are not strong.

Crystal Cove

8471 N. Coast Highway

Laguna Beach

Crystal Cove is a large California state beach and park, with more than three miles of waterfront. It connects Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, with several different beach access points, and each point has its own identity. When the tide is low, you can enjoy the tide pools, and the individual beaches can seamlessly be tied together, which creates a long walking route, but when the tide is high, they need to be taken individually. You can walk on the paved pathways on the bluff above the beaches to enjoy the beauty of each spot. Crystal Cove’s beaches include:

  • Moro Beach–southern beach between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar area
  • Reef Point Beach–large state park with 3.5 miles of beaches and day-use parking
  • Los Trancos Beach–in the historic district of Crystal Cove State Park
  • Pelican Point Beach–near Los Trancos with a gentle slope
  • Treasure Cove Beach–can be accessed from hiking trails that lead from a steep bluff inside the Pelican Point entrance
  • Little Treasure cove–on the northside of Crystal cove between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach

Victoria Beach

If you head south in your car from Victoria Drive, you’ll find a long white sandy beach. Victoria beach is a public beach but isn’t easy to see, but put in 2713 Victoria Drive in your GPS device and you’ll be right there. A long stairway will get you to the far north end of the beach. If you are a hiker, you can walk onto the rocks and around the point to see the Victorian La Tour Tower that was built nearly 100 years ago. Front that vantage point you will also be able to see a circular concrete pool that fills with salt water and sand depending on the tide.

So are you packing your hat and sunscreen? Let us show you around this gorgeous area. The Stavros Group has many listings that can make Laguna Beach (and its beaches) your home!