Earlier this month I had the chance to check out Crystal Cove in Newport on a road trip to California!

I have to admit I totally took living near the ocean for granted!!! Of all the things I miss, the ocean breeze and palm trees are totally #1! That’s why I was stoked when Matt from Clinetography suggested Crystal Cove in Newport Beach because it’s a beach I had never been before!

First off, the place is GORGEOUS! If you are a blogger looking for someplace to shoot, or just a beach-lover…this is the place for you! After a 1/4 mile hike there is a long tunnel with cool murals kids painted on Earth Day in 2014.

Once you exit the tunnel there are the cutest old-school cottages littered along your path until you hit the coast. Another hidden gem along the way is The Beachcomber, a yummy looking restaurant with everything from brunch and mimosas to afternoon cocktails. I totally would have stayed longer to indulge but I was on a mission to San Diego later that afternoon.

There is also a cute little shack filled with historical tidbits about the area. My favorite part was reading all the notes written by people who have visited in the past. Each person shared why we should protect and preserve the area, I totally left a little note of my own!

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel because you get to see way more than you would on a plane. If you are in the Newport area and have a day to make it over there I highly suggest it! Check out the California Parks site for more info on overnight camping, and other cool info about the area (parking is $15 so be prepared)!

For those of you who don’t road trip on the reg – I shared some of my fave essentials for you below! Don’t forget to drop a comment, I would love to hear what some of your favorite hidden oasis’ are in California and around the globe!

xx,

Jess

ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

SHOP MY BEACHCOMBER LOOK

All photography by Matt at Clinetography