Highlights of the Day
Beginning at Strands Beach, nestled between dramatic cliffs, we followed the coastal path alongside rolling waves and energetic surfers, soaking in the vibrant rhythm of the shoreline. The journey continued into Crystal Cove State Park, where timing the tides allowed us to discover the hidden Treasure Cove at low tide. It concluded with an unexpected visit to a glass art studio, where craftsmanship and hands-on experience added a thoughtful human touch to an otherwise nature-filled day.
Accommodation: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
Transportation: Rental Car
Our former neighbor now lives nearby and strongly recommended that we visit Strands Beach, a place she often spoke about. Naturally, it became the first stop of the day.
Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find that not only was there no entrance fee, but parking was also completely free—something quite rare in Southern California. The only small challenge was the long staircase leading down from the parking area to the beach, with over a hundred steps that quickly served as a warm-up.
The beach stretches for about a kilometer and is embraced by cliffs on both ends, resembling two natural castles guarding the coastline. Colorful private homes line the bluffs, standing out beautifully against the blue sky and ocean—especially photogenic from every angle.
The waves were fairly strong that day, and many people were out surfing and playing in the water, filling the shoreline with energy. A coastal walking path runs alongside the beach, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. We walked at an easy pace, stopping occasionally to watch surfers rise and fall with the waves—moments that felt effortlessly relaxing.
Our next destination was Crystal Cove State Park.
The park features 3.2 miles of Pacific coastline, with multiple beaches, each offering a different character. In addition to the beaches, several viewpoints within the park provide sweeping coastal views.
We followed a trail to a more secluded cove known as Treasure Cove. This small inlet sits at a lower elevation and only reveals itself during low tide. When we entered the park earlier that morning, a helpful staff member reminded us that low tide would occur around three or four in the afternoon, so we adjusted our schedule accordingly and returned later to explore it.
Another highlight was Pelican Point, a viewpoint built atop a rocky outcrop. From here, the coastline opens up in both directions without obstruction. Looking south, waves weave between rocky formations in layered patterns; looking north, the deep blue ocean stretches endlessly, backed by a massive cliff standing quietly like a guardian of the sea.
Although the park offers many beaches worth exploring, time was limited, and we had to leave some for a future visit.
Originally, we had hoped to meet our former neighbor during this West Coast trip, but like us, she has been traveling extensively since retirement, so our schedules didn’t align. Still, we were happy to spend time with her daughter.
She has a strong passion for art, particularly glass art, and had recently acquired a custom glass studio specializing in bespoke glass doors, windows, and stained-glass installations for churches. We decided to stop by for a visit—and unexpectedly learned a great deal about stained-glass techniques. Even better, we were given the chance to cut glass ourselves, turning the visit into an impromptu hands-on lesson that proved surprisingly rewarding.
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