Tide Pools at Crystal Cove State Beach, Newport Beach

I love being able to explore the nature that surrounds me; Orange County's coast is home to many awe-striking landscapes as well as array of tide pools. I along with some girlfriends spent a morning together combing the beaches of Crystal Cove State Park and discovering a variety of sea creatures living among the tide pools. We were given a booklet by a park volunteer to help with identifying sea animals, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many we did see; partly due to the storm that had passed through the week prior.

Check out how to access the park here, sea creatures you could encounter here, and other recreational activities here. The daily rate to park at Crystal Cove park is $15 a day, and I have yet to be able to find street parking where there is an outlet out to the beach; you can park at the Crystal Cove Shopping Center AT YOUR DISCRETION. There are numerous signs posted everywhere saying that you can not park there unless you are a customer at the shopping center. We parked there but also purchased snacks at Trader Joes, and went to lunch at Bear Flag in the center afterwards. If you're looking for something fun to do in Orange County, and you love marine life, I would suggest checking out these tide pools.