Newport. Huntington. Venice. Long Beach. You’ve been to it all. It can get a little difficult to pick a nice beach to relax at, where you won’t be encountering undeniable crowds and litter. Let’s face it, UCI has its enjoyable aspects of being near great shopping centers and awesome restaurants and beaches, but sometimes you wouldn’t mind escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life, and even school life. But where to go? Crystal Cove State Park is where. Located just 15 minutes away from campus, you can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean and be able to avoid the throngs of people from other beaches. The best part is that you don’t even have to pay to park (unless you want to park right on the beach). If you take a right hand-turn on Marguerite St. from Pacific Coast Highway, and a left on Oceanside, you can find a place to park without the $15 fee. Just take the walkway down to the beach (I know—it’s a bit steep, but think of it as a workout!), and in no time you’ll be feeling the sand between your toes. Not bad for a college student on a budget.
Crystal Cove is definitely a great location for picnics, hikes, and even scuba diving. If you’re feeling adventurous you could also discover a beach cave by the edge of the state park. Since it is a preserved stated park, you’ll be able to experience nature at its best by the Pacific Ocean, which many do tend to overlook when they go to the beach. Nestled just south of campus, you’re able to hear nothing but the crashing of the waves and a few seagulls calling past you. So if you ever need a study break, it won’t hurt to reel in a group of friends and visit Crystal Cove on a weekend, amidst the hectic, exasperated craziness of midterms and finals. And who can resist with the perfect weather we’ve been having lately! It’s amazing what natural splendor you can find with just a 15-minute drive from campus.