Crystal Cove

It's been over 2 months since our last camping excursion so we decided to drive to the ocean on a beautiful day. Heading to the beach in the off-season and on a weekday seems to be the only time we've been able to procure a spot. We were lucky once again and got a nice location with a beautiful view.

Crystal Cove park has over 3 miles of coastline including sandy beaches, tide pools, 400 acres of bluffs, and 2,400 acres of canyons. The Crystal Cove Historical District also contains 46 restored beach cottages from the 20's and 30's including the house from the Bette Midler movie Beaches.

We'll start off with the new additions to the van including Brooke's new camping chair with sun canopy!

Our other exciting upgrade - we now have full bathroom facilities (well at least Brooke does).

After setting up our site, it was time to explore.

Although the campground was not directly on the beach, it was a short walk to the sand, waves, and sights.

Brooke was extremely distracted by our furry visitor during dinner.

Then we were all distracted with the beautiful sunset we witnessed before heading to bed.

I usually don't sleep well when beach camping due to the noises but there were no trains or loud neighbors and the quiet waves lulled us all to sleep. I'm not sure what these little guys saw or wanted in the van but we awoke to the sounds of them knocking on our front window like woodpeckers.

Morning cereal and smiles for breakfast.

Followed by one last view of the ocean before heading back home.

Although beach camping in L.A. is expensive, it does offer a nice break and a reminder of how lucky we are to live in this beautiful state.