Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are in high demand, making it difficult to secure a reservation. Despite the challenge, you’ve already researched by looking at reviews, guidebooks, and pictures of the cottages. Now, you’re eager to rent one for your upcoming trip to the beach.
Crystal Cove has 24 cottages for rent ranging from beachfront to bluff top. Reservations are a must and are notoriously difficult to secure.
How To Crystal Cove Beach Cottages Reservation
If you hope to secure one of Southern California’s highly sought-after beach rentals, this guide will help increase your chances. However, be prepared to put in some effort and have a bit of luck on your side. To begin with, all beach rental reservations must be made through Reserve California. There are no exceptions unless you happen to be a celebrity or VIP.
Cottages can be reserved up to six months in advance, and most of them usually are. On the first day of each month at 8 a.m., another month will become available for reservations. This means there is a new opportunity to rent a cottage every month.
Get online, start banging those keys at 8 AM PST sharp, and try to snag a reservation before someone else does. Cottage Reservations
You must create a free Reserve California account to reserve a cottage. Don’t forget to sign up before making a reservation. If you miss a reservation, check for cancellations.
Cancellations are promptly posted online and marked with the letter ‘A’ in the shaded areas of the ‘Crystal Cove Beach Cottages: Date Range Availability.’
If you want to rent one of the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, check the Reserve America website for availability. Watch for the letter ‘A,’ indicating the cottage is available. If you see an ‘R’ instead, it means that the cottage is already reserved, but don’t lose hope. Keep trying, as it’s not impossible to get a reservation. With determination and persistence, you might be able to secure a booking for one of these highly sought-after cottages.
Best Beach Cottage at Crystal Cove
Which cottage is the best to stay in? Any place you can get a reservation for is a good one. Here is a breakdown of the locations:
There are several cottages available for rent at our resort. If you’re interested in staying at a bluff-top cottage, you can choose from cottages 18, 29, 39, 38, and 33. Cottages 24, 27, and 2 are located right next to the Beachcomber Restaurant for those who prefer to stay closer to the beach. If you want to be right on the beach, you can choose from cottages 1, 19, and 16. Cottages 32 and 37 are located at beach level but a little further from the sand.
All Crystal Cove cottages have a microwave and refrigerator, and ADA-accessible units have a small electric cooktop. Open flames are strictly prohibited in the Crystal Cove Historic District, including charcoal and wood-burning barbecues, tiki torches, and smoking.
Self-contained gas canister-type barbecues are allowed on the beach and in designated areas at each cottage. Dining options include the Beachcomber Restaurant and the Shake Shack adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway.
Dogs on leashes are only allowed on the roads and trails. Except for certified/companion canines, no pets are allowed in the cottages or on the beach, except certified/companion canines.
Cottages #29, #38, and #39 have been designated as Dorm-style Cottages. These lodgings include individually secured bedrooms with a common living area, kitchen, patio areas, and bathrooms.
For Dorm-style Rooms, linens and towels will be furnished on bed tops upon arrival. It will be the guests’ responsibility to make their beds. Towels are not replaced during your stay.
Common area Kitchens feature a microwave, refrigerator, disposable plates, and utensils. In addition, ADA-accessible cottages include a small cooktop. Alcohol possession is prohibited in all Dorm-style Cottages.
There are no laundry facilities at Crystal Cove. Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas will be available during the season on the beach for a fee. There are no televisions; however, all cottages have kitchens and bathrooms.
Moro Campground Crystal Cove State Park
Moro Campground, situated about one mile south of Crystal Cove, is an excellent camping spot offering premium bluff campsites. All of the campsites boast stunning ocean views. During low tide, you can stroll to the colony (cottages), have a meal, and return before the tide comes in. If you cannot secure a reservation for a beach cottage, we highly recommend staying at Moro Campground.
Getting to Crystal Cove Laguna Beach
Crystal Cove State Park is off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, with easy access from I-5, 405, and 73.
Needabreak says
Are there any priority booking for Marines or first responders?
DayTrippen says
Doubtful; I would check with the park service to be sure, though.
Gretchen Vandewalle says
Hello. I am interested in renting a small beach cottage in February (2023) for several days including 18th, 19th and 20th, Presidents Day weekend. Are any available? and How do I set up a “Reserve California Account, recommended in the text above?
I prefer one of the old historic cottages if possible. I am traveling from Chico to visit the Park.
DayTrippen says
You can set up an account here reservecalifornia.com/Web/Customers/NewCustomer.aspx. All bookings are through the reserve California website unless you have some connections with the California government.