Crystal Cove

📍 Local Knowledge

Crystal Cove in North Orange County is a semi-exposed beach and reef-like break over a sand and rock bottom, offering fun, occasionally hollow waves with moderate consistency—best conditions typically arrive in fall and winter. Offshore northeast winds clean up northwest and west swells, producing both lefts and rights that break over scattered rock outcroppings and shifting sandbars. The spot works best during mid to high tide, as lower tides can expose shallow rocks and create hazardous entry and exit points. It tends to stay less crowded due to limited access and a rocky shoreline. Surfers should watch out for submerged rocks, strong currents, and marine life. The most consistent clean waves occur in winter, especially December through February.