Crystal Cove State Park, especially the historic 1930-1940-era cottages and the beach Christmas tree, is among my favorite places to relax and enjoy the happiness and cozy feeling of the Christmas season.

Even if the weather is a bit nippy, there’s never a bad day at the beach.

Unlike the over-indulged ornamented trees of the local malls, the Christmas tree is a bit more spare. The decorations appear handmade and simple and are reused each year. The Christmas tree has been decorated there for almost 30 years.

But, for me, the more special time is after that. When the tree and other decorations, like a herd of reindeer carved from wood logs, are already set up.

Being there early in the morning at dawn break, with just the sounds and smell of the breaking surf and the gulls squawking and flying overhead, is truly magical.

Mid-day and dinner times are fun, too, and you can always grab a snack, meal, and beverage at the Beachcomber Cafe. In the evening, there’s never a bad day to watch the often incredible-colored orangy-red sunsets, sometimes made even more dramatic by a veil of marine layer.

New this year, the Visitor Center has become a holiday house. So, while learning about the cottages, you can also grab a nostalgic gift or two.

Where to go: Park at the Los Trancos lot at Los Trancos and Pacific Coast Highway and either walk or take the shuttle down to Crystal Cove.

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