Originally Posted by camargo

You may want to consider Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, CA (between LA and San Diego). Crystal Cove dates back to the early 1920's when film companies started using it to shoot silent movies when they needed a 'tropical' setting. There were a number of 'cottages' erected there that became private residences. Recently, the State of California took title to the property and renovated the cottages and it rents them out. They range from funky to eclectic but they all sit right on the sand.

Crystal Cove, at approximately 3.5 miles of sand is the largest undeveloped beach between Santa Barbara and Mexico. It is a a state park and a 'historic district'. Additionally, off-shore it's a state marine park with a sunken ship in about 80 feet of water for exploring. A lot of people like to dive here because the water is relatively clear (hence the name 'Crystal Cove'). In the spring it's a dolphin birthing ground but it's not uncommon to see dolphins playing off-shore all year round. The park also includes a range of hiking trails of varing diffulculties that can take you to magnificent views of the ocean, the shoreline and Catalina Island.

There is a very nice restaurant there, right on the sand, called The Beachcomber Cafe. I'm going to give you their URL, not so much because I'm promoting their restaurant but because, frankly, their website gives a better overview of the location than the state website (I'll give you the state website as well). The good thing about The Beachcomber is, that if you aren't wearing a watch, you'll aways know when it's 5:00 PM because that's when they run up the Martini Flag. LOL

www.thebeachcombercafe.com
www.crystalcovebeachcottages.org
www.reserveamerica.com