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Overview
Activities
Attractions
Restaurants
Hotels
Located just south of Brooks Street Beach at the end of a long strip of connecting beaches, Cress Street Beach is an ideal destination to relax and de-stress. Unlike more popular seaside spots in Orange County, Cress Street Beach is isolated and peaceful. To find the beach, you can drive to the intersection of Cress Street and Pacific Coast Highway, where you will see the historic Cress Street clock at the top of the beach access stairs. Due to its seclusion from other beaches, parking is more feasible, as there is available metered parking along Pacific Coast Highway.
At the bottom of the beach access stairs, you will find a large protruding rock formation referred to as Halfway Rock - a favorite for children to explore and climb. Overlooking the rock formation, there is a bench atop the Cress Street Beach stairs where parents can enjoy the scenic views and supervise their children. For nature lovers, there are scattered rocks in the water where marine life frequent, providing ample opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. We recommend you bring an underwater light to check out the amazing creatures hiding amongst the reef, including sheepsheads, garibaldis, senoritas, bat rays, sand bass, and sculpins.
At the bottom of the beach access stairs, you will find a large protruding rock formation referred to as Halfway Rock - a favorite for children to explore and climb. Overlooking the rock formation, there is a bench atop the Cress Street Beach stairs where parents can enjoy the scenic views and supervise their children. For nature lovers, there are scattered rocks in the water where marine life frequent, providing ample opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. We recommend you bring an underwater light to check out the amazing creatures hiding amongst the reef, including sheepsheads, garibaldis, senoritas, bat rays, sand bass, and sculpins.
If you get hungry, Comedor is an excellent restaurant with a casual ambiance that is known for its delicious Spanish and California-style tapas dishes and outstanding cocktails, and which has been featured in many publications including LOCALE Magazine and The Orange County Register. The Rooftop Lounge offers an amazing panoramic ocean view of the Pacific Ocean – it serves a large variety of delicious local California-style cuisine dishes and has an award-winning bar that is known for its signature fresh fruit Mojitos. Penguin Café is a beachfront diner regarded as a local hot spot for its home-style brunch menu, personable and welcoming staff, and quick service. If you are looking for a fine dining experience, you can also walk five minutes to Natraj Cuisine of India, an authentic Indian restaurant known for its delicious lunchtime buffet, vegan-friendly dishes, and affordable prices.
If you are looking for a place to stay near Cress Street Beach, you can take a short 5-minute walk to the Surf & Sand Resort, a 4-Star Mediterranean-style resort that offers oceanfront balconies, an award-winning spa, and exceptional coastal dining at its very own Splashes Restaurant, of which features a Mediterranean-inspired menu by Executive Chef Ron Fougeray. You can also make yourself at home at Capri Laguna Inn, a 4-Star oceanfront hotel that is situated directly on the sand and has outstanding amenities, including a heated pool, fitness center, chairs and umbrellas on the beach, and even sand toys for the kids. Directly across the street from Cress Street Beach, you can also stay at La Casa del Camino, a charming 4-Star Spanish-style hotel, where you will be met with a warm welcome from their fantastic staff and can enjoy live music during the Happy Hour provided at the hotel’s very own K’ya Bistro.
Basic Details
All Amenities at Cress Street Beach
Amenities
Dogs
Activities
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Rentals
Bikes
Food
Bars
Restaurants
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - RV Parking
Parking - Street
Public Bus Stop
Stairs to Beach
Features
Cress Street Beach - Beach Map
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Cress Street Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Cress Street Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Cress Street Beach have lifeguards?
No, Cress Street Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach – please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Cress Street Beach a family-friendly beach?
Cress Street Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Cress Street Beach good for swimming?
Cress Street Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Cress Street Beach have restrooms?
Cress Street Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.
Is Cress Street Beach a nude beach?
No, Cress Street Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Cress Street Beach?
Cress Street Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.
What are the activities at Cress Street Beach?
Cress Street Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Scuba Diving, Snorkeling.
Does Cress Street Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Cress Street Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Cress Street Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to Cress Street Beach!
Is Cress Street Beach good for surfing?
Cress Street Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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