Reef Point Beach(Crystal Cove State Park, Muddy Creek Beach)

Located just north of Moro Beach in Crystal Cove State Park is Reef Point Beach, which spans 3.5 miles and is surrounded by trails that allow visitors to witness various types of Californian flora and fauna. 

This is a very rocky beach, so swimming or surfing is not recommended unless done with caution. If you want to find a safer spot to get in the water, go north up to Moro Beach, where you’ll find calmer waters with fewer rocks. Reef Point is a popular destination for snorkelers because as the name suggests, there are an abundance of reefs in the area populated with fish of all kinds. There are also a lot of tide pools at this beach, where you can find creatures such as the striped shore crab and brittle star. Visitors have reported multiple whale and dolphin sightings at this beach, so make sure to keep your eye out on shore.

Getting to this spot requires taking the Pacific Coast Highway and getting a $15 parking pass at the Crystal Cove State Park entrance. When you arrive, you’ll find a relatively secluded location with a wide variety of rock formations and coral reefs to explore.

This is a very rocky beach, so swimming or surfing is not recommended unless done with caution. If you want to find a safer spot to get in the water, go north up to Moro Beach, where you’ll find calmer waters with fewer rocks. Reef Point is a popular destination for snorkelers because as the name suggests, there are an abundance of reefs in the area populated with fish of all kinds. There are also a lot of tide pools at this beach, where you can find creatures such as the striped shore crab and brittle star. Visitors have reported multiple whale and dolphin sightings at this beach, so make sure to keep your eye out on shore.

If you get hungry, Mastro’s Ocean Club is a high-end chophouse with an extensive steak and seafood menu that is just a 10-minute walk away. If you’re feeling Mexican food, check out Javier’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy their tropical-themed restaurants and handcrafted margaritas. We also like Shake Shack, a local favorite where you can enjoy classic burgers and shakes on their ocean-view patio.

If you need a place to stay, the Art Hotel of Laguna Beach is a 2-Star family-friendly hotel that features amenities such as a heated outdoor pool and a sundeck with ocean views. The Hotel Joaquin is a 4-Star adults only hotel that is just a six-minute drive from Reef Point Beach and closeby to other attractions such as Crescent Bay Beach and the Top of the World hiking trail. You can also take a 10-minute drive to The Inn at Laguna Beach, an upscale hotel that features complimentary wine socials and beach gear rentals in addition to a rooftop terrace with a hip bar.