The beach Christmas tree at Crystal Cove State Park does not disappoint. I’d seen photos from photographer friends and heard about this Christmas tree at the beach, but never visited until 2017. Now we go every year! I was so relieved to see it up for 2020.

I hope you can see how magical it was from my UNEDITED photos! I did not change the colors or even crop these photos taken in years past – it was one of those nights when it all came out right.

Beach Christmas Tree at Crystal Cove State Park

I love how simply the beach Christmas tree is decorated. The beach provides the backdrop and the sunset adds to the mood.

Beach Christmas tree Crystal Cove with reindeer and view of tidepools

December and January are times for ultra-low tides so it can be an awesome time to combine the family photos by the Christmas tree with tidepooling, too.

Of course, all our wishes came true on our visit with a beach sunset, Christmas tree on the beach, tidepooling, AND Ruby’s milkshakes to end the day with a cherry on top.

Beach Christmas tree with milkshakes in foreground

So how do you get to the beach Christmas tree at Crystal Cove State Park?

Crystal Cove State Park is one of my favorite “wild” places in Orange County. It’s a stretch of beach and inland hiking trails that run from north of Laguna Beach to south of Corona del Mar/Newport Beach.

If you’ve ever seen the bright yellow Shake Shack while driving on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), then you’ve driven past the cottages and Christmas tree which are on the beach below.

I’ve written a number of posts about what to do from each parking area of the park. But the beach Christmas tree is best reached from the historic district where the Crystal Cove cottages are located.

Must Read:

I explain how to park and get to the beach area in my Family Guide to Crystal Cove Historic District via Los Trancos. It’s kind of complicated so it took a full post to describe all the ways to get down to the sand. Just be ready for a bit of a trek. One mom last year braved this trip on her own with her kids and reported back that they had an awesome time!

How to Extend Your Beach Trip

Tidepool or walk the beach.
See the sunset.
Grab a milkshake or dinner at Ruby’s. (We skipped the milkshake stop this year. It’s open in 2020, but can be busy. Avoid crowds.)
Depending on health & safety guidelines, go on a date night to The Beachcomber without the kids. (You could get foot to go and eat on the beach.)
In year’s past, I suggested stopping at Fashion Island (north) or Dana Point Harbor and the Ritz Carlton (south) to see Christmas lights or another Christmas tree on your way home. But this year it’s probably easier to stay in your car to enjoy the lights.

beach christmas tree crystal cove tidepool walk at sunset

What You Need to Know

Here are more things you will need to know about your December visit to the beach . . .

The official Tree Lighting Ceremony did not take place this year, but the tree is up as of December 2, 2020.
Posted signs requiring face coverings and distancing – along with all other official guidelines put out by California State Parks.
Be aware of weather and tides. Sometimes the trail to the beach from the parking lot closes due to weather or flooding. Sometimes there are high surf advisories and extra high tides. Sometimes there is fog at the beach and it’s chilly — you might not get to see a sunset! And, really, who wants to be at the beach when those conditions are happening anyways?
Don’t leave your valuables in your car. These parking lots are targets because thieves know you are going to go on a hike and to the beach — and then leave your car and be gone for a while. Take all valuables with you and lock your car manually.
No coupons here. This Ruby’s location does not always honor deals/coupons available at other Ruby’s Diner locations.
Parking and getting to the beach. As I said above, Crystal Cove is between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar/Newport Beach. My best advice for parking and navigating this area of the park is in this post: Family Guide to Crystal Cove Historic District via Los Trancos.
Get the official information. Visit the OFFICIAL Crystal Cove Conservancy, Ruby’s Shake Shack and Crystal Cove State Park websites for OFFICIAL information and notices.

Please be safe and follow all public health guidelines.