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Corona
del Mar
The topography of Orange County beaches begins its dramatic change in
Corona del Mar, transitioning from smooth and broad shoreline to the north
to sculpted and rocky, surrounded by steep bluffs. LITTLE CORONA BEACH
(below Pacific Coast Highway and Ocean Avenue at Poppy Avenue) is a pretty
cove with some of the best scuba diving and tide pools going. To rent
scuba gear, try Newport Aquatic Center (see Newport Beach, above). BIG
CORONA BEACH (off Marguerite Avenue below Ocean Avenue) is famous for
its snorkeling. Surfboards and boogie boards can be rented at HOBIE SPORTS
LTD (2831 E Coast Highway; 949/675-
9700). Volleyball courts are available, too, along with picnic tables,
fire rings, restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. Along PCH, Corona del
Mar also offers several blocks of galleries, restaurants, and shops where
hand crafted jewelry, Southwestern furniture, and antiques are available.
On the land side of the beach, exquisite homes cling to the terraced hillsides
above PCH. The streets of the tiny community are named after plants, trees,
and flowers, and appro-priately so, since the SHERMAN LIBRARY AND GARDENS
(2647 E Pacific Coast Highway, 2 blocks east of MacArthur Boulevard; 949/673-2261)
is one of Corona del Mar's
main attractions. Modestly begun in 1966, it now boasts more than 2,000
plant species in its carefully cultivated two acres. Stroll through the
green and cool setting, past fountains,sculptures, and precisely maintained
shrubbery, and view the bountiful botanical collection, which includes
everything from rare cacti to tropical vegetation. The library includes
an historical research center focusing on the Pacific Southwest, a prime
lunch spot-CAFE JARDIN (949/673-0033), which serves Monday through Friday
and requires reservations-and a gift shop absolutely crammed with cute
garden and kitchen items. Duffers will truly appreciate the Tom Fazio-designed
courses at the PELICAN HILL GOLF CLUB (22651 Pelican Hill Road S; 949/759-5190),
just past Corona del Mar. CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK/EL MORO CANYON (south
of the Corona del Mar city limits and approximately 2 miles north, within
the boundaries of Laguna Beach at 8741 Pacific Coast Highway; 714/771-6731)
offers 2,200 acres of back country with campgrounds, hiking trails, hiking
paths, horse trails, and 3.5 miles of unbelievably beautiful beaches.
Exact change of two dollars is required for parking, and all vehicles
are strictly prohibited beyond the parking area. There are restrooms off
the parking lot, but hikers, bikers, and campers must carry in their own
water. Fires are prohibited except for backpackers' camp stoves. Across
PCH, about a quarter of a mile down, just beyond the entrance to Crystal
Cove State Beach, the CRYSTAL COVE SHAKE SHACK (7408 Pacific Coast Highway;
949/497-9666), a Southern California institution, perches on the bluffs
overlooking the beach.
There's a weathered patio with tables and chairs next to the shack, and
it's the perfect spot to enjoy a cool, creamy, surprisingly delicious
date shake after a hike in the canyons or a jog along the beach. The CORONA
DEL MAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU (2843 E Coast Highway;
949/673-4050; www.cdmchamber.com) is a helpful
source for further information.
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