Visit the Big Bear in California

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours Big Bear Lake in this episode of "CaliforniaTravelTips."

Once a hideaway for the silent film industry, the cottages at Crystal Cove State Park make a charming seaside vacation. Hi, I'm Veronica Hill, your California Travel Expert. Let’s explore this 1930s beach resort and find out why it’s one of the most unique places to stay in Southern California. Located in Newport coast along three and a half miles of gorgeous coastline, Crystal Cove beaches home to a collection of 46 vintage cottages built between the 1920s and 1930s. Today, 21 Crystal Cove cottages have been restored for public use. The Crystal Cove Alliance and California State Parks are working hard to preserve the rest including cottage number 13 which was used in Bette Midler’s “Beaches”. Begin your visit at the Los Trancos parking lot on PCH and take the shuttle down to Crystal Cove Beach cottages and promenade. Arrive early and plan a full day at Crystal Cove beach where you can explore the tide pools, do some plein air painting or fly a kite. Public tours of Crystal Cove historic district and cottages are offered at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. While you're here don’t miss a meal at Beachcomber Café which serves up a delicious Mediterranean pizza, awesome Mahi tacos, and one of the best Mai Tais I’ve enjoyed outside of Hawaii. And if you're feeling energetic, you can climb three flights of stairs to the historic Crystal Cove Shake Shack which has been mixing up delicious milk shakes for adoring fans since the 1960s. If you're ready to book a vacation, two of the most popular Crystal Cove rentals are cottage number one, the beach pad and cottage number 33 also known as the romantic retreat. For budget travel to Crystal Cove, consider the dorm rooms with private locking bedrooms. They’re one of the best ocean front bargains in Southern California. Be sure to plan ahead because these are adorable beach bungalows are booked six months in advance. Thanks for watching. For more California travel videos, advice and tips log on to CaliforniaTravelExpert.com.