Surf: General: One of the lesser-surfed spots in the Laguna Beach area, Crystal Cove has a left-hand point and a few scattered reef breaks that don't turn on all that often. That being said, its a beautiful beach and you won't have to deal with the typical OC crowds. Tides: All tides. Size: Chest-high to overhead. Wind: NE Swell: S, SW and short-period WNW Bottom: Sand and rock. Paddling: Expect a paddle, but not an arm-destroyer. Spot Rating: Fun option when you want to escape the crowds, but doesn't get good that often. Access: Use the public parking lot and walk through the tunnel to the beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Often overlooked in favor of a number of better, nearby waves. Local Vibe: Nothing to be worried about. Environment: As with most beaches in Orange County, be wary of runoff after rain. Hazards: Rocks, reef. Season: South swells arrive in the summer and Autumn, and weather conditions are typically best in July through September.