Crystal Cove Beach BBQ Was Great!

A mystical looking bunch of Brown alums and spouses just after sunset at Crystal Cove on 9/23/25

A group of 8 "classic" alumni (and spouses) met at sunset at Crystal Cove State Beach in Newport Beach for a great, low stress, maximum fun beach BBQ and firepit gathering. We had excellent weather (which helped a lot) and plenty in common among us to discuss and enjoy. I was amazed at how well the whole thing worked!

We booked a Fire Pit and BBQ package through the Beachcomber Cafe, right on the beach. Parking was on the other side of Coast Hwy., and there's a shuttle - or you can walk through a tunnel - to the beach.

Our package included kabobs (steak or chicken) plus some sides - fresh fruit and pasta salad - and soft drinks. And it also had S'Mores for desert! We brought some extra appetizers - crackers and cheese, veggies and hummus, and a home-made challah with butter. We ate again about 3 days later ...

The Beachcomber also provided beach chairs for each of us, but some folks like higher chairs and brought them. The firepit and cooking grill were propane-fired, set up and cleaned up for us by The Beachcomber staff.

Alcohol is prohibited on the state beach, but those who care to imbibe can hide wine or beer adequately. (We went to Brown ...) Unlimited soft drinks are included, too.

A good time was had by all. We can do this again - we're limited to 10 at time by state beach rules, but may be able to get around that. The rental period is 3 hrs., and the beach closes at 10 pm. Also, it's not offered when the tides are too high or if the weather gets bad.

If it sounds like fun, feel free to say so and we'll try to do it again. Some of us like the beach in the winter!