Crescent Beach/ Ocean Park, Surrey, BC | Neighbourhood Profile

Surrey’s ‘hang-ten’ seaside escape.

Tucked away in the southern reaches in the City of Surrey, idyllic South Surrey is home to some of the most unique communities and neighbourhoods in all the Lower Mainland. Crescent Beach is a unique beachfront village community, where the Surrey Now newspaper calls it “Surrey’s ‘hang-ten‘ seaside escape”.

Neighbouring Ocean Park is described by the Surrey Now newspaper as “…like stepping into Mayberry” with its distinct small-town feel. Today Ocean Park continues to grow with its small town charm and friendliness for locals and visitors alike.

Location

Coveted Crescent Beach in South Surrey is located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula in the southwest corner of the city, with Semiamhoo, Boundary and Mud Bays on three sides and a beach side bluff to the south. Just south of Crescent Beach is Ocean Park, surrounded by the waters of Boundary and Semiahmoo bays.

Housing

Composed of seaside cottages and mostly single-family homes, many deluxe and contemporary in their design, Crescent Beach has a population of just over 1,200 residents. Beautiful Ocean Park is blessed with luxury waterfront homes & estates, smaller single-family homes for growing families and a selection of townhomes.

Shopping

Locals can all be found at the one commercial district along Beecher Street featuring high end restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and more. The nearby Ocean Park Shopping Centre just minutes away has a Safeway, Starbucks and vet clinic. While the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre features a pharmacy, fashion outlets and more.

Recreation

Because natural beauty abounds in the community, Crescent Beach is home to a number of species of rare migratory birds, making the area a birdwatchers paradise. Bald eagles and ospreys soar over the local cliffs from their nests in giant Douglas Firs.

Blackie Spirit Park is named after Walter Blackie – New Westminster’s first blacksmith and Crescent Beach’s first non-white resident. The park is located at the north end of Crescent Beach and has its own beach access, plenty of parking, outdoor hiking trails and a lovely off-leash park for dogs. Further beach access is available at Target Street, Sullivan Street and Beecher Street. Other popular landmarks in the community include Alexandra Neighbourhood House and the ever-popular Crescent Beach Pier. Dating back to 1912, Crescent Beach has been promoted as a resort community in South Surrey. Locals enjoy two waterfront parks in the Ocean Park community – 1001 Steps Park near the foot 128th Street and Ocean Park Shoreline Walk – a beach-tidal park. Local colour can be found with the Crescent Rock South Naturist Beach.

Schools

As part of the Surrey School Board, neighbourhood schools in Crescent Beach include Ocean Cliff & Crescent Park Elementary Schools. Neighbourhood amenities in Ocean Park include Laronde French Immersion School, Ocean Cliff Elementary. Elgin Park Secondary and Crescent Park Elementary are both nearby. Ocean Park is also home to a local branch of the Surrey Public Library.

Transportation

TransLink has many bus services to the South Surrey area, including the 351 Crescent Beach/Bridgeport Station route. Easy access to Highway 99 means the US border is just 15 minutes away and offers a quick route to downtown Vancouver. Ocean Park in South Surrey has morning and afternoon commuter bus service to Vancouver from TransLink featuring the South Surrey Park & Ride.