Just love this park! Great coastal cliff walks to run, bicycle, walk your dog. Love the cottages to stay the night. Great restaurant right on beach. Friendly rangers station visitors center. Friendly rangers and life guards. Clean public restrooms. Beautiful beaches in low and high tide. Some nice surfing when waves are high. Beautiful sunsets. Ease of access to beach hiking for those with more limited mobility. Its beautiful, quiet, and, in this time of pandemic, people are keeping their six feet distance, people are wearing masks when close contact. I noticed parents of small children who run and wander put masks on their kids and everyone is just very respectful and friendly. The rangers are keeping things nice and clean a and clearly marked signs.

This is one of my favorite spots in the whole earth. I keep visiting everytime I have the chance. This place is peaceful, but magical at the same time. I just love the ocean, the breeze, the sand. Its just amazing.

Took a quick trip to this quiet little beach. Great for families and very children friendly. There were a few places to eat and access wasn’t too bad. They have a shuttle service that is super fast if you don’t want to walk. There were a lot of old historic cottages that were fun to explore and walk around as well. We would definitely recommend this beach to those looking for a change to the usually over populated beach locations.

Expansive park with hiking trails, beach access, and camping grounds. It’s a family friendly spot with wide hiking trails that are paved in some parts and are made of compact dirt. There are bathrooms available and they’re surprisingly clean for a park bathroom. There’s also a shower where you can clean off your feet or take a body shower if you head over towards the beach. The beach is sandy and the waves are pretty strong.In terms of the hiking trails, there are a lot of options ranging from easy to more strenuous. There’s minimal shade. No dogs are allowed, and be mindful of the poison oak/rattlesnakes. The trails are pretty popular though, and quite a few people bike alongside the hikers.It’s $15 to park. The park ranger told us to download and use an app to pay for parking, but you’re also able to pay with the machine at the entrance. There is free WiFi provided through the park, but the app took a long time to download so you might be better off to use the machine. Overall, it’s a good spot to spend some time outdoors, whether you decide to get your steps in, lounge by the beach, or do both!

The park itself is very beautiful and peaceful. In addition to that the parking fee is very affordable it is a reasonable price ($15) for a secure location while you enjoy the outlets or inlets of the park. exact amount is required or you should download the parking pass app which is very convenient.

Great spot for a family outing. Our kids loved looking for sea creatures in the tide pools. We found sea anemones, hermit crabs and a rock lobster.

Absolutely stunning. Tide pools were cool and I dont think we even planned our trip at the right time to really get the best of them tbh. Pics are from pelican point area.

This is a beautiful place ! So peaceful, and amazing view . I love the rock formation, tide pools and to explore the sea life There is an small tunnel that you will have to walk to get to the beach sometimes this tunnel can be fill with some water so be ready to take off your shoes or wear sandals and depends of the time of the year this water may be freezing Be prepare to pay for parking about $15

You need to download the parking app and pay before you get there. If you forget, make sure you do it before driving down to the lower level as there is NO CELL SERVICE ON THE BEACH. Its beautiful but the water current is strong and large waves the close out close to shore out of nowhere. Strong swimmers only. I dont like the waves here but you cant beat that long stretch of beach and epic sunset. I personally prefer Treasure Island because I can swim in the coves. The first beach South is the easiest access especially if you have small children and lots of stuff. Its a direct short walk to the beach from the lower parking lot. The other crystal coves are a hike and I do not recommend for children. They do have shuttles.

Crystal cove state park is a beautiful place to visit whole in Southern California. Epic views, and amazing beach, and great places to eat near by. Definitely come check out the beach and go for a walk or even a hike up into the canyons. Great views from all around.

Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach is an epic place. Biking/Walking trails bisect this incredibly large park. Well placed restrooms and picnic tables make this picturesque chaparall environment comfortable, so whether you just want to relax and enjoy a picnic, or burn some calories jogging or biking, or youd like to casually walk the trails, in search of the many animals that live here, you are covered.There are several concrete ramps that descend to the beach. Ive seen a mother quail and her scurrying babies on the trail here. Lots of different bird species can be found in the park, like American Kestrels, Osprey, Red-Tailed Hawks and hummingbirds. Also, rabbits, ground squirrels and lizards are plentiful at Crystal Cove State Park.The Los Trancos parking lot has a paved walking trail which begins at the south end of parking lot, near the restrooms. Follow this narrow path down the steep hill and veer right at bottom, heading slightly downhill, toward a large half circle tunnel with sea creatures painted on the walls inside. Eventually youll continue straight ahead, until you see a small parking lot on the right, then more restrooms, and then a bar and beach-side restaurant.The Los Trancos lot also has a fee based shuttle bus, around $1.75 each way, that can take you down to the Beachcomber Restaurant, which I really recommend, for a lovely sunset dinner-reservations required. Youd simply be hard pressed to find a more scenic place to dine. The Bootlegger Bar, right next door, mixes up some mean drinks and is a fun place to relax. You can take the bus back after you have your fun- just wait at circle drive where the bus dropped you off at.The State of California rents meticulously restored Crystal Cove Cottages through this web-site, reservecalifornia.comSome of these little homes are right on the beach!The beach just south of the Beachcomber is my favorite spot to take sunset pics. The many rocks that line this beach are very photogenic. A unique assortment of shorebirds pick over these rocks at low tide, looking for scrumptious sea morsels. Crystal Cove State Park is one of my absolute favorites! I highly recommend buying an annual pass to the park, if you can afford it.

We camped at the Lower Moro Campground (primitive tent camping). There were many more groups of people than reservation spots available. It seems some groups did not make reservations for camping and simply claimed camp sites. I wish that the rangers checked each site every evening to ensure people had reservations or allowed people to reserve specific camp sites. Otherwise, was nice hiking camp site. Went with family and was really fun. Hiking up to campsite wasnt leisurely but a good workout.

It was pretty secluded. The beach was about a 10 minute walk but it was a nice path. There was a cool breeze. The last part of the path that lead you right onto the beach was a pretty steep incline. I had to take baby steps in order not to slip and fall. I dont recommend this for anyone with health issues. Otherwise, it was wonderful.

As long as you dont mind walking down a short steep hike to get to the beach, its nice. Theres plenty of seaweed(but its the ocean right?). Very few people there compared to other beaches. Presumably because of the 15 dollar parking plus the walk. Only went to the area nearest to the front gate but theres more park to explore. Theres big rocks that are great for pictures depending on the tide. I liked it.

Beautiful beach I found many pieces of Sea Glass and got away from Politics..

Beautiful ocean views from the main parking lot. Great spot for sunset hike and to just to sit in your car and enjoy the sunset.

Kids had a great time playing in the tide pools, seeing the sea urchins, and we even saw a seal!

I arrived there late they close the park early so make sure you get there on time so you can enjoy the beach and the area

To be honest, I expected more! Might have been the time of year; I visited in October 2020. Everything was super dry, the day was very very hot and there is absolutely no shade provided by trees bc there arent any! There wasnt much to look at, mostly dirt and bushes. However, Once we hit 600 ft of elevation, there was a beautiful view of the ocean. In my opinion, this isnt really a hike, the pathways are very wide and it seems more of a bike ride trail. When I think of a hike, I imagine myself inside the mountains with lots of trees and making my way over rocks/ roots on the narrow pathways and surrounded by rustling/ noises made by a variety of birds/animals. I didnt get that vibe here.Nonetheless, ** A HUGE PLUS *** the beach is across the street which saved the experience. Playing in the tide pools at Reef Point was so much fun and the water was beautiful, also wasnt very crowded. Lots of sea life to/ rocks to climb & exploreWe paid 15$ of parking at the ranger station on the app and then just drove about 3 mins to Reef Point. The parking zone was the same (205) so dont need to pay for parking again to go to the beach :)Also, wish I wouldve taken photos at the beach, sorry!

What a great state park! Beaches, tide pools, hikes, clifftop walking paths, lots of restrooms, friendly lifeguards. Covid safety measures universally followed and enforced. Best place Ive been since March! Will definitely return before it gets cooler!!

First time at the beach in 2020, what a sight. This place was majestic, several hiking trails to choose from and a beach front full of shells, life, and tide pool areas. There’s plenty of parking, state park fees apply. There are a few restaurants, all practicing social distancing in their seating. The sand was so nice to walk in, and so many pebbles and shells to collect along the way.

The trails are relatively smooth and for the most part very wide. Several steep sections of trail so you should plan accordingly. Very little shade so hot days require preparation. Overall the park is extremely well kept, with adequate restrooms and very little trash seen.

By far.... this is one of my top favorite spots. You can go hiking, eat and go to the beach . Beautiful views

Beautiful. Very clean. Handicap parking. Restrooms. Access to beaches via wide trails.

I always love goingnto.Crystal Cove beach. A small community within a community. Everything you need right on the beach. PERFECT!

There are many beaches in the area around Newport Beach, but if you’re looking for one less crowded and surrounded by nature, Crystal Cove State Park is a great place to spend an entire day.With 3.2 miles of sandy beach and 2,400 acres of wilderness, Crystal Cove is one of the county’s largest protected nature areas. During your explorations of the park, you’ll see high cliffs, canyons, and tide pools, and you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip in the clear waters.A camping area is located in the park if you wish to stay overnight.

I photographed an elopement at Crystal Cove State Park and its now one of my favorite beach locations! Theres plenty of parking, restrooms available, and the paths are very accessible to everyone (a lot are paved or wooden boardwalks). There are different overlook areas along the cliffs that are great to get a view of the ocean / coastline and beach access. The route we took to the beach was pretty steep but not a problem for us. Parking was $15 so Id plan to bring a lunch and stay for a while to make it worth it. Photos below by Carrie Rogers Photography.

Amazing, incredibly clean beach. there are plenty of things you can do like visit the tide pools and explore the caves. It is also a wildlife reserve so there are plenty of little sea animals here, and the natural for of the beach has been preserved.

Well maintained trails, lots of options for distance & elevation. Beautiful views.

Costs $15 for limited parking. There are only a few lots to park and there arent big. The walk to the shore is long and I mean long. The beach is clean and the waves are calm. The water is clear. Just the walk is what made it 4/5 stars.

The name itself gives you an idea of what to expect on the beach. The cove is perfect for an early morning walk or seeing the sunset. But my very favourite is visiting the beach during rainy days! Its perfect!

We have been coming to this beach the past year. We love it. No piers or stores or buildings just beautiful beach.

Beautiful beach. We had a great time there. We flew our kite and played in the sand. The beach is very clean and I like how theres a play structure close by that kids could also use.

No shade. Big climb. Zero amenities once you’re on the trail. But — golly — are the views epic.Bring a lot of water, thick quads, and a camera.

Beautiful! Was very quiet. People but mot packed. Nice walk down the coast.

They gave us a $96.50 ticket for leaving the parking lot at 6 pm.!!!! Outrageous!!!!The week before we asked in the booth what time they closed and they never said anything about citations. They only said that the gates were open for coming out. And there are no signs that make you suspect that you will be punished!We have been paying the annual pass every year but we are not going to renew after this bitter experience.

Great place for a quiet walk... Always about 15° cooler than the rest of OC, so great place to get away during the hot weather right now.Amazing views, stop along the wall at the date shake shack, or grab lunch at the Beachcomber. Worth the visit.

Absolutely loved this place! Not super crowded, good sand, beautiful views, and many options for parking.

Beautiful place! Amazing views of Corona Del Mar Beach. It’s a huge place and would not be easy to cover the whole thing in one day. You can find parking at these two locations.Los Trancos Parking lot - $5/hrCrystal Cove Parking lot- $15 All day (You can use the app Passport Parking)Do not park in any of the nearby residential houses or the mall. You might end up getting a ticket!

GreT place for hiking and beach time. There is a lot for day use but its 15! So if youre just going to hike get there EARLY and park at the top in the smaller hourly lot. A bunch if trails most are what I would call moderate. The back of the mountians/hills have a pretty steady incline so be prepared for that. The sun bears down on thr non beach side of the trails so wear a hat. In regards to the beach its a great spot but since youre paying die the day pack in a lot of stuff. Clean restrooms. Have not camped here yet.

Really love this area! It has really nice tide pools, good food options all close by. Due to covid the little shops and visitors center is closed, but its still my favorite place to go. Fun place to do my sand art!

Great spot. Love that you can pay for day use through the app now. The hills were a B1TCH when leaving (and lugging beach gear) though...so be prepared to get a good lower body workout

This camp site is great. We love the view.I wish there was a trail from the camp site to the beach. The lack of trail is the only down side. You have to get in your car and load it up to get to the beach.

What a beautiful state park! I love this part of the beach to! Sometimes crowded but definitely worth visiting! Also has some decent waves. I don’t surf but I see a lot of surfers come here sometimes.

Great hike! We went very very early in the morning (6am-9am), and there werent too many people but still enough to pass by others once in a while. The trails have clear signage. Check the website for recommended levels of difficulty. There are some STEEP inclines throughout all the trails. Its nice to see the bunnies occasionally. There are also little flies, not the kinds that bite, but if that would annoy you then itd be a good idea to bring some sort of insect repellent.

Crystal cove is stunningly beautiful! Pristine beaches are filled with amazing tide pools full of sea anemones. Don’t pick up or touch the animas, or collect shells, but they are amazing to look at. The beach is perfect for watching the sea, having a picnic, or body surfing. There are riptides and under water rocks, so swimming is dangerous and there is no lifeguard on doing. At low tide you can walk very far out and sea tide pools that are usually under water. Many different birds, plant life, and sea creatures. I saw a pod of dolphins, storks, and many other birds and a Lima’s that I couldn’t identify!This beach was not crowded when I went in December. Getting down to the beach from the parking lot could be trickery if you take the uneven stairs. There is a ramp down to the beach, but it is very steep. The tunnel from the campsite was flooded. The only bathrooms are up at the parking lot.

This was such a lovely place to visit, and with the most beautiful sunset. The rock formations are amazing, and the beach is clean, and it has soft sand. The water is clear, and it is just overall a really nice beach to visit. There are really cute rental cottages, and a nice restaurant right on the sand. It was so nice hearing the waves while we ate dinner. Love it.

Great place, you can hunter down to the beach or just stroll on the waking path and get a lovely view of the pacific and catalina islands on a clear day

Very pretty and a great place to visit. Limited parking would normally be a downside, but I find that it limits crowds so the park doesnt get too crowded, especially on a summer day. Be sure to come early on summer weekends, though!

We came here to ride our bikes & e-scooters and we had a good time. The trail isnt very long (about 5 miles roundtrip) but the route is very scenic and peaceful.The beach is a chill place to hang out without much crowds.The only bad thing about this place is the $15 parking fee.

Lovely stretch of beach in SoCal. Picturesque, natural and beautiful!Expect a steep walk down to the sand which may be hard to pull up/down strollers, wagons and wheelchairs. Doable but could be hard for little children and unstable adults.Be sure to install Parking Passport app in advance. Use it to pay $15 fee Crystal Cove State Park entry fee.

I love how the water drifts lightly on the sand and all the rock formations amazing for kids had a blast!! Its a little walk with a steep hill down or stairs on the opposite side. Overall worth the killer work out after!!!

Note is a great time to hike and explore El Moro Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park. Recent rains have prompted tremendous mustard growth which paint the hillsides a beautiful yellow and green. Enjoy them now before summer heat kills it off. Parking at the visitor center is easy to find with ample signs directing the way. Its $15 dollars per day and we didnt see any hourly parking options so make sure you get early enough to get your moneys worth. Annual passes are $199 for thirteen months. Buyers tip - buy in the beginning of the month like May 1. Your pass will be good the three end of May the following year so its like getting an extra month for free. That pass will also grant access to other state parks and beaches up and down the coast. There are several miles of hiking trails ranging from beach strolls to very strenuous and several mile mountainous hikes. Snake season is approaching so pay attention to where you step. This area offers about the greatest range of hiking options in the area from easy to very challenging. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a friend and enjoy a great day in a beautiful area!

Great place to hang out with friends or family. Walk around at low tide and find lots of hermit crabs and other sea life. Sometimes you find baby octopus stuck in the tide pools.We went this year on Christmas to get out of the house and walk around. Its a little bit of a walk to get down from the parking lot to the beach so if you have a senior citizen with you, they can always sit up on top on one of the benches and watch. They have a year long pass that you can pay for, but there is really no incentive to get it because its more expensive then if you pay as you go.

This was a shorter hike at Crystal Cove. It was steep and felt like a decent workout. The nature on the way was a bit dry, but the views were amazing! It overlooked Laguna beach, ocean, palm trees. The views were the best part! I went with my two kids ages 5 and 7 and they made it just fine! Then we went to the near by beach at the Cove State Park, it was gorgeous!

Great place to get away from busy urban life. Natural surroundings, wonderful trail system, well maintained rest facilities and then there is the ocean. Parking is available but you need to download an app or (my recommendation) buy an annual pass for all state parks, available at any kiosk.

Great beach to take young ones. There is a shuttle that takes you from parking lot to beach for $1.50 per adult. Bring cash. They accept the state parks pass if you happen to have one. Great place to spend the day.

Such a nice place for a run, walk or bike ride. The beach is wonderful with sea caves and tide pools. The waves are usually decent in size, but not to big where you feel your going to die. The parking is a bit pricey but it means not alot of people and makes for a nice clean beach. There are 4 main lots and a bigger one across the street to park and they arent very big so if your going on the weekend make sure to get there early.

Beautiful beach. Amazing view, I wished I knew about this location sooner

Beautiful view of the ocean/ beach while walking a very easy paved trail (I walked in flip flop). Plenty of clean restrooms, take food and picnic on beach or go to a nice cozy little restaurant, either way, a nice relaxing day if spent there all day.

I like that the park incorporates both sides of pch, the beach side and back country side. It would be nice if there was a shuttle from parking lot to parking lot. The different trails are too difficult to get to by crossing the street.

Therere some stones in the water when you swim and parking is $15 for something about 4 hours (which is not too bad for weekend). But very good place overall and not too crowded.

Our favorite beach....about 20 years of Coastal Clean Up Day service

Even though it was cold and rainy we managed to hike and it was perfect. Because of the weather it made it more special because there wasn’t a lot of people there.My husband is a geologist and he loves to share with me formations where ever we go. There was plenty to look at and hills to climb that had pictures for some education on different fish and bird species.We had a wonderful couple of hours there just taking it all in.I WOULD recommend this place.

Nice place to hike and camp in south orange county

A magical place in Joshua Tree NP nestled in the rocks. Only toilets available at this site but lots of private nooks in the rocks if you really need to wash off. Had great sense of comraderie with other campers. Will definitely be coming back. The bunnies hoping last our tent were a nice treat

Its spacious, quiet, and easy to get too.Parking payment is done via the Passport Parking app for zone 205. Its a good idea to setup the app beforehand and its about $15

Lots of hiking and plenty of beach, allowing you to tackle both in the same day if youre ambitious. Parking is $15, paid over a smartphone app. The beach is pretty narrow but very long and there are lifeguards. Also check out the historic cottages and lunch options at Beachcomber Cafe and the shake shack diner

The beach is great but beware of the path leading to the beach near reef point. There is a permanent wet area on the path that is EXTREMELY slippery. Per one of the life guards some falls nearly every day. Avoid this path!

This was my first time visiting Crystal cove and it was nice out there. Some areas were crowded and some areas were not. They have two restaurants there. A Nice hike trail to the beach. It costs 15 dollars to get in and they suggest exact change, and they also have an app you download on your phone to pay too. The weather on 6-10-2020 was about 80s.

Absolutely gorgeous. Watch out for the hidden rocks in the tide, though! They can get pretty rocky. ️

Stayed at Deer Canyon Site #2.Trash strewn everywhere due to what had to have been at least 2 weeks delinquency of trash removal and failure of campers to pack their trash out.This led to ants swarming all over the camp site and nearby.Hopefully they address it in the future and the ant problem subsides.Very cool in-season back-country camping spot (confirmed best site at deer canyon) if not for the above.

Its the 1 of the last Beaches in Southern California with clean water you can actually see your feet when chest high in the ocean. Im 64 so thats AMAZING!

It was absolutely amazing!! Clean beach.. clear water.. I loved it!!!

This beach is beautiful. Its clean, not crowded, and has amazing views.

I really enjoy this State Parks trails and campground. Bathrooms are clean and parking is convenient. However, I went a couple weeks ago n had to visit the part of the area near the cafe and it was really crowded. Its fine if you dont mind a busy beach. We prefer the quiet spots of Crystal Cove.

We had a great time yesterday afternoon. The parking attendant was very friendly and let us in with a state pass. It was sunny and some good vibes. The only issue is that the lifeguards are a bit strict, and didnt let us go out in the tide pools.

Nice beach, quite a few steps but parks are beautiful and park staff friendly!

Amazing beach, restaurant food is incredible and the sweet women who helped us in the gift shop was so friendly, fun and professional. Great all around experience. I joined their membership, going to try to book one of their cottages.

Very nice beach. Both beach access routes are sort of intense. Either steep stairs or steep sidewalk. Beautiful, not too crowded on the north side.

Great trail running spot! You have to come early on the weekends due to parking limitations. You also have to pay for parking via the passport app or have a state parks pass

Great place to visit, plenty of parking. Not too many tide pools, but the beach was decent enough to have some fun. Sand is fairly clean and soft without too much debris.

An absolutely wonderful environment. plenty of easy trails and beautiful scenery. Ample parking that is not too pricey. There are beautiful vistas of the rugged California coast. On a clear day you can see Catalina.Hopefully we will all be able to enjoy Laguna Beaches, they are beautiful and worth the wait.

Beautiful and clean beach. Love the free beach wheelchair we were able to use for my mom.

If you like medium tides, this is the best place for you. If you are at risk to the virus, try going any days but Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to avoid crowds. If you are coming here for the first time, you will need an app to pay for parking (there is a board they have that will show parking prices). Lastly, it is very kid friendly.

The nature is great. But the parking is rather expensive, and the place closes at sunset (on the flip side, its a place to avoid crowds on a hot day). Make sure to have the parking app (Passport) preinstalled and set up for payment in advance.

Love this place. Amazing ocean view, great beach, a great walking trail.

We have a California State Parks parking pass, which is a great reason to get out of LA every weekend to use our pass. Next on the list was Crystal Cove, which Ive always lived near but never actually been. Directions and parking are pretty easy, though there are multiple entrances so youll want to know where youre going to decide where to park. Our target was the back country trails, which are gorgeous this time of the year. You can find trail maps online on the parks website, which I recommend since there were multiple groups who stopped us to ask which way a trail went. There are quite a few signs and trail markers, but there are lots of intersections where youll want to know which way youre heading. We took the three mile short Moro Canyon route recommended online, and it was beautiful! It took just about an hour to complete, even with stopping for photos. Depending on the time of year and the rainy season, the scenery will change. Theres very little shade, though, so wear sunscreen and bring water! We plan to come back to check out the longer Moro Ridge trail.

Best place ever! Cant wait to take our baby back! Such a cool and unique place. Dont forget to get a key to Listen to the stories!

We had a GREAT TIME. Campsites overlook the ocean. The only minor drawback- you can hear vehicles on the freeway below. Campsite, bathrooms and showers are clean.

$5 per hour for regular parkingGreat and friendly workers!

We just got engaged here!! Amazingly romantice view!! Crystal cove has our heart

Beautiful Beach. Perfect place to escape to...

Fabulous beach & great backdrop for any silly picture!Please please please dont leave trash & pick up any you may see along the way.Dont think you can park across the street near Trader Joes, they will ticket & tow. Just pay to park, it all goes back to the state to keep our beaches pristine.

Great beach and tide pools

Nice small beach. Arrive early to get a spot or wait for someone to leave. Breakfast or lunch at the Beachcomber is a must. Lifeguards are very observant and attentive.

Loved this place. For me its the best beach in OC. Visited just as the car parks were at 50% capacity but other than that its fantastic. Parking is $15 for the whole day

My first time going to this beach with my daughter and my friend with her 3 boys it was a great day not too hot.. Beautiful Beach!!

One of the most beautiful beaches on Orange County.

This was a wonderful visit. Its refreshing to see the California coast in its natural untouched state. Highly recommended for visitors and locals.