Crystal Cove State Park

State park · Orange County

Crystal Cove State Park

State park · Orange County

1

California

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Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null
Crystal Cove State Park by null

Highlights

3.2-mile beach, tide pools, hiking, biking, historic cottages  

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California Get directions

crystalcovestatepark.org

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California Get directions

+1 949 494 3539
crystalcovestatepark.org

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Last updated

Oct 24, 2025

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Crystal Cove State Park is a living postcard of unspoiled California coastline, boasting 3.2 miles of sandy beaches, tide pools, and historic beach cottages. According to Condé Nast Traveler and the Los Angeles Times, this protected area is celebrated for its wild beauty and relaxed pace, far from the crowds of more commercialized beaches. Locals love to explore the hiking trails that wind through coastal bluffs before descending to the sand, while the restored 1930s cottages evoke a nostalgic charm. The Beachcomber Café, located right on the sand, adds a touch of local flavor. Crystal Cove’s commitment to preservation and its welcoming atmosphere make it a quintessential Southern California experience.

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View Postcard for Crystal Cove State Park

Leslie M

Google
Crystal Cove State Park is absolutely stunning! From the moment you arrive, the views of the ocean and coastline take your breath away. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of easy strolls and more challenging climbs, all with incredible scenic overlooks. Walking along the beach, especially at low tide, reveals tide pools full of fascinating sea life. The beach itself is pristine, with soft sand, clear blue water, and plenty of rocky areas for kids and adults to explore. There are several access points and parking lots, making it convenient to find a spot. The visitor center is helpful and welcoming, and the bathrooms are clean, definitely a plus! We enjoyed stopping at the nearby restaurants along the beach for a meal while soaking in the ocean views. Whether you’re hiking, exploring tide pools, or just relaxing by the water, Crystal Cove is the perfect getaway. Highly recommend bringing a camera. The sunsets here are unforgettable!

Chad Goeckeritz

Google
We love this State park. Make sure to go at Low tide so you can enjoy the many tide pools. We have found some cool things in them from Lobsters and an Octopus once. The walk on the beach is awesome from pelican point south to Beachcombers and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the beach. But make reservations or it’s an hour wait. The walking trails are awesome overlooking the ocean.

Brian H

Google
If you’re in Newport Beach, this is worth a visit! Amazing views and not very much crowding. Be prepared to walk up and down steep trails to get to the beach. Beautiful scenery

Kim Scanlan

Google
The perfect day trip from LA! We took the boardwalk trail which is surrounded by gorgeous flowers this time of year. Lots of look out points and benches to sit down and take in the cliff side views. The trail takes you down to the beach where you can find countless tide pools! Further down the beach there are multiple restaurants, the visitors center and of course gorgeous coastline. A nature lovers paradise!

justin

Google
What great beach. $20 a day pass. Clean, blue water. Rocks to climb on. There are several paths to get down to the beach. Upon entering, make a left and park at the end of the lot. Take the paved path next to the bathrooms down to the water. Its still pretty steep. Kids had a blast.

Mark Gross

Google
what to expect: follow your GPS to the location. It tells you where the state park is only to be stopped by a passive aggressive security guard who pointed out that there was a stop sign behind the tree. The guard will become a little nicer and then point out that there is parking across the street for a mere $15 but there is a shuttle. He fails to tell you that the shuttle cost two dollars each way so you take all of that and you eventually get down to a mediocre beach with a pretty good restaurant, not much else actually. There are some quaint houses that you can rent out and that seems appealing, but as far as the whole package is concerned, unless you’ve never been to the beach before, it is a pass.

Keith Thornton

Google
Very beautiful beach! Would highly recommend and go back. The birds are savages though but overall wonderful sight.

Sadaf Mokhammadzay (Sadafi7)

Google
Beautiful scenery, paid private parking, long trails that take you to the beach and back. Love coming here for peace and quiet time from the city away