Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove Historic District occupies 12.3 of the 2,791 total acres of Crystal Cove State Park and is located along the coast. The 46 seaside cottages that make up the Historic District were constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, and they sit in a cluster near the creek’s terminus at Los Trancos. Only some examples of the early 20th-century coastal construction in Southern California survive today.
California State Parks have finished the first phase of rehabilitating the Historic District, which includes the construction of 13 guest cottages and cottages for tourist services, educational and community activities, and a restaurant.
Cottages with studio, one two-bedroom configurations, and hostel-style dorms are all available for overnight stays. The cost of overnight stays has been minimal so that as many Californians as possible can enjoy the beach.
Activities At Crystal Cove State Park
During their visit to Crystal Cove State Park, guests have the opportunity to participate in a variety of different outdoor recreational activities. During your time there, you will have the opportunity to witness and participate in various activities, some of which are highlighted below.
Water activities at Crystal Cove State Park
Water sports are only one of many fun things to do at Crystal Cove State Park. Reef Point and Moro Beach have great waves for surfing and are patrolled by lifeguards to protect the public’s safety.
Scuba divers and free divers will find a wide variety of marine life to observe at this park because it is designated as a Marine Life Refuge and Underwater Park. Hiding from the campground to some of the most incredible dive places may be necessary, but local diving shops may point you in the right direction.
Fishing at Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park protects a State Marine Reserve and State Marine Conservation Area, so fishing is prohibited along much of the coastline. However, fishing is allowed inside the park. In the park’s allotted fishing spots, anglers can reel in sand bass, perch, rockfish, and corbina.
The park’s central office employees and local anglers are excellent resources for information on where to fish. It strikes a good compromise between recreational fishing and the protection of marine life, allowing park visitors to enjoy the area’s offerings without jeopardizing conservation efforts.
Picnicking at Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park visitors can take their pick from various attractive picnic areas across the park’s grounds. There are no defined picnic places, although plenty of tables are scattered.
Moro Beach and the beach in the Historic District are great for picnics. Unfortunately, no pavilions or shelters may be reserved in advance. First come, first served is the rule for all picnic areas. Crystal Cove State Park visitors should arrive early to grab a picnic table and enjoy their day.
Camping at Crystal Cove State Park
A nice campground is available for overnight stays in Crystal Cove State Park. The 58 campsites at this campground on a bluff overlook the Pacific Ocean and have quick access to the beach below. Only 28 spots are big enough for RVs and trailers, while the other 30 are just for tent campers or little trailers.
Water and power are available at several campsites. There are public bathrooms and showers available for a fee. In addition, twenty-four quaint cottages have been lovingly renovated to resemble those that stood along California’s shores from 1935 to 1955. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, a bedroom, and a living area. Camping sites and cottages alike are best reserved in advance.
Trails At Crystal Cove State Park
Visitors to Crystal Cove State Park can choose from several different path options. The Moro Canyon Trail is a favorite among hikers because it offers a challenging 700-foot elevation increase throughout its 7-mile round-trip distance.
The park covers an area of around 3,000 acres, from the ocean to the inland San Joaquin Hills, including everything in between the cities of Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar; before being a part of the Irvine Ranch, the park’s wilderness was utilized for grazing by Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Location: 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California 92651
Phone number: (949) 494-3539
Open: 24 hours
Total Area: 15, 93 square kilometers (3,936 acres)
Established: 1979
