Crystal Cove State Park

8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

Address:	8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Phone:	+1 949-494-3539
Site:	crystalcovestatepark.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 8

Alice Wang

Such a gorgeous state park! There are multiple entrances along the PCH so you can park at different access points depending on what you want to do. Its an all-in-one park for beaches, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and water activities. According to their map: Best tide pool areas: Reef Point, Rocky Bright, Pelican Point, North End Treasure Cove Best swimming areas: Muddy Creek, El Moro, Historic District, 3.5 Cove, Treasure Cove Best surfing areas: Scotchmans Cove, Pelican Point, Abalone Point We parked at Pelican Point and walked along the trail to the beach. The trail doesnt get a lot of shade so remember your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats! We stopped at the Historic District, which has some facts about the Japanese farmers who settled here in the late 1920s but had to leave during World War II. When we got to the beach, we walked around checking out the tide pools. Some of them had starfish, mussels, hermit crabs, and crabs in them! There were a lot of empty shells, and we could only guess the culprits were the many, many seagulls and birds scampering nearby. We even saw a lobster tail on the beach. Over 3 miles of beach, more than 2000 acres of backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove is perfect for beachgoers, hikers, and just about any outdoor enthusiast! You can also surf, boogie board, scuba dive, and mountain bike. Whether you like sandy beaches, sea cliffs, reefs, or canyons, visit this park! The ocean breeze is just lovely. Feels so good even with the sun beating down. Park opens at 6am and closes at sunset. Its $15/day per vehicle or you can get an annual pass.

A Private User

Really enjoyed this park, and would have had a great experience, except for the campground host. We paid over $200 to spend 4 nights camping at at tent site in our conversion van, using our house battery for lights and refrigeration. On Sunday, we asked one of the campers who was leaving a hook-up site if we could roll into his spot to charge our battery, since we were only a short drive from home. He said sure, just make sure we leave by the 1pm checkout time. No problem, we thought. Shortly after we moved into the hook-up spot, the campground host started coming back repeatedly accusing us of stealing electricity. First, we had the permission of the person who rented the site until 1pm. Nothing prohibited his allowing us to plug after he left. Second, we paid over $200 dollars to stay there, and was 50 cents worth of electricity to charge our battery for an hour or two worth getting all bent out of shape. Third, it made a lot more sense to plug in and charge our battery rather than drive needlessly for an hour or two to charge the battery using the alternator. The campground host would not even listen to these points. Bottom line, the facility is great, however the campground host are not hosts, but little people trying to feel big by exercising their power in their little pond. The state should be more selective on who it invites to be campground hosts, and look for people who want to be hospitable and friendly instead of rude people with personality disorders.

Sterling Wright

Incredibly beautiful beach. My only problem with their close time "Sunset"! Sunset is relative & changes daily. My sunset as a photographer is 1/2 -1 hr (called the golden hour) after the sun falls below the horizon! I posted my picture from the day I supposedly received a ticket for parking after dark! Which wasnt on my SUV when I got there. Beside the point that it was $97.00 for a parking ticket and turned into close to $300.00 when my registration was to be renewed! I get it - they dont want people partying & causing problems. But, what if I had fallen or twisted my ankle and needed help? Least they could do is check 2 see if theres a body - for a $100.00 ticket! I had some pretty cool shots from this place but, that whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth... Not to discourage anyone normal that just goes to the beach. Its a great place - just for me shooting photos it was messed up. Hope the photo gives you an idea of what it can be like...

Mike Glass

Despite giving Crystal Cove state park excellent reviews in all three categories of appeal, facilities, and service, I would not stay in the campground again. In fact, I left the first evening of a 3 night stay. First, though it is a very nicely maintained campground it lacks any sense of privacy from the other campers. The spaces are slightly wider than two cars and it feels as if everyone is on top of each other. Second, I had a cliff front campsite, which would normally be ideal for enjoying a beautiful sunset, an ocean breeze, and the lull of crashing waves; however, the campgrounds are separated from the beach by the PCH. The roar of cars and trucks downed out any sense of tranquility that one would expect from a cliff top campsite. Lastly, though the beach is amazingly beautiful as well, the PCH runs the entire length of the beach and the highway noise is a constant annoyance. I would recommend San Clemente as a better alternative.

Carl Short

This was not the best experience camping at the Beach. First of all, the Staff including the Park Ranger were horrible, they could not even answer questions asked all they were interested in is collecting more money. Could not tow the car this weekend so we drove separate and they charged an additional $15/night for the car in addition to the camping fees of $158 already paid. We will not go back here. The Beach itself was great but the rest of the experience shadows out the good. Could have stayed at Newport Dunes for this costly endeavor. The State of California really needs to get a handle on this. Would not recommend at all!

A Private User

Im reading through the other reviews here and yes parking is $15, expensive like at most all state parks. It is worthwhile to buy the annual pass for $125 if you go to state beaches or parks often. Ill have to check this out, Ive never seen trash at this beach, usually it much cleaner compared to other SoCal beaches. Could be result of the state budget problem. Maybe the place needs a volunteer beach cleanup--or for everyone just to do their part and cleanup after themselves and if you see some trash left by others pick it up. Regardless, of all the beaches south of Los Angeles, Id still rate this one of the best!

Linda Ly

One of our favorite so cal beaches. It has some serious drawbacks but it still warrants a solid 5 stars because of how breathtaking and quaint it is. It has adorable cottages, beachcomber cafe is a killer lobster roll, it isnt generally as congested and crowded as other beaches, and it feels like a destination. Drawbacks are you must park and take a long walk in or shuttle in. The shuttle is quite convenient but it does add another layer of complexity to getting down to the beach. Also, beachcomber is the only food down there so pack a picnic or get your name on that wait list early.

Aaron Harris

I mountain bike here nearly every Sunday. It offers unparalleled views of the ocean and mountains. For bikers, it has a mix of great climbs and downhill trails, with a mix of fire road and single track. Bikers and hikers generally get along very well, and park visitors are courteous and respectful. El Moro provides easy access to Laguna Canyon Wilderness as well as Bommer/Shady Canyon. This also offers one of the few public backpacking locations in central OC, and its not too difficult of a hike to camp from the parking lot.