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Newport Coast · Crystal Cove · Newport Beach · California4.8(1076)

Crystal Cove State Beach

Outdoor
Locale

Known For

  • Shuttle from parking to beach, nominal fee of $2
  • Restored 1930s beach cottages along the shore
  • Bluff top walking trails with panoramic ocean views
  • Rocky tide pools teeming with intertidal life
  • On site beachfront restaurant near the cottage cluster

Insider Tips

Best Time

Morning or weekday for fewer people and calmer water

Ideal For

coastal hiking along bluff trailstidepool exploration and wildlife spottingphotography of cliffs and historic cottagesrelaxing beach walks and light wading

Pro Tip

Take the $2 shuttle from the lot to avoid the steep walk down, and wear reef shoes for the rock pits.

Crystal Cove State Park / Crystal Cove State Beach, located in Newport Beach, California, is best known for its rustic setting that stands in contrast to pristine, new homes and immaculate greens of the Pelican Hills Golf Club overlooking this wilderness oasis. Three beach areas below the bluffs include Reef Point (with access to two coves), Pelican Point (a 3.25-mile trail) and Los Trancos which offers access to a historic district of 1930s-style houses. Just off shore of Crystal Cove Beach is a 1,140 acre underwater park for snorkelers and scuba divers. On the southern edge of the park is El Moro, a 2,200-acre chaparral canyon with 18 miles of hiking, biking and horse trails. Crystal Cove State Park and the undeveloped woodland features rustic, overnight campsites. Camp areas: Loop 1 & Loop 2 are accessible only by foot. All vehicles must be left at the park office! No pets are allowed and all sites are a 3-mile hike from parking lot. (Source: www.beachcalifornia.com) Parking Information: four entrances at Pelican Point, Reef Point, Los Trancos, and School/State Park. Parking Map Amenities Available: Hiking trails Swimming Historic beach cottages Restrooms & outdoor showers Dogs only allowed on paved areas

Price Level

$

Contact

+1 949-494-3539

Outdoor Seating

Sports Viewing

Hours

  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Drifter Insights

Major destination with tourist appeal

No TripAdvisor presence - true local spot

Tourist Awareness

LevelNone
Data confidence: high(4 sources)