Crystal Cove Beach
Crystal Cove Beach extends 3.2 miles along the coast of Crystal Cove State Park. The Park extends inland from Moro Beach, encompassing 2,400 acres of wooded canyons and ridges in the San Joaquin Hills. Hiking trails and fire roads lead from the main parking areas around Moro Beach. Use of the trails and roads is open to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.
Along the ocean, Crystal Cove Beach attracts a wide variety of visitors for surfing, hiking and sightseeing, exploring the fascinating Historic District of vintage beach cottages, diving, kayaking, sunbathing, and tide pooling.
Crystal Cove
Entrances and Parking
Access to the park off the Pacific Coast Highway is via four entrances, each with its own parking area: Pelican Point, Los Trancos, Reef Point, and El Moro. The El Moro entrance off the PCH begins at the El Moro School and leads to the visitor center parking lot and several lots around by the day-use area. The lower one is close to the beach with access via a trail through a tunnel under the highway.
The regular parking fee for day use is $15. There are Automated Pay Machines (APMs) at most parking lots - Las Trancos, Pelican Point and Reef Point, Morro Day Use and Moro campgrounds. The APMs accept cash, credit cards or debt cards.
From October 1 to March 31, Monday through Thursday only, hourly parking rates of $5 are available. Entrance fees are $20 on major holiday weekends such as the 4th of July. Restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables are located near all of the parking areas.
Moro Beach
The Best Places to Go on the Beach
Tide Pools: Pelican Point and Reef Point.
Swimming: Moro Beach, Muddy Creek (no, really), and in front of the Beachcomber Cafe in the Historic District near the mouth of Los Trancos Creek
Surfing:
- Pelican Point area: Treasure Cove and Little Treasure Cove
- Reef Point: west of Split Rock
- Moro Cove
Whale Watching: Bluff-top observation points at Pelican Point and Reef Point.
Scuba Diving: Reef Point, Rocky Bight, and Pelican Point
Kayaking: Launch from Muddy Creek to Moro Cove, also from the south end of the Historic District to the north end of Treasure Cove
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are found around every parking lot and along Moro Canyon. Because of fire danger, only compressed gas grills may be used, no charcoal or open flames. Ramadas protect many of the picnic sites from the sun.
Crystal Cove Conservancy
Crystal Cove Conservancy is a nonprofit partner with Crystal Cove State Park. The Conservancy's goals are to help preserve the culture, natural, and historic resources of Crystal Cove. They have been instrumental in helping to restore historic cottages. Learn more about the Crystal Cove Conservancy's activities and how you can support their efforts.
Crystal Cove Conservancy.
Historic District
The Historic District is a cluster of 46 vintage beach homes built during the 1930s and 1940s. The Crystal Cove Alliance in partnership with the California State Parks have been working to restore the cottages and a restaurant. Twenty-one cottages are now available to the public as overnight rentals. To make a reservation, go to ReserveCalifornia - Crystal Cove Beach Cottages.
Crystal Cove History
Crystal Cove State Park was once part of the Irvine Ranch, started in 1876 by James Irvine. Used as a sheep ranch, it was passed down through his family. The Irvine Company leased the coastal area to film makers and vacationers.
The beach soon became a popular vacation stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Irvine Company leased land to tenants who built beach cottages. In 1979 the Irvine Company sold the land to the State of California. The cottages have been preserved and are listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
