Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County's largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore. It features 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, and an offshore marine protected area.
Park Information
The Park is open between 6:00am and sunset, with the Historic District area remaining open until 10:00pm. Parking requires a fee.
State Park staff and docents conduct interpretive programs year-round including guided hikes, tidepool walks, and geology talks.
3,936acres of the Reserve's protected land 3.2miles of rugged, wild beach91campsites, including both campground and primitive
More about Crystal Cove State Park
This awe-inspiring destination offers up the best of both worlds! Immerse yourself in Crystal Cove State Park’s breezy beachfront habitat or take a deep dive into the park’s backcountry nature. This is where you’ll find a wide expanse of land with trails throughout. Hike or bike amongst the native coastal sage scrub habitat, a crucial element of the NROC, with a stunning backdrop that never gets old: the deep, glittering blue of the Pacific Ocean.
Crystal Cove State Park is home to many of the Reserve’s beloved wildlife species, but it’s an especially safe space for the Western Spadefoot Toad. Considered “threatened” by the state of California, this toad breeds in the puddles and ponds formed here during the winter months.
Choose your own adventure: Crystal Cove's got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?
Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.
Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.
The Reserve is a thriving ecosystem of thousands of plant and animal species. Here are a few that call Crystal Cove home.
