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trip 3.2 Crystal Cove Beaches

Distance 2–5.5 miles (loop)

Hiking Time 1–3 hours

Elevation Gain 100’

Difficulty Easy–moderate

Trail Use Good for kids

Best Times All year

Agency CCSP

Permit CCSP parking fee required

DIRECTIONS There are three separate entrances to the bluff-and-beach section of Crystal Cove State Park: Pelican Point, Los Trancos, and Reef Point. All three are clearly marked with large brown signs posted on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. For the longest loop, enter via Pelican Point on the west side of the PCH opposite Newport Coast Drive, turn right beyond the entrance station, and park in lot 2.

Hemmed in by 80-foot cliffs on one side and the restless surf on the other, Crystal Cove State Park’s 3 miles of sandy beachfront seem strangely detached from the busy world above. Aside from the quaint beachfront-cottage community at Crystal Cove, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the midportion of the beach is largely free of encroachment by man-made structures. Come early in the morning, or anytime on a cold or rainy day, and you may have the beach all to yourself. The bluff tops represent the first (other than the one being cut now at beach level) of several successively higher and older marine terraces extending back into the interior San Joaquin Hills. Stay on the designated paths so as not to trample the sage scrub plant and wildlife community that has been reestablished here. Much of this vegetation looks brown and drab in summer and fall, when it is dormant, but it turns green and colorful during the rainy season.

Crystal Cove State Beach

The tops of the bluffs are excellent for watching gray whales migrate along the shore from December through February, although it is not unusual to see whales spouting just off the coast at other times of year. Using binoculars, scan the ocean surface out to a distance of 1 or 2 miles. Early- to mid-morning light (sidelight) is best for this.

Below the cliffs on the gently shelving beach, you can scuff through warm, squeaky sand above the high-tide line, tiptoe through beached kelp along with flocks of nervous shorebirds, or cool off in the undulating wash of the surf. Swimmers and surfers should beware of the rocky reefs submerged at higher tides. During low tides, the rocky reefs are exposed, promising tidepool discoveries.

To explore the entire length of the beach, park at one of the lots at Pelican Point, pick a trail down to the sand, and follow the beach southeast. Pass the historic district, where you can find upscale refreshments at the Beachcomber Café near the mouth of Los Trancos Creek. Pass between the rocks and cliffs at Reef Point, and continue east over Moro Beach to the lifeguard headquarters near Abalone Point, nearly 3 miles from the start. On your way back, take the trail up to Reef Point and walk along the bluffs, enjoying the overlooks. Pass the bustling Shake Shack in the historic district, and continue back to your vehicle. For a shorter loop, you can trim off either end.