Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach: Address, Phone Number, Crystal Cove State Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park
4.5
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
140 within 3 miles

Splashes Restaurant
950
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly

Selanne Steak Tavern
307
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly

Mozambique Restaurant
688
222 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • Grill

K'ya Bistro
347
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Ristorante Rumari
160
86 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

The Rooftop Lounge
482
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Maro Wood Grill
111
395 ft$$ - $$$ • Argentinean • Gluten Free Options

Avila’s El Ranchito
238
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly

Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook.
413
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • International • Vegetarian Friendly

Wine Gallery
50
139 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza • Wine Bar
Attractions
87 within 6 miles

Wood's Cove
25
0.3 miBeaches

Heisler Park
1,308
1.5 miParks

Victoria Beach
74
0.7 miBeaches

Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
946
1.5 miTheaters

Hip District
3
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Main Beach
588
1.3 miPiers & Boardwalks • Beaches

Laguna Beach Pirate Tower
24
0.7 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Aliso Beach Park
167
1.8 miBeaches • Parks

Moulton Meadows Park
12
0.6 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Crescent Bay Point Park
181
2.2 miParks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,235 reviews
Excellent
887
Very good
282
Average
42
Poor
13
Terrible
11
Grace_Q_USA
Brooklyn, NY16 contributions
Feb 2020
We hiked the Bommer Ridge trail and drove a few minutes to get lunch at Beachcomber. We were dropped off while my husband parked the car. There was a 2.5-hour wait at the restaurant and wished that they would inform the gentleman directing traffic ar the drop off of the long wait. No one in their right mind would wait that long for a meal. There is not much to do there to entertain you to make the wait less painful. Once my husband returned from the parking lot, we decided to get out of there as fast we could as we were famished at this point and took the shuttle to the parking lot — $1.50 per person for the shuttle and $5.00 for parking — all in half hour,
This reminded me why last visit to this area was almost 9 years ago. Over rated.
This reminded me why last visit to this area was almost 9 years ago. Over rated.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1GCFAN
Grove City, OH85 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
First the bad news. Arrived at about 3:00 pm. Parking for one hour was $5 or $10 until sunset. I opted for the $10 pass.
There are four lots strung out over the 3.5 mile length of the park. A path runs its course along the top but there are a few places where one can go down to go down to the beach. I didn’t find beach access from lot 2 but there is two access parts from the path that can be accessed from parking lot 1.
Depending on the tide, beach walking may require shedding the shoes.
There are several overlook point where one can take beautiful pictures.
I wasn’t able to do the entire length of the walking path due to time constraints.
There are four lots strung out over the 3.5 mile length of the park. A path runs its course along the top but there are a few places where one can go down to go down to the beach. I didn’t find beach access from lot 2 but there is two access parts from the path that can be accessed from parking lot 1.
Depending on the tide, beach walking may require shedding the shoes.
There are several overlook point where one can take beautiful pictures.
I wasn’t able to do the entire length of the walking path due to time constraints.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AlanB_in_the_OC
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA23 contributions
Jul 2019
We've taken my in-laws RV a couple of times and camped here for a week. The challenge is securing a camping space as this is done through reservecalifornia.com. You have to do this 6 months in advance and right at 8 AM when sites become available. It cost about $75 per night. Where else can you stay a stones throw from the the beach sand for this amount of money. In addition to the beach there are great hiking trails that go back into the hillside.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
So_Cal_Illini_81
Pasadena, CA288 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We only visited small part of the park near the Beachcomber restaurant (which is great). After we ate we walked along the beach to look at the cabins and stopped in the two cabins with exhibits. One of those had a very friendly docent who told the story of the area. The beach is nice here, there are some rocks but it was high tide so we couldn’t tell if there might be tide pools at low tide.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Perkadventures
Banning, CA15,292 contributions
Dec 2020
Used hotel shuttle to go there, they dropped us off near entrance, otherwised handicapped parking is inside but you still have to pay to park or go across the highway and park pay and walk under the highway.
All areas closed because of the covid, but still allowed to walk. some places can be rented. Do not know the process. Bathrooms open for use. Construction going on down the beach on some of the older homes . Nice walking not many peoplse . A good day to visit.
All areas closed because of the covid, but still allowed to walk. some places can be rented. Do not know the process. Bathrooms open for use. Construction going on down the beach on some of the older homes . Nice walking not many peoplse . A good day to visit.
Written December 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
appledude1221
Cleveland, OH181 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Today, we decided to walk on the beach here In Newport Beach. The place is fun to walk in. However we found a con as parking here just to walk by paying is very unacceptable. People who want to walk on the beach can do so for free. Beware if you want to park the car here just to walk to the beach
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris H
Yorba Linda, CA1,520 contributions
Mar 2020
We love going to Crystal Cove. Yesterday we drove there to have a picnic and a hike. Our time on the beach was so enjoyable that we never did hike. The tides were especially low so we were able to enjoy the tide pools. An enjoyable walk 1-1/2 miles south was pleasant. We especially loved the Shake Shack up the hill or Beachcomber's restaurant where we stopped for a early evening drink.
Some information you should know before you go. There is parking but it is not free. We paid $15 but there are bathrooms in every parking lot. Also, from the lot, it is a very steep walk down to the beach. This makes taking to many items down rather challenging and a bit slippery on the sand. If you don't mind that, you are rewarded with a scarcely populated stretch of sand (at least in March!)
Some information you should know before you go. There is parking but it is not free. We paid $15 but there are bathrooms in every parking lot. Also, from the lot, it is a very steep walk down to the beach. This makes taking to many items down rather challenging and a bit slippery on the sand. If you don't mind that, you are rewarded with a scarcely populated stretch of sand (at least in March!)
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traveljava57
Twinsburg, OH599 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Just below our resort (Pelican Hill) we took an evening (sunset) run on the beach and then had a beer at the Bootlegger. Just an amazing view of the ocean and sunset! If you are able to enjoy this please make the effort ...the price is right ...free!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martin L
5 contributions
Feb 2020
I only went in the portion of the park that is beside the ocean. You can walk on top of the hills with beautiful views of the ocean or you can also go down on the beach if you want to walk in the sand. There are several parkings along the highway for this park and it costs $15 per car. Bring some water because there are not many water points in the park.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Matt S
Brighton, MI2,040 contributions
Feb 2020
The main entrance to the State Park was a not-bad walk away from my resort, and I'm glad I took the trek to enjoy the park, the scenery, and the beach. The park entrance and area is nice to itself, with a lot of open area, and fantastic elevated views of the pacific, and the beach. There are a couple of access points to the beach from the Park, requiring a steep decent and ascent...but, the time spent is well worth it, as there is a wide, comfortable beach for walking along and exploring. This was off-season on a late weekday afternoon, so the lots and beaches were understandably empty, relatively speaking. This was a fantastic afternoon spent in a fantastic property and area.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We would like to reserve cottage #38 for June 17th of 2021. When would be the first day to try and resere it for 3 days- June 17- June 19th. ( I also have a disabilty plackard).
Chris L
1 contribution
Can you ride Trolley to Crystal Cove State Park ? is there a free Trolley route to the park?
TY.
zapprint
Corona, CA3,117 contributions
Your question is not as clear as it could be. There is only a bus from the parking lot to the beach, but if you are asking if the Laguna Trolley goes to Crystal Cove, it does not. The bus service does go along PCH, and they are pretty clean, as well as Uber being an option.
Where is the best place to park to take kids to tidal pools?
Melissa P
Plainville, MA51 contributions
There is street parking above the top of the stairs - it fills up very quickly on a beach day. Plan carefully if you’re bringing kids to the Tidal pools- there is no easy access to where the total pools are.
Where's the best place to park to take kids to tidal pools?
zapprint
Corona, CA3,117 contributions
The tide pools here are not as plentiful as the ones in the many coves South at LAGUNA Beach.
I'm trying to book Lower Moro Campground, it says "Hike In Primitive Campsite", can I drive my car to the campsite? or I will have to hike? If I have to hike, how far is the hike?
Thanks,
wc9828
Boulder CO57 contributions
We did not check out the primitive campsites as they are a 3-4 mile hike from where you would park your car.
Katie P
Dixon, IL97 contributions
On their website there is a big sign that says to watch out for thieves to break into cars. Did anyone feel unsafe?
Dave A
Corona, CA53 contributions
I always keep my eyes open for non-campers who shouldn't be walking along the campsites that we stay in, and we never saw anyone walking that didn't look like a fellow camper. Everyone said hello and or looked at you face to face and nodded hello. I also never noticed anyone hanging out in the lower picnic areas that looked unusual or sketchy. Having the ranger station check-in booth just above the electric sites also makes it a little more secure during the day. I never noticed anything unusual at night, except a coyote yipping loudly through the campground. Keep you pets inside and your trash up.
janabythesea
Lehi, UT3 contributions
Hi! How long was the Hike-in to the campsite? Thanks.
Dave A
Corona, CA53 contributions
Not sure if you got the answer you're looking for, but the hike-in to the campsite, from the beach area is about five to ten minutes. The campsites are up on the bluffs looking over the beach and pacific coast highway, so there is a steep walk up the paved road to the top. One of those walks that gets your heart pumping
Aetiger
San Clemente, CA27 contributions
Can you have a campfire at all in the campground? What about a propane grill?
John H
Florida147 contributions
Please confirm with a state park ranger, but there are picnic spaces on the cliff areas over the beach. I believe they do allow for a small propane grill but please confirm with the park staff.
Claire T
Fullerton, CA4 contributions
How long would it take to walk from Moro Campground to the beach? Would children be able to do it?
Robin D
Tonsberg Municipality, Norway57 contributions
I guess it would take about 10, maybe 15 minutes, depending on how excited the kids are. The paths we saw are all easy going and hard surfaced, so OK for buggies and pushchairs. The beach is beautiful, mostly soft sand for what seemed like miles, with few other people.
You might want to discourage kids from scrambling up the cliffs, which look easy but the sandy rock tends to be quite loose underfoot. Knees may get scrapped...
Probably better to play in the sea and surf, which was gentle and great fun while we were there. Have a great day - we did and look forward to going back there.
MissHappyPatty
Cleveland, OH153 contributions
Thank you for the review. Can you tell me about parking? Do you park close to the cottage? or far away and have to carry your luggage?
Melanie H
Chicago86 contributions
Parking is plentiful, I found, but expensive (the day pass).
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal Cove State Park
- We recommend booking Crystal Cove State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Crystal Cove State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Crystal Cove State Park:
- (0.09 mi) Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites
- (0.09 mi) Sonder La Ensenada
- (0.19 mi) Surf & Sand Resort
- (0.26 mi) Capri Laguna On The Beach
- (0.15 mi) Woods Cove Inn
- Restaurants near Crystal Cove State Park:
- (0.02 mi) Ristorante Rumari
- (0.03 mi) Wine Gallery
- (0.04 mi) Mozambique Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) Maro Wood Grill
- (0.21 mi) Splashes Restaurant
- Attractions near Crystal Cove State Park:
- (0.14 mi) SoCal Snorkeling Tours
- (0.14 mi) Vertigo Home
- (0.18 mi) Aquaterra Spa at Surf & Sand Resort
- (0.48 mi) La Vida Laguna
- (0.18 mi) Best 4 Mexico Tee Times