Crystal Cove State Beach
Introduction Historic District Underwater park Vegetation Wildlife Poison oak Lyme disease	Park Information Tips Interpretive Activities	Beach Portion of Park Reef Point Pelican Point Los Trancos Backcountry Portion of Park

Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, environmental camping, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, food service, as well as exhibits and programs. The area is located between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach on Highway 1, along coastal bluffs as well as a chaparral canyon on the inland side of the highway.

The State of California purchased the land from the Irvine Company in 1979, and the Department of Parks and Recreation began managing the land in 1982.

The park offers 3.5 miles of unobstructed coastline with coastal bluffs above. Across the highway is park's El Moro canyon consisting of 2,200 acres with 18 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

Crystal Cove Historic District offers a coastal community unchanged in fifty years. Originally known as Tent City and managed by Irvine Ranch employees, this area remained free of the commercial intrusion and rapid development that characterized other coastal communities. Unique bungalows and cottages replaced tents until the 1940's and most retain an aura of the 30's. The site has served as background for many movies over the years. These historic cottages are intended for public rental in the future.

A 1,140 acre underwater park has been created within the boundaries of Crystal Cove State Park. This unique park offers snorklers and SCUBA divers an abundant and diverse view of marine life and is fully protected under the Fish and Game Marine Wildlife Refuge Act. The park staff can guide you to the best entry and exit points and indicate the best viewing areas.

Vegetation in the coastal bluffs support vigorous stands of coastal sage scrub. The backcountry offers a good sampling of chaparral, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and sycamore oak woodland. Native grasses are abundant in some areas. Many blooming flowers and shrubs add seasonal color. These plants survive and reproduce under stressful conditions which include salt spray, wind drying, and lack of water.

The state park has an active prescribed buru program which has proven to be beneficial in the control of vegetation. Attempts to eradicate such invasive plant pests as artichoke thistle are vigorously pursued as well.

A varied wildlife population resides in the vicinity of Crystal Cove. Resident species include coyotes, ground squirrels, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, deer, bobcats and large variety of inland and coastal birds.

Poison Oak has leaves of three, so let it be. This is one way to prevent handling poison oak. But, the best way to avoid this plant is to stay on the marked trails.

The leaves are green until fall, when they turn various shades of red and orange. Do not touch the leaves or stem because the plant is toxic to humans and may cause a rash or blisters.

In California, Lyme Disease is carried by the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the carrier of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The tick is most active in the winter months from November through May. Only 1% of the black-legged ticks carry Lyme disease and it is not transmitted within the first several hours after embedding itself. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, malaise, headaches and a circular rash (2-3 days later) all of which may come or go. Later, arthritis-like symptoms and partial paralysis may occur. Contact your physician.

The backcountry contains coastal sage scrub, grassland, and riparian and sycamore oak woodland. There are 32 campsites in three campgrounds: Lower Moro, Upper Moro and Deer Canyon. Each campsite contains a picnic table and each campground has a composting toilet. Horse camping is allowed in Deer Canyon. Registration and water is available at the Ranger Station.

Crystal Cove State Park

8471 Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(714) 494-3539
Park Hours: 6:00 AM to Sunset
Supervising Ranger: Mike Eaton
Total Acres: 2791

Public Use regulations:
• No fires or smoking. Propane okay.
• Mountain bikes prohibited during rainy/wet conditions.
• All animals, geological and archaeological sites, plants are carefully protected.
• Stay on trails.
• Pack it in. Pack it out.

To enjoy the park facilities and make your stay and enjoyable experience,
Please:

• Register vehicle at entrance and observe park rules
• Observe speed limit
• Collecting of downed wood is prohibited
• All vehicles must remain on pavement
• Do not attach lines or ropes to plants or trees
• Keep pets on leash of 6 feet or less and off beach area
• Alcohol is confined to the campsite only

Follow these simple safety tips:

• Never swim alone!
• Swim in a lifeguard area during duty hours.
• Long distance swimming is best done parallel to the shore.
• Don't panic if your being pulled off shore by a rip current. Swim toward shore at a 45 degree angle.
• Check with lifeguards on the beach regarding ocean conditions before entering the water.
• Help prevent injuries to yourself and others by reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
• Never dive into shallow water and always exercise caution when swimming in surf.
• Never fake drowning actions or calls for help.
• Keep children off the fire rings as they may contain hot coals.
• Avoid digging deep holes in the sand to prevent cave in accidents.

Remember, please conserve water...thank you!