The beach portion of the park consists of 6 major parking lots directly off Pacific Coast Hwy. The parking lots never fill and the beach in only a short walk down a paved path or down a set of stairs to the sand. The beach is a mix of sandy and rocky shoreline, including six major coves. There are three major areas within the park for excellent viewing of tidepools. The shoreline attracts many species of waterfowl on their winter migratory flights up and down the coast. We also have two major swimming beaches along our coast, Muddy Creek, and the area in front of the Cottages. There is an abundance of rocky outcroppings along the beach that makes for excellent diving, fishing, and snorkeling.
1. Reef Point
A popular beach access is from Reef Point parking lot. There are three
access points to the beach. A quarter mile multi-use trail travels to the north
and descends down to the beach at 3.5 Cove. A stairway delivers you to the
popular Scotchman's Cove and to the south, a ramp travels down to Muddy Creek,
an excellent body surfing area.
Access to Point Parking Lot: Reef Point
signal off Pacific Coast Hwy.
Facilities at Reef Point Parking Area: 2
restroom facilities, drinking water, showers
Access to the Beach: A paved pathway from each restroom down to the Beach
Facilities on the Beach: Pit toilets
Unique Features: Excellent swimming area, tidepools, diving, and surfing an
underwater trail system
2. Pelican Point
There are four bluff top parking lots, with access points to the beach. A
one mile multi-use trail parallels the coast line that offers a view of the
coastal bluff vegetation and wildlife.
Access to Pelican Point parking lots: Newport Coast Dr. and State Park
Signal Off Pacific Coast Hwy.
Facilities at Pelican Point parking area: Four parking lots each containing
restroom facilities, showers, and drinking water.
Access to the Beach: A
paved path from P1, P3, and P4 restrooms leading down to the Beach, * See Map
Facilities on the Beach: Pit toilets
Unique Features: Tidepools, surfing, Historic Cottages, and good swimming
in front of Historic Cottages
3. Los Trancos
This parking lot is available for access to the Historic District. There is
a tunnel under Pacific Coast Highway to view the Crystal Cove Cottages, as well
as a pedestrian crosswalk at the Los Trancos signal light.
Access to Los
Trancos: Los Trancos signal off Pacific Coast Highway
Facilities at Los
Trancos Parking Area: restrooms, Nature Center, drinking water and showers
Access to the Beach: A paved pathway to right of the restrooms, through a
tunnel (under the highway), through the Historic District
Facilities on the Beach: Pit toilets behind the green cottage on the Beach
Unique Features: Historical Cottages
The backcbuntry consists of 20 miles of non vehicle multi-use trails. User groups are limited to hikers, mountain bicyclists, and horseback riders. The trail system consists of two major ridgelines and one main canyon, with inter connecting trails throughout. The trails are mainly fire roads with only a limited number single track trails. Three environmental campgrounds are located within the backcountry boundaries and usually available on any given night. An intermittent stream runs down the canyon during the winter and spring seasons. The park's vegetation is mainly consists of coastal sage scrub with a riparian and oak woodland scattered near the canyon bottom. The backcountry attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially during the spring time when the wildflowers are full bloom. The backcountry is also home to hundreds of species of birds and mammals.
Access To The Backcountry: School - State Park Signal off Pacific Coast Hwy.
Access road to the left of the school
Facilities At El Moro Parking Area: Restrooms, Drinking Water, Nature
Center, Horse Trailer Parking Facilities, Ranger, Lifeguard, and Maintenance
Headquarters
Access To The Trails: Trailhead #1 at the top of the parking lot, Trailhead
#2 at the bottom of the parking lot
1. Deer Canyon
Location: 3.7 miles from El Moro Parking Lot
Access: Multi-Use Trailsi No Vehicle
Facilities:
Fees:
Information: No open Fires, Pact in Pact out, No Water available
2. Lower El Moro
Location: 3.2 miles from El Moro Parking Lot
Access: Multi-Use Trails/ No Vehicle
Facilities:
Fees:
Information: No Open Fires, Pact in Pact out, No Water available
3. Upper El Morro
Location: 3.7 miles from El Moro Parking Lot
Access: Fire Road
Facilities:
Fees:
Information: No Open Fires, Pact in Pact Out, No Water Available
The park offers a wide variety of interpretive activities free for the general public. Park staff offers tidepool and backcountry walks for school and scouting groups during the spring and summer seasons. The Park also offers free docent led backcountry hikes and tidepool walks on the weekends, geared more toward adults. For a schedule of interpretive events please call the park office. The Park also has a nature center showing off different interpretive exhibits and historical information.