Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Laguna Beach, California
With 3.5 miles of beach and 2,000 acres of rugged woods, as well as a 1140-acres of offshore waters underwater park, Crystal Cove State Park Beach more than lives up to its sparkling name. This beach is a big draw for lovers of snorkeling, scuba, and skin diving, and is naturally popular with swimmers, surfers, and nature lovers who live for exploring tide pools and sandy coves. In addition to water exploration, Crystal Cove is awesome for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking through sand and surf, rocky reefs, and canyons. If you're visiting in the wintertime, take advantage of the nature hikes offered by the local State Park Rangers.
Parking at Crystal Cove State Park is not an issue, with 3 parking lots located along the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. If you're looking to camp out here though, note that there is no beach camping. You will have to park in the El Moro lot, and hike 3 miles inland, uphill, and with all your camping gear, including drinking water.
Crystal Cove offers a telephone, bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers, as well as a quaint picnic area. Remember, when hiking, to stay on the trails, and off the cliff faces, to avoid bumping into a rattlesnake heading home in the wilderness. It would be a good idea to keep the kids close by as well.