One of the newest additions to the State Parks system, Crystal Cove, spans 3900 acres of hills, canyons, trails, and beaches.

The park is a haven for people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization in Orange County, California.

Visitors can spend a day at the beach, hike, ride their mountain bikes, and enjoy backpacking, primitive wilderness camping, and Tent and RV camping.

At the newest addition to the park, the Moro campground, nature lovers can enjoy the restroom and shower facilities for a more relaxed camping experience.

The campground has tent and RV sites, connects to the beach via a tunnel, and offers direct access to the hiking trails.

Whether camping or just here for a day visit, you can try one of the 18-mile hiking trails through the canyons and Shaparal hills.

Start by getting a (map) of the park online or at the ranger station. There are too many trails to pick from and many chances to get lost.

​Read more about the trails here. 

The beaches can be accessed via several parking lots along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Tip: Once you get a parking ticket, it is good for any State Park parking lot for the whole day.

​The beaches here are great for surfing, body surfing, rock climbing, and sea life exploration at the tide pools.

Read more about the beaches here. 

If you prefer a more active day at the beach but don’t feel like going on a strenuous hike, you can take the pedestrian and bike trail running along the cliffs and overlooking the ocean. The trail has excellent views of the ocean and the beach below the bluffs.

The state park extends into the ocean with the Underwater Forest, as if the beaches and wilderness areas are not enough. A 1000-acre kelp forest offering divers amazing views of sea life.

Read more about the Underwater Forest here.

PCH Entrance

Coastal Peak Park Entrance