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Crystal Cove lets Orange County shift from beach to canyon

Crystal Cove has open seashore, tide pools, sandy coves, historic cottages, 3.2 miles of beach, and 2,400 acres of backcountry.

Crystal Cove is a coast-and-canyon day in Orange County. You can make it a beach walk, a tide-pool stop, a backcountry hike, or a look at old cottages.

Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest remaining open seashore areas. It has 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, an offshore underwater area, and a historic district of rustic coastal cottages from the 1930s and 1940s.

Pick one kind of outing first. Then check State Parks for current hours, fees, rules, and dog limits. The park is easier to enjoy when the plan matches the part you want to see.

Where to see it

Crystal Cove State Park between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach

Sources

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Reviewed June 30, 2026

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