When visiting Crystal Cove State Park you will have the chance to hike a variety of trails, with one to suit everyone. Fifteen miles of trails will allow you to explore the park at your own pace, while Crystal Cove State Park cabins provide an excellent base from which to plan your excursions.
Traversing 4.2 miles of coastline, this trail is rated as easy and so is suitable for the whole family. Heading south, you will have the unmissable chance to spot 120,000-year-old fossils in the sandstone.
A 5-mi. trail of moderate difficulty, this route climbs over 800 ft to the ridge and offers sweeping views of the park. Horseback riding and trail running are also popular along this route.
This challenging 9.4-mi. trail follows the perimeter of the park. The route provides beautiful views over the Pacific as you pass through a number of ridges and valleys.
Offering a number of interesting activities designed to keep the whole family entertained, Crystal Cove State Park is a long-standing favorite vacation spot with active families. From educational visits to the Historic District, to encounters with the local aquatic life on the beach, there's something for all ages and interests. Discover everything the park has to offer, while staying in one of the many family-friendly hotels surrounding Crystal Cove State Park.
This enclave of 46 coastal cottages dates back to the 1930s and provides a glimpse into a bygone era. The district offers educational programs alongside arts & crafts sessions, plus the beach is among the best in the park for body surfing and swimming.
Exploring the many tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park is a great way to teach children about marine life. Here, you will find crabs, shrimp, anemones, and other amazing aquatic animals, alongside plenty of marine plants.
If you want to improve your chance of spotting whales or dolphins, then the Marine Research Facility provides binoculars and a great place from which to search the ocean. Microscopes are also available to help children learn about plankton and other microbial life.