Crystal Cove Beach, located along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Crystal Cove State Park, is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Orange County, California. With pristine sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, tide pools, and a historic district, this hidden gem is perfect for hiking, photography, tide pooling, and family outings. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a photography session, or a relaxing escape, Crystal Cove Beach offers something for everyone.

As a photographer who has captured many family and maternity sessions here, I’ve spent countless hours exploring its picturesque landscapes. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Crystal Cove Beach, including parking tips, the best photo spots, and personal experiences to make the most of your visit.

Where is Crystal Cove Beach?

📍 Address: 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Crystal Cove Beach is part of Crystal Cove State Park, stretching over 3.2 miles of coastline between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, California.

How to Get There:

• From Los Angeles: Take the I-405 South to CA-133 South, then merge onto Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) South toward Laguna Beach.

• From San Diego: Take the I-5 North to CA-73 North, then merge onto PCH South toward Laguna Beach.

Parking at Crystal Cove Beach | Where to Park & What You Need to Know

Parking at Crystal Cove Beach can be challenging, especially on weekends. The state park charges $15 per vehicle per day, but an annual California State Parks Pass is valid here.

Crystal Cove State Park Parking Lots & Which One to Choose

There are four main parking lots, each serving different parts of the park. Below is a breakdown of each Crystal Cove parking lot, including which lot is best for your planned activities.

1. Pelican Point Parking Lot (Best for Beach Walks & Photography)

✔ Located at: Newport Coast Drive & PCH
✔ Best for: Beach access, scenic views, photography sessions, and sunset walks
✔ Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and scenic bluff trails
✔ Beach Access: A short walk down the bluff trail leads to a secluded stretch of Crystal Cove Beach

💡 Why park here? This lot is great if you're looking for stunning ocean views, peaceful walks along the coastline, or a photography session at golden hour.

2. Reef Point Parking Lot (Best for Hiking & Exploring Tide Pools)

✔ Located at: Reef Point Drive & PCH
✔ Best for: Hiking trails, tide pools, exploring rocky formations
✔ Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and trailheads
✔ Beach Access: A steep trail leads to the shoreline and tide pools

💡 Why park here? If you want to hike or explore the tide pools, this is the best lot. However, be prepared for steep inclines on the way back up.

3. Los Trancos Parking Lot (Best for Historic District & Beachcomber Café)

✔ Located at: Los Trancos & PCH (across the street from the beach)
✔ Best for: Visiting the Crystal Cove Historic District & dining at The Beachcomber Café
✔ Amenities: Restrooms, shuttle service ($2 per person round trip)
✔ Beach Access: A 10-minute walk or a shuttle ride to the Historic District

💡 Why park here? If you're planning to explore the historic cottages, grab a meal at The Beachcomber, or enjoy a relaxed beach day, this lot is ideal.

4. Moro Canyon Parking Lot (Best for Camping & Long Hikes)

✔ Located at: Moro Canyon & PCH
✔ Best for: Camping, long hiking trails, and overnight stays
✔ Amenities: Campgrounds, restrooms, picnic tables
✔ Beach Access: A long hike down to the shoreline

💡 Why park here? If you’re interested in hiking the extensive trails or camping overnight, this lot is best. However, if you're mainly visiting for the beach, choose a different lot.

🔗 More parking info: Crystal Cove State Park Website

Best Things to Do at Crystal Cove Beach

1. Explore the Tide Pools

Crystal Cove Beach is home to some of the best tide pools in Orange County, where you can find:
✔ Sea anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs
✔ Colorful marine life and kelp forests
✔ Hidden sea caves and rocky formations

💡 Best Time to Visit the Tide Pools:
🌊 Low tide (Check tide charts before visiting )

📌 Tide Pool Etiquette:

• Look, don’t touch! Many marine species are protected.

• Step carefully to avoid harming sea life.

• Avoid collecting shells or rocks—it’s part of the ecosystem!

2. Plan a Photoshoot at Crystal Cove Beach

As a photographer, I can confidently say that Crystal Cove Beach is one of the most stunning places in California for photos. The combination of rocky cliffs, soft golden sand, and ocean waves makes it a dream location for family, maternity, and engagement photography.

📍 Best Photo Spots at Crystal Cove:
✔ Moro Beach Cliffs: Perfect for sunset photos with golden light reflecting on the rocks.
✔ Historic District: Unique vintage cottages and boardwalks add a nostalgic feel.
✔ Tide Pools & Rock Formations: Great for capturing artistic, moody portraits.

💡 Photography Tip: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset) provides the best lighting for dreamy, soft-lit images.

🚨 Photo Permit Required: If you're planning a professional photoshoot at Crystal Cove, you’ll need to purchase a $100 photography permit through the California State Parks system. This rule is strictly enforced, and rangers regularly check for permits. Be sure to secure yours ahead of time to avoid any interruptions during your session.

🔗 Thinking about a photoshoot here? Check out my family photography and maternity photography pages!

3. Hike the Crystal Cove Trails

I personally love a good hike! Crystal Cove State Park features several hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views.

🥾 Best Hiking Trails:
✔ Moro Canyon Trail – 5-mile loop with panoramic coastal views.
✔ El Moro Ridge Trail – Scenic 9-mile hike with ocean and mountain vistas.
✔ Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop – 10.1-mile trail with lush greenery and elevation changes.

💡 Hiking Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes—some trails have steep inclines.

• Bring water and sunscreen—there’s limited shade.

• Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.

4. Visit the Historic District

The Crystal Cove Historic District is a charming beachfront community of 46 vintage cottages dating back to the 1930s and 1940s.

✔ Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the historic charm.
✔ Visit The Beachcomber Café—a popular oceanfront restaurant.
✔ Stay overnight in a rental cottage for a unique experience.

💡 Personal Experience: I’ve photographed maternity and family sessions here, and the rustic cottages add such a unique coastal charm to the photos.

🔗 Want to stay overnight? Book a historic cottage rental through Crystal Cove Conservancy

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Crystal Cove Beach?

Crystal Cove Beach in California is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day by the ocean, an unforgettable sunset photoshoot, or a scenic hike with ocean views, this stunning coastal paradise has something for everyone.

📸 Want to capture your visit in a professional photoshoot?
Check out my family photography and maternity photography pages to book a session at Crystal Cove Beach!

📩 Have you been to Crystal Cove Beach? Share your favorite experience in the comments below! ⬇️

Plan Your Visit:

📍 Crystal Cove Beach, Crystal Cove State Park
📍 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
💲 Entrance Fee: $15 per vehicle
⏰ Best time: Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset)
📸 Perfect for: Family, maternity, engagement & couples photography
🚨 Photography permit required for professional sessions ($100 per session).

🔗 More Beach Info: Crystal Cove Conservancy