Great views pay to park . My son loves this scene we drove from LA,not far . The scenery is wide open ocean and very cool rock formations created my Mother Nature . Big waves and people strolling . Healthy walk . Walked down to an area where the power of the sea destroyed some houses literally on the sand but expected with the Pacific in your face. Very nice I highly recommend for the day .

What a beautiful park to visit! Came down for the day from LA and was pleasantly surprised at this gem. Started first at the El Moro Canyon trail. This trail is an easy wide trail with not too much incline until you get to the “poles” trail. From here it’s a glute burning steep hike up but doable if you’re fit. Think it’s bit more difficult coming down that trail since it’s steep. On the other side of it is a mile hike down back to the parking lot so in all about a 3 mile loop. I’m glad I did it counterclockwise instead of clockwise. Counterclockwise saw great views of the ocean and with all the rain the hills are lush and green! A bit muddy on some areas of the trail but not too bad. Afterwards I drove down to the Pelican entrance (the first entrance) and parked at parking lot 2. From here you can take the trail to boardwalk and off to the left near the end of boardwalk there is a sandy trail down to beach. A little bit steep in some areas but doable (might be difficult for someone w bad knees though). Then I crossed over from the east end of the beach to the west where the historic district is which are a bunch of beach buildings include the restaurant Beachcomber. Up the stairs to the right you can visit the cutest Shake Shack w a fish and chips/seafood menu! Parking for the day was $15. You can pay from any lot and it works for the day at all the lots. Had no problem finding parking today. After I ate at shack shack I took the cliff trail above the beach back to the parking lot. Gorgeous trail and wide and easy. Definitely recommend a visit! I was here for about four hours total and would def come back.

We went to all the coastal side beaches in the park. I couldn’t recommend it enough. We walked slowly through rocks, caves, tunnels and countless tide pools. I recommend you go at low tide. There is an amazing historic area and famous burger and shake shack at the top of the stairs behind the cottages. Also restrooms here. Enjoy!

Beautiful beach. We went what seemed at the perfect time. We got there right before sundown. It costs $15 for parking but it was well worth this. Beach looks like the movies, very few people there and clean beaches. It's a must visit to take in the gorgeous views.

Very nice state park but if you are going for a run, go early in the day as it gets very hot. Plus, there is no shade cover. The paved area is nice with some sloping hills but not hard. Ran up and down the beach access - that was quite tough as the hills are steep but a great workout. Overall, decent park for running.

Nice place for a hike with ocean views and many wild flowers. Paid parking with a shuttle service to the historic district. Public bathrooms, restaurants and cottages for overnight stay rentals.

A little secluded, however we found a quaint little restaurant on the beach. They gave us pager when a table was available which left us time on the beach. rock shelves were on one side where we found tides pools for exploring sea creatures, good times

Highly recommend the free guided nature tour with Beverly. She was very knowledgeable about all the wild life flowers, plants, wild life, seaweed and seagulls. See the parks website for details.

Crystal Cove State Park is just amazing place to see. Take the hiking paths or the stairs down to the beach. There you will find life guards on duty. The kids will enjoy seeing all the rocks, shells and driftwood. There is $20 entrance fee.

Got together with friends on a beautiful Sunday morning. We walked and talked and enjoyed the beautiful morning. The beach and cove are simply stunning. So thankful for this stunning place. If you are looking for some peace and joy, this is the place to be.