Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park

Los Trancos Beach in Crystal Cove State Park is located at the Historic District area of the park where Los Trancos Creek flows into the Pacific.

The creek divides the beach into a north and south beaches, but the creek water often pools up or is just a trickle so it’s easy to get across. The northern beach is best accessed from the four parking lots inside Crystal Cove’s Pelican Point park entrance.

In the Historic District you’ll find the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, a collection of vintage beach homes that have been preserved and can be rented. These functionally designed cottages became a nationally registered place in 1979, the same year the park land was purchased from the Irvine Company. Staying here could be a bucket list item if it wasn’t so difficult to get a reservation (book them online 6 months out via ReserveCalifornia).

If you are not staying in a cottage, then you’ll have to park in the day-use parking lot across Pacific Coast Highway which requires a long walk down to the beach. There is a drop-off area next to the Historic District entrance so that the rest of your crew won’t have to make that walk and you’ll be the nice one who parks and makes the trek while they shop.

In the village is The Beachcomber Café and the Bootlegger Bar for drinks or a meal. If you save your receipt they will waive the parking fee. A unique shop and an art gallery are also on the path to the beach. The Historic District is open from 6am to 10pm daily.

Crystal Cove Shake Shack has delicious treats along PCH directly above Los Trancos Beach. You can walk up there from the Historic District.

Address

15 Crystal Cove
Newport Beach, CA 92657

Phone

949-494-3539

Park Name

Crystal Cove State Park, Crystal Cove Underwater Park

Other Names

Los Trancos Canyon Beach, Crystal Cove Beach

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fees for parking

Activities

Scuba Diving, Biking, Swimming, Beach Walking, Hiking, Sightseeing

Amenities

Cottages, Restaurant, Bar, Shake Shack, Campground, Paved Bike Path, Lifeguards, ADA Access

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart