Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and Crystal Cove education of the people of California by helping he ocean and shoreline, to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological T State Park diversity, protecting its most valued natural and visible from nearly all cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. points along Pacific Coast Highway, dominate the coastal portion of the park. From the high ridges California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who above Moro Canyon, need assistance should contact the park at (949) 494-3539. If you need this publication in an visitors enjoy an expansive alternate format, contact [email protected]. view of the ocean, the CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 interior valleys and the Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 mountain ranges beyond. (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

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Crystal Cove State Park 8471 N. Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-3539 www.parks.ca.gov/crystalcove

© 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2014) C rystal Cove State Park’s rolling surf, wide With the assistance of a Native American sandy beaches, tide pools, gently sloping workforce, Sepulveda used Moro Canyon’s hills, and deeply wooded canyons and seasonal pastures for cattle grazing. After ridges provide a delightful contrast to its 1850, a run of bad luck — along with land urban surroundings. Located off busy Pacific title complications — pushed Sepulveda into Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and debt. He sold Rancho San Joaquin in 1864. Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Orange The Irvine Ranch Company County’s largest remaining examples of San Francisco financier James Irvine and open space and natural seashore. three northern California ranchers The park’s Mediterranean climate is purchased the rancho and stocked it with characterized by moist, foggy summer thousands of sheep. In 1876 Irvine bought mornings, with the fog burning off by out his partners when ranching failed due to midmorning to bring warm, sunny days and

droughts, wool infestations, and competitive Lowe Parker Collection courtesy of Phyllis Davick Laura cool evenings. markets. After Irvine’s death in 1886, sheep Park History ranching continued as other ranching activities developed. Native People James Irvine II inherited the ranch from For over nine thousand years, the native his father and diversified the agricultural people established villages in Moro Canyon business by leasing land to tenant farmers. Just as in the 1940s, today’s Crystal Cove near two natural springs. Their food sources has something for everyone. He incorporated his land holdings and included waterfowl, fish from the kelp beds created “The Irvine Company” on and surf zones, and a variety of plants and Although the Japanese farmers did not June 4, 1894. animals. The prehistoric people developed return to the area, agriculture and ranching a number of specialized crafts and tools Japanese Farmers practices continued into the 1970s. Over including nets, fishhooks, basketry, stone Beginning in 1927, Japanese farmers leased the years, The Irvine Company leased implements, ritual objects and tule canoes. land from The Irvine Company and built their land for farming, equestrian use and With the arrival of Spanish missionaries, homes, barns, and a community center cattle grazing. During the early days of the native people were drawn into the known as “Laguna Beach Language School” park ownership, these activities ended in mission system. At Mission San Gabriel and (a building now preserved within the Historic order to enhance natural preservation and Mission San Juan Capistrano, their way of District). Planting hundreds of acres of crops, public recreation. the farmers sold produce from roadside life changed with the introduction of new Crystal Cove stands and to Los Angeles markets. religious and agricultural practices. The Irvine Company also leased Life changed dramatically during World War Rancho San Joaquin the coastal area to filmmakers and II when the Japanese community was sent After José Andrés Sepulveda acquired vacationers. Palm-thatched structures to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona. land from the Mexican government in 1836, emerged at Crystal Cove, serving as both As a result, they forever lost their farms and Mission San Juan Capistrano’s grazing area tropical movie backdrops and beach homes along the Crystal Cove hills. became known as “Rancho San Joaquin.” cottage rentals. Beginning in the 1920s, people traveled California Natural Landmark. Flora the new Pacific Coast Highway to visit the This designation has been The park has distinct plant communities — beach. The Cove soon became a popular bestowed by both the specific habitats with conditions that destination to pitch tents or rent cottages. State of California and favor some types of plants and animals By the late 1930s, The Irvine Company the U.S. Department of the over others. limited the development of the area to Interior to recognize the Coastal Sage Scrub the current 46 cottages. In time, long- exceptional value of these This dense shrub community spreads across term leases were made, tent camping lands to California and the Live oak the coastal terrace, along the sides of lower was eliminated, and the Crystal Cove nation. Please visit Moro Canyon and upper Moro Canyon, community became a private beach. www.letsgooutside.org for information. especially on the north-facing reaches. The National Register of Historic Moro Beach and Canyon The resinous, highly flammable vegetation Places listed Crystal Cove for its unique “Tyron’s Camp” (a café, auto camp, and tent regenerates quickly after burning. vernacular architecture in 1979, the year campground) opened during the 1920s along The Irvine Company sold this land to the the beach and inland at Moro Canyon. In State of California. The cottages have the late 1950s, the complex evolved into a been restored by California State Parks seasonal trailer destination known as “El and the Crystal Cove Alliance for public Morro Beach Trailer Park.” Later, about 300 use and enjoyment. permanent manufactured homes replaced Crystal Cove State Park is part of the seasonal beach trailers in this area. After 40,000-acre Irvine Ranch National and tenants’ leases expired in 2005, the trailers were removed to develop the Moro Campground and day-use facility. NATURAL HISTORY Coastal Strand The beach’s 3.2 miles are bordered by hardy, fleshy-leafed Annual Grasses plants growing low against salt- These introduced grasses grow extensively sprayed dunes. Shoreside tide on the terraces and to a lesser extent in pools are visible at low tide. lower Moro Canyon. Coastal Bluffs Southern Riparian Woodland At high tide, the surf laps against Along the small watershed represented by the base of 80-foot bluffs. Two seasonal Moro Creek, sycamores, oaks and bluff-top public parking areas, willows are found. Undergrowth includes Reef Point and Pelican Point, offer elderberry, toyon and lemonade berry. Historic District access to the beach. MOVIES MADE AT CRYSTAL COVE Fauna Backcountry Trails The intertidal wildlife includes purple From the Moro Canyon parking lot, access 1918 shore crabs, sea hares and sea anemones. 2,400 undeveloped acres. The trails are open Treasure Island On the bluffs and terraces, ground to hiking, biking and equestrian use. Maps 1920 squirrels, cottontail rabbits, western fence are available at the ranger station. The Sea Wolf lizards, California king snakes, California Beach Activities 1923 gnatcatchers, California quail and deer are Seven separate coves line 3.2 miles of beach, Stormswept found. The park’s open space areas offer offering spectacular sunbathing, swimming, 1927 habitat for coyotes, bobcats, roadrunners, surfing, diving and tide pool viewing. Please The Wreck of the Hesperus gopher snakes, western toads, red-tail do not disturb tide pool residents. hawks, California thrashers, rattlesnakes 1928 and more. SPECIAL EVENTS Sadie Thompson The park welcomes Half a Bride RECREATION special events, including Reservations are imperative for all historic weddings, picnics, parties White Shadows cottages, coastal campsites and backcountry and film shoots. For in the South Seas sites at Crystal Cove. For details and links to event reservations 1929 site-specific reservations, call (800) 444-7275 and permit The Isle of Lost Ships or visit the website at information, please visit 1932 www.parks.ca.gov/crystalcove. www.parks.ca.gov/crystalcove/ Rain Coastal Camping specialevents. Completed in 2011, Moro Campground 1934 Lodging and food services offers 57 sites with unparalleled ocean Treasure Island The park’s concession partner, views. Hookups serve 27 sites; the other 1938 Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, 30 are suitable for tents, tent trailers or The Great Heart van conversions. provide overnight lodging services. For details, visit: 1944 Backcountry Primitive Camping www.crystalcove.org To Have and Have Not A fairly strenuous, 3- to 4-mile uphill hike 1951 leads to three separate camping areas. Two of a Kind Campers must pack in and out all of their supplies, including water. 1974 Herbie Rides Again 1985 The Creator 1988 Beaches WATER SAFETY TIPS Food / lodging services — Concession PLEASE REMEMBER • Swim with a friend — Supervise operations are accessible. Four rental • Park hours are 6 a.m. to sunset daily, children closely. Flotation devices are cottages are ADA-accessible and may be year round. Historic District hours are not reliable. reserved with written evidence of need. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Water use areas — Swimming, surfing • Possession of alcohol is prohibited and kayaking zones are separate from NEARBY STATE PARKS throughout the park except at the each other; check to make sure your • Huntington State Beach, Pacific Coast Beachcomber Café and within activity is taking place in the proper Highway (Highway 1) at Beach Blvd. campsites at Moro Campground. zone. Contact park staff for additional (Highway 39) (714) 536-1454 • Dogs must be kept on a leash no beach safety information. • Doheny State Beach, off Pacific Coast more than six feet long. Pets may be • Rip currents — If you become caught Highway (Highway 1) at Dana Point walked on paved areas only, and they in a rip current, relax, swim parallel to Harbor at Del Obispo St. (949) 496-6171 must not be left unattended. Except for the shore until the pull stops, and then service animals, pets are not permitted swim back to shore. If you are unable on the beach or in the backcountry. to return to the beach, tread water and • All tide pool specimens are protected signal for assistance. by state law. Collection of shells and • Avoid spinal injuries ­—Do not dive rocks is prohibited. headfirst into unfamiliar waters. • All natural, cultural and historical park • Be alert — Never turn your back on the resources are protected by law. ocean. Sudden waves can sweep you • Stay on established trails. Children and away from shore or tide pool areas. pets should be closely supervised. • Do not climb on or approach the cliff ACCESSIBLE FEATURES faces — they are unstable and can Picnicking — Picnic areas and restrooms collapse under you. are accessible. Refer to the park map. • No fires are allowed on or in the sand. Hibachis or barbecues are permitted­ — Trails —The Bluff Top Multi-Use Trail gas canister type only. Wood or charcoal is paved and accessible. Hikers and is not permitted. Open flames are not cyclists may also enjoy its wildlife and permitted in the backcountry. scenic views with interpretive displays. Beach /shore access —Beach wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served. This park receives support in part Beach access is at the Crystal Cove from a nonprofit organization: Historic District and Moro Beach. Crystal Cove Conservancy Exhibits and programs —The park #5 Crystal Cove visitor centers at El Moro and the Newport Coast, CA 92657 Historic District are accessible. Backcountry wilderness area — part of the Irvine www.crystalcove.org Ranch National and California Natural Landmark N B O M M E R e C A N Y O N w

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