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Accessible Features in State Parks > Accessible Exhibits/Programs > Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove State Park

Overview
Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of beach, a 60-site campground, 448 acres of coastal terrace, and 2,343 acres of undeveloped wild land, which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. The offshore waters are designated as a State Marine Conservation Area and the Historic District of the park includes interpretive programs and facilities, a beachfront restaurant and overnight lodging. The park is located off the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Phone (949) 494-3539 for more information.

Crystal Cove Historic District: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property is located on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. When driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway from Corona del Mar, the entrance to the Historic District of Crystal Cove State Park is located at the Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Newport Coast Drive. When driving north on the Pacific Coast Highway from Laguna Beach, the entrance to the Historic District is located at the Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Crystal Heights Drive. General public parking for the Historic District is located on the inland side of the highway with a limited number of accessible parking spaces on the west side. Additional accessible parking is available in the east lot (Los Trancos Parking Area) where a shuttle equipped with a wheelchair lift transports visitors across the highway and down to the Historic District. A loading zone for passenger drop off is also provided in the Historic District.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages: 16 historic cottages have been rehabilitated for overnight rentals, three of which are accessible for qualified disabled guests (Cottage #1; Cottage #18; and Cottage #38D, Private Room). Possession of a valid DMV issued DP license plate or DP parking placard (with associated DP parking placard ID) is required in order to reserve an accessible cottage; and this proof of disability must be presented at check-in. The disabled individual reserving the cottage is required to be an occupant during the entirety of the reservation. Please note that parking is limited in the Crystal Cove Historic District. Guests who reserve an accessible cottage may park one vehicle displaying a valid DMV issued DP parking placard/plates, in one of the assigned accessible parking spaces. Additional vehicle parking is located in the Los Trancos parking area. More information is available at the Crystal Cove Conservancy.

Camping
Moro Campground: Six designated accessible campsites are available that can be reserved only by people with qualifying disabilities, but all of the campsites in this campground are firm surfaced and relatively level with ample room for tents, parking and unloading. Fire rings and post-mounted grills are not provided at any sites because wood and charcoal fires are not allowed in this campground. Compressed gas outdoor fireplaces or barbecues are permitted but are not provided by the park. Restroom/shower buildings in the campground are accessible. The campfire center, located in the adjacent day use area, is accessible, however due to very steep topography between the campground and day use area most visitors will choose to drive to the campfire center where accessible parking is available.

Picnic Area
Moro Canyon Day Use Area: In this day use area, all picnic sites include accessible furnishings and firm, level ground surfaces. All but 3 of the 17 family picnic sites are on accessible routes, and five are located very close to paved parking. Two group picnic sites are accessible. The Berns Amphitheater is located here with a fire pit and benches that are accessible. Accessible parking spaces and restroom buildings are located throughout the day use area. The day use area has nearly 0.5 mile of accessible pathways that meander to the edge of the back country and loop back into the developed area. The day use area is located on the east side of the Pacific Coast Highway and access to the beach is provided through a tunnel under the highway. During periods of high tide, sand is deposited on the ramp to the beach which may impede passage for people with limited mobility. Beach wheelchairs are be available for loan, please call (949) 494-3539 in advance to inquire about beach wheelchair availability.

Pelican Point Area: The picnic area at Lot 4 has 6 picnic tables on a firm surface. Two accessible restrooms are available. Two accessible parking spaces are available. Routes of travel between facilities are generally accessible.

Trails
The Bluff Top Multi-Use Trail is an accessible, paved interpretive trail along the coastal bluffs. Entry, accessible parking and restrooms at Pelican Point or Reef Point day use lots.

Beach/Shore Access
In most areas of the park the beach is separated from parking and developed facilities by a sheer, steep bluff in excess of 50 feet. Beach access for visitors with mobility disabilities is provided in the Historic District and the Moro Canyon Day Use Area where beach wheelchairs are be available for loan. Please call (949) 494-3539 in advance to inquire about beach wheelchair availability.

Pelican Point Boardwalk: A nearly 0.2 mile long boardwalk leading from Lot 2, near an accessible restroom, wanders through a restored botanical area to an ocean overlook. There are some gaps between boards a bit greater than 0.5 inch, but the view is worth the effort.

Exhibits/Programs
The Moro Visitor Center on the east side of the highway is generally open daily year round. The structure is on one level and is generally accessible. Restrooms, parking, and routes of travel are generally accessible.


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For more information: access@parks.ca.gov | Phone: (916) 445-8949 | Fax: (916) 449-8966
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