With its scenic coastal canyons, woodlands, and bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Crystal Cove State Park is a highlight of the Southern California coastline. But navigating parking for this popular hiking destination can be confusing given the various entrances, fees, and restrictions. Use this guide to find the best parking areas for your Crystal Cove adventure.
Main Crystal Cove Parking Lots
Crystal Cove has four main lots that provide access to the park’s hiking trails:
Los Trancos Parking Lot
- Central lot with restrooms
- Access to Moro Beach, Red Tail Ridge, Lower Moro Canyon
- $15 day use fee
Pelican Point Parking Lot
- Northern lot near cottages
- Beach access, coastal ridge trails
- $15 day use fee
El Moro Canyon Lot
- Inland junction to lower El Moro Canyon
- $15 day use fee
- No facilities
Abalone Cove Parking Lot
- Southernmost lot with beach access
- Connects to South Ridge Trail
- $25 day use fee on weekends ($15 weekdays)
Other Parking Options
For those seeking free parking, street parking is available nearby:
Pacific Coast Highway
- Parallel parking along east side of PCH
- Best bet for free parking
- 0.5-1 mile walk to trailheads
Cristianitos Road
- South of Abalone Cove Beach
- Tight spaces, carpool if possible
- Provides access to South Ridge Trail
Back Bay Drive
- South of Newport Coast on north end
- Limited spots, nearby residents
- Connects to Moro Ridge Trail
When Parking Areas Fill Up
All lots fill up early on weekends and holidays. If full, alternatives include:
- Street parking on PCH – Arrive early to secure a spot
- Bluff top neighborhoods – Observe all parking signs
- Consider weekdays or off-peak times when less crowded
- Have a backup beach or hiking option planned
Parking fills later on overcast days and during winter months.
Parking Strategies by Hike
Use these tips to find parking for popular Crystal Cove hikes:
Moro Beach/Canyon
- Los Trancos Lot – Easiest, fills first
- Back Bay Drive – Limited street parking
Red Tail Ridge
- Los Trancos Lot – Direct access
- Coast Highway – Adds 0.5 miles each way
Beach Trail/Bluff Top Loop
- Pelican Point Lot – Direct coastal access
- Coast Highway – Arrive early on weekends
South Ridge Trail
- Abalone Cove Lot – Pay lot access
- Cristianitos Road – Tight street parking
El Moro Canyon
- El Moro Lot – Only inland access
Things to Know Before You Go
Be prepared with the following parking/access notes:
- Arrive early, lots fill by 9am on weekends
- Carpool with others when possible
- Keep receipt visible in windshield
- State parking pass does not apply
- Beach parking costs more on summer weekends
- No parking inside park along roads/trails
- Access gates close at sunset daily
- No parking overnight or camping
Conclusion
While parking fills fast, arriving early and knowing Crystal Cove’s lot options will set you up for a great day of hiking while avoiding tickets. Scope out free street parking off PCH or be ready to pay day use fees to access the main lots. Check regulations for neighborhood street parking. On popular summer weekends, have backup options planned in case lots reach capacity. With its spectacular coastal scenery, Crystal Cove is worth the parking hunt. Enjoy your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions about Parking for Crystal Cove Hiking
Where is the main parking lot for hiking at Crystal Cove?
The Los Trancos lot off Pacific Coast Highway provides the most direct access for hiking Crystal Cove’s trails. It leads to the canyon routes and Ridge Trail and has restroom facilities onsite. Day use fees apply.
Does the state parking pass cover parking at Crystal Cove?
No, the California State Parks pass does not work for parking at Crystal Cove. You must pay the day use parking fees at the main Crystal Cove lots. Passes only cover inland state parks, not coastal ones.
How early should I arrive on weekends to get parking at Crystal Cove?
Arrive by 9am on weekends and holidays to secure a spot in the main Crystal Cove lots. For the most popular Los Trancos lot near Moro Canyon, aim to arrive before 8:30am on summer weekends to beat crowds.
Where can I park for free near Crystal Cove?
Some options for free street parking include along the east side of Pacific Coast Highway or on the residential streets near Back Bay and Abalone Cove. Arrive early to snag a spot in these areas on weekends when crowds are high.
If the lots are full, can I park inside Crystal Cove park?
No, once the main parking lots reach capacity, you cannot park anywhere else inside the Crystal Cove park boundaries, including along the entry road. Parking is only allowed in the designated lots.
How late can I park at Crystal Cove for night hiking or sunsets?
Park gates close at sunset each day, so you cannot leave a car inside the park overnight. If hiking out late, park outside the gates along PCH for easy night exit. For sunsets, watch from one of the nearby beaches.
How far is the walk from the street parking on Pacific Coast Highway?
Street parking along PCH can add 0.5 to 1 mile walking each way to reach the trailheads. Not terrible, but the direct lots are more convenient if arriving early enough to get a spot before they fill.
Can I park overnight or camp in my vehicle at Crystal Cove?
No, overnight parking and camping in vehicles is prohibited within Crystal Cove State Park. Nearby campground options include Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, Newport Dunes, or Doheny State Beach.
What is the best lot for hiking the Ridge or Beach Trail at Crystal Cove?
The Pelican Point lot provides the most direct access for the Beach Trail and coastal section of the Ridge Trail. Arrive early on weekends though, since it is smaller and fills up fast.
Which parking lot is closest to the start of Moro Canyon Trail?
The Los Trancos parking area is the most convenient lot for hiking the popular Moro Canyon/Beach route, located right off the main park road. Get there early on nice days, especially summer weekends.
If parking lots are full, can I park in the neighborhoods around Crystal Cove?
Yes, but observe all parking signs in nearby residential areas. Avoid blocking driveways or mailboxes. Popular streets include Cove Road and Abalone Point near Abalone Cove Beach.
How long can I park at Crystal Cove if I’m just going to the beach?
Day use fees allow parking from open to close. You can park to go to the beach, but overnight parking is prohibited. On summer weekends, beach parking costs a bit more at the lots near the cottages and Abalone Cove.
Is parking at Crystal Cove free on weekdays?
No, standard day use parking fees apply 7 days a week. However, the Abalone Cove lot only charges $25 on weekends and holidays – it’s $15 on weekdays. The inland lots are always $15. Beach access fees give Abalone the premium rate.
Where should I park for the South Ridge Trail at Crystal Cove?
The Abalone Cove lot provides the most direct South Ridge Trail access, but requires a pricey $25 summer weekend fee. Otherwise park along Cristianitos Road if you can snag a spot for this free street parking option near the ridge.
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My name is David James I am an adventurous hiker based in California. Through this weblog, I percentage my passion for exploring nature’s wonders, documenting breathtaking trails and hidden gemstones.