Moro Campground

Biking in Crystal Cove, also known as El Moro Canyon, is an adventure AND a bit of a workout. Most trails are open to biking of all levels-- most of them are fire roads, but there are a good number of single track trails. They can be a bit steep, but the rushing coastal air and ocean vistas will definitely make it an unforgettable ride (even when you keep coming back). Maybe you’ll see some rattlesnakes along the way, or maybe you’ll bust through a challenging ride to see a killer view you didn’t know about before. You won’t know until you try it!

You can do some surf fishing at the beach and around the Laguna Beach area, but you can’t take your catch home with you! If you find some lobsters and sea urchins, though, you can take those no problem. Bring your fishing boat out and try your luck past the kelp beds, go spear fishing, or see the marine critters when you go tidepooling. You can’t take anything from the tidepools or beaches, nor can you use anything you find for bait. Check out the list of things you CAN take here and, as always, make sure you have a fishing permit before heading out.

There are many trails that vary in length and difficulty, but they all offer a healthy workout challenge for sure. There are three main loops: the Green Route is a moderate, hilly and short trail, the Red Route is an intermediate workout, and the Blue Route is a long voyage around the park’s perimeters, definitely not for the weak of heart. Take a break from the world and lose yourself in this amazing beachside park, there’s so much to see and do as you hike your way through the miles and miles of trails, and the views from above make the journey well worth it. Check out more on everytrail.

Horses can explore to their hearts’ content on all backcountry trails. That means thousands of acres and tens of miles to trot through. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the beach (sorry, no romantic horseback riding into the sunset). Regardless, this is a great park to go riding, and the steep trails will be much easier on four legs than your own two.

Word on the street is that Crystal Cove is a kayaking hotspot. Launch your kayak between Moro Cove and Muddy Creek, or south from the Historic District above Treasure Cove. The only place where you can’t launch is between Muddy Creek and the cottages. Since you can’t drive on the beach, you’re going to have to lug your kayak around, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The Pacific ocean’s calming push and pull as well as the incredible marine life (there’s an underwater park for marine conservation!) should more than make up for it. But wait, there’s more! See the snorkeling section below...

Crystal Cove is a popular surf spot. Rolling waves and beautiful ocean waters make it really quite dreamy. Check out surf reports before you head out!

Swimming, surfing and kayaking are all in separate sections of the beach, so make sure you check with the park to see if you’re in the right spot. Splash some waves while you cool off from the hot sand under the warm southern California sun.

Fun fact: this is one of the best places to go wildlife watching in the Los Angeles area! Purple shore crabs, sea hares and sea anemones are only a handful of the crazy marine life you can find at the beach; while lizards, snakes (there are some rattlers) and cottontail rabbits thrive on the bluffs. In open areas, Wile E. Coyote and road runners wreak havoc while red-tailed hawks, toads and many other critters look on. Come between December and April for some gray whale watching!