Paint the Park Plein Air - August 6

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].

Paint the Park Plein Air - August

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. When: Every Monday and Thursday, 9:00am – 2:00pm. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Los Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Canyon Visitor Center LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: Reef Point P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].

Movies on the Beach - The Wild Robot

Join Crystal Cove Conservancy for Movies on the Beach, a magical summer evening where the shoreline becomes an open air theater under the stars. Bring your blankets, low back beach chairs, and loved ones for a memorable coastal movie night in one of Southern California’......More

Join Crystal Cove Conservancy for Movies on the Beach, a magical summer evening where the shoreline becomes an open air theater under the stars. Bring your blankets, low back beach chairs, and loved ones for a memorable coastal movie night in one of Southern California’s most iconic settings. Before the film begins, enjoy family friendly educational tabling experiences designed to spark curiosity and connection with the natural world. Guests of all ages can explore hands on activities, meet community partners, and learn more about Crystal Cove’s unique coastal environment and the Conservancy’s work to protect it. Settle in with fresh movie theater popcorn, ocean breezes, and the sound of the waves as the sun goes down and the feature presentation begins. Whether you are making family memories, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying a classic beachside tradition, Movies on the Beach offers an unforgettable evening of community, conservation, and summertime fun. Location: Historic District Beach between Cottage #1 and Cottage #13 Please note: Film selection is subject to change. Events may be canceled in the case of inclement weather. Can’t make this screening? We have other movies you can attend!June 18 – Zootopia 2 – CANCELLED (Will be rescheduled to a later date) 7:00 – 8:15 PM, education tabling8:15 PM, movie START10:00 PM, movie ENDJuly 2 – Hoppers 7:00 – 8:15 PM, education tabling8:15 PM, movie START10:00 PM, movie ENDAugust 6 – The Wild Robot 6:30 – 7:45 PM, education tabling8:00 PM, movie START10:00 PM, movie END

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Members Only Paint the Park: August

Paint the Park: A Plein Air Experience SeriesJoin Crystal Cove Conservancy for Paint the Park, a rotating plein air series designed to help you slow down, look closely, and connect with the landscape through art. Inspired by our Great Plein Air experience, this series i......More

Paint the Park: A Plein Air Experience SeriesJoin Crystal Cove Conservancy for Paint the Park, a rotating plein air series designed to help you slow down, look closely, and connect with the landscape through art. Inspired by our Great Plein Air experience, this series invites participants to explore new locations across the park, each offering a fresh perspective and unique coastal setting. Designed with beginners in mind, this welcoming, hands-on experience offers light instruction and creative prompts, with plenty of time to paint and take it all in. All art supplies are provided. ——— Member Price: $50 Location : May 28 – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Los Trancos Parking LotJuly 10 – Moro Canyon, a backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust 7 – Moro Cove Overlook (a Coastal Landscape): Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P-6 Lot (at Reef Point)What to Bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection (hat recommended), and an optional stool or portable chair.——— Come for one or join us for all three, each session offers a new way to experience the park through art. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected] or Membership at [email protected].

Family Art Day

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a he......More

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a healthy tidepool, experiment with 3D watershed models to see how trash travels to the ocean, or meet puppet ambassadors who share ways to help protect their habitats. Conservancy staff will be on hand to spark conversation and connect each activity to our broader work in conservation and K–college education. With new activities introduced throughout the summer, families are invited to return often, deepen their connection to the Cove, and discover how they can help care for this extraordinary place. Registration is not required, just show up ready to create!

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Paint the Park Plein Air - August 13

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].

Historic District Walking Tour

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Cente......More

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable footwear for walking on compact dirt paths Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Paint the Park Plein Air - August 17

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].

Internal Affairs Committee (IAC) Meeting

Meetings will be held at the Cultural Center/Japanese Language School in Cottage #34 unless otherwise noted. Remote access will generally be available, though members are encouraged to attend in person whenever possible. Meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:30......More

Meetings will be held at the Cultural Center/Japanese Language School in Cottage #34 unless otherwise noted. Remote access will generally be available, though members are encouraged to attend in person whenever possible. Meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:30 PM.

Family Art Day

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a he......More

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a healthy tidepool, experiment with 3D watershed models to see how trash travels to the ocean, or meet puppet ambassadors who share ways to help protect their habitats. Conservancy staff will be on hand to spark conversation and connect each activity to our broader work in conservation and K–college education. With new activities introduced throughout the summer, families are invited to return often, deepen their connection to the Cove, and discover how they can help care for this extraordinary place. Registration is not required, just show up ready to create!

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Paint the Park Plein Air - August 20

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, sto......More

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.  The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.  Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftopElevation Change: +130 ft.Difficulty: EasyDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+Meeting Point: Education CommonsWhat to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trailsParking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi) Maps & Resources:

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Explore the Cove – Backcountry Ecology Hike

Set in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant ......More

Set in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant and animal species that make this region a biodiversity hotspot. Guided by Conservancy staff, the group will discuss fire ecology, restoration projects, land-use history, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore these fragile habitats. Along the way, guests will gain firsthand insight into how recreation and conservation coexist within the wildland–urban interface. Distance: 4.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Wide, hard-packed trail featuring a moderately steep ascent and descent along sections of eroded pathElevation Change: +585 ft (1.2 mi ascent via East Cut) / –675 ft (1.3 mi descent via B.F.I.)Difficulty: IntermediateDuration: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hoursSuggested Age: Adults and youth ages 8+What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trailsMeeting Point: Berns AmphitheaterParking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Bern’s Amphitheater → Moro Canyon Trailhead (0.1 mi) → East Cut Across (1.0 mi) → Moro Ridge (1.2 mi) → B.F.I. Trail (1.5 mi) → Return to Trailhead (0.4 mi) Maps & Resources: AllTrails Website Activity LinkAllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image  AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

Berns Amphitheatre

Family Art Day

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a he......More

Join us every Wednesday in the Commons! This weekly drop-in series invites visitors of all ages to engage with Crystal Cove through hands-on art and science activities that celebrate and explore local species and ecosystems. Participants might paint their vision of a healthy tidepool, experiment with 3D watershed models to see how trash travels to the ocean, or meet puppet ambassadors who share ways to help protect their habitats. Conservancy staff will be on hand to spark conversation and connect each activity to our broader work in conservation and K–college education. With new activities introduced throughout the summer, families are invited to return often, deepen their connection to the Cove, and discover how they can help care for this extraordinary place. Registration is not required, just show up ready to create!

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States