The Great Plein Air Experience 2025

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All......More

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All supplies will be provided! Class size is limited to 12. Minimum age is 16. Sign-up using the form below. Please note: a break will be provided for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMInstructor: Debbie MorinesLocation: Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage), Historic District, Crystal Cove State ParkWhat to Bring: Water, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, hat, and stool or chair (optional)Parking: Available in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual passPrice: $130 per workshop $110 for Crystal Cove Conservancy members Art Class Cancellation PolicyAny cancellation or transfer requests must be received by Crystal Cove Conservancy at least 72 hours before the start of the event.No refunds or transfers will be issued for no-shows or for change requests received after this time. You may request a cancellation by emailing Erin Andreatta at [email protected]. In the event of cancellation on behalf of Crystal Cove Conservancy due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Crystal Cove Conservancy will offer participants the choice of a refund or a transfer to a comparable event, if available.  

The Great Plein Air Experience 2025

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All......More

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All supplies will be provided! Class size is limited to 12. Minimum age is 16. Sign-up using the form below. Please note: a break will be provided for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMInstructor: Debbie MorinesLocation: Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage), Historic District, Crystal Cove State ParkWhat to Bring: Water, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, hat, and stool or chair (optional)Parking: Available in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual passPrice: $130 per workshop $110 for Crystal Cove Conservancy members Art Class Cancellation PolicyAny cancellation or transfer requests must be received by Crystal Cove Conservancy at least 72 hours before the start of the event.No refunds or transfers will be issued for no-shows or for change requests received after this time. You may request a cancellation by emailing Erin Andreatta at [email protected]. In the event of cancellation on behalf of Crystal Cove Conservancy due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Crystal Cove Conservancy will offer participants the choice of a refund or a transfer to a comparable event, if available.  

Thursdays in the Commons

Every Thursday June 26 – August 28 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Registration is not required 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 ecosyste......More

Every Thursday June 26 – August 28 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Registration is not required 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.

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

Explore the Cove Coastal Ecology Hike

Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as ......More

Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as native versus non-native species and their impact on natural communities and ecosystem functions. When: 10:30AM – 12:00PM Where to Meet: Education Commons in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails. 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.Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. Before the event, please print and fill out the Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here.

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

Historic District Walking Tours

June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMRegistration is not requiredThis 60-minute tour takes participants through the storied past of Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Led by Conservancy program staff, the walk explores themes of coa......More

June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMRegistration is not requiredThis 60-minute tour takes participants through the storied past of Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Led by Conservancy program staff, the walk explores themes of coastal development, preservation, and the community-led effort that saved the cottages from becoming a luxury resort. Attendees will visit restored interiors when available and gain insight into the ongoing work to protect this unique piece of California’s coastal heritage. Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and closed toed shoes 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 rainy weather.

The Great Plein Air Experience 2025

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All......More

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of a Crystal Cove plein air artist! No experience required this introductory class is recommended for novices only. All supplies will be provided! Class size is limited to 12. Minimum age is 16. Sign-up using the form below. Please note: a break will be provided for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMInstructor: Debbie MorinesLocation: Cottage #13 (The Beaches Cottage), Historic District, Crystal Cove State ParkWhat to Bring: Water, sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, hat, and stool or chair (optional)Parking: Available in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual passPrice: $130 per workshop $110 for Crystal Cove Conservancy members Art Class Cancellation PolicyAny cancellation or transfer requests must be received by Crystal Cove Conservancy at least 72 hours before the start of the event.No refunds or transfers will be issued for no-shows or for change requests received after this time. You may request a cancellation by emailing Erin Andreatta at [email protected]. In the event of cancellation on behalf of Crystal Cove Conservancy due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Crystal Cove Conservancy will offer participants the choice of a refund or a transfer to a comparable event, if available.  

Thursdays in the Commons

Every Thursday June 26 – August 28 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Registration is not required 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 ecosyste......More

Every Thursday June 26 – August 28 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Registration is not required 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.

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

Movies on the Beach

July 3, July 31 and August 28Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PMRegistration is not required.Join us for three magical movie nights under the stars at Crystal Cove! These free, family-friendly evenings are open to all, with a special invitation to our local community and Cottage gu......More

July 3, July 31 and August 28Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PMRegistration is not required.Join us for three magical movie nights under the stars at Crystal Cove! These free, family-friendly evenings are open to all, with a special invitation to our local community and Cottage guests. Each film will highlight themes connected to Crystal Cove State Park or The Conservancy’s mission of conservation and education. Before the sun sets and the movie begins, our programs staff will host hands-on art and science activities inspired by the film—inviting moviegoers to explore, create, and connect more deeply with the stories and the park itself. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. activities7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. movie (movie starts at 7:30 p.m.) Movie List: Moana 2 (July 3), Finding Dory (July 31), The Lorax (August 28)

Explore the Cove Coastal Ecology Hike

Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as ......More

Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as native versus non-native species and their impact on natural communities and ecosystem functions. When: 10:30AM – 12:00PM Where to Meet: Education Commons in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails. 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.Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. Before the event, please print and fill out the Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here.

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

Historic District Walking Tour

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators and former cottage residents, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. When: 2:00-3:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the......More

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators and former cottage residents, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. When: 2:00-3:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and closed toed shoes 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 rainy weather.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Historic District Walking Tours

June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMRegistration is not requiredThis 60-minute tour takes participants through the storied past of Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Led by Conservancy program staff, the walk explores themes of coa......More

June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMRegistration is not requiredThis 60-minute tour takes participants through the storied past of Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Led by Conservancy program staff, the walk explores themes of coastal development, preservation, and the community-led effort that saved the cottages from becoming a luxury resort. Attendees will visit restored interiors when available and gain insight into the ongoing work to protect this unique piece of California’s coastal heritage. Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and closed toed shoes 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 rainy weather.