2026 Parks Week Family Art Day - Celebrate Community & Culture

Celebrate California State Parks Week with a creative morning at Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly art program invites participants to gather at the Education Commons for hands-on activities inspired by the Cove’s......More

Celebrate California State Parks Week with a creative morning at Crystal Cove’s Historic District. Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly art program invites participants to gather at the Education Commons for hands-on activities inspired by the Cove’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, and conservation stories. Conservancy staff will lead a series of drop-in, nature-inspired art activities designed for all ages. Using simple materials and a bit of creativity, families will create their own artwork while learning about the ecosystems that make Crystal Cove State Park so special. No Registration Required! Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos parking lot on the inland side of PCH. Parking Day Use fee of $15 (free with CA State Parks pass). Use posted QR codes for payment. From there, walk through the tunnel and follow the path to the Historic District (approximately 15 minutes). Click here for map.

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

2026 Parks Week Family Plein Air - Celebrate Community & Culture

Photo Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy. Celebrate California State Parks Week with a morning of outdoor creativity at Crystal Cove. Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly program invites participants to experience the tradition of plein air painting wh......More

Photo Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy. Celebrate California State Parks Week with a morning of outdoor creativity at Crystal Cove. Hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy, this family-friendly program invites participants to experience the tradition of plein air painting while surrounded by the Park’s coastal landscapes and historic cottages.During this two-and-a-half-hour program, families with artists ages 8 and up will explore the basics of plein air painting while creating their own artwork inspired by the colors, textures, and scenery of Crystal Cove. Instructor Debbie Morines will guide participants through the process, encouraging observation, creativity, and connection to the Park’s natural beauty. No prior painting experience is required. Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos parking lot on the inland side of PCH. Parking Day Use fee of $16 (free with CA State Parks pass). Use posted QR codes for payment. From there, walk through the tunnel and follow the path to the Historic District (approximately 15 minutes). Location: The beach in front of Cottage #46 What to Bring: Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and water. All art materials will be provided.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

2026 Parks Week Explore New Experiences - Grunion Run

Explore New Experience by observing one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural phenomena during this special evening program with Crystal Cove Conservancy. Join Conservancy staff for a guided exploration of the grunion run, when small silver fish come ashore ......More

Explore New Experience by observing one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural phenomena during this special evening program with Crystal Cove Conservancy. Join Conservancy staff for a guided exploration of the grunion run, when small silver fish come ashore under the cover of night to spawn on sandy beaches. Participants will learn about grunion behavior, coastal ecology, and the unique conditions that bring these fish onto shore. After a short introduction, the group will walk to the beach to observe the run and, with a bit of luck, witness this remarkable event firsthand. Meeting Location: Education Commons, Crystal Cove Historic District Parking: Please park at the Los Trancos parking lot on the inland side of PCH. From there, walk through the tunnel and follow the path to the Historic District (approximately a 10-minute walk). What to Bring: Warm layers, comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for getting wet, and a flashlight or headlamp with a red-light setting.

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

Paint the Park Plein Air - June 15

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].

Board of Directors Meeting

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 - June 18

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].

Movies on the Beach - Zootopia 2

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 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

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 - June 25

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].

Queer Ecology Hike with Jason Wise

Crystal Cove Conservancy invites guests to celebrate Pride Month with a guided Queer Ecology Hike through Crystal Cove State Park led by naturalist and outdoor educator Jason Wise (@jasonjourneyman). Together, participants will explore the intersections of ecology, iden......More

Crystal Cove Conservancy invites guests to celebrate Pride Month with a guided Queer Ecology Hike through Crystal Cove State Park led by naturalist and outdoor educator Jason Wise (@jasonjourneyman). Together, participants will explore the intersections of ecology, identity, community, and belonging while hiking through one of Southern California’s most biodiverse coastal landscapes. Along the way, guests will learn about native plants, regional ecology, environmental stewardship, and the ways diversity in nature can deepen our understanding of connection, resilience, and coexistence. This welcoming and inclusive experience encourages curiosity, conversation, and community building in the outdoors while highlighting the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels safe, seen, and connected to nature. Meeting Location: Moro Canyon Trailhead at Crystal Cove State Park Route: Moro canyon, out-and-back, <2.0 miles. What to bring: This program includes a moderate paced outdoor hike on mostly flat, hard-packed terrain. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and layers. Advance registration is required. For questions, please contact Conservancy Education Manager Brent Castanon at [email protected]. About Jason: Jason Wise (he | him | his) is a certified California naturalist, outdoor environmental educator, a native plant daddy, and proud tree hugger with a Master’s in Environmental Policy. He teaches all ages about our inherent connections to nature, our regional urban ecology, queer ecology, and how we can all leave it better, including advocating to protect and respect our public lands. Let’s grow community together through nature.

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.  Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event 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

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

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. Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. 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

Cove Talk with Rosanna Xia: California Against the Sea

Join us for an inspiring Cove Talk with Rosanna Xia, award-winning environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times and author of California Against the Sea. Through years of reporting on California’s coastline, oceans, and communities, Rosanna has become one of the sta......More

Join us for an inspiring Cove Talk with Rosanna Xia, award-winning environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times and author of California Against the Sea. Through years of reporting on California’s coastline, oceans, and communities, Rosanna has become one of the state’s leading voices on climate change and sea level rise. In this engaging conversation, she will share stories from the front lines of a changing coast, exploring how rising seas are already reshaping California—and what choices lie ahead. Blending investigative journalism, human stories, and hopeful solutions, this discussion invites us to think deeply about resilience, adaptation, and our evolving relationship with the Pacific Ocean. Grounded in both urgency and optimism, Rosanna’s perspective offers a powerful lens into one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. Location: Special Event Deck at #34 Meet Rosanna:Rosanna Xia is an environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times, where she specializes in stories about the coast and ocean. Xia was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020 for explanatory reporting, and her celebrated book, “California Against the Sea,” received the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, a gold medal from the California Book Awards, and a special citation from the Library of Congress, among other honors. She has been praised for her investigative reporting and narrative storytelling, and her journalism has been anthologized in the “Best American Science and Nature Writing” series. Xia’s most recent project, the feature documentary “Out of Plain Sight,” is a cinematic expansion of one of her most haunting environmental exposés. The documentary has received numerous film festival honors, including the audience award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Jackson Wild Media Award for Best Investigative Film.