About Newport Coast - Muddy Creek Beach
Newport Coast/Crystal Cove is located off the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, California with easy access from I-5, 405 and 73. Crystal Cove State Park is located just north of Laguna Beach, California and just south of Corona Del Mar, California. Pacific Coast Highyway, Route 101, passes directly by the Park. There is parking both on the ocean side of PCH at Reef Point and Pelican Point as well as inland parking at El Moro Day Use Parking Area by the Ranger Station which can be reached by going inland at the Reef Point traffic signal. A few miles north from Reef Point is the Los Trancos parking area with trolley access to the Historic District. Parking fees: An All Day Parking Pass -$15
The park features three miles of Pacific coastline, plus wooded canyons, open bluffs, and offshore waters designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is known for its natural beauty and variety of activities. You can do anything from exploring tide pools to horseback riding in this 2,700 acre park with 3.25 miles of coastline. Pelican Point features blufftop trails and scenic views; there are steep beach access ramps with diving access from the beach below. The historic district features cottages and great eats like the Beachcomber Café right on the beach, and the Shake Shack above, right off of PCH. El Moro Canyon is across PCH and provides access to inland campsites and 18 miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Crystal Cove is a State Marine Conservation Area designated by the Marine Life Protection Act. Recreational take of finfish by hook and line of by spearfishing, and lobster and sea urchin is allowed. Take from tidepools is prohibited. The Muddy Creek Beach site location is in Muddy Canyon, about 1000 feet south of the Reef Point Dr. and PCH intersection.