Dog-Friendly Trail of Crystal Cove

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach. Its dog-friendly paved trail along miles of Pacific coastline is a perfect place for an afternoon walk with your furry companion.


Directions to the Dog-Friendly Trail

While many trails in Crystal Cove State Park unfortunately don’t welcome our furry friends, there’s a ray of sunshine for dog owners – the dog-friendly paved Crystal Cove Trail by Pelican Point!

To access this tail-wagging adventure, simply make your way through the Pelican Point Entrance and pay the $15 parking fee. Whether you turn left or right upon entering doesn’t make a difference, as this paved trail isn’t a loop. Just follow the path from one end to the other, starting from whichever parking lot you choose.

Our Afternoon Journey

We made our way into the Crystal Cove State Park through the Pelican Point Entrance, veering left to find a parking spot. Once we were parked, we eagerly stepped onto the nicely paved trail, heading northwest to embark on our walk.

The walk was an absolute feast for the senses, with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and expansive fields of wildflowers that had Toby’s nose working overtime. Along the trail, we discovered conveniently located restrooms as well as some nifty dog waste bag dispensers, but remember to bring your own supply as well!

As we strolled along the well-marked path, we caught glimpses of tempting dirt trails branching off. However, it’s important to note that our furry friends aren’t allowed on those paths, so we stuck to the paved trail like responsible adventurers.

But there was a little viewing point open to us, where Toby was able to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. I’m pretty sure he was in awe of the stunning view!

Interactive Map

View our interactive map on Google Maps. Select the “Crystal Cove State Park” layer for a detailed map of our route!