Anaheimer

Crystal Cove state park is both a beach and a wilderness area with many hiking trail.

This 3 mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the newest additions to the state park system. Along with its pristine beaches, it covers 3000 acres of hills, canyons and trails. It also includes primitive campgrounds that only backpackers can get to.

Take a break from all the excitement at Anaheim's main attraction to commune with nature and forget the hustle and bustle of civilization. The trail is easily handled by young children 6 and up. Younger children may need help.  If the kids complain too much about the hike, remind them about the second part of this excursion: The beach.

First go to the El-Moro Canyon hiking trail (click here for directions).

Anaheimer Tip: The entrance to the trail may be a little confusing. Just remember that it is behind the El-Moro Elementary School.

Pay for parking, grab a trail map, then decide which hike you want to take. The El-Moro Canyon hike,  which starts blow the ranger station and behind the elementary school, is the easier one. If you are here for a short hike, stay on the main canyon trail and plan to turn back when you start to feel tired. If you are an avid hiker, keep going and try to make the whole loop through. When you get to the canyon you will enjoy real solitude, and lush greenery. Some of the plant in the area: sage, prickly pear cactus, monkeyflowers, golden bush, lemonade berry, deer weed and oak. There are several branches for this trail and most of them lead to the ridge where you can catch a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and maybe have a picnic lunch. The second major hike start above the ranger station and goes clockwise. This is the harder hike. It starts with a very steep incline before it tapers down and goes back to the canyon.

Anaheimer Tip: Those trails are also popular for mountain biking. If you have little ones, watch out for speedy bikes going downhill.

Related Books:

• Sun, Sand & Surf: The Ultimate Guide To Orange County Beaches
• Afoot & Afield Orange County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
• 101 Hikes in Southern California: Exploring Mountains, Seashore and Desert

Once you are done with the hike, keep your parking ticket and head out to the beach. Your ticket is good at all the crystal cove parking lots. While you are exiting to PCH, turn right then left on the first traffic light. That will take you to our favorite spot on this beach. After you climb the steep stairs down to the sand, you can start enjoying the surf, tide pools and rock formations. The kids can look for sea creatures and climb some rocks.

Anaheimer Tip: Try to pack light for this beach trip. Just remember that you have to climb the same steep stairs or ramp on the way back up.

Along the 3 mile stretch of beaches there is a nice pedestrian and bike trail. You can make this your easy hike instead of the El-Moro trail. The advantage: great views of the ocean. The disadvantage: You can hear the cars along PCH.

For additional exploration, try the other beaches at this state park, each with distinct personality: Treasure Cove; Historic Crystal Cove; 3.5 Cove; Scotchman’s Cove; Muddy Creek.

At Historic Cove you can rent a cottage - if you are lucky enough to get a reservation in time before they disappear.

Anaheimer Tip: The park closes down during stormy weather. And you ask why would I want to be there during a storm? I say it would be a stunning view from atop the cliffs.