At Crystal Cove Conservancy, our community programs invite people of all ages to experience the magic of Crystal Cove State Park through hands-on exploration, learning, and connection. Rooted in our mission to protect and preserve Crystal Cove’s natural, cultural, and historic resources, these events transform the park into a living classroom and creative hub. From thought-provoking Cove Talks with environmental leaders and family-friendly Thursdays in the Commons, to coastal hikes, plein air art workshops, and Movies on the Beach under the stars, each gathering offers a meaningful way to engage with the landscape and become part of a shared story of conservation. Whether you’re planting native species on Stewardship Saturdays or watching grunion run with a telescope in hand, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—and every moment helps protect this extraordinary place for future generations. Browse our calendar listing for upcoming events.
Stewardship Saturday
You and your family are invited to help us protect Crystal Cove State Park’s ecosystems. Join us on the second Saturday of each month to volunteer on conservation projects in the Park. The event is free with prior registration.
Plein Air Art Classes
Crystal Cove State Park has a long history of Plein Air artists painting and preserving its beautiful landscapes. Now you can be a part of this 100-year-old tradition! Spend a relaxing day with one of Crystal Cove State Park’s Plein Air artists while capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas. No experience required. Workshops are available novice painters.
Cove Talks
Cove Talks is Crystal Cove Conservancy’s speaker series that brings visionary leaders to Crystal Cove State Park to share bold ideas and fresh perspectives on protecting our coast and planet. Focused on environmental issues, each event features voices from across the field, including nonprofit leaders, California policymakers, scientists, authors, and academics. These engaging conversations invite the community to deepen their connection to nature while exploring the urgent challenges facing our parks, oceans, and environment.
Explore the Cove Coastal Ecology Hike
Cove Talks is Crystal Cove Conservancy’s speaker series that brings visionary leaders to Crystal Cove State Park to share bold ideas and fresh perspectives on protecting our coast and planet. Focused on environmental issues, each event features voices from across the field, including nonprofit leaders, California policymakers, scientists, authors, and academics. These engaging conversations invite the community to deepen their connection to nature while exploring the urgent challenges facing our parks, oceans, and environment.
Historic District Walking Tours
This 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.
Cove Talks
Cove Talks is Crystal Cove Conservancy’s speaker series that brings visionary leaders to Crystal Cove State Park to share bold ideas and fresh perspectives on protecting our coast and planet. Focused on environmental issues, each event features voices from across the field, including nonprofit leaders, California policymakers, scientists, authors, and academics. These engaging conversations invite the community to deepen their connection to nature while exploring the urgent challenges facing our parks, oceans, and environment.