California State Parks Temporarily Closes Parts of Crystal Cove State Park and San Onofre State Beach Due to Damage from High Surf and Coastal Erosion
Contact: District Superintendent Scott.Kibbey@parks.ca.gov I (279) 759-9024
ORANGE COUNTY – California State Parks has temporarily closed portions of Crystal Cove State Park (SP) and San Onofre State Beach (SB) following significant coastal erosion and infrastructure damage caused by recent high tides and large surf from Tropical Storm Rachel. These closures are necessary as the storm is expected to peak over the weekend and to protect public safety, prevent further damage to park facilities, and allow crews to conduct emergency repairs.
At Crystal Cove SP, portions of the Historic District beach are temporarily closed due to significant erosion and damage to coastal infrastructure. As a precautionary measure, occupants of 26 cottages in vulnerable areas of the Historic District are being evacuated. Reservations are canceled through at least Oct. 13 and could be extended depending on conditions. State Parks staff are continuing to assess damage to the historic facilities, beach access areas and utilities while evaluating temporary measures to protect these resources from additional wave impacts. State Parks is also installing temporary, sand-filled barriers in vulnerable areas to help absorb wave energy, reduce erosion and protect threatened facilities and historic resources.
“State Parks recognizes how important these beaches are to Orange County communities and appreciates the public’s patience as we work through these challenging conditions,” said Orange Coast District Superintendent Scott Kibbey. “Our immediate priority is protecting public safety while taking necessary emergency actions to safeguard park infrastructure and preserve public access wherever conditions allow. We will continue working with our agency partners and coastal stakeholders on both immediate protective measures and longer-term solutions to improve the resilience of these treasured coastal resources.”
At San Onofre SB’s Surf Beach, significant coastal erosion has damaged the shoreline, roadway, parking areas and utility infrastructure. A water main serving the beach restrooms was exposed and broken by the surf, leaving restroom facilities and water service unavailable. Portions of Surf Beach temporarily closed today, including the access road and parking areas while crews and heavy equipment conduct emergency work, including the removal of a threatened restroom building. Vehicle access will be significantly limited, and pedestrian and bicycle access will be restricted within active construction areas. Surf Beach will remain open to surfers, pedestrians, and bicyclists outside designated work zones, subject to changing conditions.
Additional facilities at Surf Beach remain threatened by continued erosion, and further emergency removals or protective measures may be necessary in the coming weeks.
Large surf and elevated tides are expected to continue through the weekend, with potentially damaging conditions forecast for Sunday, Oct.11. State Parks staff will monitor conditions closely and reassess the extent and duration of closures as necessary.
State Parks is coordinating with the appropriate regulatory agencies and partners, including U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the landowner at San Onofre SB, to evaluate emergency shoreline protection and restoration options.
Visitors are encouraged to avoid closed areas, respect posted signage and staff directions, and consider visiting other state parks while emergency operations are underway.
State Parks will continue to provide updates as conditions change and as additional information becomes available. The timing for reopening affected areas will depend on ocean conditions, damage assessments, and the completion of necessary emergency work.
For the latest park conditions and closure information, visit the Crystal Cove SP and San Onofre SB webpages.
How Californians can prepare
The coastal damage is ahead of a potentially historic winter storm season amid an unprecedented El Niño forecast. California is taking early action to prepare for storm impacts. Californians should prepare now for the possibility of heavy rain, snow and flooding:
- Sign up for alerts. Get local emergency alerts here and follow trusted sources.
- Know your flood risk. Find out whether your home or workplace is in a flood-prone area or downslope of an area recently affected by wildfire, where heavy rain can increase the risk of flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.
- Stay informed. Pay attention to weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county. Conditions can change quickly during major storms, so follow instructions from local emergency officials.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you would go and how you would get there if you need to leave quickly. Keep an emergency kit ready, including plans, medications, and supplies for pets and other animals.
- Never drive through floodwater. Water on flooded roads can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears, and roadways may be damaged or washed out beneath the water. Turn around and find another route.
For flood-risk tips by region, a household checklist, and what to do after a storm, see CalOES’s Listos California El Niño preparedness guide.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.