California State Parks Provides Update on Coastal Storm Damage and Recovery Efforts at State Parks and Beaches in Orange County
Recent large surf and tides caused damage to several state beaches in Orange County. Photos from California State Parks
ORANGE COUNTY — California State Parks continues emergency response, cleanup and infrastructure repairs to Crystal Cove State Park (SP), Doheny State Beach (SB) and San Onofre SB following significant coastal erosion, flooding and damage caused by recent large surf and elevated tides from Tropical Storm Rachel and Kelvin waves.
While portions of the affected parks remain closed due to unsafe conditions and damaged infrastructure, State Parks staff are working expeditiously to restore public access and essential services while coordinating with local, state and federal agencies on immediate repairs and longer-term coastal resilience measures.
“The coastal damage at Crystal Cove, Doheny and San Onofre demonstrates the increasing challenges our coastal parks face from powerful ocean conditions,” said Orange Coast District Superintendent Scott Kibbey. “Our immediate priority remains public safety, protecting our historic and natural resources, and restoring public access and essential services as quickly and safely as possible. I'm grateful for the extraordinary work of our State Parks employees and the support of our local, state, federal and community partners as we respond to these impacts. Beyond the immediate recovery, we are working collaboratively to identify longer-term solutions that will help protect these treasured coastal resources for future generations.”
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove SP sustained some of the most significant damage at state parks, including coastal erosion, bluff instability, damaged utilities and impacts to historic facilities.
The following closures and recovery efforts remain in effect:
- Historic District Beach : Portions of the beach within the Historic District remain closed due to erosion, high tides, large surf and unsafe conditions. Visitors are asked to respect all posted closures.
- Historic Beach Cottages : The North Beach Cottages are reopening today, Oct. 14, and reservations will resume for those units. The South Beach Cottages remain temporarily closed while final water line repairs are completed. State Parks anticipates reopening the South Beach Cottages by the end of the week, pending completion of repairs and confirmation that water service has been fully restored.
- Emergency Protection Measures : State Parks staff are continuing to deploy sandbags and installing temporary structural supports and shoring around vulnerable historic cottages to prevent additional damage from coastal conditions.
- Cottage 13 (Beaches Cottage) : Emergency repairs are underway to the seawall behind Cottage 13 to stabilize the area and protect the historic structure. State Parks is coordinating with the California Coastal Commission on temporary and longer-term shoreline protection measures to reduce the risk of similar damage in the future.
- Pelican Point (P2) Beach Access : A bluff failure near Pelican Point has damaged the beach access trail at P2. The trail and associated beach access remain closed until further notice while staff assess slope stability and evaluate options for restoring safe access.
- Moro Cove Bluff Instability : The beach area at Moro Cove, south of Lifeguard Headquarters, remains closed until further notice due to a significant crack and instability in the coastal bluff. State Parks is working closely with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which is the lead agency for the associated stabilization and repair project. State Parks is facilitating access and supporting coordination to allow necessary assessments and repair work to proceed safely.
State Parks is working with the California Coastal Commission and other regulatory agencies to evaluate both temporary emergency measures and longer-term strategies to protect historic resources, park infrastructure and public access from future coastal erosion.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny SB remains open to the public as crews continue extensive cleanup and recovery operations following coastal flooding and the accumulation of storm-related debris throughout the park.
- Flooding and Parking Restrictions : Portions of the beach’s parking areas remain temporarily closed or restricted due to standing water and storm impacts. Visitors should follow posted signs and staff directions.
- Storm Debris Cleanup : Maintenance staff continue removing debris, clearing affected areas and restoring park facilities.
- Stormwater Infrastructure : State Parks is inspecting and servicing stormwater drainage systems so they are operational and capable of managing additional runoff and flooding.
- Interagency Coordination : State Parks is working closely with local partners to address flooding, drainage and cleanup needs. State Parks appreciates the assistance and partnership from local agencies in supporting recovery efforts.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Doheny SB while remaining mindful of temporary parking restrictions and active maintenance operations.
San Onofre State Beach – Surf Beach
Surf Beach continues to experience coastal flooding and erosion that have significantly impacted the access road, parking areas, restroom facilities and water infrastructure.
- Vehicle Access and Road Closure : The Surf Beach access road remains closed to vehicle traffic due to storm damage and ongoing unsafe conditions. Surf Beach remains open to pedestrians, bicyclists and surfers, except within designated construction or unsafe areas. The small upper paved lot remains open but has limited space.
- Alternative Access : Visitors are encouraged to use rideshare services for drop-off or park near Trail 1 and bicycle to Surf Beach, where permitted. These alternatives will help maintain recreational access while vehicle access and onsite parking remain restricted.
- Restroom and Water Service Repairs : State Parks is working to repair the damaged water line serving restroom 1 to restore essential restroom facilities and services as soon as possible.
- Shoreline Protection and Parking Restoration : State Parks is coordinating with the Surfrider Foundation, San Onofre State Parks Foundation, Achjachemen Nation, San Onofre Surfing Club and U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the landowner, to evaluate shoreline protection and restoration strategies. These efforts are focused on protecting vulnerable infrastructure and identifying solutions to restore additional onsite parking over the coming months.
Until vehicle access can be safely restored, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, travel light, use alternative transportation and consider visiting other nearby State Parks if vehicle access or parking is essential to their visit.
What's Next?
State Parks will continue monitoring coastal conditions, assessing infrastructure damage and advancing emergency repairs and shoreline protection measures. Reopening timelines will depend on site conditions, completion of necessary repairs and confirmation that affected areas are safe for public use.
Visitors are encouraged to follow posted closures, comply with staff directions and check current park conditions before traveling.
For the latest park conditions and closure information, visit:
How Californians Can Prepare
The recent coastal damage underscores the importance of preparing for additional storms, elevated surf and flooding during the upcoming winter season. California is taking early action to prepare for potential storm impacts associated with El Niño conditions.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to:
- Sign up for emergency alerts. Visit Listos California for local emergency notification resources.
- Know your flood risk. Understand whether your home, workplace or travel route is vulnerable to coastal flooding, erosion or stormwater impacts.
- Stay informed. Monitor weather and surf forecasts and follow instructions from emergency officials.
- Prepare an emergency plan. Keep essential supplies ready and establish evacuation plans for family members and pets.
- Avoid flooded roads and closed coastal areas. Never drive through floodwater or enter areas closed due to erosion, unstable bluffs or hazardous surf.
For additional preparedness information, visit the Listos California El Niño Preparedness Guide .
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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.