Crystal Cove’s residents scurry and float and if possible, aim for “squatter’s rights” by adhering to a bit of Middle Miocene shale or sandstone.
The striped shore crab is one of the scurrying tenants. While the species varies in color, they are consistent in their need to forage for algae and dead animal matter.
They’re as happy on land as in the water, splitting their time equally between each and measure only two to three inches in diameter.
Crystal Cove State Park Map and Visitor Information
Crystal Cove State Park; Irvine, California
3 miles of Pacific coastline with underwater park plus 2300 acres of bluffs and wooded canyons!
Hiking, biking (single track mountain & dirt road), fishing, kayaking, surfing, and “tidepooling”!
Directions: Just off of the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1) between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Easy access via I-5, 405 & 73.
Admission: Daily State Park Fee (good at multiple state parks on same day): $10 / Annual Pass: $125
Weather Conditions: 949-494-3539
Historic District Cottage Rentals
Park Website
View Crystal Cove in a larger map
These mini size shore crabs are beautiful. They can be found nearby my jogging trek as well.
These crab are cute! My youngest would love to get his hands on one of these guys.
Rainfield: The shell markings are striking, and the coloration varies from crab to crab. It sounds like they have a decent range if they’re also in Malaysia!
Trisha: They’re a lot of fun to watch. Very busy little guys (probably similar to your son in that aspect!)…
Hmmm… really very interesting creatures! I may be feeling a tad guilty for eating a couple of them recently.
Is there anything more delicious than a crab cake? 
Christen: I’m thinking you encountered second cousins twice-removed or some such… Sized at only two to three inches, these guys couldn’t fill a fork, much less a meal! Thank goodness. I am, also, a big seafood fan!
What a beautiful post and photos, Heather!!! I have never seen crabs like this up close and Crystal Cove sounds delightful. The name begs for a mystery novel.
Finished my second book project and have my life back for the summer.
Hugs, JJ
Colorful little guys indeed. Wow, you were so close. Shoud have stopped by to give me a coffee making lesson.
Anyway, back to the critters. Don’t hate me but you know that in a small town – St Michaels, MD – a lot of these little guys end up between two slices of bread.
Welcome back, looks like you had quite the trip.
Thanks JJ. Yes, I’m thinking that between the critters, the Cove and the intriguing historic district, you’ve got a “novel” location. ~And from the beach, you can see some of the coastline pictured in the “Three Hour Tour” (always want to do the echo on that!) of the unfortunate SS Minnow (“Gilligan’s Island”).
I’m thrilled for your success, JJ! ~And thrilled for those who will discover your talent through the new book.
Intrepid: I was, huh? Yeah. You REALLY want to learn barista skills from me (heavy irony, but thankfully, no coffee incidents lately).
Seafood rates high on my personal menu. These guys were small enough to remain simply cute, however, not hunger inducing. ~And yes, it was a great trip! Lots of active exploring time, which is my essential rejuvenation ingredient…
So Heather, if I went fishing at Crystal Cove, would I catch fish or crabs? Would it be against the law to trap the crabs and later eat them? I love seafood…..good to see you got your exercise in!
Mark: It seems like they catch about everything off that southern coastline, even the occasional lobster! Recreational fishing regulations apply at Crystal Cove; it’s a popular fishing spot.
I miss that fresh seafood now that I’m back in Ohio!
hi my mane is Nefi and i went to the la jolla shores and me and my family walked around the water pools and we caught some lined shore crabs and i was wondering what they eat how they live why they bubble and things like that so please email me back
Nefthali torres
As if they are embroidered with beads!
Hotels Paphos: They do glitter as if they’ve been beaded when they’re underwater. Very entertaining creatures to watch!