Tucked away but hardly nondescript, the green sea anemone waits like a lovely flower. Its adhesive foot or pedal disc anchors it to rock or coral while its tentacles spread to welcome its prey. Urchins, fish, crab… any that wander close enough will be stung with a paralyzing neurotoxin and guided into the sea creature’s mouth.
The green sea anemones we spotted in Crystal Cove can be found along North America’s west coast from Alaska to Baja California. They receive their vibrant coloring from a symbiotic relationship with green algae: The anemone provides a safe environment for the algae’s photosynthesis; the anemone in turn makes use of the sugar and oxygen that are byproducts of the process.
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
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