Bolsa Chica State Beach stretches along the famed Surf City USA coastline in Huntington Beach. It is a three-mile ribbon of Pacific beachfront paradise. Nestled between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Avenue, this vibrant state park balances high-energy recreation—like surfing and beach volleyball—with ecological richness, making it a standout Southern California destination.
What Makes Bolsa Chica State Beach Unique
Bolsa Chica is more than sand and surf—it sits adjacent to one of the region’s most important coastal wetlands. The beach is backed by the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a restored salt marsh and bird sanctuary that attracts over 200 species of birds and marine wildlife. Combine that with beachfront RV camping, plentiful recreational amenities, and year-round lifeguard patrols, and you’ve got a beach that truly delivers on both action and nature.
Activities & Amenities
Beach Access & Camping
The park features 57 RV campsites with water and electric hookups—many beachfront and all no-tent—to enjoy ocean views and campfire evenings. Check-in is noon, check-out is 2 p.m., and sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Walk-in visitors enjoy expansive beach access, while beach wheelchairs and ramps provide ADA-friendly sand entry.
Surfing, Swimming & Fishing
Surf zones are well-marked, lifeguarded in summer, and offer soft breaks ideal for all skill levels. Shore fishing for perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon, and guitarfish is popular. Summer’s new and full moons highlight grunion runs—catch them by hand with a permit. Swimming is allowed but always stay between the flags.
Volleyball, Basketball & Trails
Public volleyball and basketball courts dot the beach. The paved Bolsa Chica bike and pedestrian trail stretches 8.5 miles to Huntington State Beach—ideal for biking, running, skating, and walking.
Picnic Areas & Group Events
Scattered picnic tables and BBQ grills provide casual gathering spots. Nearly 200 fire rings line the beachfront for bonfires from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.—first-come, first-serve unless booked through park events.
Visitor Center, Interpretive Programs & Gift Shop
The Bolsa Chica Visitor Center offers year-round educational exhibits, guided programs, and birdwatching tips. Across the road, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center provides live-animal displays, wetlands exhibits, and a gift shop stocked with nature-themed souvenirs.
Restrooms, Showers & Drinking Water
Flushing toilets and outdoor showers are available throughout, with drinking fountains seasonally activated. The campground area includes restrooms, coin showers, an RV dump station, and potable water stations.
Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching
With immediate wetland access, you’ll spot egrets, herons, snowy plovers, terns, and sandpipers. Occasional visits by seals, dolphins, or migrating whales add coastal wonder. Interpretive programming highlights bird migrations and marsh ecology.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees & Reservations: Day-use parking fee; RV camping from $60–$70 per night—reserve via ReserveCalifornia. State Park passes accepted.
- Campsite Rules: RVs only—no tents. Pop-outs and awnings prohibited. Two-vehicle limit per site; no generators allowed.
- Grills & Fire Rings: Propane grills allowed 18″ above ground; wood/charcoal only in fire rings. Alcohol banned unless special permit obtained.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in campgrounds and trail areas; not on beach sand.
- Surf & Swim Safety: Swim near lifeguards; surf only in designated areas. Wetsuits recommended year-round.
- Grunion Runs: Permit required for night-time hand-fishing during specific full and new moon windows.
- Bike & Scooter Use: 5 mph speed limit; helmets required for riders under 18.
- Beach Rules: No charcoal grills; balloons and piñatas prohibited to protect wildlife.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Sunset is prime time at Bolsa Chica—gather around a fire ring with views of surfers riding golden waves. February through May sees peak bird migrations in the Ecological Reserve—join weekend interpretive walks for expert birding. A hidden gem: wander the reserve’s northern loop trail just after dawn to catch osprey patrolling the marsh and graceful egrets gliding over morning light. Afterwards, fuel up at a nearby Huntington Beach café for fresh acai bowls or hearty breakfast tacos before driving home.