6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday - Sunday
Gates close at 9:00 PM
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Updated: October 12, 2021
This beach unit is now open. It was closed earlier this month to allow for prompt and intensive intervention efforts from oil spill responders. The decision to reopen comes after coastal ocean and wetlands water quality testing results showed non-detectable amounts of oil associated toxins in the ocean water. Moving ahead, water quality testing will continue twice a week for at least the next two weeks. With the reopening of the state park units, California State Parks reminds everyone to utilize caution when visiting the beaches. Given the oil spill situation and impacts, an ongoing advisory notice remains in effect for all beaches in Huntington Beach. Beachgoers are advised to avoid areas where an oil smell is present. Further, we expect to see oiled materials and tar balls wash up on the beach, and individuals are advised not to handle or ingest any oil materials. If you do see oil or tar balls on the beach, please contact beach clean-up teams at tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov. View press release.
Resources: www.SoCalSpillResponse.com | www.parks.ca.gov/Incidents
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (January 7, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
COVID-19 Guidelines (January 7, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Current state guidance requires that masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, irrespective of vaccine status through February 15, 2022. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
Phone Number
(714) 377-5691
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 40 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 40 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only on the multiuse trail (bike path). Dogs not allowed on sand.
E-Bike LocationsDriving Directions to Bolsa Chica SB
The beach extends from Pacific Coast Highway at Golden West to Pacific Coast Highway at Warner Ave.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
#BolsaChicaStateBeach
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular state beach, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its location south of the community of Sunset Beach in Orange County. This area was once called "Tin Can Beach" and became a state beach in 1960. Bolsa Chica is a perfect place to go surfing, sunbathing, play volleyball, enjoy water sports, hold family outings or to watch the sun set. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70's-80's, while winter brings slightly cooler temperatures to the mid-60's. The beach consistently draws prime waves and the surf breaks in shallower water, causing incoming waves to form a desirable curled shape as they crest.
Bolsa Chica is also a place for surf fishing of perch, corbina, California corbina, croaker, cabezon, shovelnose guitar fish and sand shark. At new and full moons during the summer, visitors can enjoy bare-handed fishing for California grunion, a species that only spawns on sandy southern California beaches. Under state law, these fish may be caught by hand with a fishing permit. Wildlife and bird watching are also popular at this state beach.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is located across the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from the beach and is operated by the California Department of Fish and Game.
The Bolsa Chica State Beach Visitor Center features year-round interpretative displays and exhibits. The State Beach has 50 campsites with electric and water hookups for self-contained RVs. Picnic tables, outdoor showers and restrooms are accessible. A beach wheelchair is available for loan, with ramps for sand access. There is a paved beachside trail that runs for 8.5 miles between Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches.
Note: Tent camping is not allowed at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Fire rings are available every day of the year from 6 am to 10 pm.
Location – Directions
Bolsa Chica State Beach is located in Huntington Beach, California and extends three miles from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue along Pacific Coast Highway.
Physical Address:
17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(not a USPS mailing address)
Lifeguard Service
Lifeguard Services at Bolsa Chica State Beach are provided by the California State Parks Lifeguard Service. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round while lifeguard towers are staffed roughly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Our 200 fire rings are first come first serve, unless reserved with a picnic area (view our page regarding picnic reservations).
NO charcoal grills allowed. Coal and wood may be used in the fire rings only. You may bring your own propane grill but it must be at least 18" off the ground. Propane grills can be put anywhere on the beach behind the line of Lifeguard Towers.
NO alcohol allowed, unless approved with a Special Events Permit (view our page regarding Special Events).
NO balloons or piñata type items allowed. Please help us keep our wildlife safe from eating these items.
NO enclosed tents, ez-ups and open tarps only.
NO dogs on sand, they can be on a leash on the multi-use trail (bike path) only. View this document for information on Service Animals in State Parks
RVs: NO pop-outs/awnings allowed. You may bring your RV but you must be inside it or on the beach. Each parking space must be available for a paid parked vehicle at all times.
Additional Visitor Services
- LUV-2-CAMP, LLC (Camp Trailer Rentals)
- The Holidays Delivered (833) 268-8956 - (Camp Trailer Rentals)
- City of Huntington Beach (Operate and maintain property adjacent to Bolsa Chica Pier.)
- The Prjkt Concessions LLC (Food and Beverage Beach Stands)