6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday - Sunday
Gates close at 9:00 PM
Bolsa Chica State Beach
UPDATE (June 12, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Bolsa Chica State Beach:
What is open now?
The following is open at the park:
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this Park:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Bolsa Chica State Beach:
What is open now?
The following is open at the park:
- Parking is open to full capacity. Gates close at 9 p.m. and the park closes at 10 p.m.
- Campgrounds will open at limited capacity to maintain social distancing and avoid large group gatherings starting June 12. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. Walk-ins will NOT be allowed.
- Visitors can pay with cash, credit card or Passport Parking App.
- Limited bathroom facilities are also available.
- Fire rings
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this Park:
- The Lifeguard Headquarters and Visitor Center and the park office remain closed
- Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Some campgrounds have started to reopen with modifications. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping
- High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
- Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
- Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
- Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
- Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(714) 377-5691
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 40 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 40 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only on the multiuse trail (bike path). Dogs not allowed on sand.
Driving 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
In an effort to protect public health and the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff as the state responds to the continued threat of COVID-19, California State Parks is temporarily closing the District Office, Sector Offices and Visitor Centers within the Orange Coast District. While we are not directly affected by COVID-19, we are monitoring the situation carefully and are committed to being responsive and following California Governor’s updated policy on social gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The parks will remain open for Day Use and Camping. We recognize the importance of visiting all the parks and beach within Orange Coast District represents an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air with family and friends and escape from our daily routines. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your visit. We thank you for your patience, trust and continued support. We’d also like to thank our volunteers and staff for their commitment and dedication as public servants through these challenging circumstances. For the most up-to-date information, please follow our Facebook page California State Parks – Orange Coast District.
GIRL SCOUTS LOVE STATE PARKS CLICK HERE!
#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)
- City of Huntington Beach (Operate and maintain property adjacent to Bolsa Chica Pier.)
- The Prjkt Concessions LLC (Food and Beverage Beach Stands)