Bolsa Chica SB

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular state beach, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its location north 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 70s, while winter brings slightly cooler mid-60- degree weather. 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. Firepits are available every day of the year from 6 am to 10 pm.

Surfline provides an internet source of beach weather and surf reports, including live streaming video feeds, and is Proud Partner of California State Parks.

Location – Directions

Bolsa Chica State Beach is located in Huntington Beach, California and extends three miles from Sunset Beach to Seapoint Avenue along Pacific Coast Highway.

Lifeguard Service

Lifeguard Services at Bolsa Chica 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.

Bolsa Chica State Beach User Fees

Standard Vehicle Rates (April to September):
Day Use $15.00
Senior Day Use $14.00
Disabled Day Use $7.50*

Oversize Vehicle Rates:
Day Use $30.00
Senior Day Use $28.00
Disabled Day Use $22.50*

*Valid CA State Park Disabled Discount Pass required. Note: Golden Bear, Limited Use Golden Bear and State Parks Annual Pass prices remain unaffected.

Off-Season Rates (October to March):
Standard Vehicle Day Use $15.00 cash
“with Debit/Credit $13.50”
“valid Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays”

Oversize Vehicle Day Use $30.00
“with Debit/Credit $28.50”
“valid Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays”