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How To Apply For A Special Event Permit
Review State Parks Guidelines
Before applying for a permit, please review our Special Event Guidelines. In this document, you will find our rules and regulations pertaining to hosting a special event at our beach.
Fill Out A Permit Application
Whether you are reserving a picnic area or planning to host a large special event, please fully complete our Special Event Permit Application.
Submit Your Application
Submit your completed Permit Application to our Special Events team (email, mail, or bring copy to our office - see Contact Us) at least 14 days before your proposed event date.
*A submitted permit application is not equivalent to event approval. Confirmation is still required by a Special Events staff member.
Contact Us
Megan.Gierhart@parks.ca.gov
Natalie.Nunez@parks.ca.gov
Please include both coordinators
in your e-mail.
Mail-In
Huntington State Beach
"ATTN: Special Events"
21601 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Walk-In
Bolsa Chica SB Visitor Center
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm Daily
Call
OCN Special Events Office
Phone: (714)377-9422
Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm M,T,W,F
Picnic Area 18
18A
Price: $250 per day
Holiday Price: $350 per day
Location: South of Lot 19
Next to the basketball courts
18A is closest to the parking lot
Amenities: Two picnic tables, one fire ring, partial shade, and wheelchair accessiblity
18B
Price: $50 per day
Holiday Price: $100 per day
Location: South of Lot 19
Next to the basketball courts
18B is the middle picnic area between A & C.
Amenities: One picnic table, partial shade, and wheelchair accessiblity
18C
Price: $250 per day
Holiday Price: $350 per day
Location: South of Lot 19
Next to the basketball courts
18C is furthest from the parking lot
Amenities: Two picnic tables, one fire ring, partial shade, and wheelchair accessiblity
Picnic Area 12
12A
Price: $200 per day
Holiday Price: $300 per day
Location: South end of Bolsa Chica, near Lifeguard Tower T
Amenities: Six wooden picnic tables, NOT shaded, and does NOT come with a fire ring.
12B
Price: $100 per day
Holiday Price: $200 per day
Location: Located on the south end of Bolsa Chica. This area is closest to the Bolsa Chica Tidal Inlet.
Amenities: One concrete picnic table, partial shade, and one fire ring.
12C
Price: $100 per day
Holiday Price: $200 per day
Location: Located on the south end of Bolsa Chica. This area is next to the restroom.
Amenities: One concrete picnic table, partial shade, and one fire ring.
Picnic Area 17
17A
Price: $200 per day
Holiday Price: $300 per day
Location: Concrete area north of parking lot 17 by Lifeguard Tower 20
Amenities: Five wooden picnic tables, NOT shaded and does NOT come with a fire ring.
Forms & Resources
PARK GUIDELINESPERMIT APPLICATIONCREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORMALCOHOL WAIVERCERTIFICATE OF INSURANCEBOLSA CHICA MAPPICNIC AREAS MAP
Additional Information | FAQ
A Special Events staff member will reach out to collect fees after availability is confirmed and after your event has been approved.
A team member will contact the phone number listed on your permit application to collect any event fees paid by card. A Credit Card Authorization Form must be submitted to our Special Event Coordinators (see "Contact Us") prior to any credit/debit card payments. Checks not accepted.
ALL RESERVATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Date changes will be considered as long as date is in the same calendar year. Cancellations due to natural disasters, fires, floods, earthquakes where reserved area is affected MAY be refunded with Park Superintendent approval ONLY. Normal rain or wind does not qualify as a natural disaster.
- Volleyball nets are located in front of PCH Tacos (Lifeguard Tower 17) and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are welcome to bring their own volleyball equipment.
- The basketball court is located on the concrete area inland from the Lifeguard Tower 21, at the south end of parking lot 19, and next to the 18 Picnic Areas. The basketball court is only exclusive if reserved; otherwise, it is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unless reserved with a picnic area, all fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Bolsa Chica. Each picnic area at this beach includes one fire pit per reservation except for areas 18B, 12A, and 17A.
There are roughly 200 fire rings available at this beach.
For grate tops to grill on the fire pit, our fire pit dimensions are:
- Inside Diameter: 3'1"
- Exterior Diameter: 4'10"
Any unreserved picnic areas are available on a first-come, first served basis.
OUTLETS AT PICNIC AREAS ARE NOT OPERATIONAL. Electricity does not run to any of our picnic areas. Visitors may request the use of their own provided generator via the special event permit application. Please read our General Park Guidelines for information on use of generators.
Picnic Table Dimensions: 92 inches (L) x 32 inches (W) x 32 inches (H)
Summer weddings are only permitted on weekdays between Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and Labor Day (first Monday of September). Weddings throughout the remainder of the year may be permitted for weekdays or weekends.
Below are some important guidelines to note when planning a wedding at Bolsa Chica State Beach:
- Processing Fee: $50 per Special Event Permit Application
- Site Fee: Each 40x40 foot space requires a $300 site fee. We kindly request a site map (drawing or graphic) of your event setup, which should include the location of the altar, chairs, tables, and other elements. The total site fee will depend on the amount of space you require.
- Contracted Services/Vendors: There is a $75 fee for each contracted vendor (e.g., table/chair rental, floral services, etc.). We also request a copy of the invoice from each vendor you plan to use.
- Outside Food Vendors: Please note that our concessionaire has the right of first refusal for all food and beverage services at both Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beach. Please contact our Special Event Coordinators for more information.
- Spencer Ramp: The Spencer Ramp (concrete path leading to ocean) is a public access path for pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles only. All loading and unloading must be done from the designated parking lot/spaces.
- Parking: All parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at a rate of $15 per vehicle (fee is subject to change on holidays, major event days, and summer weekends)
- Alcohol Waiver Permit: Alcohol is allowed on a case-by-case basis. The permit fee is $500 for up to 100 guests, with an additional $105 per hour for an alcohol monitor with a 4-hour minimum. Please note that alcohol fees apply regardless of whether you are selling or simply providing it for your guests. If you plan to sell alcohol, additional requirements apply. See "Alcohol" for pricing and additional information.
Bolsa Chica State Beach welcomes Celebrations of Life and Memorial Services under the following conditions:
- All events require a Special Event Permit Application be submitted at least 14 days prior to the proposed event date.
- Permit holders MUST confer with a Special Events team member regarding spreading of ashes.
- Parking cannot be included with the permit. All guests must pay day-use fees upon entry. Please plan accordingly (parking not guaranteed).
Alcohol for an event may be requested by submitting an Alcohol Waiver Form with your Special Events Permit Application. Alcohol is approved on a case-by-case basis.
Fees for inlcuding alcohol at your event may include the following:
- 100 Guests: $500 PLUS 1 monitor required
- 101-200 Guests: $750 PLUS 1 monitor required
- 201-999 Guests: $1200 PLUS 2 monitors required
- 1,000 Guests+: $2000 PLUS 2 or more monitors required
- Alcohol Monitor Fee: $105/hr for a 4 hour minimum
Please note that alcohol fees apply regardless of whether you are selling or simply providing it for your guests. If you plan to sell alcohol, additional requirements apply. Alcohol waivers are not permitted on the weekends during the peak season from Memorial to Labor Day.