Public Programs at Bolsa Chica

Bolsa Chica Grunion Runs

What are grunion?

Grunion are small, silvery marine fish that come completely out of the water to spawn on the sand during the high tides after the new and full moon.

These fish are only found along the Southern California and Baja California coastlines; therefore, witnessing them “dancing” on the sand is truly a California experience. Unfortunately, since the highest tides usually occur after beach curfews, it is very hard to watch this natural phenomenon on your own.

Is there a way to safely observe this unique occurrence?

Bolsa Chica State Beach offers a guided program that allows registered participants to safely park and watch the grunion run. State park staff will give visitors a short, educational program on the grunion before heading out on the sand to observe the fascinating mating ritual of these fish and enjoy s’mores by a complementary bonfire.

Visitors must register to attend. Space is limited. Please sign up by clicking on the RSVP link below for the date you desire and registering each participant in your group. Parking and event site details will be sent to all confirmed participants.

REMINDER: During the open season, a California fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older. Grunion may be taken by hand only. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. The daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish.

See California Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.

REGISTRATION FEE: $10 for Adults | $5 for children under 18
California State Parks will issue a refund if notified of cancellation 72-hours prior to your registered event. Please email Elizabeth.Bailey@parks.ca.gov for more information.

2026 GRUNION RUN DATES:

DAY	DATE	TIME	SEASON	REGISTRATION
FRI	3/20	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 3/20
FRI	4/3	10:30PM	CLOSED	Register for 4/3
SAT	5/2	10:00PM	CLOSED	Register for 5/2
MON	6/15	10:00PM	CLOSED	Register for 6/15
THUR	7/2	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 7/2
WED	7/15	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 7/15
FRI	7/31	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 7/31
FRI	8/14	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 8/14
SAT	8/29	10:30PM	OPEN	Register for 8/29

CLOSED SEASON = NO TAKE, Observation ONLY.
If you would like to catch grunion, please attend an open season program.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Limited space available.

Grunion Run Flyer 2026

Junior Rangers

Junior Rangers is designed for kids ages 7-12. It is a great way to get outside and learn about your local state park.

On this hour-long program, kids will learn about different topics in a fun and engaging way including crafts and games with State Park staff. When you finish a Junior Ranger Program, you will earn a wooden Badge with the name of the park you visited, a Logbook to record your experience, and a unique Stamp to go in your Logbook. Take your Logbook to the next California State Park you visit to continue earning awards and gaining firsthand knowledge of our state.

This program is free to attend. Parking is $15 for the day.

WHEN:

Programs run from 3-4PM

Friday, June 5 - Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Friday, June 12- Sea glass, Kids will learn about sea glass, go on a beach walk, and make a craft out of sea glass
Friday, June 19- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Friday, June 26- Seashells, Kids will learn about commonly found shells at Bolsa Chica SB, go on a shell walk, and make shell art in the sand
Wednesday, July 1- Survivor!, Kids will learn how to stay safe at the beach, compete in a beach survival obstacle course, and decorate a bandana to take home
Monday, July 6- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, July 8- Camouflage Adaptations, Kids will learn about different types of camouflage and play games to see these adaptations at work
Friday, July 10- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, July 13- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, July 15- Grunion, Kids will learn about grunion, participate in a short play, and decorate a fish bucket
Friday, July 17- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, July 20- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, July 22- Plants of Bolsa Chica, Kids will learn about plants at Bolsa Chica SB, play plant BINGO, and decorate a plant pot to take home
Friday, July 24- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, July 27- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, July 29- Buried Treasure, Kids will learn how to navigate, create their own map, and discover hidden treasure at Bolsa Chica SB
Friday, July 31- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, August 3- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, August 5- Marine Mammals, Kids will learn about three different marine mammals seen at Bolsa Chica SB
Friday, August 7- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, August 10- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, August 12- Birds, Kids will learn about commonly seen birds at Bolsa Chica SB, go on a bird walk, and decorate a bird suncatcher
Friday, August 14- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, August 17- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, August 19- Beachcomber, Kids will learn about the hobby of beachcombing, go on a walk, and make a craft with their found objects
Friday, August 21- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water
Monday, August 24- Microplastics, Kids will learn about microplastics and how to take action against pollution
Wednesday, August 26- Zero Waste, Kids will learn about environmentally friendly practices and make a craft
Friday, August 28- Citizen Science, Kids will take water samples from their local beach and learn how to test water quality and see the microscopic creatures living in a drop of water