Public Programs at Bolsa Chica

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Grunion Run Junior Rangers Litter Getters

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 free, 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 RSVP to attend as 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.

WHERE:

Bolsa Chica State Beach

2025 GRUNION RUN DATES:

DAY	DATE	TIME	SEASON	REGISTRATION
Fri	6/27	11:00pm-1:00am	CLOSED	Register for 6/27
Sat	7/12	10:30pm-12:30am	OPEN	Register for 7/12
Sat	7/26	10:30pm-12:30am	OPEN	Register for 7/26
Sat	8/9	10:00pm-11:30pm	OPEN	Register for 8/9

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

The Bolsa Chica Interpretive and Education team works in tandem with the Bolsa Chica Junior Lifeguard Program to set up registration for these events. Please scroll past information about the Junior Lifeguard Program to the bottom of the page, where you will find the option to "Sign Up Now!" for this event on your chosen date.

This program is FREE.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Limited space available.

Grunion Run Flyer 2025

Junior Rangers

Junior Rangers will take place every Friday at 3 pm in June at the middle picnic tables in the campground at Bolsa Chica. Junior Rangers are geared toward kids ages 7-12 to explore their local state park. These events are free to attend.

WHEN:
Every Friday (starting May) between 3:00pm - 4:00pm

WHERE:
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground Picnic Tables

Litter Getters

Litter Getters is an all-ages beach cleanup perfect for kids and adults to get outside at their local state park and make a difference.

On this hour-long volunteer event participants will go through a short safety orientation grab supplies and head out on the sand to look for trash treasures with State Park staff! At the end of the program each volunteer will receive a prize and the satisfaction that comes with doing a good deed.

You do not need to RSVP to attend - just show up!

WHERE: Meet at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground Picnic Tables. We recommend participants park by Beach City Provisions - our oceanfront concession - and walk over from there.

WHEN: Every Tuesday from June through August, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

For the most comfortable experience, we recommend bringing:

Layers
A Hat
Shoes that you don't mind getting dirty
Hair tie (if you have long hair - it can get windy)
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen