Public Programs at Bolsa Chica
Select a program:
Grunion Run Run 4 The Birds Earth Day Junior Rangers
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 |
| Sat | 3/29 | 10:00pm-12:00am | OPEN | Register for 3/29 |
| Sat | 4/12 | 10:00pm-12:00am | CLOSED | Register for 4/12 |
| Wed | 5/28 | 10:00pm-12:00am | CLOSED | Register for 5/28 |
| 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.
Running is for the Birds
Bolsa Chica State Beach is partnering with the Amigos de Bolsa Chica to host Running is for the Birds, a 5K/10K Run/Walk/Plogging extravaganza.
Not a runner? No problem! Join a beach cleanup where you can pick up trash at your own pace or come to the race fair to learn more about the local birds, wetlands, and environmental stewardship going on at Bolsa Chica. Been to other races, but want to try something new? Try out “plogging” aka picking up trash while jogging. Have a kid bursting with energy? Sign them up for the kids fun run. This event has something for the whole family!
Parking is free for all participants, so make a day of it!
Find more information on the Running is for the Birds page.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 26th from 8:00am-11:00am
WHERE:
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Lifeguard Tower 28
Earth Day
Join Bolsa Chica State Beach, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, and Huntington Harbor to celebrate Earth Day! This three-site extravaganza will begin at Bolsa Chica State Beach by Tower 28. Come for a beach cleanup, walk across the street to the wetlands to learn about our local wildlife, and continue to Huntington Harbor for more activities.
Event is free. Parking for participants is free. Registration not required.
WHEN:
Sunday, April 27th, 2025 between 10:00am - 3:00pm
WHERE:
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Lifeguard Tower 28 (north parking lot closest to Warner Ave.)
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers will return in May 2025 every Friday at 3 pm 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
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