Bolsa Chica State Beach

Welcome to Bolsa Chica State Beach!

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular beach destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. This area was once called "Tin Can Beach" before it became a state beach in 1960. Bolsa Chica is a perfect place to surf, sunbathe, play volleyball, enjoy water sports, hold family outings or watch the sunset. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70's-80's, while winter brings slightly cooler temperatures to the mid-60's. This beach consistently draws prime waves and surf breaks in shallower water, causing incoming waves to form a desirable curled shape as they crest.

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Activities

Fishing

Bolsa Chica is also a great 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.

Interpretive & Educational Programs

The Bolsa Chica State Beach Visitor Center features year-round educational displays in our Visitor Center (open 9:00am - 4:00pm, everyday) and programs. Don't miss out! To see what programs are coming up, please visit our Current Events Page!

Camping

This State Beach has 50 campsites with electric and water hookups for self-contained RVs (Note: Tent camping is not allowed at Bolsa Chica State Beach).

Accessibility

Picnic tables, outdoor showers and restrooms are accessible. A beach wheelchair is available for loan, with ramps for sand access.

Multi-Use Trail

There is a paved beachside trail that runs for 8.5 miles between Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches. Beach-goers are welcome to walk, run, skate, bike, scooter, etc. on this trail.

Please note that non-human powered equipment, with few exceptions, are subject to restriction on Orange Coast District Trails. Please see District Superintendent's Posted Order No. 925-23-14 for full details.

Fire Rings

Bolsa Chica State Beach offers close to 200 fire rings year-round, every day from 6:00am - 10:00pm. Enjoy a beach sunset around the bonfire with friends and family any time of year!

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The Bolsa Chica Wetlands

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. For more information regarding the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, please visit our partner pages by clicking the logos below:

 

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Location – Directions

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

Physical Address:

17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(not a USPS mailing address)

Lifeguard Service

Lifeguard Services at Bolsa Chica State Beach 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.

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Park Guidelines

• Our 200 fire rings are first come first serve, unless reserved with a picnic area through our Special Events Department.

• NO charcoal grills allowed. Coal and wood may be used in the fire rings only. You may bring your own propane grill but it must be at least 18" off the ground. Propane grills can be put anywhere on the beach behind the line of Lifeguard Towers. 

• NO alcohol allowed, unless approved with a Special Events Permit through our Special Events Department.

• NO balloons or piñata type items allowed. Please help us keep our space clean and our wildlife safe from mistaking these items for food.

• NO enclosed tents, ez-ups and open tarps only. 

• NO dogs on sand.  They can be on a leash on the multi-use trail and parking lots only, with the exception of service animals. For more information, visit our Service Animals in California State Parks page.

• RVs: NO pop-outs/awnings allowed. You may bring your RV but you must be inside it or on the beach. Each parking space must be available for a paid parked vehicle at all times.

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