6:00AM - 10:00PM
Monday - Sunday
Gates close at 9:00PM.
Huntington State Beach
Update (Feb. 3, 2021): With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted, State Parks is reopening campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other campground sites for new reservations, starting January 28. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for Huntington State Beach.
What is open now?
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for Huntington State Beach.
What is open now?
- All day-use parking lots.
- Park Office/Beach Headquarters.
- Main park road and multi-use trail.
- Bonfire pits.
- Volleyball nets.
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
- All concession stands.
- All special events outside of a single-family household.
- Some park units and campground sites continue to be temporarily closed due to the pandemic, impacts from wildfires or other issues. Please visit the webpage of your local outdoor destination to find out if it is open.
- High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home during this pandemic period. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time.
- Plan Ahead:
- The ongoing pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of your outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open, if parking is available, and what visitor guidelines are in effect.
- Learn what safety precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- SNO-PARKS: Make sure your vehicle is snow ready. A permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site. Parking is on a first come, first-serve basis at all SNO-PARK sites. The public is advised that parking lots are filling up early in the day. Illegal parking is prohibited. More information can be found at ohv.parks.ca.gov/SNOPARKS.
- Stay Safer at Six Feet: No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings or parties. If there are too many people to maintain the required physical distance, please visit us on a different day.
- Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
- Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
- Keep Clean: Be prepared as not all services may be available. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
- Stay Covered: The state requires you to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(714) 536-1454
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed only on the multiuse trail (bike path). Dogs not allowed on sand.
Driving Directions to Huntington SB
The beach is west of the intersection of Magnolia Avenue & Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in the City of Huntington Beach. The Lifeguard Headquarters is to the right of the entrance.Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Food Service
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
#HuntingtonStateBeach
Huntington State Beach is located in the City of Huntington Beach in Orange County. The 121 acre state beach is a popular destination for water enthusiasts of all ages and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors year round. Huntington in a great place to surf, swim, sunbathe, fish or just watch the sun set. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70s, while winter brings slightly cooler mid-60-degree weather. Morning fog is common. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire-rings for bonfires and a multi-use trail. A paved beachside trail runs for 8.5 miles between Huntington and Bolsa Chica State Beaches, with the 3.5-mile Huntington City Beach wedged between them. Huntington was gifted to the state in 1942 and became a California state beach in 1963.
Surf City USA
In 1910, city founder Henry Huntington hired Hawaiian-born surfer George Freeth, the “father of modern surfing,” to demonstrate the ancient Polynesian art of riding waves on a long wooden board at Huntington. He surfed using heavy Hawaiian surfboards ranging from 10 to 16 feet long. The sport grew more popular in California after Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku surfed at Huntington Beach Pier in 1925. The first West Coast Surfing Championship was held at Huntington in 1959. Surfing became widespread in the early 1960s and surfboards continually evolved to become shorter, lighter and more maneuverable. The sport of surfing crested in Huntington Beach and it became known as “Surf City USA.” It is now the home to the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, the International Surfing Museum, and hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing; the world’s largest annual surf competition.
Surfing
Huntington State Beach is a premier spot for surfing. Between late spring, summer and into the fall, Huntington receives all swells directly from the South; making for prime waves. When the surf breaks in shallower water, it causes incoming waves to form a desirable curled shape as they crest. Due to the Santa Ana River Jetties located at the southern end of the beach, large sandbars extend across and upcoast approximately 1 mile. These sandbars shift dramatically during the spring and summer seasons thus creating dangerous conditions. Surf at this beach often breaks very steep, rapid and hollow. Novice surfers are not encouraged to surf at this location. Shortboards are highly recommended.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed at Huntington State Beach with lifeguard services available. Ocean currents can be extremely dangerous at this beach creating large rip currents. Aquatic rescues are more than common and the probability of drowning for a non-swimmer in unguarded water is likely. Swimmers are advised to take extreme caution, remain close to shore and in front of a lifeguard tower. Huntington tends to be less breezy than nearby upcoast locations, nevertheless can be cold at times.
Fishing
Huntington is a popular place for surf fishing. Anglers can catch perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon and shovelnose guitarfish. Grunion Run events are scheduled during the summer and draw crowds for bare-handed fishing. This State Beach does permit surf fishing as long as there are no nearby swimmers. A valid CA Fishing License must be displayed as required.
Birdwatching
Huntington State Beach is the home of “California Least Terns,” an endangered species and is a nesting sanctuary of the “Snowy Plover,” a threatened species. Once-endangered “California Brown Pelicans” can often be seen skimming the shoreline. The Snowy Plover Reserve is located at the southern end of the beach between Talbert Channel and the Santa Ana River. Trespassing is prohibited and dogs are not allowed on the sand or anywhere near the Reserve. Across from the state beach is the 114-acre Huntington Beach Wetlands, operated by the Department of Fish and Game.
Fire Rings
This state beach provides large fire rings for “bonfires” across the beach. These fire rings are on a first come- first serve basis. Large fires are permitted as long as wood pallets are not used. Bonfires can remain until 2130 HRS; at that time all visitors must exit the state beach. The beach entrance closes at 2100 HRS, and the state beach officially closes at 2200 HRS.
Note: Huntington State Beach is for day-use only; camping is not permitted.
Lifeguard Services
Aquatic safety at Huntington State Beach is provided by the California State Parks Lifeguard Service. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round while lifeguard towers are staffed roughly Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Location
Huntington State Beach extends two miles from Beach Boulevard south to the Santa Ana River on the Newport Beach boundary.
Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 (mailing address for Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beach)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Our 200 fire rings are first come first serve, unless reserved with a picnic area (view our page regarding picnic reservations).
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 (view our page regarding Special Events).
NO balloons or piñata type items allowed on the beach. These items may be harmful to wildlife.
NO enclosed tents. Ez-ups and open tarps only.
NO dogs on sand. They can be on a leash on the multi-use trail (bike path) only. View the document regarding information on Service Animals in State Parks.
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.