As a welcoming community known for its beaches, it's important for everyone to be able to experience the sweeping sense of peace the crashing waves and sea breeze bring.
The City of Huntington Beach, including Public Works, Marine Safety, and Beach Maintenance, along with charitable organizations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and Warriors with Hope, have been working to make attractions more accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other assistive devices. Though there's still work to be done, Huntington Beach is proud to be in the top 10 of "10 Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in the US from Florida to Hawaii" by Conde Nast Traveler, and hopes to only improve in the years to come.
Photo: Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG
"The ocean has such a powerful way to heal, to address our mental health and make us feel good. I think about all the individuals who will now be able to have the benefit of rolling down or walking with a cane to dip their toes into the water, to sit there and listen to the sound of the waves crashing." - Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley
Paved Beach Path
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The Bolsa Chica Multi-Use Trail, otherwise known as the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, is a flat, paved pathway that stretches nearly 8.5 miles from the northern tip of Bolsa Chica State Beach, along Huntington City Beach, and ends at the southern tip of Huntington State Beach. Huntington State Beach currently has an additional four wide, paved paths leading from the Bike Trail providing access to the beach. There are shade structures with accessible features available at the foot of both Newland Street and Brookhurst Street, and designated accessible parking and restrooms are located nearby. Bolsa Chica State Beach's paved pathways are adjacent to Parking Lots #17 and #18, but can be accessed anywhere along the Bike Trail. State Parks intends to redo the beach concrete paths in 2023 so they reach all the way down to the ocean, according to Superintendent Kevin Pearsall.
Mobi-Mats
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Huntington Beach's two beach Mobi-Mats provide convenient shoreline access on Huntington City Beach. These mats lay on the sand and stretch all the way down to the water's edge during high tide. Made of 100% recycled water bottles, Mobi-Mats prevent wheeled devices from sinking into the sand and make wheeling down to the coastline much easier for wheelchair users, people pushing strollers, people using walkers, and more.
The City of Huntington Beach installed the first Mobi-Mat on May 5, 2021 on City Beach at 6th Street (just north of the Huntington Beach Pier). A second one was installed soon after between First Street and Huntington Street (south of the Pier). The City is looking to add more Mobi-Mats along the nearly 10-mile-long coastline in the near future.
Beach Wheelchairs
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RV camping in Huntington Beach offers no shortage of ocean views, relaxation, and outdoor activities. There are six accessible RV campsites with water and electrical hookups at Bolsa Chica State Beach RV Camping. Located between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue, the campground hosts picnic tables, fire rings, dining options, and convenient access to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
Campsites become available each day at 8 a.m. for a period of six months in advance. For more information, call (800) 444-7275.
All-Inclusive Beach Playground
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First opened in 2018, the All-Inclusive Playground on Huntington City Beach can be accessed from the existing pathways from the parking areas and beach path on the north side of the pier. The concept of the playground, created by Dave Bang Associates, Inc., is designed to be all-inclusive with the play units designed to provide accessibility and promote interactive play among children of all abilities. The entire play area is surfaced with rubber as approved by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The playground is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (714) 536-5486.
Rocky McKinnon's Adaptive Surf Program
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Many people come to Surf City USA® to do just that - surf. Former professional surfer Rocky McKinnon set out to make surfing a more inclusive sport so those with physical disabilities are able to experience the thrill of catching waves. McKinnon designed a 14 ft. chair board specifically for adaptive surfing and currently offers hour-long tandem surfing or chair boarding lessons (both versions are accompanied by safety professionals). Learn more about McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons and reserve lessons here.
