Explore the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest saltwater marsh along the coast of California.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve By the Numbers:
- 30,000 people visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve each year.
- 8,000 years ago that Native Americans first made the estuary their home.
- Nearly 100 plants and trees found in the wetlands' five ecological zones.
- 321 species of birds spotted in the past decade, making Bolsa Chica a birder's paradise.
- 18 Number of rare species that call Bolsa Chica home, including the California brown pelican, American bald eagle, and the appropriately named silvery legless lizard.
- 5 miles of public hiking trails, which include scenic overlooks.
- 0 the number of dollars needed to tour Bolsa Chica--it's free!
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is located along Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue.
See the Western Snowy Plovers Nesting on the Beaches
See Western Snowy Plovers nesting on our wide-open sandy beaches this spring. You can often find them near the kelp that washes up on shore; that is where their favorite food source is. There is some fencing on our beaches to protect the Western Snowy Plovers nests. You can sign up to volunteer to help protect these birds in Huntington Beach with California State Parks.
Relax at Aarna Spa at the Paséa Hotel & Spa
Stay at the Paséa Hotel & Spa and join the Aarna Spa for a one-hour guided sound bath session. Their expert therapist will guide you through a spiritual cleansing experience aimed at transforming your mind and body to accomplish complete zen, all in Aarna Spa's new tranquil Salt Room featuring a large Himalayan Salt Wall, aimed at reducing stress, increasing energy, and enhancing your mood. Reserve today!
Discover the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center
Photo Credits: Craig Larson
The Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned native wildlife. They have a team of dedicated veterinarians, trained wildlife technicians, and certified volunteers who make their success possible. With the capabilities of rehabilitating over 400 animals at a time, the Wetland & Wildlife Care Center is a huge aspect in keeping our wildlife in Huntington Beach alive and well.
Free Rein Ecotours
On a fun, informative walking tour, guests can:
• Meet the Free Rein Foundation rescued horses and mustangs in the Free Rein pasture in southwest Huntington Central Park
• Tour the 400-horse, sea-breezed Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center
• Take a docent-led walk through the Huntington Beach Urban Forest, where more than 7,500 CA-friendly plants and trees and counting are enhancing habitat for native birds and animals
Learn more at freereintours.com
Explore Huntington Central Park
Huntington Central Park is the largest city-owned park in Orange County, covering 350 acres of land. It's a gem in Huntington Beach for residents and visitors to get back to nature. With the Secret Garden and Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Central Park encompassing full walking trails, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, redwood trees, meadows, and a freshwater wetland for visitors to take in the beauty and get grounded.
Huntington Central Park map.
Take a Walk in the Urban Forest
6681 Ellis Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Located in Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, the Urban Forest is a hidden gem in Huntington Beach that is covered in beautiful wildflowers and trees. In 2001 the first tree was planted in the Urban Forest, and since then, dedicated volunteers have planted more than 7,000 California native trees and plants. Discover pin, sycamore, and oak forests throughout the space.
