Huntington State Beach, CA

Huntington State Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Orange County, California, about 2 miles southeast of the famous Huntington Beach Pier. Huntington State Beach, located along Pacific Coast Highway, is known for swimming, surfing, bonfires, surf fishing, birdwatching, and sunset views. The beach hosts a number of events throughout the year, including surfing competitions and music festivals. Whether you're looking for a fun day in the sun or a relaxing getaway, Huntington State Beach is an excellent choice.

Plan Your Visit to Huntington State Beach Park

Planning a day at Huntington State Beach? Check out all the essentials before you go, including hours, parking, dog rules, bonfires, amenities, and nearby beaches. Discover more Huntington Beach beaches and plan your perfect Surf City USA^® beach day.

Detail	Visitor Information
Location	21601 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, CA extending from Beach Blvd. south towards the Santa Ana River near the Newport Beach boundary.
Best For	Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, beach bonfires, surf fishing, biking, walking, volleyball, basketball, birdwatching, and sunset views.
Hours	Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Entry gates close at 9 pm.
Parking	Day-use parking is available inside the state beach parking lots. Standard vehicle day-use fees are listed at $15 regular and $20 on summer weekends/holidays, with oversized vehicle rates also available. Fees can change, so visitors should confirm before arrival.
Amenities	Restrooms, drinking water, wheelchair accessibility, picnic areas, food service, swimming areas, fishing, nature viewing, surfing/windsurfing, bike trails, hiking trails, volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire rings, and a paved multi-use trail.
Dogs	Dogs are allowed only on the multi-use trail/bike path. Dogs are not allowed on the sand.
Bonfires	Bonfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Fire rings are popular and available on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved with a picnic area or special-use reservation.
Camping	Huntington State Beach is a day-use beach. Overnight camping/lodging reservations are not currently offered through the park.
Nearby Beaches	Huntington City Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Dog Beach, and Sunset Beach are all nearby options for different beach experiences.

Huntington Beach State Beach Parking - Hours & Entrance Information

Huntington Beach State Park is a public beach and visitors can enjoy the 121 acres for no cost from 6 am to 10 pm. Huntington State Beach provides ample parking lot space for $15 per day for standard rides and $30 per day for oversized vehicles, with no in/out privileges. Gates close at 9 pm. The maximum length for a trailer, camper, or motorhome is 40 feet.

Please note parking rates are subject to change at any time without notice.

Things to Do at Huntington Beach State Park

With over 3 miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder that this beach is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The beach offers a wide variety of activities such as surfing, volleyball, sunbathing, birdwatching, and fishing. Huntington State Beach restricts surfing in select areas during high season, making it a popular spot for swimmers, bodysurfers, and boogie boarders.

Swimming and Bodysurfing at Huntington State Beach

Swimming and bodysurfing are allowed at Huntington State Beach when lifeguards are present. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution, remain close to shore, and stay in sight of a lifeguard tower when possible. Huntington State Beach also tends to be less breezy than the nearby upcoast locations, but nevertheless can be chilly at times.

If you're looking for a more pier-adjacent swim, check out nearby Huntington City Beach.

Surfing at Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach is a premier spot for surfing. Through late spring, summer and into the fall, Huntington receives all swells directly from the south, making it perfect for prime waves. When the surf breaks in shallower water, it causes incoming waves to form desirable curled shapes as they crest. Surf at this beach often breaks very steep, rapid, and hollow, so novice surfers are not encouraged to surf at this location. Shortboards are highly recommended.

Surf Fishing, Volleyball, Basketball, and the Beach Path

Huntington State Beach is a popular spot for surf fishing. Anglers can catch perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon, and shovelnose guitarfish. Surf Fishing is permitted as long as there are no nearby swimmers, and a valid California fishing license must be displayed as required.

Beach volleyball nets are free to use and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and balls are available for rent at nearby beach concessionaires. There are also four oceanfront basketball courts available for shooting hoops just steps from the sand and surf.

There is also 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.

Birdwatching and the Huntington Beach Wetlands

Huntington State Beach is home to 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 a protected habitat located at the southern end of the beach between Talbert Channel and the Santa Ana River. The Huntington Beach Wetlands are located across Pacific Coast Highway and operated by the California State Department of Fish and Game.

For even more birdwatching opportunities, check out Bolsa Chica State Beach and the adjacent Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve about 6 miles north of Huntington State Beach.

Beach Bonfires and Fire Rings

Discover everything you need to know about having a beach bonfire in Huntington Beach. Explore beach bonfire hours, locations, what to bring, and more.

Learn more

Where to Stay Near Huntington State Beach

Huntington Beach is home to a wide range of accommodations just minutes from the sand, with convenient access to Huntington State Beach, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, waterfront dining, shopping, events, and other nearby coastal attractions. Whether you're planning a beach getaway, family vacation, or surf trip, staying in Huntington Beach puts you at the center of the Surf City USA^® experience.

Explore our Places to Stay guide and find the ideal home base for your visit.

Huntington Beach State Beach Rules

Restrictions: No alcohol, glass, dogs, smoking, RV camping, or tent camping allowed. Huntington State Beach is day-use only.

Concessions: Three snack shacks open daily during the summer, and on weekends during the off-season.

Perks: Guests are invited to BYOPG, or Bring Your Own Propane Grill. While you're at the beach, wave hello to the 114-acre Huntington Beach Wetlands across Pacific Coast Highway.

For more information, call (714) 536-1454 or visit the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Huntington State Beach?

Leashed dogs are only allowed on the paved multi-use trail (bike path). Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water unless they are registered service animals. Head to Huntington Dog Beach to enjoy the sand and surf with your pup!

How far is Huntington State Beach from Huntington Beach Pier?

Huntington State Beach is a little over two miles south of the Huntington Beach Pier, which is about a 7 minute drive. If you're looking to have closer access to the pier or Downtown Huntington Beach, we recommend opting for a beach day at Huntington City Beach.

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Huntington State Beach, CA