Huntington Beach Hiking Trails
Whether you prefer to walk, hike, or trail run as a way to explore the outdoors, Huntington Beach hiking trails will have a route perfect for you and your activity. See a few of our recommendations for Huntington Beach hiking trails below.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
One cannot miss hiking trail recommendation, just north of Huntington Beach’s downtown, is the 1,400-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which features five miles of trails through restored wetlands. Spot more than 200 species of birds and marine life while admiring the stunning ocean view. For those interested in a more relaxing stroll, join one of the free tours given by local environmental organizations.
This reserve is right across the street from Bolsa Chica State Beach, a perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day of adventuring.
Hiking in Huntington Beach Central Park
Huntington Beach Central Park’s 365 acres offer miles of meandering trails and walking paths. The World Trail is a 1.2-mile loop dotted with 18 exercise stations over a 25-acre area.
Shipley Nature Center
There is also Shipley Nature Center, located in Huntington Beach Central Park West. This spot has trails throughout 18 acres of native habitat, and more than 200 bird species, and offers visitors a great escape from day-to-day responsibilities.
Huntington Dog Beach Trail
The Huntington Dog Beach Trail is the perfect trail if you are visiting with your furry family member. It is a nice out-and-back paved path that follows along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Once you are done getting your steps in, let your pup play in the waves at the dog beach you were walking next to moments ago.
Another popular spot to bring the kids and the pups to is Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park, which has playgrounds with spectacular views of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Located off Seapoint Street near Pacific Coast Highway, the 106-acre park is open from 7 am to sunset.
The Urban Forest, north of Ellis Avenue between Goldenwest and Edwards streets, is a passive park featuring California native plants, trees, and flora. This "secret" trail is great for hikers, off-road bicyclists, and even those on horseback from the nearby equestrian center.
Other popular trails neighboring Huntington Beach include Crystal Cove State Park and “Top of the World” in Laguna Beach.
Bike Trails in Huntington Beach
One of the more famous bike trails in Huntington Beach is the scenic Huntington Beach bike trail, also known as the Ocean Strand. Voted one of the top 10 coastal trails in the United States by Coastal Living Magazine, the paved Ocean Strand runs for 10 miles along the Huntington Beach coastline—a perfect bike path for bikers, joggers, walkers, and skaters. Beach concessions along the path rent bicycles by the hour or day.
The Ocean Strand also connects to the Santa Ana River Trail for an additional 110 miles of recreation, ending in Big Bear Lake, high in the San Bernardino Mountains.
