Huntington State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Huntington State Beach

Entrance of Huntington State Beach (Huntington, California)

Huntington State Beach is a protected beach in Southern California, located in the City of Huntington Beach in Orange County.

The California State Park (Beach) extends two miles from Newport Beach (Santa Ana River) north to Beach Blvd. where the Huntington City Beach begins.

This beach is a popular destination for many beach enthusiasts. This beach has moderate to good surf, nice fishing conditions, volleyball courts, basketball courts, bathrooms, ramamdas, and fire-rings for bonfires. The beach is also sanctuary for the threatened snowy plover

Beach hours are 6am to 10pm everyday. Regular day use vehicle parking fees are $15 per vehicle. Discounts do apply (see official State Parks website). Here is the complete list of state parks camping fees and state parks day use fees.

Lifeguard Services at Huntington State Beach are 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 of Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach

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Location: Use following Coordinates: 33.6190N 117.997837°W in a GPS for exact locations. Huntington State Beach is located in the City of Huntington Beach, Orange County, California. The primary beach is located opposite Magnolia Avenue on Pacific Coast Highway. The beach can be traveled to by five different roads: Pacific Coast Highway, Beach Blvd., Newland St., Magnolia St., and Brookhurst St. There are two river mouths located at the southern end of the beach, Talbert Channel and the Santa Ana River. The beach is very wide and at sea level. Sandbars extend across and upcoast throughout the beach, creating shallow waters around the south end.

Huntington State Beach can be reached at 714-536-1454.

Recreation

Surfing in Huntington Beach

Huntington State Beach faces almost true south. Between late spring, summer and into the fall, Huntington State Beach directly receives all swells from the south. When swells from the North/West combine with south swells, Huntington State Beach is a premier spot for surfing. 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 in Huntington Beach

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.

Multi-Use Trail in Huntington Beach

A paved pathway extends acroos the length of the beach. This pathway is a small segment of a large trail commencing from Long Beach down to Balboa Pier at Newport Beach.

Sun Bathing in Huntington Beach

Southern California is known for great weather and plenty of sunshine. Huntington State Beach tends to be less breezy than nearby upcoast locations, nevertheless can be cold at times.

Fire rings in Huntington Beach

Huntington State Beach provides large fire rings across the beach. These rings are at 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 park. Park entrance closes at 2100 HRS, park officially closes at 2200 HRS.

Fishing in Huntington Beach

Huntington State Beach is a popular place for surf fishing. perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon and shovelnose guitarfish are among the fish that can be caught there. Huntington State Beach does permit surf fishing as long as there are no nearby swimmers. Fishing license must be displayed as required.

Bird Watching in Huntington Beach

A Least Tern and 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 nor anywhere near the reserve.

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Huntington State Beach.