Huntington State Beach is located in the City of Huntington Beach in Orange County. The 121 acre state beach is a popular destination for water enthusiasts of all ages and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors year round. Huntington in a great place to surf, swim, sunbathe, fish or just watch the sun set. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70s, while winter brings slightly cooler mid-60-degree weather. Morning fog is common. There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, fire-rings for bonfires and a multi-use trail. A paved beachside trail runs for 8.5 miles between Huntington and Bolsa Chica State Beaches, with the 3.5-mile Huntington City Beach wedged between them. Huntington was gifted to the state in 1942 and became a California state beach in 1963.






Huntington State Beach
Area
Additional Information
Good For
Activities
Rules & Regulations
Accessibility Description
RVs: No Pop-outs or Awnings Allowed
You may bring your recreational vehicle but you must be inside it or on the beach. Each parking space must be available for a paid parked vehicle at all times.
Fishing
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. Huntington tends to be less breezy than nearby upcoast locations, nevertheless can be cold at times.
Swimming
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. Huntington tends to be less breezy than nearby upcoast locations, nevertheless can be cold at times.
Surfing
Huntington State Beach is a premier spot for surfing. Between late spring, summer and into the fall, Huntington receives all swells directly from the South; making for prime waves. When the surf breaks in shallower water, it causes incoming waves to form a desirable curled shape as they crest. 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.
Beach Restrictions
- No alcohol allowed
- No balloons or piñata type things allowed anywhere on the beach (think environmental awareness). We do have wildlife that like to eat edible things they find.
- No enclosed tents; ez-ups and open tarps only
Lifeguard Services
Aquatic safety at Huntington State Beach is 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.
Dogs
No dogs on sand, they can be on a leash on paved multi-use trail (bike path) only. See "Service Animals in State Parks".
Birdwatching
Huntington State Beach is the home of “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 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 or anywhere near the Reserve. Across from the state beach is the 114-acre Huntington Beach Wetlands, operated by the Department of Fish and Game.
Parking Fees
Standard Vehicle Rates:
- Day Use: $15.00
- Senior Day Use: $14.00
- Disabled Day Use: $7.50*
Oversize Vehicle Rates:
- Day Use: $30.00
- Senior Day Use: $28.00
- Disabled Day Use: $22.50
Buses:
- 10-24 passenger: $50.00
- 25+ passenger: $100.00
*Valid CA State Park Disabled Discount Pass required. Note: Golden Bear, Limited Use Golden Bear, and State Parks Annual Pass prices remain unaffected.
*Your purchased ticket gets you in and out of the park and into any other State Park on the same day until closing as long as parking is available.
Location
This state beach is located opposite Magnolia Avenue on Pacific Coast Highway; and extends two miles from Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach south to the Santa Ana River on the Newport Beach boundary.
Fire Rings
Yes we have them! There are 200 on Huntington State Beach and they are first come, first served unless reserved with a picnic area (see "Event and Picnic Reservation Information"). Coals and wood can be used inside the Fire Rings only (no charcoal grills allowed). Large fires are permitted as long as wood pallets are not used. Bonfires can remain until 9:30pm; at that time all visitors must exit the state beach. The beach entrance closes at 9:00pm, and the state beach officially closes at 10:00pm.
You may bring your own PROPANE GRILL, it must be at least 18" off the ground and can be put anywhere on the beach behind the line of Lifeguard Towers.