BEACHES

it’s all about THE BEACHES

Surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, bonfire pits—Surf City USA has every pleasure on the sand. With 10 open miles of coastline divided up into five world-class beaches, what more could you want?

BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH

BY JENNIFER HERRON

HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH

Voted “Best Beach” by OC Register - Best of Orange County, 2021

Location: Goldenwest St. south to Beach Blvd. along Pacific Coast Hwy.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: Metered on PCH and in lots north and south of the Pier; $15 -$20 maximum per day

Length: 3.5 miles

Amenities: Restrooms, showers, beach concessions, volleyball courts, playground (north of the Pier), paved beach path, wheelchair accessible (concrete and two Mobi Mats), visitor information kiosk, RV camping (Oct-May), 100 fire rings, and bike, surfboard, and bodyboard rentals

Vibe: Action-packed destination with some of the best surf in California with Instagram-worthy moments along the majestic 1,850-foot-long Pier

Yelp! reviews:

“Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA,” is one of my favorite beaches in Southern California. The beach itself is very beautiful during the day and romantic at night.” –Marie AK C. “There’s a large area of sand from the parking lot to the water which gives everyone plenty of space to set up their beach umbrellas, chairs, and mats. Perfect for summer days and walks along the beach.” –Belinda D. “Beautifully natural beach. Usually very calm water. Great places for families, kids, and dogs. Great surfing as well.” –Kath G.

BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH

Location: Warner Ave. south to Seapoint St. along Pacific Coast Hwy.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: $15-$20 per day; $30-$40 for oversized vehicles

Length: 3 miles

Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, gourmet concessions and a market, picnic tables, paved beach path, year-round RV camping, wheelchair accessibility, visitors center, barbecue grills, 200 fire rings, and picnic ramadas

Vibe: The ultimate playground during the day for families and surfers; an evening delight for campers and beach bonfire aficionados

Yelp! reviews:

“This is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen if you want to camp there with an RV or have a bonfire on the sand.” –Peijean T. “Come here for clean beaches, nice people, and plenty of nearby beach attractions, including waves for the surfers that truly are beautiful to watch.” –Michael P. “The beach is huge and there’s always a lot of parking.” –Jeanilee S.

HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH

Location: Beach Blvd. south to Santa Ana River jetty along Pacific Coast Hwy.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: $15-$20 per day; $30-$40 for oversized vehicles

Length: 2 miles

Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fire rings, wheelchair accessibility, gourmet concessions (new: The Huntington Beach House and Sahara Sandbar), year-round surf lessons, beach volleyball and basketball courts, paved beach path, barbecue grills, and picnic ramadas

Vibe: A more peaceful beach experience on the south end of Huntington Beach with 121 sandy acres to spread out and plenty of fire pits

Yelp! reviews:

“An empty beach that’s so quiet, you can just hear the water hitting the shore.” –Tina N. “The beach is gigantic, and the sunsets are magical!”–David G. “Surfing, boogie boarding, skim boarding, body surfing, or making sandcastles—it’s all here. One of the best beaches in SoCal.” –Patty R.

HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH

BY STEPHANIE HELGUERA

SUNSET BEACH

BY JOE KATCHKA

MAP TO THE BEACHES

1 SUNSET BEACH

DOG BEACH

Voted “Best Dog Park” by OC Register - Best of Orange County, 2019

Location: Seapoint St. south to Goldenwest St. along Pacific Coast Hwy.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: Metered

Length: 1.5 miles

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic area with tables, and doggie waste bags

Vibe: O -leash beach experience for dogs with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere for owners

Yelp! reviews:

“The best dog beach in SoCal! If all dogs go to heaven, they are probably coming here.” –Maruko X “The beach is very long; you can walk for hours if you want to end up at another end. There is plenty of space for everyone.” –Halszka K.

SUNSET BEACH

Location: Anderson St. south to Warner Ave. along Pacific Ave.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: Free

Length: 1.5 miles

Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, playground on greenbelt, as well as nearby local shops and restaurants

Vibe: One of Southern California’s most pristine, serene beaches located in a charming seaside community

Yelp! reviews:

“You can always find easy and free parking.” –Nijole T. “Definitely the best view out of all the beaches nearby.” –Veronica M. “Quiet, peaceful, but stunningly beautiful with glorious views and seashells for the picking.” –Orsolya D.

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BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH

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HUNTINGTON DOG BEACH

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HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH

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HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH

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HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH