Bolsa Chica State Beach

Located in Orange County in Southern California, Bolsa Chica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area because of its clear waters, expansive sands, and plentiful amenities. To get to this beach, you can drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, where there are multiple paid parking lots between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue. This beach can get busy during the peak season, so be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot. 

This beach has many amenities including outdoor showers, restrooms, and lifeguards. For those looking to stay onshore, there is also a campground, a basketball court, and BBQ areas.

The calm waters here are great for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. For surf lessons, you can take a short walk to Lifeguard Tower 18 to get to Corky Carroll’s Surf School, the oldest surf school in Huntington Beach. They offer lessons for all levels and ages, starting at $93 per person for a 2-hour lesson. The light tan sand stretches for three miles and is perfect for walking, jogging, and sunbathing. There is plenty to do on the sand, with two dozen beach volleyball nets and over 200 bonfire pits available. For those who are feeling adventurous, Bolsa Chica State Beach has a designated RV campground, which is also the only pet-friendly part of the beach. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve has hiking and biking trails and is also one of the top birdwatching destinations in California.

The calm waters here are great for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. For surf lessons, you can take a short walk to Lifeguard Tower 18 to get to Corky Carroll’s Surf School, the oldest surf school in Huntington Beach. They offer lessons for all levels and ages, starting at $93 per person for a 2-hour lesson. The light tan sand stretches for three miles and is perfect for walking, jogging, and sunbathing. There is plenty to do on the sand, with two dozen beach volleyball nets and over 200 bonfire pits available. For those who are feeling adventurous, Bolsa Chica State Beach has a designated RV campground, which is also the only pet-friendly part of the beach. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve has hiking and biking trails and is also one of the top birdwatching destinations in California.

If you get hungry, there are plenty of food options that are only a 10-minute drive away. Tantalum Restaurant has an Asian fusion menu with a focus on Californian ingredients. The restaurant has an Indonesian-inspired interior, creative cocktail menu, and live music. For a more casual option, we like The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar for their quirky surf theme and New American offerings. If you’re looking for something more upscale, Nico’s Restaurant is a great option because of their classic menu, opulent décor, and extensive cocktail menu.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out one of the many waterfront accommodations less than a 5-minute drive from the beach. The Travelodge Ocean Front is a no-frills hotel with free WiFi, ocean views from the balconies, and free continental breakfast. You can also stay at the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, a stylish 4-star accommodation with a relaxed vibe, an on-site restaurant, and views of the Huntington Beach Pier. Another option is the Sun’n Sands Inn, a quaint motel with bright decorations, cable TV, and free internet.