Together Huntington City Beach and Huntington State Beach form a 6-mile stretch of sand along the coast of the City of Huntington Beach. The state beach extends from Beach Boulevard south to the Santa Ana River. Huntington State Beach is north of Beach Boulevard.

The pair of beaches are favorites for surfing, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, volleyball, and socializing. During the summer and early fall the Huntington Beach area is crowded with visitors drawn by the sand, the surf, and Huntington Beach's genial ambiance. For 11 million visitors every year, this is the place to be.

Huntington State Beach Services and Facilities

Services are interspersed with the string of parking lots. These services include restrooms, showers, concession stands, and shade ramadas. On the beach, lifeguard towers are situated at regular intervals. The Lifeguard Headquarters building is at the Magnolia Street entrance.

Paved ramps are located along the beach, leading out to the high tide mark. These allow those with disabilities to reach the edge of the ocean. Beach wheelchairs are available at the Lifeguard Headquarters. Fire rings on the sand are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Huntington Beach Trail

The multi-use Huntington Beach Trail runs along the edge of the sand from the southern end of Huntington State Beach, north along Huntington City Beach, and on to the north end of Bolsa Chica State Beach. The entire path is about 7 miles long. It is used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. Some people enjoy walking north to Bolsa Chica Beach and then catching the local bus south for the return trip. A spur from the bike path leads up the bank of the Santa Ana River.

Parking at Huntington State Beach

Day-use admission for Huntington State Beach is $15 per vehicle. Like most other state beaches in southern California, Huntington Beach parking lots are arranged in a series of lots that stretch nearly the full length of the beach. There are four entry and exit points.

Huntington State Beach Endangered Species

Huntington State Beach serves as a sanctuary for the rare least tern, an endangered bird, and to the threatened snowy plover. An area next to the Santa Ana River at the southern end of the beach has been designated as a least tern preserve. Volunteers from the Sea & Sage Audubon Society are often on hand to keep an eye on the preserve and answer questions about the birds.
Sea & Sage Audubon Society - The Huntington Beach Least Tern Project

Huntington City Beach's 3½ miles of beach is home to the popular Huntington Beach Pier and the site of numerous international surfing competitions. Known to many as Surf City, Huntington Beach attracts visitors from near and far. Facilities at the beach include restrooms, outdoor showers, food concessions, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and fire rings. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours year-round. Beach hours are 5 AM to 10 PM. The pier closes at midnight.