Huntington State Beach

Plan your visit to Huntington State Beach

Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these

Best time to go

Summer is peak season and the busiest time, with lifeguard towers staffed roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day (lifeguards patrol year-round). Fire rings are first come, first served, so arrive early on weekends and holidays if a bonfire is the plan.

Parking & getting there

Paid day-use parking is in the beach lots and is cashless, card or electronic payment only. The Magnolia Street entrance is open year-round as the main vehicle entrance; other entrances open seasonally, and pedestrian access is at Newland, Magnolia, Beach Boulevard and Brookhurst with very limited street parking.

Best ages

Good for all ages on the sand, but rip currents here can be strong, so keep young kids close to the water's edge near a staffed tower. Older kids can ride the paved 8.5-mile beach trail to Bolsa Chica, and kids 7 to 15 can try out for the summer Junior Lifeguard program.

Food

Three concessions run near the sand: Huntington Beach House, Sahara Sandbar & Pizza (seasonal, at the Magnolia entrance) and California Fork & Spoon (seasonal, at the Brookhurst entrance). Picnics are fine, but alcohol, glass and balloons are prohibited.

What to bring

For a bonfire, bring wood or coal, which are the only fuels allowed in the fire rings; propane grills are fine if raised 18 inches off the ground, but charcoal grills are not. Bring bikes or skates for the beach trail.

Rain or heat plan

On a cool or rainy day, the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum and the shops and restaurants at Pacific City near the pier are nearby indoor options.